Today’s post is by Scott Weidler, outgoing Program Director for Worship and Music in the ELCA. An excerpt from an article written for CrossAccent, the journal of the Association of Lutheran Church Musicians, it addresses the ELCA’s unification of diaconal rosters which was later approved at the 2016 Churchwide Assembly.

How, Weidler asks, does the concept of deacon as a minister of word and service fit with the vocational self-understanding of Lutheran church musicians?

 

Ministers of Word and Service

Clearly, the phrase “ministers of word and service” is parallel to the common descriptor of pastors as “ministers of word and sacrament.” While some musicians have had a hard time trying to understand how they fit on this roster, the benefit of positioning the ministries included on this new roster, including music, side by side with the Word and Sacrament roster in the ELCA constitution is significant.

Since “word” is also a part of the pastor’s description, our minds go immediately to preaching which is, of course, a significant part of a pastor’s call. For some deacons, preaching may also be a part of their ministry. However, I believe that Lutherans—perhaps more than any other Christian tradition—ought to easily understand musicians as among those who proclaim the word through song. Musicians proclaim God’s word regularly by leading congregational hymns and songs, directing the choir and instrumentalists, and often through teaching and perhaps, in some settings, an occasional sermon.

The “service” half of the phrase is usually further articulated as “service to the world.” Certainly, ministries of justice—like feeding the hungry and raising up the poor—are at the heart of a biblical understanding of diakonia, being a deacon. This focus on ministries in the world, beyond the walls of the church, are an important aspect of this newly emerging roster, just as it should be for all the baptized. Anyone serving in the church (including musicians, rostered or not) will, at their best, understand that their unique ministry has connections to service in the world.

This can, however, start to feel a little distant from our actual work. A document that supports this proposed change includes this statement:

it also includes service in local congregational and other gathered faith community settings through the proclamation of the Word in preaching, leading public prayer, teaching, and leading music as well as through leadership in such areas as education, administration, and youth ministry.

The connections between worship and service are clear in our Lutheran roots, especially through the German word for worship, Gottes- dienst (literally “service of God”), which connotes a multidirectional understanding of service from God to the worshippers, from the worshipers to God, and from the assembly of worshippers to the world.

The ALCM statement on the role of the cantor also affirms this broad understanding of the musician’s ministry: “The cantor’s work is a worthy service to God, God’s people, and the world.” I believe musicians can rightly understand their work as service to the church for the sake of the world.

 

The full article can be found on the ALCM web site.

Chris Heavner, Clemson, SC

 

Warm-up Questions

Do we learn anything about another person if all they do is tell us how they compare to someone else?  Why are we so tempted to rank ourselves?  Why can’t we simply, honestly say where we fit in?

Suffering by Comparison

Regardless of the candidate you prefer for President of the United States, this has been a campaign season like nothing we have ever seen.  Donald Trump secured the Republican nomination without ever having been previously elected.  He emerged from a field of seventeen, many of whom had lots of previous political experience.  Hilary Clinton finally pulled away from Bernie Sanders.  Senator Sanders ran as a Democrat even though he was an Independent in previous election cycles.

This campaign has been notable for other reasons as well.  Many voters are frustrated that the Clinton and Trump spend more time comparing themselves to the other than telling us about themselves.  Polling experts are probably advising them to do so.  Saying how much “better” you are than the other candidate seems to result in more votes.

It seems to work, even though most of us say we don’t like it.  Is there something deep within us which moves us to compare one person to another?  Do we just naturally look around in order to know whether we measure up?  Do we need to denigrate others in order to affirm our own value and feel desirable?

Let us hope this isn’t the case.

Discussion Questions

• Why do you think the Presidential candidates spend so much time comparing themselves to the other?
• Would we prefer to know who or what someone “isn’t,” more than we would like to know who they are?
• To whom are you inclined to compare yourself?

Twenty-Third Sunday after Pentecost

Jeremiah 14:7-10, 19-22

2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18

Luke 18:9-14

(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 B at Lectionary Readings

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

 

Gospel Reflection

Who are you, a Pharisee or a tax collector?

In reading this parable, it is way too tempting to think of ourselves as the humble man who returns to his home “justified.”  And yet, if we are reading this blog or discussing the readings for Sunday we probably have more in common with the Pharisee.

Remember that the Pharisees were a group of folks who took seriously their walk with God.  They attended youth group, they went to summer camp, they took turns as acolyte and communion assistant.  They also responded well to the fall stewardship campaign.  When the Pharisee in this story speaks of his honorable actions he is not exaggerating.  Nor is he totally wrong in noting the transgressions of the tax collector.

Tax collectors in Jesus’ day were not merely employees of some Internal Revenue Service.  They oversaw no set tax rates or income brackets.  They schemed ways to collect the most that they could, taking their income from collecting more than the authorities expected.  The tax collector may have cause to think he had transgressed the 7^th commandment.  Luther’s Catechism reminds us that we break this commandment when we acquire our neighbor’s money or property using crooked deals.  We sin, according to this commandment, unless we help our neighbors improve and protect their property and income.

Neither the Pharisee nor the tax collector should be our role models.  Each is way too focused on himself.  When we enter the Temple, synagogue, or church our eyes are to be on God.  Instead of worrying about how we stand in comparison to those around us, we look to the one who justifies.  It is not our actions, nor our avoidance of particular behaviors, which makes us right in God’s eyes.  Rather, our salvation is found in the promise of Jesus.

Discussion Questions

• Can you find reasons to admire the Pharisee in today’s reading? Discuss how our congregation might look were all the members to be like this man (regular in prayer, in giving, in studying scripture).
• Acknowledging our sins is essential to forgiveness being offered. Why do we find it easy to admit, even in the silence of our own hearts, the things we have done and failed to do?
• Is there a hierarchy of wrongful deeds; are there some sins which are worse than others?  Is the difference in how they affect others?

Activity Suggestions

• Using pencil and paper, make a list of the transgressions you committed in the past week. This is your list; no one will see it.  Now ask yourself: “Does knowing no one will see it allow you add other items to the list?”  A prayer guide asks God to help me with the sins I have labored so mightily to hide from others that I have hidden them from myself.
• Even before you think “Why,” write the name of someone in your community of faith whom you admire. Now, note the why.  What is it that they do, what is it they say, or how they live their life which has led you to think highly of them?
• The denomination sponsoring this blog (the ELCA) has a set liturgy for Individual Confession and Forgiveness [Evangelical Lutheran Worship, pages 243-44]. This is a powerful experience.  Discuss with your pastor the possibility of participating in such a service.
• Engage yourself in a political discussion. Ask those around you what they know about the Presidential candidates, and observe whether they use statements which seem to compare the candidates rather than say what they think of either as individuals.

Closing Prayer

Gracious God, train our eyes to look to you rather than on the faults of our brothers and sisters.  Help us not to focus on what we have done but on what you have done on our behalf.  Amen.

 

Today’s post is from Tim Getz, Director of Music Ministry at Grace Lutheran Church in Palo Alto California.

Last week, in honor of the 10th anniversary of the publication of Evangelical Lutheran Worship, and as the first of a series of Reformation 500-related events in our congregation, I led a “Hymnathon”: a sing-through of one stanza of every hymn in the book! We began (with the first actual hymn, #239) at 9 am on a Saturday, and proceeded through the hymnal in order. We took a 10-minute break every hour, and 40-minute breaks at mealtimes. Saturday evening ended, very serendipitously, at 9 pm with #753, Dona nobis pacem. We picked up where we left off on Sunday afternoon at 1 pm and finished the book at 3:45.

“Hymnathon”: a sing-through of one stanza of every hymn in the book!

About 60 people attended over the course of the event, usually about 8-10 people at a time. Some people stayed only 20-30 minutes, several stayed for several hours, and many others came and went repeatedly as their schedules allowed. I had braced myself for the possibility of being alone at times, and that never happened!

I provided coffee and bagels in the narthex at the beginning of the day, and invited my choir members to bring something to replenish the treat table whenever they happened to attend. There was never a shortage of break-time goodies!

The event wasn’t billed as a fundraiser, but the offering plates were out and I encouraged people to make games out of deciding what their offering would be. Some contributed whenever we sang a hymn beginning with the same letter as their name. Some looked for key words, such as “love” or “peace.” Some tried to guess what number we’d be on at the end of the hour. We ended up collecting about $1200 in offerings!

I encouraged people to make games out of deciding what their offering would be. Some contributed whenever we sang a hymn beginning with the same letter as their name. Some looked for key words, such as “love” or “peace.”

I did very little practicing for the event, although I quipped at one time during the weekend that I’ve been practicing for it for 25 years, since I consider leading assembly song to be the most important aspect of my ministry. I did make a list a week or so ahead of time of about 45 hymns that I had never played before, and looked through those a couple of times in advance. I did most of my playing from the organ, although I had an electric keyboard set up right behind me, and when a song came up that required piano instead of organ, I simply swiveled the opposite direction on the bench to play. I decided ahead of time to make very few verbal announcements, other than just the next number. So many hymns cry out for commentary, but I thought I could not afford the extra time in this context, and I also really wished not to play my hand as to which hymns I like or dislike. Several people commented that they wished we could have sung more stanzas: in some cases because doing one stanza only doesn’t make textual sense, in other cases because they loved the song and wanted to sing more, and in still other cases because they weren’t familiar with the song and wanted to practice. Again, time was the limiter!

People are still saying things a week later like “I felt like I was at a retreat,” and “It was so fun to discover all the different things that are in there.”

There was a lot of curiosity leading up to this event, and a lot of excited conversation during and afterward. People are still saying things a week later like “I felt like I was at a retreat,” and “It was so fun to discover all the different things that are in there.” I’m fortunate that my congregation is pretty adventurous about trying new things, and more than one person told me she enjoyed the sight-reading practice of the hymns she didn’t know!

I believe Evangelical Lutheran Worship  is a wonderful resource and a great gift to the whole Church. The variety and diverse content between its covers is a thrill to explore. It was an honor to engage it in this way and more fun than I ever imagined! I’d definitely consider doing such an event again. Having done it all myself as a personal challenge, I know it’s not an impossible task… although I’d be happy to share the job with another keyboardist or two next time. If you think this is something your congregation might like to try, I’d be happy to answer questions; email me anytime: tim@gracepa.org. I’ll look forward to hearing from you!

 

Today’s post is from Scott Weidler, ELCA Program Director for Worship and Music.

One of the things I’ve learned in these many years serving on the ELCA worship staff is that perspectives often vary between congregations and parts of the church. For example, a musical setting of the liturgy by Marty Haugen might be called “contemporary” in one congregation but be the most “traditional” music used in another. Worshipers speaking out loud the names of those for whom we pray is common in many communities but would be strange and unexpected in another. The lists can go on and on.

“When differing expectations turn to disagreement, it is a good thing to seize the opportunity to explore the diversity of music, art, and ritual practice within our own church.”

These examples, and a myriad of others, often reflect deeply held practices and traditions. It is a good thing that people have strong feelings and emotions about these things. This may mean that worship is central to their life as a Christian. Sometimes, when differing expectations turn to disagreement, it is a good thing to seize the opportunity to explore the diversity of music, art, and ritual practice within our own church, engage in healthy conversations and discover a creative curiosity of others and their ways to worship.

Can We Talk: Engaging Worship and Culture is a small booklet, a study guide of sorts, that has recently been mailed to all ELCA congregations as an encouragement to join this journey of discussion and experience about how worship and culture engage one another, and how we, God’s people, engage this sometimes challenging, but important, topic.

Drawing on the wisdom from the Nairobi Statement on Worship and Culture from the Lutheran World Federation in the mid-1990s, Can We Talk provides contemporary commentary on the statement, along with suggestions on how to use this material in an engaging and helpful way in your congregation.

This is an exciting and timely topic. We hope that your congregation will dig in and join the conversation.

If you did not receive the paper copy in the mail, do not worry! Can We Talk is easily accessible at www.elca.org/worship. Click on the Can We Talk link to download the booklet. Even if you received the paper copy, you’ll want to get this electronic version so the many links to examples will be active.

Ellen Rothweiler, Des Moines, IA

 

Warm-up Question

What does persistence mean to you? Have you ever had to work very hard to do well at something? Have you ever given up when something was difficult? What made the difference between keeping at it and giving it up?

Faith and Persistence:  Winning Combination

Athletes work hard for many years to excel in their chosen sport. With practice and conditioning, working as a team and working on individual skills, they focus a lot of time and energy on this part of their life. Some have the benefit of natural talent and others must work very hard to compete with their peers. Persistence is often what leads to success for these athletes. Working hard day after day, never giving up, and believing that they can achieve their goals if they put in the time.

So what if the worst should happen? Injury? Illness? Not getting into that college? Was all that hard work for nothing? Where does that energy to strive for greatness go? In Ryan Brant’s case that spirit of persistence is what kept him going when the worst happened. Ryan was a top-ranked lacrosse goalie in college, but then suffered several serious injuries that eventually ended his lacrosse career. He was lost in pain and depression. “When I realized I couldn’t play anymore, it was a difficult time because I was dealing with a loss of self-identity,” Brant said.

Luckily Brant had the financial and emotional support of his family during this difficult time. However, he realized that many athletes in similar circumstances aren’t so lucky.  Universities are not required to pay for athlete’s medical bills. Brant took his spirit of persistence and poured it into a nonprofit foundation called Positive Strides. This foundation works with care providers to provide the support and care that athletes need for what comes next in life after injury. It’s a calling Brant likely wouldn’t have heard of if not for his injuries and his already having the skills to make something like this happen. “I didn’t give up because it’s not in my nature,” Brant said. “You have to dig deep down inside and find the sense of pride [and] identify who you want to be after athletics is taken from you.”

Discussion Questions

• Can you imagine what Brant and other athletes are feeling when they are no longer able to play? Have you ever experienced that feeling? Explain.
• What do you think of the way Brant turned his experience into a positive?
• Are there negative experiences in your life that could be made into a positive for others by sharing your story?

Twenty-Second Sunday after Pentecost

Genesis 32:22-31

2 Timothy 3:14-4:5

Luke 18:1-8

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

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

 

Gospel Reflection

The widow in our gospel story today was persistent. While we are not told what justice she was seeking, she was relentless to the point that she wore the judge down and he granted her request out of annoyance! In verse 5 he says, “Yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will grant her justice, so that she may not wear me out by continually coming.” The unjust judge was not doing this out of a sense of duty or honor, but because she was persistent. This parable ends with a question of faith. “…And yet, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?”

Did the widow persist in her pleas for justice because she had faith that one day her case would be heard? Did Ryan Brant believe he could help others because he had faith that his cause was just? Or did they have the character trait of diligence. Did both just keep going until justice was granted? Or is it a combination of both faith and persistence? Do people give up because of a lack of faith?

To increase your skill in any area it takes practice. Athletes practice and people of faith have spiritual practices such as prayer. For faith to increase we must be persistent in our spiritual practice, just as the widow in the parable was persistent in pleading her case. We must build our spiritual muscle and focus our hearts and minds on trusting that God is with us and is calling us to pursue justice in our own lives and the lives of others.

Discussion Questions

• Have you ever gotten something you wanted by being persistent in asking for it?
• Have you heard the saying “practice makes perfect”? Do you think that is true? Does it apply to a life of faith?
• Have you ever thought about faith as something you had to practice? Why or why not?

Activity Suggestions

List some spiritual practices. Have students choose one that appeals to them and brainstorm ways that they can include that practice in their daily lives. Check back in with students in the weeks to come to see how they are doing with these practices.  (If your group needs help in coming up with spiritual practices, some are discussed in Celebration of Discipline, by Richard Foster.)

Closing Prayer

O Lord, we thank you for the gift of faith that gives us hope to keep going even when things are difficult. Give us the strength to be persistent in the things you have called us to. In your name we pray, Amen.

 

This October and November, join Susan Briehl, Matt James, Daniel Schwandt, Kevin Strickland and Scott Weidler in exploring the core foundations and new possibilities of the ELW family of resources. Strong Center, Open Door is two days of worship, workshops, music and conversation designed for everyone who plans worship in a Lutheran setting. Workshop topics range from “Worship as Faith Formation” to “Seasonal Worship Planning” and from “Navigating Sundays and Seasons” to “Singing the Word of God.”

Strong Center, Open Door is designed to give you experiences and tools to take home and share with your own worshipping community. Registration is open for two remaining locations: Minnesota (October 14-15, Rochester) and Pennsylvania (November 4-5, Lansdale). The cost is $40 per person including lunch both days. For full information and to register, go to the ELCA web site.

Come explore some of the many ways your congregation can engage Lutheran worship today!

 

Lutherans are taking action across the country! Below you will find our monthly State Advocacy Newsletter. Share with your friends!

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ELCA Advocacy Office, Washington, D.C.

The Rev. Amy Reumann, director

ELCA.org/advocacy

“VOTE FAITHFULLY SUNDAY”: ELCA Advocacy has joined with our United Church of Christ and The Episcopal Church ecumenical advocacy partners in observing the Sunday before Election Day as “Vote Faithfully Sunday.” This is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate and raise up every voice in our community, reflect on our commitment to the common good and prepare to cast our ballots. In October, ELCA Advocacy will provide a #votefaithfully toolkit for congregations that includes our #ELCAvotes resources and jointly created worship resources.

NATIONAL VOTER REGISTRATION DAY: Sept. 29 marked National Voter Registration Day. ELCA Advocacy, in collaboration with ELCA Racial Justice Ministries, sent an action alert reminding Lutherans to register to vote and hosted an #ELCAvotes Twitter chat to commemorate the day of action. Part two of the #ELCAvotes Bible study series, “From the Margins,” was also released this month. The new resource focuses on Luke 3:1-6 and guides discussion on our calling to act by speaking out as advocates and engaging in local efforts to guarantee the right to vote to all citizens.

FLINT WATER AID MOVES IN CONGRESS: It has been nearly a year since Flint, Mich., declared a state of emergency over the lead contamination of its water supply. In late September, after a series of intense negotiations and hundreds of messages from Lutheran advocates, both the U.S. House and the Senate passed separate amendments to address the water needs of Flint. Both houses passed the GOP-sponsored Water Resources Development Act, a routine bill that authorizes dozens of water projects throughout the U.S., with funding for Flint included. Both versions of the bill must be reconciled when legislators return to Washington, D.C., in November, when it is expected to receive a speedy vote. ELCA Advocacy action alerts are planned for later this year to help push the bill to the president’s desk after Election Day.

HIV and AIDS: After support and calls from ELCA Advocacy and other partners, the U.S. government in September made a commitment of up to $4.3 billion for the Global Fund over the next three years. The Global Fund fights AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria and is projected to save roughly 2 million lives each year.

SHISHMAREF: Shishmaref, Alaska, is an island village that has gained national attention for its historic decision to relocate. Residents were driven to this decision because of the unique and challenging circumstances of their environment. Climate change has led to increased flooding and erosion. As a result, Shishmaref is one of the most dramatic examples of a population affected by climate change. Find out more by reading the full article.

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Lutheran Office for World Community, United Nations, New York, N.Y.

Dennis Frado, director

U.N. SUMMIT ON ADDRESSING LARGE MOVEMENTS OF REFUGEES AND MIGRANTS: In early August, U.N. members agreed on three texts related to the Sept. 19 Summit on Addressing Large Movements of Refugees and Migrants. The primary aim of the summit was better international response to the situations of both groups of people on the move. The final document was adopted by the General Assembly on Sept. 9, and government leaders endorsed it at the high-level summit. It starts a multi-year process to prepare a refugee response framework and a global agreement on migration. LOWC has been collaborating closely with The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) in advance of the summit as part of a civil society action committee. LWF endorsed the committee’s call for “A new deal for refugees, migrants and societies” and a subsequent Act Now statement and scorecard. LOWC staff attended the summit and will be engaged with LWF in post-summit activities in New York and Geneva. LOWC is also coordinating follow-ups with the assistant director for migration policy and advocacy in the ELCA Advocacy office in Washington, D.C.

WHOLE OF SOCIETY APPROACH TO REFUGEES: On Sept. 20, Lia Hansen attended an event on “Mobilizing a ‘Whole of Society’ Approach to Refugees.” It was co-organized by the Permanent Missions of Canada and Ecuador and the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees. The main topic was the effective engagement of all sectors of society in resettling refugees. The minister of migrants and refugees of Canada, John McCullum, began by outlining Canada’s “national project” aimed at creating public-private partnerships in refugee resettlement efforts. This project allows private groups to sponsor refugees. McCullum declared that private partnerships are essential for the national project, as private sponsorships engender the support of the national population. Fariborz Birjandian, CEO of Calgary Catholic Immigration Society and an Iranian refugee to Canada, advocated for increased partnerships between faith and cultural organizations in sponsoring refugees. The Canadian government, the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees and the Open Society Foundation are collaborating on ways to export Canada’s public-private model globally.

KEEPING THE FAITH IN DEVELOPMENT: GENDER, RELIGION AND HEALTH: Last week during the U.N. General Assembly general debate week, Charlotte Mildenberger and Christine Mangale attended an event titled “Keeping the Faith in Development: Gender, Religion and Health.” It was co-hosted by UNAIDS, U.N. Women, U.N. Population Fund (UNFPA), the World Council of Churches-Ecumenical Advocacy Alliance, the Wijngaards Institute for Catholic Research and Islamic Relief USA. The event launched three reports examining the intersections and areas of contention between health, human rights and religious beliefs:

• “Religion, Women’s Health and Rights: Points of Contention, Paths of Opportunities” (a joint UNFPA –NORAD paper)
• “Dignity Freedom and Grace: Christian Perspectives on HIV, AIDS and Human Rights” (Paterson and Long, 2016, published by the World Council of Churches)
• “Catholic Scholars’ Statement on the Ethics of Using Contraceptives” (Wijngaards Institute)

The reports address the taboo issues faith communities encounter when addressing sexual and reproductive health challenges, and propose theological and practical responses that respect the tenets of faith traditions. The event explored areas of conflict and the “faith-full” ways to resolve them. The participants were invited to recommend ways to help achieve the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals.

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California

Mark Carlson, Lutheran Office of Public Policy

loppca.org

LEGISLATIVE SESSION CONCLUDES: The legislative session concluded with a push by the Lutheran Office of Public Policy–California on climate change, environmental justice, criminal justice reform and campaign finance reform bills. Director Mark Carlson joined Gov. Jerry Brown, legislators and community leaders for a bill signing in Fresno strengthening our state’s commitment to environmental justice and allocating greenhouse gas reduction funds from carbon cap-and-trade. Brown signed a bill allowing the option of public financing for state and local campaigns and a bill placing some restorative justice language in the Penal Code. He vetoed a bill to ensure in-person jail visitation, as a trend to video visitation continues.

BALLOT MEASURE WORK CONTINUES: LOPP-CA Policy Council recommendations on 17 measures are at loppca.org. Much effort has been directed toward ending the death penalty and retaining the plastic grocery bag ban. An Advocacy Sunday is being promoted for Oct. 16, including an ELCAvotes! emphasis. Mark will be attending the Southwest California Synod Women of the ELCA convention, synod professional leadership conferences, and a small, statewide Lutherans Restoring Creation planning retreat, sharing election materials.

9/11 REMEMBRANCE: It was a blessing to have Domestic Mission Director and former Metropolitan New York Synod Bishop Stephen Bouman in Sacramento. He met with congregational leaders, did site visits, and Mark accompanied him on the morning of 9/11 to the state Peace Officers Memorial by the Capitol (with a Lutheran California Highway Patrol officer), and the opening ceremony of the New York Fire Department  firefighter memorial stair climb in a nearby high-rise.

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Colorado

Peter Severson, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry–Colorado

lam-co.org

THEOLOGICAL CONFERENCE: The Rocky Mountain Synod Theological Conference took place in Cheyenne, Wyo., Sept. 19-22. Nearly 150 leaders from the synod gathered for worship, reflection, continuing education and fellowship. The synod is home to two advocacy ministries, Colorado and New Mexico, and both offices were present throughout the gathering to equip leaders for the busy election season.

VOTER GUIDES: Lutheran Advocacy Ministry–Colorado has prepared voter guides to help people of faith (and Lutherans in particular) consider the nine ballot issues that will be in front of Colorado voters in 2016. Each guide contains a summary of the ballot measures, resources for considering these issues, links to check voter registration and more. The guides are available digitally at lam-co.org or they can be ordered from the Rocky Mountain Synod office.

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Minnesota

Tammy Walhof, Lutheran Advocacy–Minnesota

tammy@lcppm.org

ELECTIONS: The Minneapolis Area Synod hosted candidates from three West Metro legislative districts on clean energy and water, and Bethel Lutheran hosted candidates in Rochester. A Lindstrom congregation is interested in helping residents register to vote. Contact tammy@lcppm.org for election-related options for your congregation.

2017 PLANS: LA–MN’s Policy Council set general directions for the upcoming year at its September meeting. Payday lending was dropped but will continue to be a focus of action through 2016 in support of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau proposed rules.

• Affordable housing: Even as new affordable units are added to rental stock, Minnesota is losing thousands of previously affordable units to investor buy-outs and luxury conversions. High housing costs remain a primary cause of instability and hunger. Affordable housing and related services will remain a high priority in 2017.
• Clean energy, clean water, climate, sustainable agriculture: Despite a renewable boom, Minnesota’s “80 percent carbon reduction by 2050” goal remains elusive. Gov. Mark Dayton supports increasing renewable energy to 50 percent by 2030 and also made clean water a priority last year. LA-MN and partners are evaluating the degree the administration might support differing proposals.

Some partners have asked LA-MN to participate in efforts on sustainable agriculture. The Policy Council sees agriculture, energy and water as interrelated and important to climate issues.

• Immigration, racism: LA-MN will continue to work on welcoming refugees and immigrants and hopes to find appropriate ways to address racism toward immigrants and Minnesotans of color.

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New Mexico

Ruth Hoffman, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry–New Mexico

lutheranadvocacynm.org

Lutheran Advocacy Ministry–New Mexico is a partner with the Interfaith Hunger Coalition. The coalition recently sponsored a workshop called “Hunger 101.” The workshop drew more than 50 people who heard an in depth presentation by New Mexico Voices for Children on the state’s budget situation and included a number of possible public policies that could help deal with the current budget crisis. LAM–NM Director Ruth Hoffman talked about several state issues about which attendees could contact their legislators. Ruth helped people identify their state legislators and provided contact information so that letters could be written to those lawmakers.

The state Legislature has been meeting in a special session to address the state’s severe revenue crisis. The last two fiscal years are underfunded by about $600 million. Because the state constitution mandates that state budgets be balanced, the governor has called the legislature to Santa Fe. Unfortunately, the governor also included several crime bills on her proclamation for the session. Included among those crime bills is one to reinstate the death penalty in New Mexico. LAM–NM was a leader in the coalition that successfully advocated to abolish capital punishment in 2009. LAM–NM is working on bills to protect social service programs from budget cuts, advocating for more state revenue, and fighting legislation that would reinstate the death penalty.

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Pennsylvania

Tracey DePasquale, Lutheran Advocacy–Pennsylvania                            

lutheranadvocacypa.org

With the focus on “being church together for the sake of the world, in Pennsylvania,” LAMPa policy council and guests, including five Directors of Evangelical Mission, held our annual retreat in State College to re-imagine how we are called to live into this ministry together. Guests helped the policy council begin to discern what issues we might work on in the next legislative session by discussing what we are seeing in our congregations, communities and media. These helped the policy council identify areas around which to convene teams, as LAMPa moves forward in restructuring for mission. Hunger, racial justice, mental health and addiction, creation justice, education, immigration, and poverty, housing and jobs were the areas lifted up for the creation of issue teams to be convened by policy council members.

Senate Bill 851, a safe-harbor bill that would redirect youth victims of sex trafficking into services and away from the criminal justice system, was the focus of service and advocacy projects in Pennsylvania on Sept. 11.  The Lower Susquehanna Synod’s Women’s Organization passed a resolution supporting the bill, writing to the head of the Judiciary Committee and individual senators on its behalf. In addition to advocacy, members of First Lutheran in Chambersburg and Emmanuel Lutheran in Pittsburgh labeled bars of hotel soap with the phone number of the national human trafficking hotline. The soap will be distributed to hotels as a way to intervene where trafficking often occurs. Since the action, the bill has was voted out of committee.

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Texas

Samuel D. Brannon, Texas Impact

texasimpact.org

REFUGEE RESETTLEMENT PROGRAM: Texas’ decision to withdraw from the federal refugee resettlement program does not reflect the values of Texans. Texans are courageous, hospitable and faithful. Texans should not tolerate this decision made on their behalf, which seeks to impede the process of meeting critical needs for some of the most beleaguered of God’s children.

The state’s decision will not end the resettlement of refugees in Texas. Instead, it will obstruct the delivery of life-sustaining support for the refugees already in Texas. It also will siphon precious nonprofit and faith-based resources intended for refugees into a crisis-driven effort to rebuild a system that was already working effectively and efficiently.

Finally, the state’s decision will not prevent Texas faith communities from aiding our sisters and brothers fleeing persecution in other parts of the world. Refugees come to Texas seeking shelter from religious intolerance, violence and failed states. They have already experienced immeasurable hardships, rejection, death and deprivation. Refugees see Texas as a place of freedom and safety for themselves and their families. The state’s decision notwithstanding, we will continue to work to ensure that their faith in our state is well founded.

____________________

Wisconsin

Cindy Crane, Lutheran Office for Public Policy in Wisconsin

loppw.org

ANNUAL LOPPW RETREAT AND UPDATED PRIORITIES: The advisory council and staff honed our priorities including: calling for an end to childhood hunger addressing the crisis of human trafficking; caring for God’s creation; confronting the impact of money on public policies and supporting immigration reform.

STATEWIDE CONFERENCE AND RALLY ON ANTI-HUMAN TRAFFICKING: Our panel included someone who had been trafficked, an outreach worker with homeless youth, and two assemblywomen from the Republican and Democratic parties. We also heard from La Crosse Area Synod Bishop Jim Arends, who spoke about why he wanted anti-human trafficking to be a priority for LOPPW in 2014, and from South-Central Synod of Wisconsin Bishop Mary Froiland on why it is improtant to be a public church.

HUNGER TEAM IN THE NORTHERN GREAT LAKES SYNOD: There was a discussion on the Child Nutrition Reauthorization, and we were updated on the landscape in the Northwoods.

CARE FOR GOD’S CREATION: LOPPW’s director was on a panel at the Wisconsin Power & Light conference in Appleton. She also co-led a workshop in which she spoke about the legislative landscape of Wisconsin in relationship climate change and water.

CANDIDATE FORUM FOR STATE SENATE SEAT HELD IN OSHKOSH: Council member Deb Martin moderated our candidate forum at All Saints Lutheran Church, Oshkosh. The Rev. Kim Krogstad opened us up with prayer and was the time keeper.  The event made NBC news in Green Bay.

 

 

The ELCA’s Churchwide Assembly, this August in New Orleans L.A., was highlighted by moments of worship, music, prayer and praise. Here are just a few visual highlights from the worship services in the Great Hall.

Anne Williams, Ankeny, IA

 

Warm-up Question

What sorts of things make you feel better when you’re physically hurting? What about when you’re emotionally or spiritually hurting?

Crossing Borders

Rami Adham, a Syrian-Finnish (yes, he lives in Finland) father of 6 is known as Uncle Toy among Syrian refugee children. Adham collects toys and money in Finland then gets himself smuggled into Syria through Turkey to deliver toys and goods to people living in refugee camps. He has made the journey 28 times in five years. It can be dangerous, as he has to be smuggled across the border both ways each time he travels. It’s not unusual for him to walk six or seven hours at a time, sometimes dodging bullets. He says that Syrians have lost faith in others in the world because of the terrible violence in their country. Adham says no one will ever stop him. He’s completely dedicated to the kids of Syria.

Discussion Questions

• Would you ever consider doing something dangerous to bring some good to someone else?
• Do you think what Rami Adham is doing is healing? To himself? To the refugee children?
• How are Adham’s actions healing?

Twenty-first Sunday after Pentecost

2 Kings 5:1-3, 7-15c

2 Timothy 2:8-15

Luke 17:11-19

(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 B at Lectionary Readings

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

 

Gospel Reflection

First of all, let’s frame Jesus’ story by exploring where he is. Jesus is outside of Jewish lands, he’s in a no-man’s-land between the borders of Judea and Samaria. It’s interesting that the village he enters is in that no-man’s-land. Even more interesting is that there are lepers living near this village. Lepers weren’t allowed to live in the towns, having to live in the hills or valleys around the towns they came from. In a lot of ways, lepers in the ancient world were refugees – unable to live in their own homes, often violently driven out of the towns they used to live in. The only way they were allowed to go back to their old lives was to prove to the local priest that they were healed – free of any skin diseases or conditions that might be considered contagious.

So this is where Jesus is, in a town where there are 10 lepers who just want to get back to their lives, with their families, in their homes. Our Bible text doesn’t say how Jesus healed these ten men, but we know he did. Only one of them turned back to Jesus and thanked him.  Notice, the only man who comes back to thank Jesus is a Samaritan.  Samaritans were often seen as enemies of the Judeans and regarded with suspicion. Jesus tells him that his faith has made him well.

It’s not really a surprise that we find Jesus valuing people who are both the refugees of the ancient world and the historical enemy of his people. Luke consistently tells us that Jesus is always there for the poor and the hurting, that his care extends to them no matter who they are or where they are from. Even if they exist on the very edges of society Jesus is willing to be there for them. And it shouldn’t surprise us that Jesus is willing to leave his comfort zone, even the boundaries of his own country, to meet those who need his help.

Discussion Questions

• If you were one of Jesus’ disciples, how, would you feel about leaving friendly territory and moving into potentially hostile territory to follow him?
• Who exists outside friendly territory in your world? Hint: this is necessarily a literal question – some spaces are hostile to a person without being violent.
• Are there ways for you to meet the people who live outside the borders of your comfort zone?
• Could healing happen if you were to meet those people? What kind of healing would it be?

Activity Suggestions

Grab a bunch of maps, ideally one of your town, one of your state, one of the country and one of the world. The bigger the better. (If you have the space and the resources, have the students draw the maps on strips of butcher paper or poster paper taped together, accuracy isn’t the goal). Spread out all the maps and give your students markers. Instruct them to draw the borders in their lives, the lines that divide us and them. It might a school district border, a line between rich and poor neighborhoods, etc. Reflect together about the borders that exist at all scales of our lives, local, national, global. Reflect further about what it would take to cross those boundaries and get to know the people who live on the other side. What kind of healing would that look like?

Closing Prayer

Gracious and loving God, we know that your presence covers the whole earth and that you are present wherever two or more are gathered in your name. Help us to uncover all of the places where you are, especially if they lie outside our comfortable and safe boundaries. Help us to find ways to cross those boundaries in ways that will bring healing and wholeness to those on both sides of the line. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

 

 

World Food Day is a day of action against hunger.

On October 16, people around the world come together to declare their commitment to eradicate hunger in our lifetime. Because when it comes to hunger, the only acceptable number in the world is zero.

Each year, people around the world mark World Food Day as a special occasion to take action, learn more and join together to fight hunger.  World Food Day 2016 falls on a Sunday, giving Christians concerned about hunger a special opportunity to worship, pray and serve together.  Below are some suggestions for actions your congregation can take.

GIVE

ELCA World Hunger supports projects in nearly 60 countries, including the United States. These projects include job training programs, food pantries, agricultural training, health promotion and care, and much more. Together, our Church accompanies communities around the world toward a world of justice where all will be fed.  Prayerfully consider supporting ELCA World Hunger with your gifts.  Visit https://community.elca.org/hungerdonate to make a gift.

World Food Day 2016 is on Sunday October 16.  Use the occasion to host a special offering for ELCA World Hunger in your congregation.  Order posters and envelopes at http://resources.elca.org/Products-Hunger.html. You can also use a blessing like the one below to dedicate your offerings to the work God is doing through the ELCA.

Blessing of Offering

Abundant God, all creation displays your goodness.  For the hungry, you provide food.  For the thirsty, you give water.  To the wandering, you promise a home.  You have blessed us with your gifts that we may be your hands and feet to share these gifts with our neighbors.  Bless these offerings, that they may be signs of your grace in our world.  As we share with others, keep us mindful of our own need – for food, water, shelter, and community.  May our gifts be an invitation to deeper relationship with each other and with you. In the name of Jesus Christ, your gift to the world, Amen.

ADVOCATE

Last year, ELCA Advocacy, Lutherans across the Church and ecumenical and interfaith partners across the US joined together to advocate for the Global Food Security Act. After long months of advocacy and policy negotiations, the Global Food Security Act is now a law. Together with partners, ELCA Advocacy worked tirelessly on this legislation for nearly two years, and we are grateful to see that all our prayerful efforts have led to this moment. The Global Food Security Act means the U.S. will be better equipped to combat food insecurity around the world. THANK YOU FOR YOUR ADVOCACY!

But our work is far from over. Sign up for e-advocacy alerts at ELCA.org/advocacy to learn more about the important work of ELCA Advocacy and to be part of a voice for justice for all.

LEARN

This year’s message for World Food Day is “Climate is changing. Food and agriculture must, too.”  Host an education event at your church to help others learn more about climate change’s effect on hunger.  You can download a communication toolkit, posters and other resources from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations here: goo.gl/OFcz6D .

To learn more about projects supported by ELCA World Hunger that are responding to a changing climate, read “Three Ways ‘The Poor’ and Communities of Faith Are Leading the Way on Climate Change” on Huffington Post – goo.gl/L3MtiH.

Also, check out these resources from ELCA World Hunger and our partners:

Rooted in God’s Word and Lands: A Celebration of the Earth That Nourishes Us

This resource from Creation Justice Ministries encourages Christians to treat land as the special gift that it is.  It has ideas for sermons, Sunday School activities, and adult study and contemplation exercises. Download it for free at goo.gl/kjT5P6.

Sustainable Food in a Changing Climate

This 2015 resource from Creation Justice Ministries offers prayers and liturgies for worship, ideas for educational programs, and suggestions for personal food choices that raise awareness about and encourage action toward sustainable choices about the foods we eat.  Download it for free at goo.gl/KxddNC.

Just Climate: Study Guide for Adult Christian Education

Creation Justice Ministries’ popular 2008 resource is as relevant today as it was when it was first released.  This three-session study guide is perfect for audiences new to studying climate change.  It has discussion and reflection questions, a leader’s guide to the issues, and fact sheets on several countries to help your group see the concrete effects of climate change around the world and in the United States. Download it for free at goo.gl/ySPgkw.

Care of Creation Lectionary Reflections

Lutherans Restoring Creation offers an online archive of commentaries on the Revised Common Lectionary that is perfect for developing a sermon, a children’s sermon, or an educational forum.  The archive can be found at goo.gl/wrxb8z.

Hunger and Climate Change Connections Toolkit

ELCA World Hunger’s toolkits are easy-to-use, adaptable for a variety of settings and suitable for intergenerational audiences.  The activities can take as little as 15 minutes, or as much as one hour, depending on your needs.  Learn about climate-related disasters, the effects of climate change on vulnerable populations and actions your congregation can take.  Download this toolkit at goo.gl/x2JEBK.

Hunger and Climate Change: Agriculture and Food Security in a Changing Climate

From biofuels to gender justice, from political stability to farming in the United States, this fact sheet from the ELCA highlights the wide-ranging effects of climate change.  With ideas for what your congregation can do to support farmers and others impacted by climate change, this fact sheet is perfect for Lutherans concerned about agriculture and hunger.  Download it at goo.gl/aqnuLg.

Caring for Creation: Vision, Hope and Justice

The ELCA’s social statement on care for creation, adopted in 1993, remains an important reflection on our role as stewards in God’s world.  Read it here: goo.gl/0rFHQM.

HOST

Host a Hunger potluck or banquet after worship services to highlight the challenge of hunger in our world. Read how congregations in Ohio used “Potlucks to End World Hunger” to  support ELCA World Hunger and projects around the world – http://earthandcup.com/potlucks-to-end-world-hunger/.

The Oxfam America Hunger Banquet is a memorable, interactive event that brings hunger and poverty issues to life. Hunger Banquets have been going strong for nearly 40 years and can be a meaningful way to learn more about the challenges we and our neighbors face in a world of hunger – and what we can all do to change it.  Learn more at goo.gl/8a5ASG.

PRAY

When Lutherans pray for “daily bread,” Martin Luther reminds us that we are asking God for all of the needs we have each and every day, from food to shelter, from healthy families to good government.  This Fall, help your family remember these good gifts of God with free table blessing magnets from ELCA World Hunger.  Order for your family or congregation by emailing Hunger@ELCA.org.