Tag: January

John Wertz, Blacksburg, VA Warm-up Question When someone is baptized, the pastor uses the individual’s full name. Share your full name and a story about how your name was chosen or what your name means. No Filter Needed There is no doubt that digital platforms allow individuals with similar interests to find one another, help family and friends to share memories and stories, and connect individuals who might otherwise be isolated   Yet, society is still discovering how to create digital spaces which foster healthy and authentic interactions. In many cases, life in the digital world is viewed through a…

There is no Faith Lens for January 1.   Instead, a collage of images, thoughts, and texts on which to reflect during the week after Christmas Day:   “Freedom isn’t free.” (Bumpersticker for a charity serving wounded veterans) “At the end of last year [2021], more than 450 million children – or one in six – were living in a conflict zone, the highest number in 20 years. A record 36,5 million children were displaced from their homes as a result of conflict, violence and other crises.” (United Nations Report) “When Herod saw that he had been tricked by the…

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…

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 advocates, activists, and allies working for racial justice… In thanksgiving for the life and legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr… For those rebuilding, recovering, and grieving after recent natural disasters, especially flooding in South Africa, snowstorms in…

Jen Krausz, Bethlehem, PA Warm-up Question Have you or anyone in your family ever donated blood? What was the reasoning behind this act? Home Crisis The American Red Cross announced on January 11 that because U.S. blood supplies are at extremely low levels the country is facing an unprecedented blood crisis. “If the nation’s blood supply does not stabilize soon, life-saving blood may not be available for some patients when it is needed,” warned in a joint statement with America’s Blood Centers and the Association for the Advancement of Blood and Biotherapies.  The agency said that the current surge in COVID-19…

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 residents of Tongo, following devastating volcanic eruption, and for all areas feeling effects of the event… For members of the Congregation Beth Israel in Colleyville, Texas, following last week’s hostage crisis… For Asian American communities grieving acts of racial violence……

Angie Larson, Alexandria, MN Warm-up Question Have you ever ordered something online and received something you didn’t expect? What was it? What I Got vs. What I Ordered On the internet there’s a meme out there called “what I got vs. what I ordered.” There are hundreds of stories of people getting something very different than they asked for. One man ordered a rug for his room but didn’t check the dimensions. He ended up with a rug that was no larger than a napkin. For her daughter’s birthday, a mom ordered a cake featuring  Elsa from Frozen; what came…

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 rescue and recovery efforts in Southern Africa following Tropical Storm Ana… For ongoing rescue and relief efforts in Tongo… For the work of the Coast Guard and other search and rescue personnel, and for family members of those missing following…