Tag: 2023

Issue 86 of Administration Matters It’s tax season: Updated tax guides are now available through Portico. Portico Benefit Services provides ministers and congregations participating in the ELCA benefit program with no-cost access to annual tax guides. For ministers, Clergy Tax Return Preparation Guide by Richard R. Hammar gives special attention to tax-related topics most relevant to ministers. For congregations, Federal Reporting Requirements for Churches by Richard R. Hammar helps congregations understand their federal tax-reporting requirements. Rostered Ministers Gathering – early registration ends March 31. Let this gathering be an opportunity for you to remember, reclaim, rekindle and revive yourself. Gather…

Session 3 — Psalm 95 “For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods.” —Psalm 95:3 Let’s get this out of the way: Psalm 95 is a weird psalm. It’s so odd, in fact, that choosing a single verse to use as an epigram for this session was difficult. Yet even from its most perplexing language we might still be able to glean insights that help us better understand the work of God in the world. In The Social Visions of the Hebrew Bible: A Theological Introduction (Louisville: Westminster John Knox, 2000), J. David Pleins…

Session 1 — Psalm 32 “You are a hiding place for me.” —Psalm 32:7   Psalm 32 is a fitting way to begin the season of Lent. The season has most commonly been understood through the centuries as a time of fasting and preparation for Easter, a time when new Christians were often baptized. As early as the second century, theologian Irenaeus of Lyons wrote of a time of penance and prayer leading up to Holy Week when Christians and those seeking baptism should fast for a period of 40 days or 40 hours (the translation is unclear) while reflecting…

These prompts are provided for worship leaders as they prepare the prayers of intercession for weekly worship. The prompts are prepared by several leaders in the ELCA and reflect current world and national events. You are encouraged to adapt and add other concerns for your local context, including staying informed of events and concerns in your synod. Responding to Turkey/Syria Earthquakes The ELCA Worship blog has complied a set of Prayer Resources in Time of Earthquakes. Intercession prompts: For people of Turkey and Syria who grieve death and destruction following a major earthquake, and for all relief and recovery efforts……

These prompts are provided for worship leaders as they prepare the prayers of intercession for weekly worship. The prompts are prepared by several leaders in the ELCA and reflect current world and national events. You are encouraged to adapt and add other concerns for your local context, including staying informed of events and concerns in your synod. Intercession prompts: For the family of Tyre Nichols and the city of Memphis as they experience the trauma of police brutality… For the city of Jerusalem as it mourns those killed in the recent synagogue shooting… For victims and families following a mosque…

These prompts are provided for worship leaders as they prepare the prayers of intercession for weekly worship. The prompts are prepared by several leaders in the ELCA and reflect current world and national events. You are encouraged to adapt and add other concerns for your local context, including staying informed of events and concerns in your synod. Intercession prompts: For the continued influx of asylum seekers entering the United States … For the family of Tyre Nichols and the city of Memphis as they experience the trauma of police brutality… For the city of Jerusalem as it mourns those killed…

Issue 85 of Administration Matters Stories of Faith in Action We are pleased to share with you the latest version of “Stories of Faith in Action,” filled with inspiring stories from this past year. “Stories of Faith in Action” connects us as church and illustrates how, through your generosity, God is at work across the ELCA. It highlights how a portion of your offering, called Mission Support, advances the ministry of our church, helping the ELCA nurture Christian community, raise up leaders, serve our neighbors and strive for justice. Most importantly, it’s one way to thank you for your faithful…

These prompts are provided for worship leaders as they prepare the prayers of intercession for weekly worship. The prompts are prepared by several leaders in the ELCA and reflect current world and national events. You are encouraged to adapt and add other concerns for your local context, including staying informed of events and concerns in your synod. Intercession prompts: For the continued healing of Damar Hamilin and all athletes who suffer injuries to body and spirit… For parts of California and the West Coast affected by massive amounts of rainfall this week… For Abby Zwerner and all victims of school…

These prompts are provided for worship leaders as they prepare the prayers of intercession for weekly worship. The prompts are prepared by several leaders in the ELCA and reflect current world and national events. You are encouraged to adapt and add other concerns for your local context, including staying informed of events and concerns in your synod. Intercession prompts: For all experiencing winter storms and significant weather events… For the Colorado river as it faces continued drought and all places facing a shortage of water… For all places in our nation and across the world without access to safe water……

These prompts are provided for worship leaders as they prepare the prayers of intercession for weekly worship. The prompts are prepared by several leaders in the ELCA and reflect current world and national events. You are encouraged to adapt and add other concerns for your local context, including staying informed of events and concerns in your synod. Intercession prompts: For the new year… For rescue workers and utility workers during winter storms and for all who suffered damages, cancellations, injuries, or deaths due to the extreme weather… For those struggling to afford heat and electricity… For teachers and students returning…