The third Monday in January is observed in honor of the birthday and legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.  Efforts to designate a day to honor Dr. King began shortly after his  assassination on April 4, 1968 in Memphis, Tennessee. It took an act of Congress to pass the measure– with former President Ronald Reagan signing the bill into law in 1983. Institutions such as banks, schools, post offices and non-essential government offices close in observance of the holiday. Many of us will attend worship services, community events or volunteer in acts of service. However, if you live in Alabama or Mississippi, Dr. King and Confederate general Robert E. Lee’s birthday are combined in observance of the day. Dr. King was born on January 15, 1929 and Lee was born on January 19, 1807.  Dr. King gave his life to bring this country together against racial divides. Lee fought to divide this nation by preserving the enslavement of blacks in southern states. Just to be clear celebrating the birthday of Robert E. Lee as a hero is about maintaining a legacy of white supremacy.   Organized efforts are underway in Mississippi to separate the two days. However, no such actions are currently planned in Alabama.

“But let justice roll down like waters,
    and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.” Amos 5:24 (NRSV)

Dr. King along with the collective power of grassroots leaders and national organizations like the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), the  Congress of Racial Equality (CORE) and the interracial Freedom Riders, challenged the legal system of racial segregation. Their campaigns of non-violent action, voter registration drives, teach-ins and sit-ins–challenged racial attitudes; broke down racial barriers in employment, housing, education; public accommodations, travel and voting. Activist of the movement placed their lives and limbs on the line to do what they had to do for justice. Their bodies in action became a spiritual meditation, born out of a love for God’s people on a quest for justice. Selma to Montgomery marcher and activist, Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel was quoted as saying that civil rights marchers “prayed with their feet.”  Rabbi Heschel

marched with Dr. King from Selma to Montgomery in 1965 in support of black voters’ rights.  The physical sacrifices and spiritual efforts of these movement workers were not in vain.  The Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 signaled major progress in ending overt racist segregation politics and polices. Yet, Dr. King believed the fight for freedom rested on building an intersectional, multiracial coalition of African Americans, white Americans, Asian Americans, Hispanic Americans, and Native Americans that worked towards bending the arc of the universe towards racial and economic justice for all people.

Concerned for the living and working conditions of poor people in the United States, Dr. King and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC)  began to organize a campaign led by people impacted by poverty. The dream for the Poor People’s Campaign was born. The campaign was designed to take on the social structures that produced the oppression and suffering of people.  Dr. King said: ‘The dispossessed of this nation—the poor, both white and Negro—live in a cruelly unjust society. They must organize a revolution against that injustice, not against the lives of their fellow citizens, but against the structures through which the society is refusing to deal with the issues of injustice.’ Dr. King’s intersectional approach towards systems of oppression launched the vision for the Poor People’s Campaign.  Although Dr. King’s life was cut short by an assassin on April 4, 1968 — his vision for the campaign lived on. In May of 1968, the Poor People’s March was launched in Washington, D.C.

The days of racial segregation under Jim Crow laws may be over but the ills of  systemic racism and poverty are alive and well.  Racial profiling; extrajudicial killing of unarmed black and brown bodies by law enforcement; the disproportionate number of poor, people of color trapped within the criminal unjust system;  voter suppression laws and tactics that diffuse the political power of poor communities of color; the resegregation of school districts that shuttle poor Black, Latino and Native American children to under performing schools; and the gravity of nearly 41 million people in the U.S. living below the federal poverty line. A poverty line that cuts across race, gender, age, sexual orientation, religious affiliation, ability and geography.

Building on the dream of Dr. King and the movement makers of the 1968 Poor People’s Campaign; fifty years later the vision was resurrected. The Poor People’s Campaign: A National Call for a Moral Revival co-chaired by and Rev. Dr. Liz Theoharris and Rev. Dr. William Barber II, is a multifaith, multiracial  nonviolent coalition of our time. The campaign seeks to hold this nation accountable to  the democratic values of liberty, equality and justice. Grassroots activist of the Poor People’s Campaign have picked up the mantel of the Civil Right era. Across this  country, community leaders are showing up, speaking out, marching together by “praying with their feet” against the evils of systemic racism, poverty, the war economy, ecological devastation and the nation’s distorted morality.

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America’s social statement, The Church in Society: A Lutheran Perspective,  proclaims that “this church is committed to defend human dignity, to stand with poor and powerless people, to advocate justice, to work for peace, and to care for the earth in the processes and structures of contemporary society. Lutherans teach that we are freed in Christ to love and serve our neighbor.

Disrupting and resisting the systems that dehumanize and oppress the most vulnerable within society is the work of followers of Christ. Systemic racism and poverty undermine the basic tenets of our democracy and human rights. As we remember the legacy of Dr. King, let us follow  the example of Jesus Christ by walking with our neighbors for justice and  “praying with our feet.”

Judith Roberts serves as the ELCA Program Director for Racial Justice. 

 

Our values are tangibly expressed when elected policy makers create laws and programs that support and protect vulnerable people in all our communities in times of great need. The current government shutdown is an impediment. Vital domestic programs that ensure food, housing, health, safety and more are stalemated. Global initiatives that bring sustenance and hope are interrupted. Civil servants across our land and low wage federal contractors who strive daily to carry out the work of our government are experiencing increasing strain as the shutdown elongates.

Federal programs that provide vital housing assistance to low income families, seniors and others are facing challenges the longer the government shutdown continues. Visit this interactive map published by the National Low Income Housing Coalition, in which ELCA Advocacy is a participating member, to see how your state is effected.

God calls us to care and to act. See the Action Alert for suggested action to help move our nation beyond the current impasse.

Congress and the president should reopen government. The hard work of fixing the immigration system in the United States by ensuring a pathway to citizenship for members of our community without legal status in the United States and by supporting research-based border policy should follow.

Our opportunities to be heard are limited during this shutdown period. Currently the White House call center is closed. Tips to leave a voice message with your Senators and Representatives urging them to reopen government can be found in the Action Alert: “End the government shutdown.”

Today’s post is by Linda Witte Henke, an artist specializing in liturgically purposed art for congregation, synod, and churchwide settings (www.lindahenke.com). This is Linda’s second quarterly post providing suggestions and templates for use of visuals to enhance worship.

A mystery of the Revised Common Lectionary is how the texts speak in fresh ways with each repetition of the cycle.  The Year C texts for Lent once again touched my heart and sparked my imagination.  I was especially inspired by how the prayers of the day in Evangelical Lutheran Worship speak eloquently in pointing to the very heart of the gospel and engaging our reflection on the gospel’s significance for our life/faith journeys:

• Lent I – Sunday, March 10-  Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness [Luke 4:1-13]

O Lord God, you led your people through the wilderness and brought them to the promised land. Guide us now, so that, following your Son, we may walk safely through the wilderness of this world toward the life you alone can give, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.  Amen.

• Lent II – Sunday, March 17 – Jesus longs to gather his brood [Luke 13:31-35]

God of the covenant, in the mystery of the cross you promise everlasting life to the world. Gather all peoples into your arms, and shelter us with your mercy, that we may rejoice in the life we share in your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.  Amen.

• Lent III – Sunday, March 24 –  Parable of the unproductive fig tree [Luke 13:1-9]

Eternal God, your kingdom has broken into our troubled world through the life, death, and resurrection of your Son. Help us to hear your word and obey it, and bring your saving love to fruition in our lives, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.  Amen.

• Lent IV – Sunday March 31-  Parable of the prodigal father [Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32]

God of compassion, you welcome the wayward, and you embrace us all with your mercy. By our baptism clothe us with garments of your grace, and feed us at the table of your love, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.  Amen.

• Lent V – Sunday, April 7-  A woman anoints Jesus [John 12:1-8]

Creator God, you prepare a new way in the wilderness, and your grace waters our desert. Open our hearts to be transformed by the new thing you are doing, that our lives may proclaim the extravagance of your love given to all through your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.  Amen.

 

These pairings of gospel texts and prayers of the day inspired creation of the visuals I offer for your consideration in planning Lenten worship.  This overview introduces the theme, visuals, and possible applications (to view, select “Open with -> MS Power Point Online,” then select “View -> from the beginning”).  As you begin to envision possibilities for your ministry setting, explore these specific resources:

• Full-color graphics suited for use on bulletin covers, as projected worship images, for incorporation in print and/or electronic communications, for developing printed fabric-or-paper banners, etc.
• Simple line drawings for use as coloring pages to engage children with each week’s gospel or as enlarged as posters used for an intergenerational coloring project that could provide Children’s Message illustrations or be mounted and displayed in worship.
• Sample worship bulletin covers incorporating the visuals in two standard bulletin sizes.
• Sample worship projection graphics linking the visuals with the prayers of the day.
• Sample postcard design to encourage participation in Lenten worship by those within and beyond the congregation.
• Sample electronic design to promote Lenten worship on your website and/or social media platforms and to provide members with a tool for inviting family and friends to participate with them in Lenten worship.
• Suggested reflection prompts on the links between the gospel texts and the Prayers of the Day.

I often use my home congregation to field test my work. They were inspired to use the “Prayers for the Journey” theme for both Sunday worship and mid-week services. On Sundays, we’ll use the visuals and prayers of the day to focus on the gospel texts; for midweek worship, we’ll use the “journey prayer” (ELW p. 317) as a lens for deeper exploration of how our personal journeys intersect with Jesus’ journey to the cross.  May your congregation’s worship planning be similarly inspired!

California | Colorado | Minnesota | New Mexico | Ohio | Pennsylvania | Southeastern Synod | Washington

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California

Mark Carlson, Lutheran Office of Public Policy                                                                                                             loppca.org

Mark Carlson and Regina Banks

A NEW DIRECTOR: The Lutheran Office of Public Policy – California is delighted to announce the appointment of a new director, Ms. Regina Banks, J. D.  Her background includes work as a legislative staffer and work in a legal clinic.  She is an alumna of Valparaiso University Law School.  Regina replaces Mark Carlson, who served in various capacities in the office since its founding in 1984.

Faith Leaders with Governor Newsom

A NEW GOVERNOR AND LEGISLATURE: Following holiday recess, the 2019-2020 session of the California Legislature reconvened January 7, Inauguration Day for Governor Gavin Newsom. The day started with a Unity Service hosted at St. John’s Lutheran Church, home of LOPP-CA, and organized by the San Francisco Interfaith Council.  Gov. and First Partner Jennifer Seibel Newsom, parents of four children, bring fresh energy, a new generation of leaders, and, among other priorities, a renewed focus on early childhood education and health.

A SPECIAL ANNIVERSARY: The 30^th Anniversary of the Cleveland School Shooting in Stockton, adjacent to then-Faith Lutheran Church, was observed at the Stockton Civic Auditorium on January 17. Pastor Alan Field, present at Faith at the time of the shooting, traveled from Tucson to participate.  Five elementary-age students were killed, and nearly 30 students (including a member of Faith Lutheran; others were mostly from Southeast Asian refugee families) and a teacher were wounded, by a troubled young man with encounters from childhood to young adulthood with child welfare, juvenile justice, alcohol and drug, and mental health services. The incident was the primary catalyst for the ELCA Social Message on Community Violence.

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Colorado

Peter Severson, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry – Colorado                                                                                           lam-co.org

2019 LEGISLATIVE AGENDA: Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-Colorado has published its 2019 legislative agenda. You can read our agenda at www.lam-co.org. Our top-line goals are to ensure that people living in poverty can meet basic needs while addressing systemic issues that prevent people from earning a self- or family-sustaining income, with heightened concern for people disproportionately impacted by policy change in these areas. Below are several major issues we anticipate addressing:

ENDING THE DEATH PENALTY: We support the abolition of capital punishment in Colorado and anticipate advancing this issue in 2019.

SCHOOL LUNCHES: We will seek to expand the reduced price lunch co-pay through high school. This will build on our work in 2018, when we successfully expanded the co-pay from grade 5 up through grade 8.

CLEAN SLATE: Too many Coloradans experience unstable employment and housing situations because of a criminal record. We will support legislation to automatically seal the records of those with charges that did not result in a conviction after 60 days, as well as non-violent drug misdemeanors after 7 years. These offenses are already eligible for sealing under Colorado law, but an individual must undertake the costly and time-consuming petition process themselves.

In addition, we anticipate work on paid family leave, local control over raising minimum wage, source of income discrimination and warranty of habitability for housing. The Colorado General Assembly convenes on January 4, 2019, and will meet for 120 days.

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Minnesota

Tammy Walhof, Lutheran Advocacy – Minnesota                                                                   www.lutheranadvocacymn.org

 NOTE: Lutheran Advocacy-MN’s advocacy priorities were provided previously. Please check our website for details!

NEW ADMINISTRATION & LEGISLATIVE SESSION: Gov. Tim Walz and his Lieutenant Governor, Peggy Flanagan, took the oath of office January 7. The Walz-Flanagan administration is a reflection of their “One Minnesota” campaign theme. Nearly 20% of new department commissioners live in Greater Minnesota, and 50% grew up there. More than 20% are people of color, and women commissioners exceed 50%. [Learn about commissioners] On January 8, the 2019-2010 legislative biennium began. Democrats have taken leadership of the House of Representatives while Republicans retain control of the Senate.

CITIZEN ADVOCACY: Nothing is as effective as citizen advocacy! It is an easier than many people realize, and LA-MN staff are ready to help you set up meetings, supply you with talking points, help prep you for legislator conversations, and supply samples for letter campaigns. LA-MN Director, Tammy Walhof, is also willing to meet with church or synod committees, speak for adult forums or worship, provide workshops, and facilitate activities with youth groups. LA-MN wants to help you (and your congregation) live your faith in the public square!

Important committees for LA-MN’s affordable housing & energy work are:

House

Housing Finance & Policy Division chaired by Rep. Alice Hausman

Health & Human Services Finance Division chaired by Rep. Tina Liebling

Health & Human Services Policy Division chaired by Rep. Rena Moran

Energy & Climate Finance & Policy Division chaired by Rep. Jean Wagenius

Senate

Agriculture, Rural Development & Housing Finance Committee chaired by Sen. Torrey Westrom

Agriculture, Rural Development & Housing Policy Committee chaired by Sen. Bill Weber

Health & Human Services Finance & Policy Committee chaired by Sen. Michelle Benson

Energy & Utilities Finance & Policy Committee chaired by Sen. David Osmek

*(If bonding bills occur in the first year of the biennium, the Capitol Investment Committees will also be important. Usually, bonding occurs in the second year of each biennium)

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New Mexico

Ruth Hoffman, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry – New Mexico                                                            lutheranadvocacynm.org

2019 ADVOCACY AGENDA SUMMARY: The LAM-NM Advocacy Agenda is adopted each fall by the LAM-NM Policy Committee. Since our beginnings, our Advocacy Agenda has focused primarily on alleviating poverty and hunger because New Mexico ranks among the states with the highest rates of poverty and hunger. Below is a summary and here is link to our full 2019 Advocacy Agenda document.

AFFORDABLE HOUSING & HOMELESSNESS:

• Support for the state Housing Trust Fund
• Funding for programs that assist people experiencing homelessness

FAMILY-SUSTAINING INCOME:

Policies & programs that assist people living in poverty to work toward family-sustaining income

• Temporary Assistance to Needy Families
• Quality early childhood programs & childcare assistance
• Raising the state minimum wage with inflation adjustments
• Right of workers to organize & bargain collectively
• Restricting predatory lending
• Paid sick and family leave

HEALTHCARE:

• Outreach & enrollment of those eligible for Medicaid or the NM Health Insurance Exchange
• Increasing the number of people with health coverage by working toward a Medicaid Buy-in program
• Creation of the mid-level profession of dental therapist to increase access to dental care
• Increase funding for the DD (Developmental Disabilities) Waiver

HUNGER:

• Increasing funding for the state SNAP supplement program & removing barriers to SNAP enrollment
• Efforts to close New Mexico’s food gap & funding for food banks

TAX POLICY:

• Tax policy that is fair and provides stable, sustainable & adequate revenue to meet the needs of the our state, particularly the most vulnerable
• Effective oversight & review of state tax credits, exemptions & incentives

CRIMINAL JUSTICE:

• Ending solitary confinement for juveniles and people with serious mental illness in prisons, jails & detention centers; restricting the use of solitary confinement for the general population in prisons, jails and detention centers
• Working against efforts to reinstate the death penalty
• Supporting efforts to “Ban the Box” on initial employment applications so that felony convictions are not used to screen out applicants

 Note: The LAM-NM Policy Committee may add issues as opportunities might arise.

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NORTH CAROLINA

Deacon GeoRene Jones, NC Synod Social Justice and Advocacy Ministries (SJAM)

NC Synod SJAM policy priorities for 2019 are affordable housing, immigration, voting rights, and gun violence.

The NC Governor’s Crime Commission Special Committee for School Safety, specifically tasked with identifying resources and developing recommendations to strengthen school safety, graciously received from the ELCA Social Statement “Caring for Health: Our Shared Endeavor” (2003) and 2016 Churchwide Assembly’s Resolution, “Gun Violence Prevention.”

The Synod’s Legislative Advocacy Day, March 26, 2019, will begin with a Prayer Breakfast at the State Legislative Building. The day will include education workshops for participants and culminate in visits with State Legislators and their policy staff members.

The ‘A-Team’ (“A”=Advocacy) of Christ the King of Cary, NC meets with SJAM Convener Michael Jones, and Deacon GeoRene Jones and, to review the congregation’s peace and justice ministries. Says Pastor Wolfgang Herz–Lane, “[We are] so excited about how our congregation is working for the sake of the world.

Pastors Carol and Greg Yeager are leading the task force to host an ELCA/SJAM Tent at the 2019 Wild Goose Festival July 11-14, in Hot Springs, NC.  The annual 4-day event is a Spirit, Justice, Music, and Arts Festival, providing a space for those who want to connect faith, justice, and energy for fresh expressions of Christianity.

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Ohio

Nick Bates, The Hunger Network in Ohio                                                                                            www.hungernetohio.com

As we ring in the New Year, Ohio’s public policy office is excited to get back to advocating to end hunger by addressing the root causes of poverty!

WHAT DO WE EXPECT?

Governor-elect DeWine is well known for his passion around children’s well-being. Since November, HNO – along with coalition partners – has been trying to understand his priorities and how we can collaborate to invest in Ohio’s future. We anticipate a lot of dialogue over the next 12 months about our child welfare system, the opioid crisis, and school funding. “We just need a lot more money invested to solve Ohio’s biggest problems,” Deacon Nick Bates, director of HNO. We look forward to working with the Ohio Legislature in crafting a two year state budget that reflects our values as a state.

HNO will continue to push legislators to re-think how we use TANF dollars in Ohio. Currently Ohio has a $500million surplus of TANF dollars that could go a long way in helping families struggling to get by. We will also continue to fight for common sense criminal justice reforms that treat addiction as a healthcare issue and not a criminal justice issue.

HNO will also join in coalition with others protect Medicaid. Many members of the Ohio House and Ohio Senate are upset that outgoing Governor John Kasich expanded healthcare access through Obamacare to an additional 700,000 Ohioans. With a new Governor, fears remain that these hardworking families may lose their health coverage.

Our work in 2019 will continue to build up and educate our congregations so that they can advocate on the issues most important to them – including human trafficking, the environment, diversity, and much more.

We don’t do this work alone. We appreciate local congregations, communities, and partner organizations. As the body of Christ, we all have different talents and we look forward to working with all of you in 2019!

Please sign up on Facebook at www.facebook.com/hungernetworkohio or online at www.hungernetohio.com

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Pennsylvania

Tracey DePasquale, Lutheran Advocacy – Pennsylvania                                                                 lutheranadvocacypa.org

In December, LAMPa received a ceremonial signing pen, certificate and copy of signed Safe Harbor Bill.  Photo credit: Bishop Kurt Kusserow

POLICY COUNCIL SETS 2019 PRIORITIES: LAMPa Policy Council met in December to set their agenda priorities for the upcoming term of the Pennsylvania General Assembly. Following a thoughtful, engaging and lengthy conversation among those present the following priorities were identified: Hunger; Creation Care; Poverty; and the 2020 Census.

Hunger continues to be a central focus of LAMPa as everyone acknowledges the intersections between hunger, health, housing and poverty. LAMPa, along with synods and congregations, ELCA Advocacy, and partners will continue to provide education, resource development and advocacy on how to get fresh foods to local communities. LAMPa will continue to advocate for additional funds in the upcoming Pennsylvania state budget for the State Food Purchase Program (SFPP) and the Pennsylvania Agriculture Surplus System (PASS).

Creation Care was deemed an additional priority for the coming year, as we seek to protect all of creation, especially the most vulnerable. LAMPa will work to promote emissions standards to mitigate climate change, including equipping congregations to make sound choices regarding their own practices, such as energy consumption.

To learn more about LAMPa’s 2019 priorities click here.

LAMPA ADVOCATES SHARE TESTIMONY: LAMPa advocates submitted testimony on proposed methane regulations for oil and natural gas operations in Pennsylvania at a hearing Dec. 13. LAMPa is encouraging its creation care network to continue writing letters in support of strong curbs on this contributor to climate change.

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Southeastern Synod

Hilton Austin, Director

2019 PRIORITIES: It is really too early to determine the legislation we will be addressing. We will continue to watch legislation in our 4 state synod; our priorities remain to be Human Trafficking, Criminal Justice Reform, Immigration and Detention, Care for Creation, Education funding, Hunger, and Medicare Expansion. We know that Medicaid Expansion will be an issue in Alabama, Mississippi, and Tennessee. Legislative sessions begin January 8^th in Mississippi and Tennessee, January 14^th in Georgia, and March 5^th in Alabama. By our 4^th Annual Advocacy gathering on Feruary 2, 2019, we should have a pretty good idea what legislation we will be supporting or opposing.

POLICY COUNCIL: Three members of our Policy Council have rotated off; and new members have joined the team. Fresh eyes are always beneficial. Our Policy Council meets via Zoom once a month to help maintain communication between the 4 states. Members of the Policy Council are taking responsibility to engage and mobilize people within each state. We are also checking with colleges to find an intern in each state to track legislation and communicate to the Policy Council. It has also been determined that we should re-focus on our Ready Benches; this is where we began and was very successful.

HUNGER FELLOW: Jordan has been a great addition. Jordan continues to meet with congregations, work with the Policy Council, develop brochures, and develop new advocacy partners in Tennessee and Georgia. He has a great passion for being present in the community. Jordan is currently tracking legislation as we move toward the legislative session and helping coordinate our annual advocacy gathering.

MLK DAY OF SERVICE: We are cosponsoring MLK Day of Service with Lutheran Services of Georgia. The day will kick off with exciting, intergenerational and interactive learning for all: Children’s Activities (grades K-5) will feature learning about the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Fearless Dialogues will feature learning for Youth (middle and high school) and adults. Following Fearless Dialogues, SES Advocacy will have a station setup for letter writing concerning current state and national legislation.

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Washington

Paul Benz, Faith Action Network                                                                                                                                      fanwa.org

CONGRESSIONAL BIPARTISAN VICTORIES- FARM BILL AND THE FIRST STEP ACT: We are excited about the recent bipartisan Congressional victories. FAN and our advocates have been pushing for a good Farm Bill that protects SNAP, and a comprehensive criminal justice reform bill that not only addresses lowering recidivism, but also reduces the number of folks incarcerated in the first place. The passage of the Farm Bill and the First Step Act are encouraging.

INTERIM MEETINGS:As we are approaching the beginning of Washington State’s legislative session, Co-Director Paul Benz has been having interim meetings with elected officials. For many of the meetings, some of FAN’s advocates have been able to join as well. This is a good time to discuss with their senators and representatives what they would like to see happen during session. Pictured are Paul and advocates from Washington’s 38^th district with Representative Mike Sells at Trinity Episcopal Church.

LEGISLATIVE SESSION/FAN AGENDA: Legislative Session begins on Monday, January 14^th. This is a longer session in which we will set the biennial budget. FAN has been working on our legislative agenda, and our priorities for session. We have six different policy areas on our agenda, which include bills on advocating for a biennial budget that protects the poor and vulnerable, restoring justice in our criminal justice system, funding housing for all, caring for creation, protecting immigrant families and civil rights, and ensuring healthcare and mental health for all. If you are interested in taking a closer look at our agenda, you can find it on our website at http://fanwa.org/legislative-agenda/.

IFAD: One of our biggest events of the year is Interfaith Advocacy Day. On February 14^th, we will have hundreds of advocates join us at the State Capitol to participate in workshops on advocacy and policy, and meet with their elected officials about FAN’s legislative priorities. We are just starting to prepare for this enormous event.

 

Issue 62 of Administration Matters

Most (but not all) congregations can avoid new nonprofit employee parking tax

A little-noticed provision of the 2017 tax reform created potential tax liability for nonprofits – including churches – that provide certain transportation fringe benefits, including parking and paid public transportation. This article provides a summary of the changes and some suggestions for minimizing or eliminating the liability. >More

Legal Checklist for Congregations Webinar

Congregations can unwittingly create legal issues and liabilities through inattention to basic requirements and details related to corporate status, taxes, property, insurance and abuse prevention. Many of these issues can be prevented by using an ELCA-prepared checklist of key items for congregations to address. Join us for a free webinar where the ELCA legal staff will discuss the checklist and best legal practices for congregations. This webinar will be of particular interest to rostered ministers and lay congregational leaders and staff, including congregation council members and officers, and church administrators. Webinar date: Feb. 21 at noon CST. Register here. Registration deadline is Feb. 15.

Tax reporting can be complicated

Portico offers the set of annually updated Richard R. Hammar tax guides at no cost to pastors and congregations participating in the ELCA benefit program. Federal Reporting Requirements for Churches helps congregations understand federal reporting requirements. The Clergy Tax Return Preparation Guide gives special attention to tax-related topics relevant to ministers. Updated versions coming soon. To access, log into your Portico member or EmployerLink account.

2019 IRS mileage allowance

The Internal Revenue Service issued the 2019 optional standard mileage rates used to calculate the deductible costs of operating an automobile for business and charitable, medical or moving purposes. Beginning Jan. 1, the standard mileage rates for the use of a car (also vans, pickups or panel trucks) is:
• 58 cents per mile driven for business use, up 3.5 cents from the 2018 rate.
• 20 cents per mile driven for medical or moving purposes, up 2 cents from the 2018 rate.
• 14 cents per mile driven in service of charitable organizations.
The business mileage rate increased 3.5 cents for business travel driven and 2 cents for medical and certain moving expense from the 2018 rates. The charitable rate is set by statute and remains unchanged. For more information, visit the IRS website.

Low temperatures increase the risk of damage to frozen sprinkler systems and plumbing pipes

Contrary to what one might think, losses due to frozen pipes occur more frequently in climates that are not normally associated with cold weather, especially when unexpected cold fronts sweep through a region. >More

Slips and falls

Protect your congregation from the second-leading cause of preventable injuries by inspecting your facilities and identifying key areas that may contain trip, slip and fall hazards. Inclement or changing weather conditions can increase the chance of an accident. >More

2018 ELCA annual report cover

The ELCA covers for annual congregational reports in 2018 are now available to order. You can also download them for free. >More

Brian Hiortdahl, West Hills, CA

Warm-up Question

Who is your hero?

Hero at the Wedding

Just after getting married on the beach, newlywed groom Zac Edwards was alerted to a swimmer in danger drifting out to sea.  The former lifeguard and member of the Coast Guard interrupted the wedding photos to save a life:

https://ktla.com/2018/08/09/groom-rescues-struggling-swimmer-moments-after-beach-wedding/

Discussion Questions

•  When was the last time you were in an emergency situation?  What happened?
• What things are important enough to interrupt a wedding celebration?
• What one story from your life do you think you will tell your grandkids?  Why?

Second Sunday after Epiphany

Isaiah 62:1-5

1 Corinthians 12:1-11

John 2:1-11

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

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

Gospel Reflection

Jesus wasn’t the groom at the wedding in Cana, and he didn’t technically save a life, but he was a hero.  In biblical times, running out of wine at a wedding was an emergency.  Wine was more common and safer to drink than water.  Wine was a symbol of joy.  Wine was also an expected gift from friends, who would provide it in advance of the week long wedding celebration.  To run out of wine at a wedding would bring enormous shame to the families involved.  It would be an indication that they did not have enough friends.  It would harm their social standing in the village beyond repair.  Jesus rescued a dire situation.

As usual with the gospel of John, however, there is also much more to the story.  John calls this episode “the first of his signs,” meaning the miracle points beyond itself to something more.  Clues are dropped throughout the story.  “The third day” not only reflects the Jewish custom of being married on Tuesday (because the third day of creation is doubly blessed by God calling something good—see Genesis 1:9-13), it also points to the resurrection.  Dialogue with his mother about his “hour” anticipates his crucifixion.  It seems likely that the wine is meant to allude to Holy Communion; the only other time empty containers are “filled” in John’s gospel it is with an abundance of bread after the feeding of the multitude.  And the quality of the wine from Jesus exceeds what anyone else provides, a theme which will recur throughout the gospel.

This story will become important background for the night immediately before the “hour” when Jesus saves flailing humanity with his self-giving heroics on the cross.  He quotes Song of Songs to his disciples:  “Rise, let us be on our way.”  It is what the groom says to his bride, inviting her to the vineyard.  He then says, “I am the vine” on his way to urging his disciples to “bear fruit” and “love one another as I have loved you.”  The point of everything he says is symbolized by the abundant wine:  “I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete.”  The “sign” at Cana points to the gift of abundant life saved with love and overflowing with top-notch joy.

Discussion Questions

• How does the newlywed Edwards couple remind you of Jesus and his love?
• When and where in your life has Jesus transformed trouble into joy?
• Does weekly worship feel like a wedding reception?  Why or why not?
• Who has loved you, and inspired you to love others?

Activity Suggestions

• Sponsor and organize a First Aid/CPR training at your church.
• Write thank you notes to first responders or other local heroes in your community.
• Initiate or support the Souper Bowl of Caring™ or another resource drive (food, clothing, toiletries, etc.) to help those who do not have enough.
• Throw a party.  Bring enough soda!

Closing Prayer

Son of Mary and Son of God, come into our lives and turn our water into wine, our worries into wonders, our emergencies into blessings, our love into action, our scarcity into abundance, our stories into signs of your goodness, and our struggles into joy.  Amen.

 

The shutdown causes worry and doubt about when I will be able to return to work. I wonder if this will continue – how will I be able to make ends meet? I think the church can walk with those affected by the shutdown by raising the concerns of those impacted to lawmakers. Let elected leaders know their communities are being negatively affected. Churches can also be part of providing emergency assistance and relief to those in need. -Richard, furloughed federal worker and ELCA World Hunger leader, Washington, D.C.

During this government shutdown, those affected are at the front of our minds – and we know you share in this care and concern, too.

The current shutdown impacts many of us and our neighbors – from furloughed federal workers waiting for paychecks to hungry families worrying that the help they need to purchase food may not be there next month.

ELCA World Hunger and the MEANS Database have put together this short, practical list of things to consider and do to help our neighbors. Read and share. But most importantly, remember all our neighbors facing the immediate effects of financial uncertainty during this critical time.

Five Ways to Walk Together During the Shutdown

Check-in with your local food pantries, feeding ministries and other emergency shelters.

People facing food insecurity and the programs and ministries that help them are at significant risk during an extended shutdown. Federally-funded programs like SNAP, which help provide support to families facing hunger, have been able to send out payments for our neighbors in need this month and, thanks to a plan put together by the USDA earlier this week, through the end of February, too. But if the shutdown lasts into March or beyond, this funding will run out. Other anti-hunger programs are in danger, too. The Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program, which provides nutrition for pregnant women and children under age 5, faces the same lapse in funds as SNAP, as does TEFAP, which is a primary way food banks and pantries get access to affordable foods for their clients.

Does your congregation have or host a food-related ministry? Stop by and check-in; ask how things are going. What are they seeing and hearing from guests? Ask what the ministry or service provider needs most right now – the answer may surprise you.

If you’re a rostered leader, consider stopping by the space before opening and offering a supportive blessing for the space and those that will share time together today.

Host a “pop-up” food drive.

Once you’ve checked in with your local hunger ministry, host a food drive to help provide the resources they’ve told you they need most. ELCA World Hunger’s “Road Map to Food Drives” resource can get you started.

Pray.

Pray personally and publicly for those who govern, those experiencing hardship due to the shutdown and those who walk with them. As the nation waits for agreement on a new spending authorization, pray that God will guide legislators in their work and will be with our neighbors affected by the government shutdown.

Make a monetary donation to a feeding ministry – locally or globally.

Providing physical food resources through a drive is good, but cash is often better. Cash in hand for your local pantry often means more cans on the shelf than you can buy at the grocery store.

Reach out and support those directly feeling the strain – listen and help make those voices heard.

Who in your congregation, school and community might be affected? Reach out, send a text, let them know you care. What do they need? If you are directly affected yourself, speak that truth and share your story as you can. Consider writing a letter to the editor of your local newspaper or website, sharing a temple talk in church or letting your elected officials know your experience.

For updates, follow ELCA World Hunger and MEANS Database:

Facebook

ELCA World Hunger

MEANS Database

Twitter

@ELCAWorldHunger

@MEANSDatabase

After another week of stalled budget negotiations, the U.S. is now in the third week of the partial government shutdown. Various media outlets and agencies have covered important points over the past few days, such as the 800,000 workers left without pay, limited TSA service and shocking images of deteriorating national parks as services close. But perhaps less noticeable are the growing effects that a prolonged shutdown could place on low income families.

Though many services and programs Congress authorizes are still temporarily running on necessary or “mandatory” funding, local agencies that work with federal contracts will start to feel a tighter and tighter squeeze the longer the government remains closed. For instance, local public housing agencies that provide housing aid will likely run lower and lower on their own funding the longer the shutdown goes, risking the closure of local operations. Other important low-income housing programs, such as certain types of rental assistance and multifamily housing, may start to face serious challenges as well if the shutdown runs past February 1st. (Read more about the shutdown impact on housing programs here.)

Uncertain funding decisions and gaps in funding can be destabilizing and risky for private and non-profit stakeholders who work with the government, disincentivizing investors from partnering with public programs in the future. When building an apartment building, for example, contractors may be less likely to choose low-income options if they are dependent on a shaky funding arrangement. For faith-based and other service organizations that challenge local poverty, the failure of government programs to meet their commitments is a serious issue. Households living paycheck to paycheck, seniors and the most vulnerable among us cannot afford the uncertainty and lapses in services that a prolonged shutdown brings.

In addition, past Administrations have set aside reserves to keep the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funded through potential governmental shutdowns. That funding is managed by the Department of Agriculture (DoA) which is currently an unfunded agency of the government. This year, however, DoA has not indicated if it has the funds to keep hunger funds like SNAP running, which could impact millions of hungry people in our nation. Other programs, such as school meals and the Women’s Infant and Children’s program are at risk. All these services form a critical backdrop for our country’s ability to prevent hunger in our most vulnerable communities.

U.S. government shutdown can also impact foreign assistance and our engagement overseas. Our diplomatic and development agencies cannot make new funding commitments during a shutdown unless it is deemed necessary to protect life and government property. In addition, a government shutdown decreases oversight of international programs due to staff furloughs. This could lead to program inefficiencies and reduce the amount of resources and services available to at-risk populations.

Government shutdowns reduce the availability and credibility of public programs. Policy debates over funding should not ride on the backs of low-income households and those who can afford it. As stated in the ELCA Social Statement, The Church in Society: A Lutheran Perspective (1991), “The witness of this church in society flows from its identity as a community that lives from and for the Gospel. Faith is active in love; love calls for justice in the relationships and structures of society. It is in grateful response to God’s grace in Jesus Christ that this church carries out its responsibility for the well-being of society and the environment.” Lawmakers must hear from their constituents that closing the federal government is not an effective solution, and we must continue to build public leadership to reinforce the integrity of the nation.

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During this shutdown, most traditional avenues for communicating with our lawmakers are also shut down. Consider often-monitored social media accounts, like Twitter, and local news outlets to urge reversal of the shutdown and re-stabilization of vital government services and relationships.

Dave Dodson, Fort Walton Beach, FL

Warm-up Question

What political figures (living or dead) do you admire?  What characteristics about them do you find to be admirable?Public

Public Servant

2018 has come to a close.  At the end of the year we tend to look back at all that has happened and remember those who have passed away during that year.  In the last year, two of the people mourned by our nation have been prominent political figures: John McCain and George H.W. Bush.  

After John McCain succumbed to cancer in August, former President Barack Obama delivered a stirring eulogy for him.  In this eulogy, Obama commended the former Senator, saying that McCain had “concluded that the only way to really make his mark on the world is to commit to something bigger than yourself.”  In the same speech, the crowd chuckled along as Obama, a former political rival of McCain, referenced the latter’s famously short temper and animated personality.

Likewise, following President Bush’s death in November, a eulogy by Presidential historian Jon Meacham celebrated Bush’s legacy with a simple statement: “An imperfect man, he left us a more perfect union.”  While making humorous references to some of Bush’s most notorious verbal gaffes, Meacham also celebrated Bush’s humility and self-proclaimed goal of working for all Americans.

Both Senator McCain and President Bush had prepared for their deaths beforehand, asking Obama and Meacham to speak at their respective funerals.  They knew that they were asking men who knew their flaws, as well as their strengths, to speak on their behalf.  However, these statesmen were also honest about their flaws during their lifetimes.  Their eulogies became a last testament to this humility and integrity.

Discussion Questions

• What would you like to be said about you at the end of your lifetime?
• Why do you think that one of the synonyms we sometimes use for politicians is “public servant”?

Baptism of Our Lord

Isaiah 43:1-7

Acts 8:14-17

Luke 3:15-17, 21-22

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

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

Gospel Reflection

In today’s Gospel reading we are treated to an incredibly powerful lesson in humility and service.  Two of the most prominent figures in the Gospels, Jesus and John the Baptist, demonstrate the great importance of humility when it comes to reaching those around them.

In the first part of today’s reading, we find John in his position as a fiery preacher and prophet, proclaiming the coming kingdom of God.  John’s powerful words and fierce sincerity have earned him a vast following.  Yet even in front of the hundreds of people who have come to him for guidance and salvation, John makes a startlingly humble statement.  “One who is more powerful than I is coming,” John said. “I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandals.”  

This simple statement is a powerful witness by John.  Rather than seeking fame, John admits his limitations.  Rather than use his position as a public figure to raise his status, John humbles himself.  This is an incredible moment, one which truly helps prepare the way for Jesus.  By using his position of prominence to humble himself, he prepares the crowd for the pure majesty of the coming of God in the form of Jesus.

Jesus does arrive, and John proclaims Jesus to be the man who he had been speaking about – the Lamb of God.  But our lesson in humility isn’t over.  For months, John had been traveling through the region, proclaiming that it was necessary for everyone to repent and be purified of their sins through baptism with water.  

When Jesus, the one about whom John has been speaking, arrives, what does he do?  Does he immediately begin to tell the crowd what to do?  Does he take over the baptisms himself?  Does he sign autographs and wave at his new fans?  No, Jesus steps into the water and has John baptize him as well.

But why?  We know that Jesus did not sin, and he was not in need of purification.  Why would the savior of all humankind, the perfect Lamb of God, submit to a purification ritual for the sinful and imperfect?

We have only one conclusion: Jesus humbled himself in this way to serve us.  By bringing himself down to our level, Jesus became able to serve and teach us in our own world.  It was the humility and gentleness of our Savior that made him a powerful force for good in the world.  It was this humility that brought to him people that had been marginalized and ignored by the rich and powerful.  By stepping into the water for baptism, Jesus stepped down to our level, showing that he was the guide and redeemer of the outsiders, the oppressed, and the outcast.

How do we know that this was such a powerful act?  Because the sky opened, following Jesus’ baptism, the Holy Spirit descended upon Jesus, and the air rang out with the commanding voice of God: “You are my Son, my Beloved; with you I am well pleased.”

Discussion Questions

• What other passages from the Gospel can you recall in which Jesus or his followers humble themselves to serve others?
• What does it look like today when someone humbles themselves to serve others?  Can you think of any examples of servant leaders?

Activity Suggestions

God calls each of us to be his hands and voice to a world in need.  The Gospels are like a Help Wanted ad, and we are here to apply for the job.  Write a Help Wanted ad for a job entitled “Humble Servant of God”.  Be sure to include requirements, necessary skills, and how to apply for the job!

Closing Prayer

Heavenly God, you humbled yourself to walk among us, your imperfect people.  We are so grateful to you for bringing yourself down to us, so that we would not have to walk alone.  Help us to humble ourselves after your example.  Teach us to thrive in service through others, and grant us the peace that we pass onto others.  In the name of Jesus we pray, Amen.

by Andrew Fuller, Advocacy Coordinator

The start of the 116^th Congress begins this week. As five new Lutheran lawmakers are sworn in to the U.S. House of Representatives, check out some of the Lutheran legislators who will serve our country in this new Congress.

Both incumbent ELCA Lutherans who ran for re-election to the U.S. Senate, Sen. Martin Heinrich, D-N.M., and Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, successfully won their respective races in November. They will rejoin their other Lutheran Senate colleagues when the new Congress starts in January 2019, including ELCA members Sen. Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., and Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa; as well as Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS) member Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wis.; and The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod (LCMS) member Cory Gardner, R-Colo.

Five new Lutheran-affiliated members will be joining the U.S. House of Representatives this year., Lutheran colleagues now include Rep. David Trone, D-Md.; Rep. Angie Craig, D-Minn.; Rep. Kelly Armstrong, R-N.D.; Rep. Xochitl Torres Small, D-N.M.; and LCMS member Rep. Jim Hagedorn, R-Minn. Two incumbent Lutheran members did not win their bides for re-election this year: self-described Lutheran member Rep. David Young, R-Iowa; and LCMS member Rep. Erik Paulsen, R-Minn.

Incumbent ELCA House of Representatives members who won re-election and will continue serving in the 116th Congress include Rep. Zoe Lofgren, D-Calif.; Rep. Scott Peters, D-Calif.; Rep. Chellie Pingree, D-Maine; Rep. Collin Peterson, D-Minn.; Rep. Stacey E. Plaskett, D-U.S. Virgin Islands; Rep. Lloyd Smucker, R-Pa..; Rep. John Carter, R-Texas; and Rep. Denny Heck, D-Wash. Re-elected LCMS representatives include Rep. John Shimkus, R-Ill.; Rep. Larry Bucshon, R-Ind.; and Rep. Glenn Grothman, R-Wis. WELS member Rep. Ron Kind, D-Wis., also will rejoin the House. Other self-described Lutherans re-elected to the House are Rep. Jack Bergman, R-Mich.; and Rep. Donald Norcross, D-N.J.

Special Mention:

Four Lutheran members did not seek re-election last November, including ELCA Rep. Bill Shuster, R-Pa.; Rep. Tim Walz, D-Minn.; Rep. Diane Black, R-Tenn.; and LCMS member Rep. Dave Reichert, R-Wash. Among those not seeking re-election, former Congressman Tim Walz won the gubernatorial race in Minnesota and will be joining the state house at the start of 2019. We are grateful for their leadership in Congress and look forward to engaging with them in the future!
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Get a jump start on building relationships with your lawmakers with ideas from an interfaith guide, “Make Sure Your Member of Congress Knows You!”