Category: Protestant

Angie Larson, Alexandria, MN Warm-up Questions Who do you know that went through a difficult time, but now uses the experience to help people? Have you ever had a moment when your whole life changed? What was that moment like? The Moment Your Life Changes Nelly Chiboi grew up in Mogotio, Kenya in an impoverished village. “I know the pain of poverty,” says Cheboi, now 29.  “I never forgot what it was like with my stomach churning because of hunger at night.” Her mom ensured that despite their poverty Nelly received an education. Nelly worked hard in school and received…

fAmy Martinell, Sioux Falls, SD Warm-up Questions In the gospel text, Jesus invites two future disciples to come and spend the day with him. What is the best invitation you have received to spend time with someone? Who was it? What did you do? What made that invitation special? Come and See During the first quarter of the Monday Night Football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Buffalo Bills safety, Damar Hamlin, collapsed on the field after making a tackle. Medical personnel quickly rushed on field to administer CPR. Both Hamlin’s teammates and opponents were visibly upset as they looked on:…

By Kayla Zopfi, 2022-23 Hunger Advocacy Fellow [about the author] They were prodded by a desire to know. The magi who journeyed to baby Jesus were likely some of the only people who noticed this bright new star in the sky, and they took off with excitement and energy even still. Story of the Magi This past Sunday at my young adult and queer-led Synodically Authorized Worshiping Community (SAWC) in Northeast Minneapolis, Tree of Life Lutheran, we did Lectio Divina on the story of the magi. I couldn’t help but reflect on the virtue of curiosity. Curiosity about an anomaly…

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……

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…

By Kayla Zopfi, ELCA Hunger Advocacy Fellow[about the author] “When we talk to someone who shares the same Christian faith, but has a different set of political beliefs or convictions, it can be uncomfortable, or frustrating, and sometimes even scary. As members of the ELCA, we believe that we can have different political opinions but be of the same faith,” asserts Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton in her November 2, 2022 video addressing Christian Nationalism.  Bringing people together because of, rather than despite, political differences has been a successful value nurtured in many congregations and synods, as well as by us…

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 those celebrating Christmas, Yule, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and all other winter holidays… For the nativity of our Lord and for all expectant families… For those who have difficult relationships with family… For migrants and refugees around the world and at the…