Straight outta Nazareth
by the Rev. James Phillips In advance of the 2016 Metro D.C. Synod Assembly, "For the Healing of the Nations," this stimulating sermon preached by Pr. Phillips to leaders gathered at the Bishop's Convocation in October 2015 is being shared....
From persecution to witness
A MONTHLY MESSAGE FROM THE ELCA PRESIDING BISHOP For many months now people have been asking for some kind of statement about the persecution of Christians around the world. It seems to be a straight-forward issue. Christians are suffering in...
Taking aging by Storm
Storm, a two-year-old, 60-pound black Labrador, has made herself at home with The Village at Rockville - A National Lutheran Community (TVAR) in Rockville, Md.* Her first week was spent training and learning the ropes with residents and staff since...
Love your neighbor
A MONTHLY MESSAGE FROM THE ELCA PRESIDING BISHOP “Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?” He said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all...
Aging well in Georgetown
Did you know Georgetown Lutheran Church was founded 32 years before Washington was organized as the nation’s capital? It’s neighbors do… especially after reading the upbeat write-up in The Georgetowner.* “The original building was a log cabin, erected in 1769,...
Can we answer the question ‘why’’?
Knowing the ‘why’ is important for the church’s future directions A MONTHLY MESSAGE FROM THE ELCA PRESIDING BISHOP Once for continuing education I signed up for an introduction to philosophy course at the community college. I was a music education...
From the Bishop’s Desk: Remembering essential truths in an election year
We know that as leaders of the ELCA* we have many opportunities and many responsibilities. Especially as the United States prepares for elections next November, we want to speak words of hope and blessing in the context in which we...
Holy Saturday
A space between Good Friday and Easter A MONTHLY MESSAGE FROM THE ELCA PRESIDING BISHOP They took the body of Jesus and wrapped it with the spices in linen cloths, according to the burial custom of the Jews. Now there...
Time to get to know each other
And get ready to consider priorities, future direction of ELCA A MONTHLY MESSAGE FROM THE ELCA PRESIDING BISHOP Sometimes I just don’t get us. We are the least likely of all people to speak enthusiastically about our church. I don’t...
#whycamp notions
Why has camping at an outdoor ministry site touched you? Bullying-free zone. A heart full of praise. Friendships. Kayaking biceps. Help navigating life’s challenges. Drippy s'mores. Marvel at God’s creation. During “I Love Camp” month in February, you are invited...