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Addressing Polarization and Building Cohesion in Your Community

Many ELCA synods, congregations and ELCA-affiliated state public policy offices are involved in advancing the important aim of addressing polarization in our communities. These ideas from the “Faith in Elections Playbook” of Interfaith America are reprinted by permission to resource additional ways we can individually and collectively reduce polarization and care for our communities.


 

Addressing polarization

Our country is deeply divided. Healing will require coming together across differences and working to protect the rights of all Americans – even those with whom we disagree. Understanding our polarized environment and committing to overcome this challenge is key to supporting a free, fair, and peaceful 2024 election.

 

THE NEED
  • There are few issues that showcase our country’s polarization as clearly as our elections. Lack of trust in the outcome of the 2020 presidential election led some to violence, and has pushed countless others into an “us versus them” mentality. Without action, the 2024 election could further tear our communities apart, representing an existential crisis for American democracy. As trust erodes and divisions deepen, it is harder to protect the values that hold our country together, such as religious pluralism.
  • Religious freedom scholar Asma Uddin writes, “Our partisan affiliations have morphed into identities, and what’s more, the identities include a host of things that have nothing to do with social policy.” As a result, individual faith communities are increasingly divided, and different religions are pushed into political camps against one another rather than seeking shared values on issues such as religious liberty or help for people in need.Quotation on a gray background with a photo of a document cover titled "Faith in Elections Playbook" on the bottom right corner.

 

THE RESPONSE
  • Religious institutions can be a bulwark against polarization. People with diverse political beliefs, cultures, and socioeconomic backgrounds worship together in churches, synagogues, mosques, gurdwaras, and temples every day. Our collective faith communities must be able to live and serve together despite our different beliefs.
  • There are three main ways that faith-based organizations and congregations can help reduce polarization:
    • Holding deep listening sessions and dialogue across differences within their own organizations and faith communities.
    • Hosting interfaith conversations that bring people together across religious differences to identify shared values and a shared vision for improving their communities.
    • Conducting acts of service (including the activities contained in the Playbook) as an interfaith coalition or alongside groups with differing political perspectives.
  • In addition to using the Faith in Elections Playbook as a way to unite Americans, there are many organizations – both religious and secular – who have created resources on how you can work to reduce polarization.
  • If you are interested in hosting deep listening conversations and dialogue across differences, the following links will be most helpful:
    • Interfaith America’s Shared Values Dialogue Guide and “Skills for Bridging the Gap” Curriculum provide opportunities for dep listening.
    • Living Room Conversations provides scripts and frameworks for dialogues across a variety of differences and on a multitude of topics, including elections.
    • Constructive Dialogue Institute is a 501(c)(3) that provides lessons and online training on how to lead conversations where people with different perspectives try to understand each other – without giving up their own beliefs – in order to work together.Group seated in a circle engaging in a discussion.
    • Resetting the Table provides skilled facilitation, communication skill-building, and online training in opening up meaningful communication across differences on charged political issues.
  • If you are interested in hosting conversations to help find common ground or common purpose, the following will be helpful:
    • One America Movement‘s work to combat toxic polarization.
    • Braver Angels has multiple options for engagement, including their Trustworthy Elections Campaign, which will organize conversations in which citizens who are concerned with fraud, voter suppression, or both meet on equal terms in mixed groups to clarify differences and seek common ground.
    • Millions of Conversations brings together groups of Americans to unite around common values and to discuss shared visions for the future.
  • For specific resources for Christian leaders, we recommend the following:

 


ABOUT INTERFAITH AMERICA: Led by Founder and President Eboo Patel, Interfaith America inspires, equips, and connects leaders and institutions to unlock the potential of America’s religious diversity. Utilizing a research-backed approach, Interfaith America works across higher education, racial equity, health, workplace, bridgebuilding, democracy, and technology.

 

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August Updates – U.N. and State Edition

Following are updates shared from submissions of the Lutheran Office for World Community and state public policy offices (sppos) in the ELCA Advocacy Network last month. Full list and map of sppos available.

U.N. | OHIOPENNSYLVANIA|  | WASHINGTON

New York
Lutheran Office for World Community (LOWC), U.N. – ELCA.org/lowc
Christine Mangale, Director

The High Level Political Forum took place from 8-17 July 2024. LOWC staff, fellows and intern monitored and engaged with meetings reviewing the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, the SDGs are in crisis as only 15% of the goals and targets have been met within the first half of the mandate period and forecaster anticipate further reductions to impact of this platform to reduce poverty. Additionally, deep and formative tensions associated with the geopolitical and economic challenges confronting the multilateral system were a recurring theme at the July 2024 session of the HLPF. These issues inevitably spilled onto the floor of the closing plenary as delegates considered adoption of the Ministerial Declaration, resulting in votes on two contested paragraphs: one recognizing that sustainable development cannot be realized without peace and security, and a newly proposed paragraph drawing attention to the impact of unilateral coercive measures (economic sanctions) on poverty and food security, among other SDGs.

The Lutheran Church globally has invested heavily in the SDGs and their success. We see our role in this policy agenda as a stakeholder, watch dog and champion. The challenges facing this policy platform reflect challenges we are seeing within our own church constituencies and communities. These indicators are a call to united action against the rise and influence of Christian nationalism and other expressions of self-interested governance.

In September the United Nations General Assembly will meet for a Summit of the Future which will further elucidate the roots of the challenge of multilateralism today, and seek structural changes to make the UN more ‘fit for purpose’. This will (could) include an SDG stimulus and other efforts to reduce conflict and climate change to create an environment conducive to fair and just economic growth.

Ohio
Hunger Network in Ohio (HNO) – Hunger Network in Ohio (hungernetohio.com)
Deacon Nick Bates, Director

REDISTRICTING HEADS TO THE BALLOT!

Ohioans will have the opportunity this November to vote for a more equitable and fair way to draw legislative maps in Ohio. For many years, Ohioans have heard about the ‘duck shaped district’ and the ‘snake on the lake,’ but under a new proposal, an independent commission will draw legislative maps instead of legislative leaders with personal and political ambitions that shape the maps.

“Politics should be about how we solve problems as a community, and not how we can gain more power or wins for our team,” says Deacon Nick Bates, director of HNO. Right now, legislative leaders are more concerned about national political allies and interests than what is going on in their districts – such as rising hunger or a lack of affordable housing. “This sensible redistricting reform ballot measure will allow the voices of food pantries, PTAs, and other community groups to be heard above the partisan rancor of the Ohio General Assembly once again.”

Pennsylvania
Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Pennsylvania (LAMPa) – LAMPa (https://www.lutheranadvocacypa.org/)
Tracey DePasquale, Director

With the state budget finalized and the legislature in recess, LAMPa staff have been busy preparing resources for congregations to support discipleship in a democracy. From digital peacebuilding, to guidelines for advocacy and civic engagement during an election year, to skills development in conflict resolution, active listening and difficult conversations, LAMPa will be offering webinars in partnership with Search for Common Ground from now through October.

As part of work to support and protect elections through a Faith in Elections grant from Interfaith America, LAMPa is seeding ten “Love Anyway Feasts” to be held between now and the General Election.  Volunteers selected in May will be hosting meals with bridge-building as the centerpiece – with tips and conversation guides focused on helping people celebrate their differences instead of fighting over them. Hosts will lean on and learn from one another and then share their experiences with others. LAMPa is also facilitating a survey of county elections offices in order that volunteers might offer support in recruiting poll workers, identifying polling sites and ensuring trustworthy elections information.

LAMPa is excited to offer “Lessons from Dietrich Bonhoeffer from a House Divided and a World on Fire,” a curriculum for congregations developed by Dr. Lori Brandt Hale in partnership with the International Bonhoeffer Society. It is offered for free download as gift to the church, but a contribution in recognition of scholarship and time is appreciated.

Washington
Faith Action Network (FAN) – Home – Faith Action Network (fanwa.org)
Kristin Ang, Director

Farm Bill Advocacy

Here is the recording from the online event “Why is the Farm Bill Important to Us?” available for anyone interested in learning about the opportunities to advocate for the passing of a just and sustainable farm bill this year. We had a vibrant and informative discussion with Lutheran guest speakers from multi-sectional backgrounds, all impacted by the Farm Bill.

Voting and Civic Engagement

We have been emphasizing the importance of voting and civic engagement as an inseparable part of FAN’s advocacy through the 100% Voting Faith Community campaign. This summer, the cohort of faith communities and individuals who pledged to work toward becoming a 100% voting faith community has been meeting monthly online. In our first meeting in June, we invited Kim Bobo from Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy, an ELCA State Public Policy Office in Virginia. In the second meeting in July, we introduced our newly launched toolkit “Civic Engagement Toolkit for Faith Communities.” The toolkit offers a variety of ways faith communities can plan and organize voter registration and civic engagement efforts as 501(c)(3). We also heard from the cohort about the need to organize around educating the community members about the ballot initiatives and the threat of rising Christian Nationalism.

Holden Village Summer Week

Kristin Ang, FAN Policy Engagement Director giving a workshop at Holden Village in the North Cascade Mountains

Our policy engagement director Kristin Ang was at Holden Village recently as a summer teaching faculty. Kristin taught about faith-based advocacy and how to advocate against Christian Nationalism. There was a notable engagement from the participants reflecting on ways in which we may be accommodators to this ideology and how we can faithfully respond and stand up against it.

 

 

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August 25, 2024–Finding Life

Leslie Weber, Chesapeake, VA

Warm-up Questions

  • What gave you life this week? 
    • Try this as a different way of asking for weekly highlights!

Life Just Might Find a Way

Since I can remember, I have heard scientists who work in the field of space talk about the fact that water is essential for life. So, as they continue to search for life on other planets, sometimes they are simply looking for evidence of water as a first step. Earlier this month (August 2024), new findings showed that there is an “ocean’s worth of water” very deep beneath the surface of Mars. This is based on studying the velocity of mars-quakes recorded by NASA’s Mars InSight lander; it has not been confirmed by drilling. The lead scientist, Vashan Wright, is clear to say the findings do not definitively mean that there is life on Mars, but simply that “there are environments that could possibly be habitable.”

You can read the whole article here.

Discussion Questions

  • Do you believe that there is life on other planets? 
  • Would you travel to space if you got the chance? What about to the Moon? What about to Mars? 

Third Sunday After Pentecost

 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.

Bread Again

Over the last five Sundays, we have read together from the 6th chapter of John, aka the Bread Chapter. We have heard Jesus tell the crowds that he is the bread of life that provides eternal life to all who partake. We have heard him try to explain that his flesh is the bread and his blood the wine. We have heard first the crowds, then some Judeans, and now some of Jesus’s own disciples not understand what he is trying to say. We have sat with them in the midst of the mystery of the gospel, at times confused, questioning, and trying to understand. 

Some of them have given up on Jesus and trying to understand his over-their-heads metaphor about bread and eternal life. But thankfully y’all have stuck around even though “this teaching is difficult” and have maybe wondered at times “who can accept it?” (John 6:60, NRSVue). 

This is where Simon Peter speaks from—this confusion, uncertainty, and loneliness—as more and more people give up on Jesus and his teachings. 

At this point, “many of [Jesus’] disciples turned back,” so Jesus asks the twelve who remain: “Do you also wish to go away?” (John 6:67, NRSVue). 

Simon Peter answers: “Lord, to whom can we go?” (John 6:68, NRSVue) There is no one and nothing else that offers what you offer. There is no one and nothing else on earth that promises eternal life. “We have come to believe that you are the Holy One of God” (John 6:69, NRSVue). We need to look no further. Nothing else compares to what you represent and embody. 

Simon Peter is not asking for his next assignment (of where to go), he is simply proclaiming the gospel in its simplest form. 

He is not asking where he should go to serve God, but he is proclaiming that he serves the Holy One of God alone. 

He is not asking where he should march in his armor, but he is simply stating that he recognizes that he has the protection of the armor of God. Truth, Righteousness, the Gospel of Peace, Faith, Salvation, and the Spirit are all present in the man standing right in front of him. 

Peter does not have it all figured out. We know this because we know the rest of the story. We know that he will later get scared and end up denying and deserting Jesus, but right now he is sure that Jesus is the Holy one of God, and that is enough. 

Peter knows that no other gods, not the gods of Egypt, not the gods of the Amorites, not the gods of materialism or gossip or fame or lust or sports, can provide anyone with eternal life. Only God can…and does! 

Discussion Questions

  1. Are there beliefs or teachings in the Lutheran (or more broadly Christian) church that you find offensive or difficult to accept? 
  2. Have you ever heard someone suggest that Christians are cannibals? This was a common criticism waged against the early  church because of their practices around and beliefs about Communion. How did/would you respond? 
  3. How do you “go to”/connect with Jesus when you need reassurance, faith, life, and love? 

 Activity Suggestions

  1. Brainstorm a list of teachings that people find difficult or offensive. Your list could be strictly religious or not. Respectfully discuss each with others and share whether they are deal breakers for you or not. If you need help with the “respectfully” part, here are some tips for discussing difficult issues (https://www.livinglutheran.org/2020/01/perspective-7-tips-for-discussing-difficult-issues/) 
  2. Do a mini refresher course on Communion. Luther’s Small Catechism is a great resource! 

Closing prayer:  

Lord, to whom can we go? You have the words of eternal life! Help us to trust this always. Help us to live our lives in response to your promise of love and life. Be with us when we stumble and when we find your teachings difficult or offensive. You are the Holy One of God, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen. 

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Partner Organization Resources and Events

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.

“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 will open in September.


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.

Late summer greetings to you dear ELCA siblings!

As you turn toward your Fall Programming, 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. Here are 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.

Do you dream of different ways we can be church? Join MMC and others from many denominations at A New Day Draws Near: A Conference Reimagining Church and Community held in Minneapolis, Minn. from Monday evening, Sept. 16 to Wednesday evening, Sept. 18. Click here for more information.

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 (except August: on Wednesday, Aug. 21, 6:30-8 p.m., the Albuquerque MMC group will be hosting a Community SING Fundraiser in Albuquerque, N.M. at the Norbertine Abbey Church. Join us for a potluck gathering beforehand or just to sing!  Click here for more details.)
  • Brownsburg, Indiana1st Tuesdays
  • Chicago, Illinois 3rd Wednesdays
  • Ellensburg, Washington 2nd Thursdays
  • Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota – varies; next is Wednesday, August 28, 2:30 p.m.

May communal song be a prayer that offers you and yours collective expression and support during the highs and lows of these days.


Lutheran Summer Music Academy & Festival

Transforming and connecting lives through faith and music since 1981.

Did you miss LSM 2024? Don’t worry! You are invited to revisit over 30 concerts, recitals, and worship services from LSM 2024 on demand in LSM’s Livestream Archive. With so many great performances and inspiring services, you don’t want to miss out.


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 Martin Seltz (interviewed by Rev. Craig Mueller) and Paul D. Weber (interviewed by Barry Bobb) have recently been posted to the website of the Center for Church Music.


Augsburg Fortress Events and Resources

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

Living the Promises of Baptism: 101 Ideas for Parents
Of all the gifts parents can pass on to their children, faith is the most precious. The heart of our role as Christian parents is sharing and living out that faith with the children God gives us. This small book is 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.

 

Assembly Song Companion to All Creation Sings
Assembly Song Companion to All Creation Sings will be an essential reference resource for church musicians, pastors, and others who help plan assembly song. This accessible manual gives the context, origins, and character of the texts and tunes in All Creation Sings as well as practical guidance for musical leaders. It is especially useful when paired with the Hymnal Companion to ELW and the Musicians Guide to ELW.

 


 

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August 11, 2024–Too Much of a Good Thing?

Warm-up Questions

  • What is your favorite thing to eat?
    • What happens if you have too much of it?

Olympic Bread

With the Summer Olympics in Paris this summer, bread is playing a central part in the tourist experience. After all, France is known for their bakeries, from crunchy baguettes to sweet pastries and so much more. One bakery went so far as to imprint Olympic rings on the fifteen pound loaves they were baking. You can read more about that here or watch a short video on it here

There’s something strange in that first paragraph. A loaf of bread that weighs fifteen pounds?! One the one hand, who doesn’t love bread? Even those with gluten allergies or Crohn’s Disease often seek the best gluten-free alternatives to traditional breads and pastas. But fifteen pounds is an almost unthinkable size for a single loaf of bread, even with all the extra people in town for one of the most popular Olympic events in memory. Does the biggest sporting competition in the world require the biggest baked good?

This all raises the question of whether it’s possible to have too much of a good thing. So let’s think about that.

Discussion Questions

  • Is it possible to have too much of a good thing? This could be something to eat, to watch, to do, truly any thing that is good.
  • What strategies might you employ to avoid overconsumption?

Third Sunday After Pentecost

1 Kings 19:4-8

Psalm 34:1-8

Ephesians 4:25-5:2

John 6:35, 41-51

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.

Bread to Share

In this weeks Gospel–in fact, for many Sundays this year–Jesus talks about bread, even claiming explicitly in John 6:35, “I am the Bread of Life.” This reading also includes overtures to his coming death, communion metaphors, and the promise of eternal life. There’s lots of theological weight riding on this bread!

What makes this Jesus bread so different from the world’s bread–even a fifteen pound loaf–is not just what it does, but how it does it. Of course, regular bread doesn’t ensure rise again from death. Jesus even highlights that the manna God gave in the wilderness didn’t have that kind of power! The Bread of Life that is Jesus Christ is different because it raises us up to share eternity with God.

More than that, this is done by sharing this unique bread. There’s no such thing as too much of the Bread of Life because it’s meant to be shared. The bread comes down from heaven not just to fill one belly or satisfy one’s hunger, but to meet the needs of all who hunger physically and spiritually.

That reality, that the Bread of Life is meant for all, should also tell us something about how we use the bread–and all the resources–at our disposal. It’s really only possible to have too much of a good thing if we refuse to share it with others.

Discussion Questions

  1. We meet Jesus at the Bread of Life in communion. How does participating in that ritual connect you closer to Christ?
  2. If we’re meant to share the Bread of Life, how will that inspire you to share other resources that you have?

 Activity Suggestions

  1. Bake some bread to share. Perhaps this is making communion bread for worship, or making tortillas to share with your neighbors, or making sweets to celebrate a family member’s birthday. In this way, live out the sharing of bread in ways that give life to others.
  2. Explore your home or church for signs of “too much.” Where do you have an abundance of resources? Talk with your family, roommates, or congregational leaders about ways those things could be put to use for the benefit of others.

Closing prayer:  

Bread of Life, you fill us with good things. Help us to respond in kind, sharing the good things we have with others who need them most. Remind us that, in your abundance, there is always enough to share, more than enough to go around, for there is never too much of Good Thing is you: Amen.

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“Drawn In! Moving Out!” at the 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering

Created to Be

At the 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering where the theme “Created to Be” inspired young people to be their brave, free, authentic, disruptive, and discipling selves, there was a place in the Interactive Learning space that invited them to be “Drawn In! Moving Out!” It was an absolute joy to once again bring the vision of a worship learning experience I brainstormed in 2016 to life for the 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering in New Orleans. We staffed the booth with an incredible team from the ELCA Worship Staff, Lutheran Summer Music, the Association of Lutheran Church Musicians, and the ELCA Spiritual Renewal Team.  

Activities included the ever popular “Acolyte Olympiad” with new competitive categories for pastors and bishops. The “Vestment Photo Booth” was, once again, a youth favorite as we witnessed so many young people seeing themselves in church leadership no matter how many silly poses or creative vestment combination choices they made. In the “Music Corner,” (where we always clap on 2 and 4), youth could show off their musical skills or learn how to use a new percussion instrument. We even had a few spontaneous hymn sings! The ELCA Spiritual Renewal Team brought new ways to pray with fun things like Jenga, coloring, and labyrinths. Before youth left our area, we encouraged them to grab a button to write their own dismissal with the encouragement to take them home and use them in worship. Additionally, we had a baptismal remembrance table, information about Lutheran Summer Music, and even the tall twirly poles with ribbons to try out. 

Welcoming Youth Fully

Worship belongs to everyone; it is our collective work to glorify, praise, pray, and receive the love and grace of God. The goal of this space was to welcome youth in and give them permission to try everything. From wearing vestments to learning a new way to sing a familiar hymn, we welcomed exploration and encouraged youth to claim their place in worship both at the Youth Gathering and at home. Youth love to help and should be encouraged in their gifts to be fully part of worship wherever they find themselves.

I thank the team that came together to make it happen even when travel snags had us working late. The team included John Weit, Jennifer Baker-Trinity, AJ Olson, Omaldo Perez, Lawrence Clark, Becca Ehrlich and myself. I do hope we will get to it again! 

 With gratitude,
Annemarie Cook
Interim Pastor
Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Marlton, NJ

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Prep for August Advocacy Opportunities

By Ryan Fonseca-Vega, ELCA Advocacy Intern

Quotation on a purple background about the church's commitments to human dignity, justice, peace, and environmental care.August presents unique opportunities to bring our deep concerns as Christians about many things related to our planet and the beings that inhabit it to U.S. Congress in our own backyards. In-person and virtual meetings, as well as Town Halls, can be scheduled in this month as the U.S. Congress usually takes a recess. Representatives and senators often visit their congressional districts and/or home states in August to reconnect with their constituents – like you.

TIPS FOR ARRANGING A MEETING | PARTICIPATING IN A TOWN HALL | GENERAL PREPARATION | FOLLOWING UP

 

TIPS FOR ARRANGING A MEETING

Whether in-person or virtual, a social ministry or faith-based group you are part of may want to connect to highlight your experience and priorities with your federal elected official directly on an issue about which they have influence.

Who and Where

First and foremost, learn who your elected official is and where they are located. To locate your member of the U.S. House of Representatives, house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative is a great tool. Also available is govtrack.us, using your location to find your senators and representatives .

Follow links to get a photo of the elected official and their website, which will include office locations and other resources.

From the elected official’s website is often a link to make a scheduling request (but an old-fashioned phone call can also help you learn how to accomplish this).

Scheduling a Virtual District Meeting

Quotation on a deep purple background with a large, black curly brace on the left side.This may be the easiest way to arrange a meeting, and the online tool from the lawmaker’s website should guide the process. For you and those who may take part with you, there is a minimal need to consider travel time, and it can take place anywhere.

  • Make sure to inform the official’s office that you are a constituent.
  • Clearly prepare the reason for the meeting or what the meeting will be focused on. For example, you may want to share your priorities on the Farm Bill or other legislation in federal discussion.
  • TIP: You may be providing the virtual platform for the meeting. If so, clearly determine the correct link. For example, will you use Skype/Teams/Zoom?
  • TIP: Assure there is no time limit for the platform you have chosen so that there is no pressure to rush the meeting.

In my experience, these meetings usually go well and smoothly. Most likely, it will be a staffer of the elected official on the virtual call. Get to know the staffer and get their contact information. They are a person consistently speaking with the elected official.

Scheduling an In-Person District Meeting

It is a bit more difficult to schedule such a meeting, especially since the plan may need to account for travel to and from the location. You may try to meet in the elected official’s local office or at your venue. You may want to offer a tour of your facility or even a more hands-on approach such as allowing the policy maker to volunteer some of their time in a pantry or experience daily life in your facility/space.

  • Here too – make sure to inform the official’s office that you are a constituent.
  • Here too – clearly prepare the reason for the meeting or what the meeting will be focused on, such as an issue or legislation focus.
  • TIP: Be ready with options for times and days that the elected official may meet with you. By having a more flexible schedule, and being open, the likelihood of your elected official attending is increased.
Always Confirm

ELCA.org advocacy resources and guides on purple background, with titles - August Recess Guide, In-district meetings with representative, and Virtual Visits.In my experience, there have been times when a request for a meeting has gotten lost between the website and the assigning staff member or other glitches. It is important to follow-up with the scheduler to assure that a meeting, virtual or in-person, is documented on the elected official’s calendar.

  • TIP: I always follow up with them a few days (4-6) after the initial request to confirm it is on their radar.

 

PARTICIPATING IN A TOWN HALL

Traditionally, elected officials host two town hall meetings in their respective districts in the month. Your legislators will respond to inquiries during the town hall. By raising your important issue, you can publicly hold your legislator accountable to constituents and start or advance a meaningful conversation.

By checking the legislator’s webpage, you can see if and when they are hosting town halls along with the important details of location and other specifics.

My experience… has been nerve-racking. I recommend that it is important that you have a longer list of questions to avoid asking similar questions that someone else has already asked. If there is a link for you to enter your questions ahead of time, ensure that you do it as early as possible to have the best possibility of it being answered during the town hall. Also, remember to breathe if you are not familiar with public speaking!

 

GENERAL PREPARATION

As already shared, be very clear on why you want to have this encounter with a lawmaker. Other considerations include deciding who will be part of the meeting (4-5 people in a group is a good number) and developing talking points on your issue/concern that are based on your priorities and experiences.

Not sure how to start? Take a look at the “2024 Federal Policy Priorities” developed by the ELCA advocacy team on the ELCA Advocacy Resources page (under “Tools” tab). In 2023, a blog post example of key issues and possible questions could also inform your approach, available from the ELCA Advocacy Blog. Connecting with your local ELCA-affiliated state public policy office, if available, or synod leaders can also help you shape your approach.

Quote about being clear on reasons for meeting a lawmaker and considerations for group size on a purple background.Although a town hall is different, other meetings can benefit by assigning roles to people participating in the encounter. Following is one way to assign roles.

Introducer/Framer – This person introduces your group at the beginning of the meeting. They also keep an eye on time, wrap-up the meeting, and get the business card or contact information of the staff person that is with the elected official.

    • TIP: As part of the wrap-up, this person should be sure to express thanks! Something like: “Thank you for meeting with us. We are members of the ELCA and appreciate talking with you about [whatever the vote or concern/issue is]” will reinforce your purpose and end the meeting on a high note.

Storyteller – This most effectively is someone who is impacted by what the bill you are raising is trying to fix or an aspect of the issue/concern. Sharing (as comfortable) personal experience or the experience of the people you are organizing with is valuable.

    • TIP: I’ve found it is helpful to give a little personal background to allow others to “get you.” Help them understand where you are coming from and how you have been impacted – and how a bill or initiative can change that.

Point Person – This person is more familiar with facts of the bill or issue and can speak to technical questions if they come up – for example: where a bill is in the process or something missing from current discussion.

Closer (may be same as Introducer/Framer) – Near the end of the meeting, this person expresses thanks and asks for further support or highlights district needs overall.

    • I’ve found it is important to keep a sense of URGENCY for the bill or issue/concern about which you are advocating.

 

FOLLOWING UP

Great job showing up in this August Recess opportunity! But just because the meeting or town hall is over, the opportunity is not.

Every participant, if possible, should email your contact or the elected official’s office to thank them for their time, and/or tag them in a social media post.

  • Build on the experience before a vote or key action on your issue/concern by following up.
  • And keep the relationship going.

Once the relationship starts, phone calls and other contacts will establish familiarity by name and can make it easier for you to schedule future events and opportunities to bring the concerns shaped through your faith convictions and experiences into the policy process.

 

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July 21, 2024–And Then There Were Flight Delays

Warm-up Questions

  • What does it feel like to have your plans disrupted?
  • What does it feel like to experience delays that are out of your control?

A Global Software Glitch 

Just small mistake in a few lines of code. That’s all it took to cancel thousands of flights, lock hospital computers, freeze bank operations, and even temporarily shut down government operations. Throughout the globe, millions upon millions of people’s lives were impacted by just a small mistake in a few lines of code.

Some of you reading this may have dealt with the impacts directly. As I write this, I’m in a hotel room, hoping to make it home only 36 hours late, while others have been delayed as much as five days! I have friends who can’t access medical records. I’ve know family who can’t fully access their checking accounts. It’s a strange thing that, with just a small mistake, the world as we know it snarls into chaos.

You can learn more about how this worldwide event happened here. My takeaway? It’s not that this is a problem that could have been avoided, though that’s certainly at the forefront of my mind. Instead, it’s that a community of people is invested in figuring out what went wrong so we don’t have to repeat this mistake again.

Discussion Questions

  • Were you impacted by this global software glitch?
    • If so, how?
  • How do you respond to other disruptions in your life?
    • What can you learn from this experience?

Third Sunday After Pentecost

https://bible.oremus.org/?ql=588566519Jeremiah 23:1-6

Psalm 23

Ephesians 2:11-22

Mark 6:30-34, 53-56

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.

Responding to Disruptions

Jesus is no stranger to disruptions. It seems most of his ministry is shaped by the interruptions he experiences during his journeys. What’s so powerful about his witness is that Jesus doesn’t avoid the disruptions, nor does he simply look for someone to blame. Instead, Christ confronts the disruptions in ways that seek solutions.

This week’s Gospel includes two such circumstances. First, as Jesus boards a boat with his friends, an unexpected crowd rushes to greet him. Rather than raise the sails and run, Jesus instead takes time to teach these people who are so eager to hear a good word from God’s Living Word. Then, after finally getting to the other side of the lake, another crowd collapses around him, this time seeking healing. Once again, Jesus takes these interruptions in stride and heals all who come close to him.

This doesn’t make the interruptions easy for Jesus, nor were they necessarily part of his plan. What made them significant, even sacred, is that Jesus took the disruptions seriously and responded the best way that he knew how: with wisdom, compassion, and love.

Discussion Questions

  1. If you were leaving to be alone with your friends, how would you respond if someone you didn’t know interrupted your plans?
  2. Why do you think Jesus was so willing to respond to the interruptions that he faced during his ministry?
  3. What can we learn about our responses to disruption from the example of Jesus?

 Activity Suggestions

  1. Play a game with a buzzer or countdown timer. Hot Potato, Heads Up, or Bamboozle would work well. After playing a few rounds, reflect on how it feels in our bodies and minds to face disruptions even when we know they’re unavoidable.
  2. Make a list of people in your community, congregation, or family that have faced disruptions. These could be health challenges, changes at work, moving homes, or life transitions. Then, choose simple ways that you can offer support amidst their disruption. Maybe it’s a prayer. Perhaps it’s a homemade gift. It could be a helping hand. When other people face disruptions, we can follow Jesus and respond with wisdom, compassion, and love.

Closing prayer:  

God of surprises, we often don’t know what to expect next out of this life. Help us to follow Jesus and be faithful to the sudden changes and surprising circumstances that we face. Remind us that, even amidst disruption, you are active and that you are working for the good. Help us to join you in responding well to these interruptions to our daily lives and find the goodness that is present, all in and through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord: Amen.

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Index of the July 2024 Issue

Issue 94 of Administration Matters

How to Create a Mission Endowment Fund: A Guide for Congregations

The ELCA Foundation has created a tool to help congregations that are considering an endowment. “How to Create a Mission Endowment Fund: A Guide for Congregations” provides a systematic approach to establishing a mission endowment fund, which enables congregations to be thoughtful stewards of bequests and planned gifts. You can find an electronic copy of the guide here. To learn more, you may also contact the ELCA Foundation at 800-638-3522 or email elcafoundation@elca.org.

Information needed when filing an insurance claim for embezzlement

Each situation is different, and no checklist or protocol fits all circumstances. Handling a suspected embezzlement by an employee may be quite different from handling one that involves a congregation or synod volunteer. Handling a current, ongoing embezzlement may be quite different from handling one that is discovered later and involves a person no longer working on the congregation’s or synod’s financial matters. This list provides some general advice, but you should consider all your options and get proper legal and accounting advice throughout the process.

New options from Portico for 2025

As the ELCA’s benefits ministry, Portico Benefit Services tries to keep pace with the financial, emotional and physical health challenges that members face. Watch Portico’s annual enrollment communications for news about its expanded 2025 health plan and its retirement contribution options affecting ELCA-sponsored members. These communications will be sent to employers this summer.

Thank you for your input about ELCA benefits. Through the Benefits reExamined initiative that began this spring, Portico is inviting plan members and organizations to join a dialogue to help discern and design changes to benefits so they can continue to meet the evolving needs of the ELCA community. If you completed the Benefits reExamined survey this summer, Portico extends its sincere gratitude. Find out more and watch for updates when you visit Benefits reExamined.

You have a story to tell

Storytelling is all about connecting with others. By sharing stories and uncovering our own truths, we convey important information that helps those around us relate. Storytelling builds empathy, enabling listeners to put themselves in someone else’s shoes and fostering the social and emotional intelligence that is the cornerstone of building strong relationships. >More

10 projects your church can tackle this summer

Summer can be a fun time for churches. Many host vacation Bible school, church picnics or other warm-weather events that provide fellowship opportunities for church members. However, summer is also a great time to regroup and prepare for the activities that fall and winter bring to a church campus. >More

File claims quickly to better protect your people and property

When you file a property claim within 24 hours, you can reduce the potential for the costly, long-term damage that can ensue when cleanup is delayed. In cases where you are displaced, filing a claim promptly will help you get back to your building faster. >More

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July 14, 2024–Created To Be Transformed

Warm-up Questions

  • Can you think of an experience that changed the direction of your life?
    • If so, share that experience.
    • If not, share what kind of experience might redirect your life.

Created To Be

This coming week, more than 18,000 people will gathering in New Orleans for the ELCA Youth Gathering and partner events like MYLE, the tAble, and the Young Adult Gathering. For many young people, this confluence of events is a watershed experience. Streams of faith formation collide with tributaries of service and currents of community to create a river of life-giving, life-changing experience. God is at work among young people, and the ELCA Youth Gathering is one profound way that the Holy Spirit changes their lives for the better.

While thousands have this experience in New Orleans, countless more have not had the chance to attend this or previous national youth gatherings. Sometimes schedules don’t align. Sometimes costs get in the way. Sometimes emergencies arise. Fortunately, while we know the profound impact of the Gathering, we know that God is at work in myriad ways to positively impact the lives of young people within and beyond the ELCA. LuMin and NECU provide invaluable ministry experiences for young adults in colleges across the country. Regional ministries through synods and camps ensure that youth ministry gatherings are accessible multiple times each year. Congregations provide support on a weekly, and even daily, basis for youth faith formation.

The 2024 Gathering will be another watershed moment for many, and for that we give thanks. We also give great thanks for those ministries who bring positive change to all those who can’t be in New Orleans this week. We were all created to be authentic, free, brave, disruptive disciples. Together, across the church, we share the work of proclaiming that life-changing liberation.

If you’d like to experience some of the Gathering from afar, be sure to check out their YouTube page for livestream options.

Discussion Questions

  • Can you think of an experience that transformed your faith?
    • If so, share what that experience was like.
    • If not, discuss what kinds of experiences might change your faith.
  • What does it mean to you that God created us to be:
    • authentic?
    • free?
    • brave?
    • disruptive?
    • disciples?

Third Sunday After Pentecost

Amos 7:7-15

Psalm 85:8-13

Ephesians 1:3-14

Mark 6:14-29

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.

And Now for Something Completely Different

In this week’s Gospel, we hear how Herod killed John the Baptist. To say the least, it is a very strange story. In short, Herod’s young daughter Herodias entertains him and his guests at a party by dancing. As was custom at the time, since Herod was please with her performance, he made a public promise to give Herodias anything she wanted. At the behest of her mother, Herodias asked for John the Baptist’s head.

Yup. A mother manipulated her daughter into asking for a beheading after her first dance recital. The Bible is weird.

This tragedy is a watershed moment for Jesus and his disciples. At that time, John was likely more popular and more influential than Jesus. This execution could have meant the end of this revolutionary movement and sent Jesus into hiding. Instead, this becomes the catalyst for the expansion of Jesus ministry, which honors and extends the legacy of John the Baptist.

Not every watershed moment comes from a positive experience. Sometimes, events like the gathering and supportive communities like a local youth group offer encouragement for transformation. At other times, tragedies like the loss of John the Baptist inspire change. Inspiration for change can come through excitement and sadness. Both grief and joy can lead to evolution because God is present in both. The loss of John brought grief to Jesus–his coworker and cousin–even as it also moved Jesus into a new era of ministry that changed the whole world for the better. It’s through all sorts of events, the best of times and the worst of times, that we come to understand who God created us to be.

Discussion Questions

  1. What ways have you grown from difficult situations in life?
  2. Where have you seen God active in unexpected places?

 Activity Suggestions

  1. Use two activities to show the different ways the catalysts work.
    1. For one example, put white flowers in a vase with some water and add a colored dye. Over many days, the flower’s petals will absorb the color of the dye, but the change doesn’t happen right away.
    2. For the other example, get a 2 liter of soda and a pack of Mentos. Be sure that you’re outside in an area that can get messy. Drop a Mentos in the bottle and quickly step back. Almost immediately, the chemical reaction causes the liquid to erupt from the bottle.
  2. Reflect, either with a group or in a journal, on how God can be active in an instant and how God’s activity can seem to take forever. How do these different experiences, sudden change and slow evolution, help you to understand who God created you to be?

Closing prayer:  

Creative God, you created us to be your images in the world. Make us attentive to the ways you work through all of life’s experiences. From the happiest mountains to the saddest valleys, remind us that you are transforming us into little Christs who live for the life of the world. We pray this all in the name of Jesus Christ: Amen.

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