Pastor Mack Patrick (he/they) serves as an Assistant to the Bishop in the Northern Illinois Synod focusing on communications, stewardship, and works with youth and young adults. As a transgender pastor in the ELCA, Pastor Mack strives to make the church a more inclusive and accessible place for all of God’s beloved children. Outside of work, you can find Pastor Mack reading in a hammock, building things with Legos, tinkering with technology, or riding roller coasters. Pastor Mack is proud to have served on the 2024 tAble Planning Team for the ELCA Youth Gathering.

Our blog post for this month is a sermon preached by Pastor Mack Patrick at the opening worship at the tAble, a pre-event to the 2024 Youth Gathering. Based on Psalm 139, it grounded attendees and staff in their time together, exploring “how we are created to be wHoly”.

Originally posted at: Created to Be: wHoly You (mackpatrick.blogspot.com) 

Issue 95 of Administration Matters

Created to Be

“I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works;
that I know very well.” —Psalm 139:14

Last month the 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering in New Orleans brought together 14,235 youth participants, 292 young adult participants, 595 MYLE participants, 72 tAble participants, 712 volunteers/team members and 225 partners in interactive learning. Over five days these participants:
• Represented 1,207 congregations.
• Visited 207 accompaniment sites around New Orleans.
• Donated 3,000 relief buckets going to 20-plus communities across southeast Louisiana.
• Cooling towels were the most donated item!
• Occupied 37 hotel properties.
• Cruised back and forth to the airport 150 times.
• Communed together with 340 chalices and 170 patens.
• Shuttled teams and participants around the city with 60 rental cars and 123 buses.

What the numbers don’t tell us are the stories. Of Lutherans showing up for local organizations that were accustomed to broken promises. Of volunteers and team members who took vacation time to be part of this experience because it was part of their faith journey. Of smiles and high fives that, locals said, brought joy and a few pedestrian traffic jams to the city (maybe more than a few!). Of the work we do as a church, around this country and around the globe. Of speakers who were brave, authentic, free, disruptive disciples. Of the congregations that rallied around sending their young people to this event, and the adults who made it happen. We should write a book.

Thank you to each of you for the ways you helped make this event happen. Blessings on all that you do.

Politics, the pulpit and tax-exempt status

As we approach another contentious election, we often receive inquiries about permissible political activity for congregations and other ministries of the church. Our primary resource for this topic is here. Links to other resources can be accessed here.

It’s important to remember that all 501(c)(3) organizations — including congregations, schools and social ministry organizations — have an obligation to adhere to these guidelines. The short version is that congregations and other ministries may not support or endorse candidates for office, but they are permitted to engage in issue advocacy and neutral political activity (e.g., nonpartisan registration drives, serving as a polling location, etc.). Pastors, deacons and other church employees can endorse or support candidates, but only if they are clearly acting in their personal capacity and not in their capacity as leaders or employees of their congregations or other ministries. For instance, pastors are prohibited from endorsing a candidate from the pulpit or on the congregation’s Facebook page, or from placing a candidate’s political advertising on the congregation’s property.

Portico will offer value copay and Roth in 2025

During this fall’s annual enrollment, for 2025, Portico will offer a new ELCA-Primary health benefit option and a Roth after-tax retirement contribution option. The new Value Copay health option will help make plan members’ costs for many health care visits and lab tests predictable and manageable, with a price for sponsoring organizations that falls between the current Gold+ and Silver+ options. The Roth retirement contribution option will be effective Jan. 1, 2025, for members with an ELCA Retirement Plan account.

Sponsoring organizations and plan members were notified in August via email of 2025 rate and benefit changes. If your organization currently provides Portico benefits, talk to your members about their health option preferences, if possible, then select your organization’s 2025 ELCA-Primary health option on EmployerLink, Oct. 1-14. The 2025 Decision Guide and Custom Comparison Report are now accessible for registered EmployerLink users.

8 ways to get the most from outsourced accounting services

Outsourcing can provide a range of benefits, from cost savings to improved financial reporting. Working with an outsourced accounting provider allows you to tap into a team of highly skilled and experienced professionals who specialize in financial accounting. >More

5 tips for hiring a church secretary

A church office is a busy place that requires the talent of a strong administrator. Churches often hire a secretary or administrative assistant to keep things organized and assist with the flow of church communications. This valuable staff member is often the person that connects all the dots! Hiring a secretary is no small decision for a church because it requires financial resources to cover the employee’s salary and benefits, unless you can identify a faithful volunteer who can fill this role. >More

Be prepared for severe weather and storms

Having a plan in place makes for safer people and property. Preparation is key to making sure your organization is primed and ready before the weather takes a turn for the worse. To help your organization minimize potential damage and destruction, we have compiled information and resources. >More

Drew Tucker, Westerville, OH

Warm-up Questions

• Have you ever had to move to a new home?
  • If so, what was that like?
  • If not, what do you imagine are the biggest challenges to moving?

Finding a New Home

Recently, both on social media and in political discourse, the city of Springfield in Ohio has gotten a lot of attention. A viral TikTok accused Haitian immigrants of stealing and eating pets in the area. Despite the fact that Springfield police, Haitian community leaders, and local residents from across the political spectrum all deny these unfounded accusations, the story has become a talking point throughout the internet and in the 2024 presidential campaign.

What’s particularly sad about this is that it ignores how a rustbelt city and refugees found a new home together. Springfield is a place that, like many midwestern towns, was abandoned by manufacturers in the late 20th century, leading to population decline and poverty. Over the past few decades, residents of Haiti have faced political instability as well as natural disasters that led many to immigrate to the United States. Haitians, along with Cubans, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans, are able to do so under a special immigration process allowed for humanitarian benefit.

This photo of downtown Springfield, featuring a sign that says “Welcome to Our City,” comes from the AP article linked above.

As Haitians began to settle in Springfield, the increased population brought increased need for basic amenities. Since employment is expected of immigrants, this also increased the number of taxpayers. This has led, in turn, to a redevelopment of downtown Springfield and increased investment by both public and private investors. Together, immigrants and longtime residents found a new place together in a renewing Springfield. Of course, that’s not without complications. Bringing different cultures together, in the midst of shifting employment opportunities and economic trends, can highlight challenges.

And yet, citizen and refugee alike are finding ways forward together in Springfield. In this Ohio hamlet, all of them are finding and making a home.

Discussion Questions

• What does it feel like to find a place or a community where you fit comfortably?
• What does it feel like when people make assumptions or false accusations about your community?
  • How about your neighbors?
  • How about you?

Fifteenth Sunday After Pentecost

• Isaiah 50:4-9a
• Psalm 116:1-9
• James 3:1-12
• Mark 8:27-38

 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 at Lectionary Readings.

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

Gospel Reflection

In this week’s Gospel, Peter makes a bold move. Peter tells God “no.” It’s not a move I would recommend! 

To be fair, we don’t know exactly what Peter said to Jesus. All we know for certain is that Peter “rebuked” him.

To be rebuked is a specific kind of response. It’s more than a correction, and way beyond a question. A rebuke is particularly strong. A rebuke comes from a place of perceived authority, supposedly undergirded by wisdom. Being rebuked isn’t just being told that you’re wrong. It is critical disapproval, if not outright disappointment. 

And Peter rebuked Jesus.

So though we don’t know exactly what Peter said, it’s clear that it wasn’t good. Let’s just imagine for a minute the times that we’ve been rebuked by someone. What did they say from that position of supposed authority, with theoretical wisdom, that communicated their dissatisfaction. You’ve got that in your mind?

Now imagine saying that to Jesus. Yikes.

Peter didn’t understand his role. He didn’t recognize the boundaries at hand.

To be clear, this doesn’t mean that Christians should never question God. After all, in just the last chapter, a SyroPhoenician mother held Jesus accountable to his promises and his theology. She challenged him to remember the good news he preached and Jesus responded, not with a rebuke, but with affirmation. 

So Peter’s failure here is not in questioning God. It’s assuming authority over God. What gets Peter in trouble is that he tries to lead, rather than follow. 

Peter’s confusion is understandable. After all, Jesus just suggested that he’s going to die. Peter’s been told the Messiah can’t possibly die. Plus, from his experience, no person can rise from the dead.  Further, Peter knows this kind of talk is economically dangerous. More than that, it’s politically absurd, risking condemnation of chief priests and Roman officials alike. This all puts their movement at risk and Peter doesn’t want that. 

But here’s the problem. To tell God “no,” or otherwise rebuke God, presumes a kind of pride. It indicates we’re trying to take God’s place in our lives. That we know better than God. We don’t, and to presume so is dangerous.

That’s why Jesus’ response is “get behind me, Satan.” Peter is out of line and Jesus invites him back into place. 

The name Satan, while harsh, is simply a response in kind: Jesus rebukes Peter’s rebuking. More than just the Devil’s proper name, satan is the Hebrew word for adversary. By calling Peter “Satan,” Jesus points out that Peter’s left the position of disciple and taken up the position of Jesus’ opponent. Though harsh, Jesus doesn’t condemn Peter, but calls him back into the place of a disciple. Jesus rebukes Peter in kind to emphasize the importance of what is to come. Jesus also makes sure Peter knows he has a place in it. 

Discussion Questions

• Have you ever had someone speak to you harshly in a way that was helpful?
• Describe a time when you, or someone you know, tried to take God’s place of leadership in your life. What was that like?

 Activity Suggestions

• In a group, use an activity that requires everyone to pay attention to the leader’s actions or instructions. Games like “Simon (or Simone) Says” and “Following the Leader” are both good examples. Another option is to use a simple worksheet that emphasizes the importance of reading and understanding directions. A number of options are available here.
• Use a prayer journal to respond to the following prompts:
  • Where is it most difficult for you to follow God’s leadership?
  • How do you wan to grow as a disciple?
  • Imagine you’re in Peter’s place, having just been rebuked by Jesus–after rebuking him first! How would you want to respond to Jesus?

Closing Prayer:  

“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 peace in our world, especially in Gaza and Israel, Ukraine and Russia, Syria, Sudan, Myanmar, and all areas of conflict…
For those in the path of Tropical Storm Francine…
For those affected by the wildfires in California and western states…
For victims of Typhoon Yagi in Vietnam and for relief and recovery efforts…
For families grieving victims of a capsized migrant boat off the coast of Senegal…
For victims of gun violence, especially in Winder, GA, and Omaha, NE, and London, KY…
For national politics during this election season…
For those navigating times of transition and in need of discernment…

Events and observances:
Monthly Observances in September: National Suicide Prevention Month, Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept 15-Oct 15),

Patriot Day (Sept. 11)
John Chrysostom, Bishop of Constantinople, died 407 (Sept 13)
Holy Cross Day (Sept. 14)
Cyprian, Bishop of Carthage, martyr, died around 258 (Sept 16)
Hildegard, Abbess of Bingen, died 1179 (Sept 17)

Prayers from ELCA resources:
A prayer for those seeking deeper knowledge of God (ELW, p. 76)
Gracious and holy God, give us diligence to seek you, wisdom to perceive you, and patience to wait for you. Grant us, O God, a mind to meditate on you; eyes to behold you; ears to listen for your word; a heart to love you; and a life to proclaim you; through the power of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

A prayer for peace (ACS)
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

—

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.

CONTENT UPDATED: September 9, 2024

Civic engagement is happening this election year in many diverse communities and contexts—and being activated and led by congregations, rostered leaders, ELCA-affiliated state public policy offices and members.

Here’s a sampling of INITIATIVES & TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES and RESOURCES & REFLECTIONS.

Consider taking part or taking inspiration for your locality! Also check out:

• ELCA Election Activator network – monthly virtual discussions and emails
• ELCA Civic Engagement Guide
• Guidance for churches and clergy participating in the electoral process
• Plus resources at ELCA.org/votes and ELCA.org/civicengagement
  • *new* Prepared to Vote Checklist for congregations – fillable and info only versions

INITIATIVES & TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES

Oct. 25 & 26 IN-PERSON SYMPOSIUM | Discipleship in a Democracy: Responding to the Threat of Christian Nationalism – at Saint Luke Lutheran Church in Silver Spring, Md.

📌This foundational Forgotten Luther IV Symposium includes presentation by the Rev. Roger Willer, ELCA Theological Ethics, and the Rev. Amy Reumann, ELCA Witness in Society, along with international and national leaders. Context for this and other Forgotten Luther resources at http://173.66.73.2:86/index.php/fliii_history/ with registration and details at http://173.66.73.2:86/.

Thu. Sept. 19, 7 p.m. ET ONLINE WORKSHOP | Crucial Conversations: Techniques for When Opinions Vary with Duke Taylor – ELCA Metropolitan Washington, D.C. Synod

📌Crucial Conversations is a set of techniques to use during an interaction where opinions vary and emotions run strong to maintain a relationship rather than irreparably damage it. In this session we will introduce how to prepare your heart by mastering your story, make it safe to state your path while exploring others, and move to action while facing tough challenges.

Thur. Sept. 12 1 p.m. ET ONLINE WORKSHOP | Faith Listens: Leading Youth Through Challenging Conversations – ELCA Youth Ministry Network

📌Are you struggling to create meaningful dialogue and understanding across divides? Discover how to make space for listening and learning with young people, even in times of deep division. Join the Formation Co-Op Team to unlock the power of listening within diverse groups facing complex and contentious issues. Gain practical skills to lead these essential conversations in a faith context, fostering unity and growth. Free to Network Members (Plus level or higher); $25 for non-members and Basic members. 

Wed. Aug. 28, 6 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. IN-PERSON EVENT | A Respectful Conversation About This Election – at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Cloquet, Minn. Register for this in-person event here; to learn more about the Respectful Conversations model, read these resources from the Minnesota Council of Churches.

📌The Respectful Conversations Project is a program of the Minnesota Council of Churches designed to strengthen civic life, empathy and democracy. Cities, campuses and faith communities throughout the state host conversations that explore issues through the lens of deeply held convictions while maintaining, even enhancing, relationships among those who disagree.

Thu. Aug. 22, 12 p.m. ET ONLINE WORKSHOP | Discipleship in a Democracy: How faith communities can work for justice and peace without jeopardizing their nonprofit status — even during an election year!

📌Though public charities, including churches, must remain nonpartisan, they have a critical role to play in civic life — even throughout the election cycle! Not only can public charities engage in issue education and advocacy during election season, but they can also conduct robust voter and candidate education campaigns and mobilize the public to get out the vote. After this session, you will have a better understanding of how to legally engage in nonpartisan advocacy during an election without jeopardizing your nonprofit status. The information will cover federal, state and municipal compliance.

Juneteenth through Aug. 17 CIVIC ENGAGEMENT CAMPAIGN | NCC Freedom Summer – National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA

📌In the spirit of the 1964 Freedom Summer, which sought to register voters and integrate Mississippi’s segregated political system, NCC Freedom Summer seeks to educate, engage and empower voters for social change. A virtual “Sunday school”, a five-city Freedom Ride, and resources available.

Jun.-Oct. 2024 6-session, monthly ONLINE SERIES | What does it mean to be Lutheran in a crucial election year? – ELCA and United Lutheran Seminary

📌In this election year, how might our Lutheran faith shape our thinking, acting and voting on major issues? Timely ELCA social teachings and tips for leading discussions in your own community are foundations of this online series. QR code on flyer leads to registration link at https://ulsforms.wufoo.com/forms/m1nq73up11ake72/.

Tue. Sep. 3 begins 6-week ONLINE SERIES | Witnessing to Christ and Love for Neighbor in an Election Year – North/West Lower Michigan Synod

📌All adults are invited to this Adult Theological Education program on civic engagement intersections and opportunities in our faith journey. Registration closed Aug. 24. Get info from the synod.

📌Recordings of the presentations are being regularly uploaded to YouTube. The playlist can be found here.

[date n/a] One Hundred Percent Voting Congregations – Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy

📌With a pledge to sign and support, VICPP is asking congregations to commit to have 100% participation in the electoral process.

RESOURCES & REFLECTIONS

“Creating Space for Conversations: Resources and Inspirations for Reaching Common Ground“ – ELCA Grand Canyon Synod (shared 5/21/24)

🔎In response to the turbulent times we face and the heartbreaking events that have transpired recently, we are creating this special section on our site devoted to promoting understanding, dialogue, and unit. Whether you are seeking guidance on how to approach sensitive topics, or looking for ways to connect with others across divides, this page will be your go-to source.

“Fair Wisconsin Maps“ – Lutheran Office for Public Policy in Wisconsin (recorded 4/6/24)

🔎 What the heck just happened with Wisconsin maps? was among questions posed in this “Wednesday Noon Live” interview in a state with maps WUWM reported were “recognized as among the most gerrymandered in the country.”

“Solveig’s Day as a Poll Monitor” – Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona – authored by Solveig Muus, director (originally posted 3/19/24)

🔎 “I was to observe whether the polls opened on time, whether there was adequate parking, adequate signage, easy access for voters with disabilities, ensure voters people are receiving provisional ballots if indicated, ensure any activists stayed outside the 75-foot perimeter, answer questions, etc. I received another quizzical look…”

“Autumn’s Day as a Greeter” – Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona – authored by Autumn Byars, ELCA Hunger Advocacy Fellow (originally posted 3/19/24)

🔎“My job today was not to proselytize or advertise our services, but by volunteering at our welcome cart and offering refreshments to all our voters, I had the privilege of representing our congregation to the outside world— which is always a good opportunity.”

“In a pivotal state, ways to serve our neighbor in an election year“ – Lutheran Advocacy Ministry in Pennsylvania (originally posted 2/29/24)

🔎Facing “overwhelmed or inexperienced county elections officials” in the state, through love of neighbors we can “step up… We encourage anyone of good will, but especially our eligible teens and young adults, to get trained and serve as official poll workers on Election Day.” Offering our facilities as polling sites if needed in its neighborhood also “can be a big service to our communities.”

BLOG PAGE LAUNCH DATE: Mar. 15, 2024

Each month ELCA Worship highlights resources and events from other organizations and institutions. These Lutheran and ecumenical partner organizations work alongside the ELCA to support worship leaders, worship planners, musicians, and all who care about the worship of the church.

Association of Lutheran Church Musicians

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

ALCM Fall Webinar Series

“For all that is to be” Summer conference
Aug. 4-8, 2025
Raleigh-Durham, N.C. 

Join us in Raleigh! Mark your 2025 calendars now for August 4-8 and plan to register in the “Early, Early” category, which will offer substantial savings. Registration opens in September.

Lutheran Summer Music Academy & Festival

Transforming and connecting lives through faith and music since 1981.

New FREE Arrangement from Lutheran Summer Music by Anne Krentz Organ

Download a new FREE arrangement from Lutheran Summer Music 2024 by Anne Krentz Organ: The Ash Grove for a solo instrument with keyboard accompaniment. The Ash Grove is a theme and variations based on the beloved Welsh folk tune and is this year’s installment in the LSM Hymn Tune Project. Free sheet music download: LSMacademy.org/resources.

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:

MMC is offering a few workshops in the South, Northeast, and Upper Midwest this fall. Join us in:

+ Waco, Texas: Saturday, Sept. 28 for a One-Day Community Singing Workshop at Holy Spirit Episcopal Church. As part of the 3-day residency, join us for a Friday evening Community Sing and/or worship on Sunday morning. Click here for more details.

+ New London, N.H.: Saturday, Oct. 5 for a One-Day Community Singing Workshop at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church. Click here for more details.

+ Chippewa Falls, Wis.: Oct. 11-12 for a Friday night Community SING and Saturday morning, 1/2 Day Community Singing Workshop at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church. Sponsored by the Lay School of Ministry, Northwest Synod of Wisconsin, ELCA and several local churches. Click here for more details.

The Sacred Lands Playlist Project is in the process of reviewing submissions. Thank you to all who submitted! Mark your calendars for 6-7:30 p.m. Central on Wednesday, Oct. 2, for a hybrid gathering in Minneapolis to learn songs on the playlist, meet their creators, hear the stories of how they came to be, so you can faithfully carry these important songs into your communities. This event will be recorded so you view it afterwards. Stay tuned to register for location details and a Zoom link.

Communities around the nation are gathering together to sing and build bridges of connection. Join one of these if they’re 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

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 interviews with prominent ELCA church musicians Scott Weidler (interviewed by Rev. Gerald Spice, 2016) and Paul Bouman (interviewed by Michael Costello, 2013) as well as many other Lutheran Church musicians.

Augsburg Fortress Events and Resources

Augsburg Fortress is an imprint of 1517 Media, the publishing ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

Augsburg Fortress hosted five Music Clinics this summer, welcoming hundreds of church musicians and other ministry leaders to workshops; reading sessions for handbells, keyboard music, and choral pieces; and an evening festival choir. Music clinician David Cherwien’s workshop was especially poignant, as he led attendees through the hymn texts written by his late wife, Susan Palo Cherwien. Explore and experience her creative works in four hymn collections, including the recently-released Living in Wonder: Hymns of Susan Palo Cherwien, Volume 4.

The new program year is getting started, and that means one thing—new church year calendars aren’t far behind! We are thrilled to offer the breathtaking work of Ukrainian artist Ivanka Demchuk in the Calendar of Word and Season, Year C 2025. This spiral-bound wall calendar for planning helps you keep time in the office, sacristy, and home.

Our Advent Devotional is hot of the presses. When they’re gone, they’re gone, so order now! Good News, Great Joy: Devotions for Advent and Christmas 2024-25 is available in pocket size, large print, and ebook editions. Tip: if you have a handbell choir, this year’s devotion is an especially fitting gift!

The ELCA has released social teachings for decades. Our NEW book series reengages these teachings to help individuals and groups who wish to revisit these statements in today’s context. The first two titles in the Re-Engaging ELCA Social Teaching series are ReEngaging ELCA Social Teaching on The Church in Society by James M. Childs Jr. and ReEngaging ELCA Social Teaching on Abortion by Caryn D. Riswold.

Updated September 5, 2024

STATUS ON CAPITOL HILL | ACTION ALERTS | RESOURCES AND WEBINARS | OUR COLLECTIVE VOICE

The Farm Bill, which guides much of U.S. agriculture, rural and food policy, is currently being debated in Congress. The ELCA urges Congress to pass a 2024 Farm Bill that promotes:

• food for hungry neighbors at home and abroad,
• healthy rural and farming communities,
• inclusion of people of all backgrounds,
• care of creation to feed future generations

In a world of abundance, we strive for an end to hunger and poverty, and towards a just world where all are fed. Additionally, we are to work with each other and the environment to meet needs without causing undue burdens elsewhere. The Farm Bill is one of the most influential pieces of legislation affecting hunger and conservation in the U.S. and around the world.

Our social statements call for policies that provide adequate nutrition for all and create livelihood opportunities that are genuinely sustainable. We urge lawmakers to pass a 2024 Farm Bill that reflects these faith-based values.

Status on Capitol Hill

Action Alerts

Express your priorities to lawmakers as this vital bill advances! It is critical that lawmakers hear from us. Use the messaging tools available in our Action Series on Farm Bill Priorities in the ELCA Action Center to add your voice. Currently available:

Strengthen International Food Aid Programs in the Farm Bill 

Address Farming and Worker Challenges in the Farm Bill

Advocate for Conservation and Climate-Friendly Farm Bill Measures

Fully Fund SNAP Benefits This Year

Future Farm Bill Action Alerts will be added to this page – but you can be notified directly by signing up for the ELCA Advocacy Network. New Action Alerts and monthly updates are sent to the network, which you sign up for here.

Resources & Webinars

From the ELCA Witness in Society advocacy team

ELCA advocacy has produced resources stemming from ELCA Farm Bill Listening Sessions held last year.

Farm Bill Leave Behind – This summation of themes heard in listening sessions groups important priorities. Our ELCA advocacy staff has been sharing this with lawmakers, and you can too.

• It reads in part: “We heard from hundreds of Lutherans across the country who asked that their voices reach policy makers in the farm bill reauthorization process. Members brought their vocational, ministerial and civic experiences from varied parts of this country to ELCA listening sessions. They emphasized their deep concern for neighbors at home and abroad — especially the most vulnerable — and for faithful stewardship of God’s good creation.“

Farm Bill Reauthorization – Invitation to Action – At the request of state partners, this overview of the Farm Bill and template letter was prepared and can be used in various settings.

From other sources

• WEBINAR | Why is the Farm Bill Important to Us?
  • Thu. June 13, 6-7:30 p.m. PT
  • Presented by Faith Action Network, an ELCA-affiliated state public policy office in Washington state, with the ELCA.
  • This presentation was recorded and uploaded to YouTube, where it can be viewed in its entirety at this link.

Our Collective Voice

By raising our collective voice, we can help enact a more just Farm Bill that leaves no one hungry. In your location and federally, let’s act boldly to end hunger and poverty in our time and ensuring healthy creation to feed future generations.

Here are some other ideas for making your voice heard.

• Write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper on the importance of anti-hunger and pro-farmer policies in the Farm Bill.
• Attend town halls or public events this August Recess with your members of Congress to ask questions about their Farm Bill priorities.
• Pray for those experiencing hunger and for our elected officials to have wisdom and compassion.

This blog post is written by Dr. Benjamin M. Stewart. Stewart is Distinguished Affiliate Professor of Worship at the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago and pastor to Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Two Harbors, Minnesota.

A view of Assisi the day before the Feast of Creation Ecumenical Seminar began in March 2024

With growing mainstream awareness of environmental crises, several experiments with a liturgical “Season of Creation” have emerged. Now, a significant ecumenical movement is championing the inauguration of a liturgical “Feast of Creation” to be shared across Eastern and Western branches of Christianity. The possibility of the new festival is being discussed by church leadership in the major global denominations and is being considered for introduction as part of the commemoration of the 1700^th anniversary of the Council of Nicea in 2025.

The potential new feast would likely be associated with the time between September 1 and October 4, already observed by some as a season of creation. The dates have ecumenical significance: September 1 is the beginning of the Orthodox liturgical year, and in recent decades the date has become associated with care for creation among the Orthodox. It has even more recently been adopted as a day of prayer and action for creation by the World Council of Churches and the Roman Catholic Church – though usually without a liturgical celebration. October 4^th is the commemoration of St. Francis of Assisi, one of the most popular occasions on the church calendar associated with care for creation.

Photo of the in-person participants at the Feast of Creation Seminar in Assisi, March 2024

An ecumenical conference – with participation by LWF and ELCA theologians – convened in March 2024 in Assisi, Italy, to study the possibility of a new liturgical festival of creation. (A report designed for wide readership about the conference and next steps is available online here as a PDF.)

There was considerable enthusiasm at the Assisi conference for the new ecumenical festival. Some ongoing questions included:

• How would the potential feast balance the emphases on creator, creation, and creation’s woundedness/healing?
• What would the festival be called? (e.g. “The Feast of Creation” or “The Feast of the Mystery of Creation” or “The Festival of God the Creator,” etc.)
• Would the date of the festival be associated with September 1^st or with the September equinox, a day of global balance between light and darkness? Would the festival be marked on a precise date or the Sunday following?
• Which scriptural themes – and specific readings – should anchor the festival? (This is where the first question above gets very real!)
• How might the festival be introduced in the relatively short time before September 2025, and to what extent is ecumenical consistency important in the introductory process and in the liturgical practice of the feast?

It is worth remembering that our existing chief festivals already include creation themes at their heart: the chief gospel reading at Christmas is John 1 (“In the beginning was the Word”), and the first reading of the Easter Vigil is from Genesis 1 (“In the beginning, when God created the heavens and the earth”). As early as Justin Martyr some Christians have noted that every Sunday is a feast of creation as much as it is a feast of the resurrection:

“We hold this meeting together on the day of the sun since it is the first day, on which day God, having transformed darkness and matter, made the world. On the same day Jesus Christ our savior rose from the dead.” (1 Apology 67. Translation in Lathrop, Holy Things, 45.)

The most recent feast to be introduced ecumenically was Reign of Christ / Christ the King, in response to rising fascism in the 1920s (though it was only adopted by Western churches). The possibility of a new Feast of Creation being inaugurated across the global church in both Eastern and Western Christianity holds profound theological promise – even as it too comes at another moment of global crisis.

“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 those competing and assisting with the Paralympic Games….
For the ongoing wars in Ukraine and Gaza and the end of all such conflicts….
For the family of Hersh Goldberg Polin and all those who mourn those lost to terror and violence…
For those in Los Angeles affected by mudslides and all those affected by natural disaster…
For those injured or affected by the shooting at the West Indian Day Parade in NYC and an end to gun
violence…
For efforts in the English Channel to rescue migrants from a capsized boat…
For wisdom and discernment as we engage with online resources…

Events and observances:
Monthly Observances in September: National Suicide Prevention Month, Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept 15-Oct 15),

Grandparents Day (Sept 8)
Peter Claver, priest, missionary to Colombia, died 1654 (Sept 9)
John Chrysostom, Bishop of Constantinople, died 407 (Sept 13)

Prayers from ELCA resources:
A prayer for the neighborhood (ELW p. 78)
Gracious God, grant peace among the nations. Cleanse from our own hearts the seeds of strife: greed and envy, harsh misunderstanding and ill will, fear and desire for revenge. Make us quick to welcome ventures in cooperation among the peoples of the world, so that there may be woven the fabric of a common good too strong to be torn by the evil hands of war. In the time of opportunity, make us be diligent; and in the time of peril, let not our courage fail; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

A prayer for disability (ACS p. 52):
Creator God, you made us all in your image. Help us to embrace one another as you do, beloved and blessed; not in need of fixing, but in need of authentic welcome. Bring healing where it is desired, affirmation where it is lacking, and awareness to all. Open our hearts to receive the gifts and needs of all people, and to become communities where everyone can find a place. In Jesus’ name we pray. 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

—

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.

Jon Fry, Champaign-Urbana, IL

Warm-up Questions

• How do you pass the time while traveling?
  • What are your favorite traveling games/activities with friends or family?

Weird Internet Outage

A few weeks ago my newsfeed was blowing up with articles from medical professionals suggesting that abstaining from in-flight entertainment, food, drink, and sleep, on long flights was a bad decision. This was in response to folks on TikTok posting their record setting performances on multi-hour flights and boasting about their mental stamina.

Numerous doctors, self-help professionals, and meditation specialists began chiming in with their two cents on the trend. Most experts agree that detoxing from technology and spending less time on screens is a good practice; however, combining that with a fast from food, water, and sleep for upwards of seven hours is decidedly not.

Likely this is just another example in a long line of the internet freaking out about something for no reason. There is no real evidence that many individuals are actually committing to this “in-air fast.” In my opinion, it seems more likely that if one were to refrain from electronics, food, drink, and sleep, it wouldn’t result in a zen state but rather irritability and outbursts.

Discussion Questions

• Have you ever fasted like this (intentionally or unintentionally)?
• What is one of your worst travel experiences? How were you feeling?

Fifteenth Sunday After Pentecost

• Isaiah 35:4-7a
• Psalm 146
• James 2:1-10 [11-13] 14-17
• Mark 7:24-37

 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 at Lectionary Readings.

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

Gospel Reflection

Our Gospel reading for today finds Jesus setting out and traveling to the region of Tyre, where he wants to stay anonymous. Crowds of people had been chasing him and bringing their friends and family to be healed by him. He then had a very public discussion with the religious leaders who were concerned about the disciples eating with unclean hands, and it sounds like Jesus was a bit tired of all the attention.

When he’s noticed and approached by a Syrophoenician woman seeking healing for his daughter, he says that it’s unfair to “take the children’s food and throw it to the dogs”.

This text always makes me recoil a bit, as this isn’t the Jesus full of unconditional love that I’m used to hearing about. This Jesus is drawing a line between the Jewish people (the children) and the Gentiles (the dogs), those at the table and those on the outside.

Yet, this Syrophoenician woman doesn’t miss a beat saying, “Sir, even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs.” This woman was not deterred by Jesus’ harsh words and grumpy demeanor. She stands strong in her understanding of Jesus’ ministry and advocates for her place at the table.

It’s through her toughness, grit, and determination that we see Jesus’ love shine through. He commends her for her words and sends her home to a daughter who had been healed of her unclean spirit.

To me, Jesus’ “humanness” shines through in this story. His exhaustion and desire to get away from the crowds cloud his vision, and he doesn’t treat this Syrophoenician woman with the respect she deserves. It’s also “human-like” to be faced with a competing opinion and to change one’s mind.

We don’t need to make excuses for Jesus’ behavior and we can be frustrated with his treatment of this woman, but this story offers us a glimpse at a Jesus who has experienced the stress of human existence. Through this story, and because of this woman’s faith and determination, we see a God that is willing to change to show grace, forgiveness, and compassion to the world.

Discussion Questions

• Have you ever changed your opinion on an issue or topic? What prompted that change?
• How do you know when to hold onto your convictions like the Syrophoenician woman or to allow yourself to be changed like Jesus?

 Activity Suggestions

• Brainstorm “curious questions” you could ask when you are talking to someone with a different opinion than you. Practice both asking and being asked these questions in small groups. Then reflect together on questions and strategies that could be helpful in talking across difference.
• Consider asking an older trusted person in your life about a time they remember changing their opinion on a topic. What prompted the change? How did it make them feel? What reflections can they share about their experience?

Closing Prayer: