Unglamorous yet vital
Our relationship with money is a profoundly spiritual issue A MONTHLY MESSAGE FROM THE ELCA PRESIDING BISHOP A church in the Northeastern Ohio Synod describes itself as a “50/50” congregation. It gives away half of offerings received. A significant portion...
Luther’s quote got it right
We’ve fallen but are also raised up—a prescription against paralysis A MONTHLY MESSAGE FROM THE ELCA PRESIDING BISHOP The account of the Ascension in Acts has two great questions. The disciples ask Jesus, “Lord, is this the time when you...
Earthquake response
Both Lutheran World Relief (LWR) and Lutheran Disaster Response (LDR) have been in contact with the synod office, wanting to make sure congregations are aware of outlets for response to the tragedy following an earthquake and aftershocks in Nepal. [caption...
Worship is the heart of all we do
Given competition, is it ‘hub of our week, space of our regrouping’? A MONTHLY MESSAGE FROM THE ELCA PRESIDING BISHOP There is a Seattle-based caffeinated beverage company that goes to great lengths to provide excellent customer service. Its campaign is...
Every life is precious
In neighboring Baltimore, faith leaders have spoken to "unfolding events surrounding the tragic and untimely death of Freddie Gray" and called for a public moment of silence in gatherings of worship. After reading a statement endorsed by three faith leader...
Free money
by the Rev. Connie Thomson Every now and then I hear stories of congregations who give their people $10, $20, even $100 each and tell them to go do something good with it. I just love that sort of stuff. ...
Watershed stewardship
In the creek that flows behind our church in Waldorf, Maryland, Peace Lutheran Church is going to host a cleanup this year. Remnants of a shopping cart and bike won't litter the shore of Peace Creek...
Coming to terms with the times
Creating programs, chasing youth trail telling the love of God A MONTHLY MESSAGE FROM THE ELCA PRESIDING BISHOP When I’m out and about in the church, I’m often asked what I plan to do to save small congregations, reverse the...
Discard money-talk reluctance
“I believe the journey of raising money is holy work,” says Rebecca Jorgenson Sundquist in a “Best of” tips article sifted out from her capital campaign work.* “Conversations about money are holy conversations. Head straight in!” ...
Subtle shift to works righteousness
Jesus didn’t die to change behaviors, political systems, institution A MONTHLY MESSAGE FROM THE ELCA PRESIDING BISHOP We are in the middle of Lent—the season of spiritual warfare, or at least really good intentions. Many of us now engage in...