Category: Protestant

“For what shall we pray?” is a weekly post inviting individuals, groups, and congregations to lift up our world in prayer. This resource is prepared by a variety of leaders in the ELCA and includes prayer prompts, upcoming events and observances, and prayer suggestions from existing denominational worship materials. You are encouraged to use these resources as a starting point, and to adapt and add other concerns from your local context. More information about this resource can be found here.   Prayer prompts: For an end to war, conflict, and violence especially in Gaza, South Sudan, Myanmar, Ukraine, Thailand and…

Hi everyone! Lisa Heffernan, coordinator, here on the blog today. I wanted to share a short note with all of you on last month’s webinar, and offer a link to the recording. On November 17, members of the ELCA Disability Ministries team hosted  “ Creating Accessible Spaces On A Budget”, for lay and rostered leaders seeking budget friendly ideas and tips regarding accessibility in and for their faith communities. Myself, Anita Smallin, and Rev. Mary Ann Harrison were joined by 168 people for this event, and were glad to have Rev. Ed Kay, Senior Director, Discipleship & Inclusive Communities, there…

Hello and a blessed Advent to everyone! On behalf of ELCA Disability Ministries’ advisory and our groups of grant reviewers I would like to say a huge “thank you!” to the nearly sixty congregations and ministries that applied for grants this year. It is wonderful to witness such a response, and all of the creative ways so many are working to make their ministries into places of belonging for people with disabilities. This year we will be funding the following ministries/projects. More info and details will come in a later post. Storyline Community, Milwaukie ,OR: “Re-embody the Body: Sustaining Expansive…

Opening Activity Part 1 Set Up: As you gather with people, have a jar of gummy worms and a jar of honey at each table being used for this activity. Hand out at least two gummy worms, if not more, and preferably blue in keeping with the Advent season. The jar of honey is only for decoration purposes, reminding everyone of John the Baptist’s meal of honey with locusts. Invite all participants to think of each gummy worm as a physical reminder of something that they have done over which they feel grubby. They do not have to share what…

“For what shall we pray?” is a weekly post inviting individuals, groups, and congregations to lift up our world in prayer. This resource is prepared by a variety of leaders in the ELCA and includes prayer prompts, upcoming events and observances, and prayer suggestions from existing denominational worship materials. You are encouraged to use these resources as a starting point, and to adapt and add other concerns from your local context. More information about this resource can be found here.   Prayer prompts: For an end to war, conflict, and violence especially in Gaza, South Sudan, Myanmar, Ukraine, Eastern Congo,…

Opening Activity Place a large piece of soft cloth on each table for this activity. It’s best if the cloth is blue to match the Advent season. As participants find their seats, invite them to touch the piece of soft cloth. What thoughts, feelings, or memories stirred as they touch it? Some examples might include: a memory of a soft blanket that is special to them a thought given to those who have made the fabric a feeling of being safe and warm in a coat, etc. Before reading, invite participants to listen for Jesus’ words about people who wear…

Note from the Editor: This week on Faith Lens, we’re revisiting a post from the archive. Originally published several years ago, the article still speaks with quiet strength and hope today. As Advent draws to a close, this reflection offers a grounding reminder at just the right moment: Emmanuel, God is with us. In a season that invites us to name our fears and watch for God’s nearness, this piece remains a faithful word for young people and leaders alike. One more note: in partnership with ELCA Children’s Ministry and ELCA Youth Ministry, the ELCA Youth Gathering is launching a…

By: Kate Parsons Migration Policy Advisor   The Bible writes of one human family, honored and elevated through the image of God that each of us bears. As a Christian community, we are grieved when we hear language about human beings that does not honor the deep love Christ holds for them or the imago Dei — the image of God — that each of them carries. One group of people who have frequently had their dignity denied is immigrants and those who have been forcibly displaced. Dehumanizing language dishonors the dignity of human beings. It divides people into an…

“For what shall we pray?” is a weekly post inviting individuals, groups, and congregations to lift up our world in prayer. This resource is prepared by a variety of leaders in the ELCA and includes prayer prompts, upcoming events and observances, and prayer suggestions from existing denominational worship materials. You are encouraged to use these resources as a starting point, and to adapt and add other concerns from your local context. More information about this resource can be found here.   Prayer prompts: For an end to war, conflict, and violence especially in Gaza, South Sudan, Myanmar, Ukraine, Eastern Congo,…

Prepare Since Luke 9:51, Jesus has had his face set toward Jerusalem, meaning he is moving intentionally toward the events of the cross and resurrection. Now, in Luke 23:33-43, Jesus has, in the understated language of Luke, been “crucified” between two criminals. Below him, soldiers callously cast lots for his clothing. Religious leaders jeer and mock him. The Roman Empire taunts him and his fellow Jews by nailing a sign above his head: This is the King of the Jews. In the words of the prophet Isaiah: He was despised and rejected by others; a man of suffering and acquainted…