The past week took me on a journey across our synod, from the west coast to the east, meeting with congregations that had been battered by both Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton, along with the tornados that tore through communities in their wake. Each stop was a poignant reminder of the resilience of God’s people in the face of unimaginable loss, and yet a call to remember that none of us faces these struggles alone. We are part of something much bigger—the Church together.

On October 20, I worshiped outside with the community of Paradise Lutheran Church in Treasure Island, led by Pastor Tom Mitchell. The flooding that ravaged their sanctuary is nothing short of devastating. With walls torn down and their beloved organ destroyed, they are still gathering, still worshipping. I met with their council, hearing stories of neighbors pulling together, even as the adjacent condominium complex was shredded by a tornado. More and more folks are returning each week, a testament to the faith that endures, even when the walls are gone.

The following day, October 21, I visited Gloria Dei on Anna Maria Island. Pastor Bill Beljean and the leadership shared the long road ahead. The floodwaters have receded, but the scars remain—walls cut to above the flood line, a day school shut down, and the roof in need of major repair. This is a congregation standing at a crossroads, discerning how to move forward while holding onto the hope of renewal.

That same day, I traveled to the Lutheran Church of the Cross in St. Petersburg, where I met with Pastors Lisa and Bruce Burbank. The story was tragically similar: a flooded fellowship hall, personal belongings piled on street corners as families in the surrounding community begin the painful process of cleaning up and figuring out what comes next.

On October 22, I was with the congregation at Lamb of God in Haines City, where Pastor Greg Villalon shared how their roof, now patched with blue tarps, had been shredded by the winds. It’s a temporary fix, and their need is great, but the spirit of their leadership team was filled with hope, trusting in God’s provision and care.

Later in the week, I found myself on the east coast. On October 24, I met with Pastor Randy Kennedy of St. Andrew Lutheran in Port St. Lucie. Their building was spared, but that doesn’t mean they were untouched. Our conversation was one of ministry opportunities—how we, as the church, can respond to the needs that arise in the wake of these storms, even when the physical damage may not be to our own sanctuaries.

That same day, I also visited Our Savior Lutheran in Vero Beach, where Pastor Mark Bernthal and I walked through a community shredded by tornados. Tricia Getzewich, a member of Our Savior, showed us the trail of destruction, pointing out where homes once stood, now just heaps of debris. There were lives lost here. Homes ripped from their foundations like paper tossed into the wind. Healing in this community will take time—time that we must walk alongside them as the bigger church.

October 25 brought me to Sarasota, where I met Pastor Eric Olsen of Faith Lutheran. The church itself sustained minimal damage, but the surrounding community was hit hard. I was moved by Pastor Olsen’s vision for the future, hoping to one day equip the church with a generator so they can be a beacon of warmth and light, providing hot meals and showers for their neighbors after storms like this one.

Later that day, I visited St. Armands Key Lutheran Church in Sarasota, where Pastor Ken Blyth walked me through the overwhelming destruction left by both hurricanes. The sanctuary, offices, and other parts of the church had been completely gutted, with the remnants of what was once a vibrant house of worship now filling dumpsters—water-logged pews, ruined hymnals, and countless books and files beyond repair. Amid that loss, he also showed me the newly renovated memorial garden. The garden had recently been lovingly planted, only to have it all drowned in saltwater… the vibrant plants now withered and lifeless. And yet, despite the devastation all around, there was an energy of resilience among those working tirelessly to rebuild, a hope that no floodwaters could wash away.

Finally, on Reformation Sunday, October 27, I worshipped with Atonement Lutheran in Wesley Chapel, led by Pastor Scott Lindner. Their sanctuary bears a gaping hole where the winds of Hurricane Milton tore through the roof. They are still waiting to know the full extent of the damage, but one thing is certain – they are committed to their calling to be a gathering of faith.

As I reflect on this journey, I am profoundly reminded that we are not defined by the storms of life, but by our faith in Christ, who is our refuge and strength. “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1). The synod provides emergency grants to congregations who provide them to both members and neighbors alike. Already, more than 40 emergency grants have gone out to individuals and families as they work to rebuild their lives, and more are going out. This is a clear sign that we, as the body of Christ, are moving together in faith and solidarity. Every dollar donated to the hurricane disaster fund is being used to support these efforts—100% of it going directly to help those impacted by the storms.

To all who have given, prayed, or sent words of encouragement – thank you! The road ahead may be difficult, but with Christ as our foundation and our community as our strength, we are church together. We will rebuild, and through it all, God’s faithfulness endures.

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ELCA Blogs

Lutheran Summer Music Academy & Festival

Transforming and connecting lives through faith and music since 1981.

2024 LSM Musical Advent Calendar

Join Lutheran Summer Music, December 1-24, for their fourth-annual Musical Advent Calendar–a daily moment of music and reflection on their Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube pages as well as archived on their website at LSMacademy.org/acal

Association of Lutheran Church Musicians

ALCM nurtures and equips musicians to serve and lead the church’s song.

The conference theme, For all that is to be, describes our effort to equip people in all stages of their love for music of the church. Whether you are a volunteer, part-time or full-time employed, a student, newly employed, or retired, this conference will nurture your passion for the many ways in which we continue to share the gospel message.

Now is a great time to register and get the best rate. If you get continuing education funds, maybe you have some money left in your budget this year that you can put toward this opportunity. Registration is live – visit the conference website to register now. We look forward to seeing you in Raleigh!

ALCM is excited to offer a composers symposium, Where Do We Go from Here, to stimulate conversation among composers regarding our efforts to be faithful, creative, and nurturing stewards of the church’s song – even where gatherings have limited human and material resources. Registrants will also have the opportunity to explore newer music software. For a more detailed look, visit the symposium website. More information is added regularly, so check back often for more.

ALCM is especially grateful to the hosts for this symposium, Bob Hobby and Trinity English Lutheran Church. Generous donations from the Fred Jackisch Memorial Fund as well as from Trinity English Lutheran have helped to maximize the benefits of attendance while minimizing costs to registrants. Registration rates go up after January 14th. Those who register for both the 2025 Symposium and Raleigh-Durham Conference will receive a $ 70 dollar refund at the close of the conference.

The Hymn Society & The Center for Congregational Song

The mission of The Hymn Society in the United States and Canada is to encourage, promote, and enliven congregational singing. The Center for Congregational Song is the resource and programmatic arm of The Hymn Society, connecting resources, leading deep and vital conversations about the church’s song, and collaborating with our partners.

Back in 2020, The Center for Congregational Song hosted a 12-hour broadcast of music and pastoral moments on Election Day in an effort to provide a space for peace in a time of great anxiety. Four years later, the political discourse in the United States is not all that different, and, in some ways, even more charged than it was before. If you find yourself in need of a break from the news, we invite you to recharge by watching our broadcast from four years ago.

Institute of Liturgical Studies

An ecumenical conference on liturgical renewal for the church today.

Rites of Passage: Engaging Occasional Practitioners in a Secular Age
Valparaiso, Ind., April 28–30, 2025

The American religious landscape is characterized by declining participation in religious institutions, increasing uncertainty about matters of faith, and a growing population identifying as non-religious. Nevertheless, many people continue to turn to churches at some of the most significant moments in their lives—such as the birth of a child or the loss of a loved one—and many others show up to support them. At last year’s Institute, Rev. Dr. Sarah Kathleen Johnson introduced the idea of occasional religious practice to describe a way of relating to religion that is characterized by participation in religious practices occasionally rather than routinely, most often in connection with certain types of occasions, including holidays, life transitions, and times of crisis. She encouraged us not to rush to judge occasional practitioners’ lack of involvement or to come to hasty conclusions about why they are seeking out these practices but instead to listen to and learn from them.

Most of our planning resources are directed at the Sunday assembly. Yet, baptisms, weddings, and funerals are liturgical events rich in their potential for service and outreach. How might we more fully consider the possibilities of these occasions to be better prepared to serve a decreasingly churched culture?

Sign up for our monthly newsletter to stay up to date on the 2025 conference.

Music that Makes Community

Music that Makes Community (MMC) practices communal song-sharing that inspires deep spiritual connection, brave shared leadership, and sparks the possibility of transformation in our world.

Music that Makes Community invites you to consider the following events and resources for continuing education, community building, professional development, and celebrating this practice of paperless communal song-sharing.

Communities around the nation gather together to sing and build bridges of connection. Be sure to go to our events pages for information on Workshops and Retreats, Community Events and other gatherings in your area. Join one of these regular groups, if they aree near you or start your own (we can help you with that; just reach out!):

Albuquerque, New Mexico – 1st Tuesdays
Brownsburg, Indiana – 1st Tuesdays
Chicago, Illinois – 3rd Wednesdays
Ellensburg, Washington – 2nd Thursdays
Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota – varies

The Hymn Society & The Center for Congregational Song

The mission of The Hymn Society in the United States and Canada is to encourage, promote, and enliven congregational singing. The Center for Congregational Song is the resource and programmatic arm of The Hymn Society, connecting resources, leading deep and vital conversations about the church’s song, and collaborating with our partners.

Back in 2020, The Center for Congregational Song hosted a 12-hour broadcast of music and pastoral moments on Election Day in an effort to provide a space for peace in a time of great anxiety. Four years later, the political discourse in the United States is not all that different, and, in some ways, even more charged than it was before. If you find yourself in need of a break from the news, we invite you to recharge by watching our broadcast from four years ago.

Resources from the Center for Church Music

The Center for Church Music is a place where one can tap into an expansive library of resources and perspectives on the music and art of the church, with a focus on a Lutheran context.

“Profiles in American Lutheran Church Music” presents video conversations with prominent church musicians “Beyond the Children’s Choir: Focused Experiences for Children in Worship: Emily Woock, Elmhurst Ill., Oct. 2023 and the Rev Paul D. Weber, (interviewed by Barry Bobb, April 2024) as well as many other Lutheran Church musicians.

Augsburg Fortress Events and Resources

Augsburg Fortress is the publishing ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

Ordinary Blessings for the Christmas Season

For so many of us, the season leading up to Christmas is a time of overwhelming expectations, busyness, and often grief. From gifted poet and empathetic pastor Meta Herrick Carlson comes a beautiful collection of prayers, poems, and meditations to help us recognize the holy beneath the hustle and hibernation of the holidays. The book includes blessings for all the ordinary and not-so-ordinary moments of the season, like addressing Christmas cards, setting boundaries with family, shoveling snow, and the first Christmas without a loved one. Also included are blessings dedicated to beloved nativity characters like Mary and the magi, blessings for each of the twelve days of Christm as, and a beautiful collection of sacred-word-inspired blessings that readers can use as daily Advent readings. Let this beautiful little book be a reminder that the holy can be found in the routine and the ritual of the holiday season.

Martin Luther’s Christmas Book

Martin Luther’s conception of the Nativity found expression in sermon, song, and art. This beautiful gift edition of a classic collection combines all three. In thirty compelling Christmas excerpts from his sermons, Luther vividly portrays the human realism of the Nativity: Mary’s distress at giving birth with no midwife or water; Joseph’s misgivings; the Wise Men’s perplexity; and Herod’s cunning. Throughout, Luther suggests the question: If we had lived in Bethlehem when Jesus was born, would we have believed that this newborn baby was God in human form? With these musings and more, Luther reminds us that Christmas is a year-round mission for caring for those in need. Nine elegant illustrations by Luther’s contemporaries—including four by noted engraver Albrecht Durer—capture timeless scenes from the Christmas story.

Washed and Welcome Living the Promises of Baptism: 101 ideas for parents

In the service of baptism, parents and guardians of the baptized are asked, “Do you promise to help your child grow in the Christiam faith and life?” The answer of “I/We do” affirms that this newly baptized member of the church will continue to learn about and experience faithful living. But how does one do that? The 80 pages of Washed and Welcome are filled with concrete ideas for celebrating with your children the gifts of baptism in daily living. Meals, bedtime, play, seasons, milestones, transitions—all these occasions and more become opportunities for practicing faith. The ideas in Living the Promises of Baptism are for children from infancy through the upper elementary years. Whether your child is a newborn, a preteen, or somewhere in between, you will find yourself returning to this book again and again for support, encouragement, and inspiration.

ELW Hymnal Companion

This Hymnal Companion to Evangelical Lutheran Worship will help pastors, church musicians, and others who plan the assembly to understand the context, origins, and characters of the hymn text and tunes, allowing them to craft cohesive and intentional services. Comprehensive and practical, this essential reference resource also contains a glossary, chronologies, bibliography, and several indexes to provide additional help for the user. The companion is a valuable resource for all who care about the church’s song.

Also available is Assembly Song Companion to All Creation Sings, the hymnal companion to the recent All Creation Sings ELW supplement.”

ELCA Blogs

What is dialectical theology? Barth is often referred to as a dialectical theologian; especially the earlier Barth. Some want to implicitly criticize Barth by asserting that because Barth was a dialectical theologian, he, eo ipso was a Hegelianizing theologian (i.e., putting Hegel’s dialectic to work for his theologizing). And yet, Barth is much more original than that. He was clearly a modern theologian, as is anyone who currently does theology in the 21^st century. Even so, his methodology was to allow Holy Scripture and its reality in Jesus Christ to regulate his deployment of any other mechanisms he might have had available to him. That is to say, just as the best of the patristic fathers did with Hellenic grammars—evangelizing them into a non-correlationist salvation—Barth, I would argue, did with not just Hellenic grammars, but with his modern ones as well; whether that be with reference to Kant, Hegel, or whomever. For Barth, it wasn’t the tails of the philosophies or the grammars that wagged the dog, so to speak, but it was the “dog,” the Self-revelation of God in Jesus Christ, who ends up wagging the tail of said and available intellectual grammars of the time.

We can see the aforementioned sentiment as that is illustrated by Barth in response to one of his contemporaneous detractors, Eric Peterson. Barth, while he took Peterson’s critique of his dialecticism seriously, believed that Peterson sorely misread him. Notice how Alan and Andrew Torrance, respectively, lift up the way Peterson was critiquing Barth on Barth’s deployment of dialecticism:

In his booklet “What is Theology?,” Peterson stresses that if “revelation is paradox, then there is also no theology,” and, if this is the case, “there is also no revelation.” While Barth had frustrations with Peterson’s reading of him, he still took his words seriously. . ..[1]

In response to Peterson’s critique, Barth writes the following:

The revelation of which theology speaks is not dialectical, is not paradox. That hardly needs to be said. But when theology begins, when we humans think, speak, and write . . . on the basis of revelation then there is dialectic. Then there is a stating of essentially incomplete ideas and propositions among which every answer is also again a question. All such statements reach out beyond themselves towards the fulfilment of the inexpressible reality of divine speaking.[2]

Peterson was afraid that Barth’s theological methodology left things in a contradictory wash, such that no genuine knowledge of God, and subsequent doctrines, could ever critically obtain. And yet as we see in Barth’s response to Peterson, Barth is operating with a theological ontology wherein subsequent theological epistemologies (in regard to how we know and speak of God, humanly) must operate with the type of deference towards the ineffable and living God, that is demanded; such that, at our best, in Christ’s mediation, we can only proximate knowledge of God, that is, on this side of the Eschaton. And so, for Barth, really, as we pressed in our own way, in our Evangelical Calvinism books, and in a thesis, Barth’s (and Torrance’s) dialectical theology is really more of a dialogical theology wherein we cry out and pray to our God who is Holy. It is this “cry” that becomes the theological developments the church has witnessed throughout her existence post-ascension and pre-descension at the second coming of Jesus Christ. The priority in this frame is on the fact that Deus dixit (God has spoken … and in fact, continues to speak). In this way, for Barth, proper theological development is a matter of being the ‘listening church,’ the ’responsive church.’ In this relational and prayerful and koinonial frame, for Barth, and many of us following, to know God is to hear from God; and then to speak with God, and con-versate in this type of triunely directed and Self-given marriage of Himself for us; and thus, for Himself, just as Christ is for the Father for us in the bond of the Holy Spirit.

[1] Alan J. Torrance and Andrew B. Torrance, Beyond Immanence: The Theological Vision of Kierkegaard and Barth (Grand Rapids, Michigan: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2023), 235.

[2] Barth, Church and Theology, 299–300 cited by Torrance and Torrance, Beyond Immanence, 236.

Athanasian Reformed

• What is your favorite building? Do you like it because of the architecture? Because of a memory that occurred there? Because of the feelings inspired by the space? Something else?

Who Is Displaced?

This summer, there was a fire in the electrical room at Christ Lutheran Church in Baltimore, MD. Fortunately, no one was injured. Smoke damage occurred from classrooms to worship spaces to fellowship halls. Major renovations and utility upgrades are underway that cost millions of dollars. There are still major utility wires running through every floor and most spaces. From the bathrooms to the sanctuary, it’s obvious that the congregation is still recovering in many ways. While the congregation also hosts many other organizations on its property, only some of the buildings–and therefore some of the ministries–were affected.

While some interrupted ministries have resumed, others still await for the completed electrical upgrades and facility repairs. Unfortunately, one of the buildings affected was a shelter for houseless women and children. The fire displaced at least 17 residents that night and has closed the shelter until further notice. Of course, the congregation worked with local officials to find other temporary solutions, providing a continued witness of care in the midst of such facility devastation.

Let us continue to hold the members, ministers, and ministry partners at Christ in prayer as they continue to restore facilities to support ministries like the women’s shelter.

Discussion Questions

• Experiencing a loss like the one at Christ Lutheran Church in Baltimore is a traumatic experience for individuals and the entire community. When you’ve had such challenging experiences, what kinds of support do you find most helpful?

25th Sunday after Pentecost

• Daniel 12:1-3
• Psalm 16
• Hebrews 10:11-14 [15-18] 19-25
• Mark 13:1-8

(Text links are to Oremus Bible Browser. Oremus Bible Browser is not affiliated with or supported by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. You can find the calendar of readings for Year A at Lectionary Readings.)

For lectionary humor and insight, check the weekly comic Agnus Day.

Reflection on the Gospel

This week’s Gospel talks about the destruction of another building, the Temple of Jerusalem. This foreshadowing of Christ’s death and resurrection is also a foreshadowing of the very real collapse of the Jerusalem Temple. Rather than an accidental fire, this damage came from Roman soldiers, who tore the temple to pieces during a Jewish revolt against Rome in the 1st Century CE. Often, readings of this story focus on the theological witness of both the biblical prophecy and historical occurrence.

As Christianity evolved with Judaism in the 1st Century CE, those evolutions occurred in the wake of the temple’s destruction. It’s also important for us to remember that people were displaced by the temple’s destruction. This was a very real historical event. People who gathered for worship lost their sanctuary. People who worked there lost their livelihood. People who received support services lost their safety net.

What we read about in scripture isn’t simply ancient history or disconnected theology. It’s a witness to the real lives of real people. Even as Jesus predicts this future of destruction, he doesn’t celebrate it. Instead, he looks to life beyond its destruction without ignoring the suffering that happens in the midst of such great change.

Discussion Questions

• Jesus describes the fall of the Jerusalem Temple and the associated prophecy as the beginning of “birth pangs.” How does this image of birth connect to themes of pain, loss, and new life?

Activity Suggestions

• Play Jenga with a twist. Get a bowl of candies and place it alongside the tower. As each wooden piece is moved, have a player collect candy into a pile in between themselves and the tower. When the tower falls, each piece that was touched by the destruction must go back into the bowl.
  • Afterward, reflect about the experiences of loss. Note that this can happen even in the midst of fun, or even because of someone else’s mistake. Explore how you might support those who experience such losses.

Closing Prayer

God of New Beginnings, remind us not to ignore the pain of endings. Inspire us to care for those whose loss is real in the wake of your transformation. Equip us, as your disciples, to bring good news to those who suffer without ignoring the reality of the suffering itself. In your time, raise us all to new life with Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord: Amen.

ELCA Blogs

“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 ongoing wars in Gaza, Ukraine, Lebanon, and an end to the violence…
For elections in the United States and a peaceful transfer of power…
For all elected officials as they serve well in their respective positions…
For all of those working to rebuild after natural disasters, especially Hurricanes Helene and Milton…
For the safety of those in the path of Tropical Storm Rafael…
For victims of flooding in Spain, and for those working to rebuild and repair…
For the family of Andre Hill and all those affected by police violence…
For all those affected by gun violence, especially in Austin, TX…

Events and observances:
Monthly Observances in November: National Veterans and Military Families Month, National Adoption Awareness Month, National Epilepsy Awareness Month, Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month, Prematurity Awareness Month

Election Day (Nov 5)
John Christian Frederick Heyer, died 1873; Bartholomaeus Ziegenbalg, died 1719; Ludwig Nommensen, died 1918; missionaries (Nov 7)
Martin, Bishop of Tours, died 397 (Nov 11)
Søren Aabye Kierkegaard, teacher, died 1855 (Nov 11)
Remembrance Day (Canada, Nov 11)
Veterans Day (Nov 11)

Prayers from ELCA resources:
A prayer for responsible citizenship (ELW p.77)
Lord God, you call your people to honor those in authority. Help us elect trustworthy leaders, participate in wise decisions for our common life, and serve our neighbors in local communities. Bless the leaders of our land, that we may be at peace among ourselves and a blessing to other nations of the earth; through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen. (ELW, p. 77)

A prayer for the nation (ELW p.77)
Holy Trinity, one God, you show us the splendor of diversity and the beauty of unity in your own divine life. Make us, who came from many nations with many languages, a united people that delights in our many different gifts. Defend our liberties, and give those whom we have entrusted with authority the spirit of wisdom, that there might be justice and peace in our land. We pray in the name of Jesus Christ, our sovereign and our Savior. Amen.

A prayer for peace (ACS p.48):
You calm and quiet us, eternal God, as a mother holds her children close; all people have refuge in the shadow of your wings. Spread over us the shelter of your peace. Hold before us the wisdom of your cross, where we are drawn to you not by might or power, but by your boundless love and forgiveness in Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

A set of worship resources for the crisis in the Holy Land is available on ELCA.org. Several prayers are provided that could be used during the prayers of intercession or at other times, in public worship or for devotional use at home or in other settings. PDF DOC

A set of worship resources for national elections is available on ELCA.org. Scripture readings, prayers, and assembly song suggestions are offered, to be used in settings such as prayer vigils, Morning or Evening Prayer, regular weekly worship or personal devotion in the weeks preceding or following an election. PDF DOC

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ELW = Evangelical Lutheran Worship
ACS = All Creation Sings: Evangelical Lutheran Worship Supplement

Additional topical prayers are found in Evangelical Lutheran Worship (pp. 72–87) and All Creation Sings (pp. 46–55), as well as in other resources provided in print and online at sundaysandseasons.com.

Crafted intercessions for every Sunday and festival are provided in the Sundays and Seasons worship planning guide published in-print and online by Augsburg Fortress. Further assistance for composing prayers of intercession can be found here: Resources for Crafting Prayers of Intercession

Prayer Ventures, a daily prayer resource, is a guide to prayer for the global, social and outreach ministries of the ELCA, as well as for the needs and circumstances of our neighbors, communities and world.

ELCA Blogs

Perceptions don’t dictate the truth, per se. The truth is the truth without contingence upon our relative perceptions. Perceptions might dictate a variety of things in society writ large, but never the truth, per se. Perceptions are really and only self-projections of our dispositions and their forming pressures, as those have developed in our personal circumstances and experiences in the world. Nevertheless, we aren’t slavishly trapped within our perceptions, per se. But our only hope is to come to participate in the extra life of God; and begin to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ. This way our perceptions will no longer merely be contingent upon the winds of our experiences, per se, but instead upon the solidity of God’s eternal and triune life, of which we have become participants through union with the vicarious humanity of Jesus Christ. As our perceptions come to be formed, more and more, by His anchoring reality, from within His life, which is Truth, we can begin to see things as they are, rather than how we would prefer them to be. There are good perceptions and bad perceptions. The former are formed by an ongoing relationship with the living God in and through the risen and ascended Christ. Bad perceptions are simply formed by living ensconced in the immanent world of our own making; as if we are like God.

Athanasian Reformed

• What is a small action you can take that makes a big difference in your, or someone else’s, life?

Give a Little Bit

People–especially young people–often want to make positive difference in their community. Whether relieving hunger or ensuring civil rights or others, people often seek positive change.

Sometimes the job is so big that the change seems unlikely, if not downright impossible. There is so much hunger and inequality that making those positive differences appears too much for us. The weight of the world, and the distance from here to the change we want for the world, can be exhausting. So, when the odds seem stacked against us, sometimes we freeze because we believe our little action won’t make any difference.

Research suggests that sometimes our smallest actions have much larger consequences. For instance, this article details how the simple actions of spending quality time with children reinforces positive relationships throughout their lives, while playing make believe increases a child’s capacity for social, emotional, and intellectual learning. In other words, this apparently innocuous actions have incredible positive impacts on a child’s life. Rather than an adult’s escape from reality, such behaviors promote a more positive experience of reality for the child and the society in which they live. Even giving just this little bit of time, energy, or creativity can change the world for the better.

Think about it this way: it’s like climbing a staircase. Just because you can’t climb an entire floor of stairs in one leap doesn’t mean you can’t make progress. Even if you can only take one step today, you’re already one step closer to the change you want to make.

Discussion Questions

• Have you ever felt such exhaustion or despair that you also felt you had nothing left to give? What was that like for you?
• What is one step that you could take–one thing that you could do every day–that would make a positive impact?

25th Sunday after Pentecost

• 1 Kings 17:8-16
• Psalm 146
• Hebrews 9:24-28
• Mark 12:38-44

(Text links are to Oremus Bible Browser. Oremus Bible Browser is not affiliated with or supported by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. You can find the calendar of readings for Year A at Lectionary Readings.)

For lectionary humor and insight, check the weekly comic Agnus Day.

Reflection on the Gospel

There’s woman in today’s Gospel who gave just a little bit. At the temple, while rich people gave massive sums of money for their tithes, this woman put in a couple of coins barely worth a penny. That can seem like an inconsequential amount, but in Jesus’s words, “this poor widow has put in more” than all the others. How is this so?

Because while this seemed like a minuscule offering, her gift represented a major effort on her part. This single cent seemed small to others because of their big bank accounts, but for her, this reflected a significant sacrifice. Rather than give in to the feeling that she had nothing to give, this widow gave what she could. In the eyes of Jesus, that was a great gift.

Discussion Questions

• This widow took the step that she could take and Jesus honored her for that. What are the little steps that you could take?

Activity Suggestions

• Purchase cut or potted white flowers. Add one tiny drop of food coloring to the water you use to feed the flowers. Notice how, over the coming days, the flower’s petals are now tinted that same color. Reflect on how this small addition made a significant impact.
• Talk openly about what change you hope to see and the hurdles you face in pursuing that change. Ask others both for prayer and for suggestions of small, simple actions you could take to pursue that change.

Closing Prayer

God of the Possible, you remind us that nothing is impossible with you. We entrust our fears to you. Inspire us to act in the ways that we can. Remind us that, when nothing seems like enough, you are enough and you are making all things new. We pray this in the name of the one whose actions in life, death, and resurrection changed the world, Jesus Christ: Amen.

ELCA Blogs

“For you always have the poor with you, but you will not always have me.” -Matthew 26:11

“Pastor Taryn, why are we gathering again?” asked the 13 year-old usher, as we prepared for worship at the Walking Together event earlier this month.

“Because we’re marking the 50th anniversary of world hunger and how we as a church have been able to help those who experience food scarcity,” I responded.

“Um, I’m pretty sure world hunger has been around longer than 50 years,” she said deadpan.

Rev. Taryn Montgomery welcoming the participants to opening worship.

Touché.

I left out the ELCA part of World Hunger when responding to Lila that morning, but she is right. Jesus was right. People have been hungry for centuries upon centuries. The poor have been among us from the very beginning. And let’s be clear, “the poor” is not a “them”. It can be our neighbor, our family, even ourselves.

It’s in this spirit that we gathered on Saturday, October 12th at Lutheran Church of the Cross in Nisswa to straddle the line between celebrating a ministry milestone and being inspired to “keep on” in our work of ending hunger. Both/and.

And it was a great event! We gathered in worship, confronting a scripture that both challenged and stirred us. We experienced a poverty simulation, walking through a month in the life of a family trying to make ends meet. We learned how hunger interacts with issues of climate change, racism, and conflicts in the Middle East. We wore party hats and blew noise makers, and we gathered in silence for the people of Gaza. We enjoyed a delicious Caribbean lunch, and we remembered those who went without a meal. We made art together, bid on baskets together, and rallied around a common mission together – to give thanks for the past 50 years and to keep working long into the future.

Participants talking part in a hunger simulation.

One week from today our polls will open. Some of you have already filled out your ballot. As a nation we will cast our vote, a kind of faith statement. A statement of what we believe, what we value, what we hope for. We won’t all vote the same way and that’s okay. But may we vote in the spirit of reaching across the table, of extending the table. In the spirit of invitation for the hungry, the poor, and those on the margins – those we will always have with us. May we cast our vote recognizing the both/and experience of our faith.

Lila was right, world hunger has been around far longer than 50 years, and it doesn’t have to be that way in the future. It might be – history has shown that to be true. But it doesn’t have to be. Because we are people of faith, followers of Jesus. And, if there’s one thing we’re really good at, it’s hoping for things as yet unseen.

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Vasily Perov circa 1878

Athanasian Reformed

High anxiety around the possibility of political violence has been with us before, during, and likely following the 2024 National Election. The images of the Jan. 6, 2021, assault on the Capitol are fresh in our minds, making calls by public figures for violence against political opponents or disruption of election processes even more worrisome. Election activities that used to go largely unnoticed, such as election certification or routine actions by poll workers, could now be targeted as high-risk moments. Polling reveals that two-thirds of Americans fear violence following the election. Many municipalities and communities have prepared for disruptions pre- and post-election.

THE CALLING OF THE CHURCH

The church has a “calling to proclaim the Gospel of God’s final peace and to work for earthly peace” (ELCA social statement For Peace in God’s World, p. 1). We witness to God’s resolve for peace rooted in the cross and resurrection of Christ and by incarnating in our lives and actions Jesus’ command to love one’s enemies and Paul’s instructions to be ambassadors of reconciliation. The Church breathes life into this calling when we share responsibility for the wellbeing of our neighbors and nation. Informed by Christ’s gift of peace, ELCA ministries and faith leaders have a unique opportunity to promote reconciliation, model peace and respond to violence. Much of this can and will take place at the local level. These resources can equip us for faithful reflection and action.

REFLECTION AND GUIDANCE IN ELCA SOCIAL TEACHING

The ELCA social statement on Peace provides guidance for ministry and advocacy in global conflicts and everyday struggles. The church contributes to earthly peace by equipping the faithful to act for peace within the Christian community and the broader society. It presents four distinct ways for the church, in the power of the Holy Spirit, to be “a presence for peace that disturbs, reconciles, serves, and deliberates” (p. 5).

• The Church is a disturbing presence when it refuses to be silent and speaks the truth, names false idols and calls for repentance.
• The Church is a reconciling presence by countering religious movements – including ones claiming to be Christian –that preach, and practice hate and violence, by challenging stereotypes of the “the enemy” and by encouraging imaginative solutions to violence.
• As a serving presence the Church holds power accountable, advocates justice, provides sanctuary and meets human need.
• The Church’s deliberating presence creates opportunities for moral deliberation that promote freedom and respect.

The statement urges churches to nurture a culture of peace through actions to:

• Foster a dynamic vision of difference in unity. The hope for earthly peace challenges people to strengthen their local communities in ways that promote respect and appreciation for people in other communities, for all share a common humanity.
• Promote respect for human rights based on the image of God in every person, as reflected in the Preamble to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights [UN, 1948]: “Recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world.”
• Strengthen the will and ability to resolve conflicts peacefully. Disagreements, conflicts, and competition among nations, groups, and individuals are inevitable, but wars are not (ELCA social statement on Peace, pp. 13-15).

Additional social teaching on violence and non-violence offers guidance. The social message on “Community Violence” urges ELCA ministries to join with faith partners to “offer vital spiritual and moral resources for replacing fear and violence with hope and reconciliation in our homes, communities, and nation” (p. 6). It lays out three ways for the Church to act on our commitments to counter societal violence:

• As a Community of Worship – One place to guide our worship is the ELCA “Worship Resources for a National Election.”
• As a Community of Education and Service – The ELCA social statement on Peace is resourced with a Study Guide which can be a useful tool.
• As a Community of Advocacy – Encourage your faith community to get updates and Action Alerts when they are available through the ELCA Action Network from ELCA.org/advocacy/signup.

WHAT DOES THIS LOOK LIKE IN ACTION?

Affirm the vocation of civil servants and leaders through prayer and education. Lutherans recognize public service as a worthy calling and a means by which all individuals may serve the common good. Studies demonstrate that abuse leveled at public officials across the United States is negatively affecting how they do their jobs, making them less likely to engage with constituents, hold public events, advocate for policies that could lead to blowback, or run for re-election. Beyond the well-publicized attacks on high profile leaders in the news are reports from officials in local and state government who face harassment, intimidation or physical attacks.

Educate and equip members for nonviolent action and promote healing and reconciliation. ELCA social teaching recognizes that “citizens and residents also have an obligation to seek reform through the procedures of democratic self-rule, which may include nonviolent protest,” (ELCA social message “Government and Civic Engagement in the United States: Discipleship in a Democracy,” p. 12) particularly “in situations where it holds promise of being an appropriate and effective way to bring about greater justice” (ELCA social statement on Peace, p. 20). Local ministries are engaging through learning about violence interruption through active bystander and conflict de-escalation training and encouragement of civil discourse.

As centers of spiritual life, religious institutions are regarded as trusted messengers who offer reliable information and community guidance in an anxious time. Be informed about groups in your area who promote who promote violence, white supremacy and Christian Nationalism. The Episcopal Church Series on Deradicalization offers resources from two organizations known for doing this work on the largest scale – Life After Hate and the now retired Free Radicals Project. Much of the work done is through individuals who have disengaged from radical groups or ideologies and use their experience to work directly with radicalized individuals. The Southern Policy Leadership Center tracks hate and antigovernment groups. The Rev. Elizabeth Eaton, ELCA presiding bishop, has named Christian Nationalism as “a persistent threat to both our religious communities and our democracy.”

ADDING OUR WITNESS

In October 2024, ELCA bishops jointly issued a statement emphasizing the need to be speakers of truth. It reads, “Emboldened by the Holy Spirit, may we resist deception and lift up the truth that all members of humanity are created in the image of God.” The Dignity Index is an interesting tool to draw our attention away from the biases of partisan politics and toward, what they call, the power we each have to heal our country and each other. It invites reflection on elements of speech, not the speaker, on a scale of communicating contempt to dignity. Our ELCA AMMPARO colleagues have refreshed a resource called “Words Create Worlds,” an exploration of the power of language in shaping perceptions on migration.

In her statement addressing political violence in July 2024, Bishop Eaton wrote: “Our inevitable future belongs to God. In this certainty and bound together in Christian hope, consider how you can join me in ongoing prayer and actions for our nation, a peaceful election season, the safety of candidates for office, and a bold and life-giving witness of our church in the time ahead.”

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