Sharp sword, polished arrow: God equipped prophets – and continues with us – to bring hope to God’s people
A MONTHLY MESSAGE FROM THE ELCA PRESIDING BISHOP Picture this: Surrounded by an alien culture; worried about keeping young people engaged; a nonfunctioning government; a religious establishment in disarray; the economy is a mess; competing and beguiling demands on people’s...
Act of indescribable beauty: Crucifixion led to defeat of sin, death – only through death, resurrection of Jesus
A MONTHLY MESSAGE FROM THE ELCA PRESIDING BISHOP In 2010, I was part of the Northeastern Ohio Synod/Roman Catholic Diocese of Youngstown pilgrimage to Germany and Italy. We visited Martin Luther sites and then traveled to Rome. It was an...
No one is invisible to God
"Jesus saw Mary. Jesus knew Mary. Jesus spoke 'Mary.' It was being completely seen, utterly known and lovingly called that opened Mary Magdalene to the hope of the resurrection and into a deeper relationship with Christ. Because she was seen...
From the Bishop’s desk: Listening to Noah*
You probably know this already, but Noah is very popular again just now. A new movie has brought the man with the ark and the animals back into the cultural conversation. THE MAN, THE MOVIE Nancy Ann and I saw...
Pre-natal care push against malaria
A woman’s immunity to malaria is reduced when she becomes pregnant, putting her and her baby at greater risk. Two doses of anti-malarial medication during pregnancy protect both mom and baby from contracting the disease. World Malaria Day is observed...
From the Bishop’s desk: Notice the feeling
Dear friends*, Lent is an intense season of the church year for most of us, the time when we're called to be most thoughtful. Lent is the time when we're most likely to examine ourselves and renew what we call...
From a cross, a dazzling light: The essence of Christ – Loving, selfless suffering and death for the life of the world
A MONTHLY MESSAGE FROM THE ELCA PRESIDING BISHOP* Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain, by themselves. And he was transfigured before...
From the bishop’s desk: Fortunate combination
Dear friends*, I would like you to look forward to April 27. I know it isn't even Ash Wednesday yet. I know we still need to make our Lenten pilgrimage, journey with the Lord through Holy Week and celebrate Easter....
Learning to speak a hard truth: Needle barely moved on ELCA becoming a diverse church
A MONTHLY MESSAGE FROM THE ELCA PRESIDING BISHOP* Consider this: how many of you are left-handed? Of those of you who are, how many times a day are you reminded that you are left-handed? At every meal when you sit...
Spring malaria awareness resources
Life-saving ministry through the ELCA Malaria Campaign will grow stronger if your congregation participates in the global World Malaria Day this spring or considers newly prepared Vacation Bible School curriculum to raise awareness and hope. Consider...