Eric Luke, Saint Paul, MN

Warm-up Question

When you get overwhelmed, where do you turn (or what do you turn to) to regain your focus?

I Swear

It’s a common television courtroom image to see a witness raise their right hand, put their left hand on the Bible, and  swear an oath to tell “the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.” This tradition goes back generations and is intended to indicate the individual’s degree of commitment to the truth when making their oath.

It’s common, as well, for elected officials to place their hand on a Bible when taking the oath of office. At U.S. presidential inaugurations television announcers often comment about the historical or family significance of the specific book used by the president.

On Tuesday, January 9, 2024 the Saint Paul, Minnesota made history, becoming the largest U.S. city to swear-in an all-female city council. At the ceremony one photojournalist noted that the seven women sworn into office used six different books, only two of which were the Christian Bible.

While the Christian Bible is not required, due to the separation of church and state, it has been a common choice of elected officials in the United States, signifying what grounds them as they step into an important role. The book choices these leaders made when they were sworn-in make a statement about what grounds them as individuals. It tells a bit of their own stories and indicates to their constituents what will guide their decision making as they step into the busy life of public office.

Discussion Questions

• What is one guiding principle that you follow in your life? Where does that principle come from?
• If you were elected President, what book would you put your hand on at your swearing-in ceremony? What would other people think about that choice?
• What book would you not want an elected official to use for a swearing-in ceremony?  Why?

Fourth Sunday after Epiphany

Deuteronomy 18:15-20

1 Corinthians 8:1-13

Mark 1:21-28

(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

In the first chapter of Mark’s gospel Jesus’ ministry is just getting underway, and already we get an indication of Jesus’ busy pace. After getting a few followers to “sign on” as disciples, Jesus heals a man with an unclean spirit and then they go to get food and rest. 

No sooner does Jesus enter the home of Simon and Andrew than they find Simon’s mother-in-law ill with a high fever. After Jesus heals her fever, she shows them hospitality, and that evening the house is filled with all of the cities’ sick and demon-possessed people.

The next morning, while it is still very dark, Jesus gets up and goes to the wilderness to pray. For Jesus, prayer is conversation with God, the way to stay focused on what God wants him to do. 

By getting up early Jesus can be fairly certain that he will find the quiet and solitude he needs to connect with God. There will be no demands to make conversation with the disciples. Simon’s mother-in-law won’t have breakfast on the table and tell Jesus to eat before leaving the house. In this early hour, before the world is awake, Jesus finds what he needs to stay grounded and focused on the task at hand.  

When the disciples find Jesus we might expect that their announcement, “everyone is searching for you,” would cause Jesus to turn back to town to appease the requests of the crowd. But Jesus is focused.  Filled with this conversation with God about where Jesus is needed, he tells the disciples,  “Let’s go to the neighboring town.”  

Finding that alone time and praying with God keeps Jesus focused.

Discussion Questions

• If you could ask Jesus about the time he spent alone with God, what would you want to know?
• When and how do you find time to connect with God?
• What makes taking time to connect with God challenging? When is it easier?
• Have you ever asked a friend or family member when they find time to connect with God? If not, what would it take for you to ask them so that you could learn from their practices?

Activity Suggestions

Keep a prayer journal. On a piece of paper or in a notebook, write down the date and the things that you pray about when you connect with God – it can be a word, a  phrase, or a full sentence which helps you remember. As you make this list over several days or weeks, look back to see if there are regular themes in your prayers.  Are there places where you feels your prayers have been answered? Show gratitude for the answered prayer. Consider how the themes of what you pray for might be influencing how you live your life. Does paying attention to your prayers make you want to make changes in your life?

Closing Prayer

God of the busy, God of the silence, thank you for your presence. Be with all who hunger for companionship. Stay near those who desire solitude. Speak your words of guidance and wisdom for each day of our lives. Help us listen to those in need and guide us in wisdom around in each word we speak. Guided by your Spirit, let it be so.

 

What is COP?

COP stands for the Conference of Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). It is “the supreme decision-making body of the UNFCCC.”

What is the UNFCCC?

The UNFCCC is an international environmental treaty drafted in 1992 and enacted in 1994 among 198 parties. Both the Kyoto Protocol and the subsequent Paris Agreement are implementation measures of the UNFCCC. The purpose of UNFCC is “to combat dangerous human interference in the climate system.”

Who from the ELCA attended COP28?

This year Christine Moolo (Program Director for World Hunger Initiatives), Savannah Jorgenson (Legislative Coordinator at the California State Public Policy Office) and I were honored to serve as virtual observers with an ELCA delegation. Our colleagues from Witness in Society, Tammy Wahloff (Director of Minnesota State Public Policy Office), Regina Banks (Director of California State Public Policy Office) and Christine Moffett (Program Director of Environmental Policy) served as in-person observers.

Why is Lutheran Disaster Response (LDR) present at COP?

We join hundreds of ecumenical and interfaith partners because climate change is an existential threat to human civilization, per the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). First, we have a baptismal calling to “the reconciliation of all creation.” Moreover, the ELCA’s disaster response ministry is already responding to more frequent and severe climate-related disasters. The LDR Initiatives program is responsible for disaster risk reduction work (hazard mitigation and disaster preparedness). Mitigating the worst impacts of climate change – anything above a net 2.0-degree Celsius global temperature rise – is disaster risk reduction. Additionally, LDR does not do this work alone; we participate with other members of the ACT Alliance and Lutheran World Federation from around the world, to coordinate this effort.

How is this disaster response?

LDR is committed to accompanying communities throughout the disaster cycle. In addition to response and recovery, mitigation and preparation are part of this cycle. Additionally, emerging research demonstrates investments in mitigation reduce the cost of future disasters by up to 600%. Simply put, disaster risk reduction is an investment in our collective future.

Isn’t climate change political?

Yes. The word politics is derived from the Greek word for city – polis (as in metropolis). Anything having to do with our public life together as a society is political, even disasters. This is articulated in the ELCA social statement on Church in Society as the church’s obligation to, “work with and on behalf of the poor, the powerless, and those who suffer, using its power and influence with political and economic decision-making bodies to develop and advocate policies that seek to advance justice, peace, and the care of creation.”

This is easier said than done. I would be remiss if I did not honor the stories of colleagues from areas of high levels of climate skepticism who share that the mention of climate change can shut down an entire conversation. As the Church we are called to preach the truth in ways diverse communities can receive. In some places we may not be able to say the words “climate change,” but we can discuss concerns about the impact of increased severe weather on people’s livelihoods and communities. Climate change, like many problems, will not go away just because we ignore it.

How can I learn more about the ELCA’s experience and impact at COP28?

On Jan. 24, the ELCA delegation from COP28 will share our experiences during a webinar. I am inviting you!

Resister here: https://bit.ly/ELCACOP28webinar

If you have any questions about mitigating climate change, disaster risk reduction, or the LDR initiatives program, please reach out to me at Matthew.Zemanick@ELCA.org

Pastor Matthew Zemanick (he/they) is the Program Director for Lutheran Disaster Response Initiatives.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity is upon us once again. To commemorate this time of collective witness we’ve compiled a list of ecumenical and inter-religious opportunities for you and your congregation to connect with throughout the year!

 

Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

Traditionally the week of prayer is celebrated between 18-25 January, between the feasts of Saint Peter and Saint Paul, though it can be celebrated at any point throughout the year. Each year ecumenical partners from a particular region are invited to produce a liturgical text based on a specific Biblical theme. This year’s theme comes from Luke 10:27 – You shall love the Lord your God … and your neighbor as yourself. The text is jointly published by the Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity and the World Council of Churches, through the WCC’s Commission on Faith and Order, which also accompanies the entire production process of the text. You can find this year’s resources in seven languages available for free download here. You can also find a wide range of resource from the Graymoor Ecumenical and Interreligious Institute here.

 

Join the Month of Unselfish Love Challenge

On January 23^rd journey alongside Presiding Bishop Michael Curry of the Episcopal Church and others as they explore the power of love in the new film, A Case for Love*. You and your congregation are invited to join the “Month of Unselfish Love Challenge”– 30 days of daily acts of selflessness. Let’s see what happens when we put unselfish love front and center for the world to see! The film’s church discussion guide was developed by Luther Seminary’s Faith+Lead.

*A Case for Love, only in theaters January 23, 2024.  Buy your Tickets Today!

 

Applications Open for Harding Meyer Ecumenical Award

Applications are open from now until February 15 for the 2024 Harding Meyer Prize in Ecumenism. The prize is awarded every two years to continue the legacy of the German theologian who broke new ground in strengthening relations between different Christian denominations.

International Seminars for Pastors at the LWF Center in Wittenberg

LWF Center Wittenberg offers international seminars for pastors and theologians from member churches of The Lutheran World Federation (LWF). The two-week events take place in March and November every year. This year’s seminars will be held March 2-16 and November 2-16.

Participants study texts by Martin Luther and their current relevance in various contexts under the skilled academic leadership of international teachers. Exchange with participants from the seven regions of the LWF on their experiences complements the study of texts.

 

Ecumenical School on Governance, Economics and Management (GEM) for an Economy of Life

In order to strengthen the voice of churches with regards to global economics, a group of 20 leaders representing various churches will have the opportunity to attend the Ecumenical School on Governance, Economics and Management (GEM) for an Economy of Life in Nairobi, Kenya (TBC) from 19-30 August 2024.

Co-organized by the World Council of Churches, the World Communion of Reformed Churches, the Lutheran World Federation, the World Methodist Council, and the Council for World Mission, this initiative responds to recommendations outlined in the “Sao Paulo Statement: International Financial transformation for an Economy of Life” and in the document “Economy of Life for All Now: An Ecumenical Action Plan for a New International Financial and Economic Architecture,” which identified the development of competencies in economics within churches as a priority.

Completed application forms and supporting documents should be sent to the following link: https://wcccoe.hire.trakstar.com/jobs/fk0vqiv

 The closing date for applications is February 24, 2024. Selected participants will be informed by March 20, 2024.

 

Bossey Interfaith Summer Course

Applications are open for the Ecumenical Institute at Bossey’s 2024 interfaith summer course, during which students earn a Certificate of Advanced Studies in Interreligious Studies.

Bringing together young people from Jewish, Christian, and Muslim communities, the theme of this year’s course is “People and Faith on the Move: Migration in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.” The distance learning component of the course runs from 8-26 July, followed by a residential period taking place 29 July-16 August.

The closing date for applications is March 15, 2024,

 

Shoulder to Shoulder Campaign

The Shoulder to Shoulder Campaign is equipping, connecting, and mobilizing faith leaders in the United States to address anti-Muslim discrimination and violence.

Faith Over Fear Trainings

Love Over Hate Interfaith Iftars for Ramadan 2024: March 11 – April 10

 

The Institute for Ecumenical Research in Strasbourg 

Since 1966, the Institute for Ecumenical Research in Strasbourg has offered annual Summer Seminars in Strasbourg to share the findings and breakthroughs of the ecumenical movement with a wider audience. Over the course of more than five decades, the Summer Seminars have explored an incredibly rich range of subjects. This year’s course information has yet to be released but will be shared in the coming months. Once it has been made available, we’ll post the information in EIR News, social media, and via the EIR Perspectives blog.

by Erin Brown, Lutheran Office for World Community [about the author]

Since October, the Lutheran Office for World Community (LOWC) has participated in weekly prayers for peace at the Church Center for the United Nations. At every service, we lift up prayers for all people impacted by violence and destruction caused by the numerous conflicts happening worldwide. At a recent service, members of an organization called Flame of Hope led the reflection, bringing with them a lantern illuminated with a flame recovered from the aftermath of the atomic bomb drop in Hiroshima in 1945.

This flame has traveled across the globe, visiting memorials, schools, museums and places of worship. At every location, individuals who visit the flame are invited to bring forth prayers and wishes for the future. And as more of those prayers and wishes are added to the flame, this fire that originated from destruction no longer burns as a reminder of the pain and trauma of the past. Instead, it is transformed into a beacon of hope, illuminating a path toward a future filled with peace.

The fire has also been united with several other eternal flames from around the world that carry this same message – one of those being the eternal flame at the gravesite of civil-rights leader the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This week in the United States, we remember and celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. King. Fifty-six years after his assassination, we are still called to continue to, as he said in 1959 during the March for Integrated Schools, “Make a career of humanity. Commit yourself to the noble struggle for equal rights. You will make a better person of yourself, a greater nation of your country, and a finer world to live in.” This call to action still presses us forward today – not only in this nation, but around the world.

LOWC, along with many faith-based organizations advocating at the United Nations, have been attending meeting after meeting there focused on the consequences of global conflicts. Systemic issues around the world continue to violently divide us all. And without leaders intentionally addressing the root causes of these conflicts, it becomes ever more clear that the violence we constantly witness will vociferously propagate. Two weeks ago, the International Crisis Group posted an article listing ten conflicts to watch this year, pointing to the fact that more and more global leaders are using military force. And while diplomatic efforts to end fighting are failing worldwide, there is a growing belief these leaders using military force can get away with it.

We need leaders who are dedicated to the path of peace and resist the trend of violent intervention. We need leaders who have ears that are willing to listen and learn from the stories of others, especially the stories of our international colleagues and partners.

We need leaders who are brave enough to hope, because hope does not mean passively waiting – but giving witness, knowing that change is possible when you are brave enough to imagine it. A flame of hope is something all of us need, illuminating a path toward a future filled with peace and justice for all.

---

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Erin Brown (she/her) is the first ELCA Hunger Advocacy Fellow placed with the Lutheran Office for World Community (LOWC) in New York city. Before joining the LOWC team, Brown worked at Saint Peter’s Church in Manhattan as a fellow in cross-cultural ministry. She is passionate about multicultural exchange, language and the power of storytelling. A candidate for consecration as a deacon through the Lutheran Diaconal Association, Brown completed her diaconal internship as a youth and family minister at Iglesia Sola Fe in San Sebastian, Costa Rica. She has taught English to university students in Colombia and to Haitian adults seeking refuge in the greater Boston area, and speaks English, Spanish and Haitian Creole!

 

Anders Nilsen, Norfolk, VA

Warm-up Questions

How would you know if Jesus was calling you to do something or to follow him? Do you think you would hear a voice? Would this call come through other people? Would it be your intuition? 

Social Media Jesus

A little over a year ago, Elon Musk, the billionaire and owner of multiple companies including Tesla, purchased the social media platform Twitter. In a controversial move, Musk made many immediate changes to the way the platform was used. 

For years before Musk made the purchase, accounts on Twitter who were deemed “authentic, noble, active, and prominently recognized” were awarded a blue check mark. This tiny symbol awarded the account the status of being “verified.” It is a coveted symbol especially for celebrities, reporters, and other prominent figures because it means that their account cannot be copied or fraudulent. Words are powerful, and when accounts get stolen and fake tweets are sent the damage can be long lasting. 

One of the changes that Musk made after purchasing Twitter in November of 2022, was to take away the blue check mark that signified a verified status for everyone, unless they were willing to pay a premium each month. This decision led to chaos. Celebrities were impersonated by people who paid to activate “verified” accounts in their name. Major news networks such as the New York Times had fraudulent accounts spouting fake news in their namesake. For a time, it was a madhouse. (Not that Twitter hasn’t always been.) 

Another controversy that came out of the chaos was that someone created and paid for a verified account named “Jesus Christ”, and another, “Satan”. During the time that these accounts held the coveted blue check mark they went back and forth with insults and quips. Hilarious? Yes. Sacrilegious? Probably. 

Sadly, thousands of people took these little blue check marks seriously. The owner of the “Jesus Christ” account received thousands and thousands of prayer requests because people now trusted the account was “real”. It must have been so discouraging for these folks to find out the truth that this account was owned and operated by a regular person and internet troll. 

How do we know which voices, which accounts, which people, to follow and to listen to? Does a little blue check mark allow us to put our full trust that they will tell us the truth? Or do we need to do some investigation for ourselves?

Discussion Questions

• What are the voices that you listen to? Do have favorite artists, talk show hosts, celebrities, Tik Tok-ers, Instagram accounts, YouTube streamers, podcasters, etc.? Who are they?
• What do you learn from them? How does “following them” impact the way that you live your life?

Third Sunday of Epiphany

Jonah 3:1-5, 10

1 Corinthians 7:29-31

Mark 1:14-20

(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 Gospel according to Mark moves quickly. There is great urgency and Mark gives few details; he wastes no words.  Jesus is on the move, and with the urgency and haste of each scene we easily miss important details if we aren’t paying attention. 

John the Baptizer appears just verses before our passage today. He is out in the wilderness baptizing people for the forgiveness of their sins, preparing the way for the one who will come who is much greater than he— Jesus. Because of John’s actions, the religious and political elite arrest him. An important detail because soon these voices are challenged again. 

Just like that the scene shifts. Jesus begins his ministry in Galilee proclaiming to all that he encounters: “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.” (vs. 15) 

Jesus, the rabbi, the teacher is on the move. 

In Jesus’ time, rabbis chose students at a young age, training and educating them to become rabbis later in life. Rob Bell in his “Covered in the Dust of the Rabbi” video details the selection process of the “best of the best” students that would be chosen to study, learn, and grow in the ways of their rabbi. It was a rigorous process, taking many years of learning for which only a few would be chosen. If you were one of the many left out, the religious elite basically told you that you were not good enough. 

If you were a fisherman you were one of the “not-good-enoughs.” Simon, Andrew, James, and John, by that standard, were “not-good-enoughs.” And yet, there is a voice that calls to them: “Follow me and I will make you fish for people” (vs. 17). 

I am always fascinated by this part of the calling of the disciples. Fishing was not a hobby for them, as it is for many of us today. It was their livelihood, the way they made money and afforded shelter. And yet, when Jesus calls to them, they drop their nets to follow. John and James even leave their father on the boat as they leave. Just. Like. That. How did they know they could trust Jesus? How did they know that he would not disappoint them? 

There is something so compelling about what Jesus proclaims and something so powerful about this invitation, telling these four men that they are finally enough, that they have no choice but to follow. They hear his voice and they know. I pray that we all might be able to know and to trust in the love of Jesus as much as these first disciples.  

Discussion Questions

• Put yourself in the boats alongside Simon, Andrew, James and John. Would you drop the net and follow as they did, or would you need some more information from Jesus?
• Are there voices that you listen to that tell you that you are not “good enough”? How do you block them out?

Activity Suggestions

Have each member of your group open their phones and scroll through whatever feed of social media or news that they choose. Have them identify what voices, themes, or attitudes are prominent and have a conversation about whether these things are positive, negative, or neutral in our lives of following Christ.  

Closing Prayer

Almighty God, by grace alone you call us, you lead us, and you equip us to do the work that you set out for us to do. Help us to listen for your voice which will guide us in the way of truth, of grace, and of love for the sake of this world that you love deeply. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen. 

 

In honor of National Day of Racial Healing, ELCA Racial Justice Ministries invited The Reverend Jennifer Thomas to share some thoughts about this topic with our readers.

 

As a person of faith, I am called to love God and my neighbor as myself. Because of this, I’m committed to learning how white supremacy culture and my own complicity in it cause harm to my global neighbors near and far — and when I know better, to do better. As a seminarian, I attended anti-racism training in the late ’90s. But my journey didn’t stop there. Even last month I learned a new term: “global majority,” a collective term for non-white people of African, Asian and Latin American descent, who constitute approximately 85% of the global population. It has been used as an alternative to terms that are seen as racialized, such as “ethnic minority” and “person of color,” or more regional terms across the globe. It roughly corresponds to people whose heritage can be traced back to nations of the Global South.  

I’m a board member of the European Descent Lutheran Association for Racial Justice and a member of the Central States Synod Racial Justice Team. As a member of both organizations, I’m interested in building a network of racial justice advocates and organizers across the ELCA. I also participate in #Reformation2022, a movement to reform the ELCA. Most of the work I do as a board and team member is amplifying the voices of the global majority community, whether it be an individual or an association within our church. 

When I was invited to blog this month for the “National Day of Racial Healing,” I had to look it up because it was new to me. The National Day of Racial Healing is a call to action for racial healing for all people. It is a time for contemplating our shared values and engaging together on #HowWeHeal from the effects of racism. It’s a day to come together in a shared commitment to building relationships. Launched on Jan. 17, 2017, it is an opportunity to bring people together in their common humanity and inspire collective action to create a more equitable world. The day is observed every year on the Tuesday following Martin Luther King Jr. Day. 

You can’t change what you don’t know. So how much do you know about the impact of colonization on the global majority community?  

When we know the truth and embrace it, we begin the process of building and strengthening right relationships with our global majority neighbors. In 2023 the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) launched the Truth and Healing Movement. Many resources are available to assist you and your congregation as you work on your responsibilities. 

The ELCA also has ethnic associations for Ethnic Specific and Multicultural Ministries. For even more resources, visit the ELCA Anti-Racism Pledge page. 

If you are of European descent within the ELCA and passionate about anti-racism and dismantling white supremacy, we invite you to join our partner list. 

And plan to attend the European Descent Lutheran Association for Racial Justice Triennial Assembly, March 1-3, in Minneapolis. The registration deadline is Jan. 15.  

 

The Rev. Jennifer Thomas is an ELCA pastor, ordained in 1998. She’s served congregations in Wisconsin, Missouri and Kansas. Her current call is as associate director for Mission Funding in the ELCA Office of the Presiding Bishop. She resides in Kansas with her husband Vance, their almost adult children, Peder and Solveig, and two adorable rescue dogs, Rose and Dumplin’. In addition to organizing, advocacy, fundraising and proclamation of the good news, Jen enjoys cooking, baking, swimming, reading and binge–watching her favorite TV shows. 

 

 

Issue 91 of Administration Matters

Registration for the 2024 Gathering, MYLE, the tAble, and Young Adult Gathering is currently open!

The ELCA Youth Gathering and Young Adult Gathering will take place in New Orleans on July 16-20, with MYLE and the tAble taking place immediately before on July 13-16. We’re thrilled to be back in such a vibrant city filled with history, great food and inspiring music. We’re also excited to share that the first 1,000 people to register for the Multicultural Youth Leadership Event (MYLE) and the first 200 to register for the tAble, our pre-event for youth living with disabilities, will receive a waived registration fee for those events. To learn more, visit elca.org/Gathering. If you have any questions, email gathering@elca.org. We’ll see you in the bayou!

January: New year checklist from Portico

What steps should administrative personnel take in January to ensure a smooth transition into 2024? Three things to check are that your withholdings are up to date, that compensation changes are recorded, and that your January bill is closely reviewed and is accurate. Church administrators can find detailed information on how to be prepared and record and pay bills with accuracy at EmployerLink.

Together we create Stories of Faith in Action

Across the ELCA we are connected through the stories we tell, hear and experience in ministry with, among and for one another. Our ELCA Stories of Faith in Action (SOFIA) are available to everyone at SOFIA (livinglutheran.org). Here you will experience a number of stories in action that lift up some of the vital ministries made possible by the generous Mission Support shared by the many ELCA congregations. Mission Support, which funds the ministries of your synod and churchwide organization, is available only because of the faith-filled regular offerings that individuals give to their congregations. This site also includes resources on how Mission Support funds ministry, as well as a devotion that can be used with SOFIA in council meetings, annual gatherings, Bible studies and wherever you gather to tell stories. We also encourage you check out, in the Mission Support tab, a monthly Mission Support Memo that includes additional stories, offers ways to engage and shares gratefulness! We are church together.

IRS issues standard mileage rates for 2024

In December the Internal Revenue Service issued the 2024 optional standard mileage rates used to calculate the deductible costs of operating an automobile for business, charitable, medical or moving purposes. Beginning on Jan. 1, the standard mileage rates for the use of a car (also vans, pickups or panel trucks) are:
• 67 cents per mile driven for business use, up 1.5 cents from 2023.
• 21 cents per mile driven for medical or moving purposes for qualified active-duty members of the armed forces, a decrease of 1 cent from 2023.
• 14 cents per mile driven in service of charitable organizations; the rate is set by statute and remains unchanged from 2023.
These rates apply to electric and hybrid-electric automobiles, as well as gasoline and diesel-powered vehicles.

Bring results to your doctor at your preventive appointment

Many of us use January as a time to take inventory of our well-being. Based on research by the American Medical Association, “arranging for tests to be completed before the next visit” saves time, saves money and improves care. You can schedule any recurrent or necessary tests, draws or scans a couple of months before your preventive exam (such as a mammogram, blood draw or bone density scan). This gives your doctor information ahead of time and may save you an extra appointment.

Why do you need a finance committee?

Does your house of worship have an active finance committee? Or is there one person who takes on the task of managing your money and the responsibility of paying your bills? Here are five reasons why it’s important that a finance committee plays an active role in deciding what happens to money your members contribute. >More

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

---

Music that Makes Community

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

Music that Makes Community announced a leadership transition in November.  After 8 years of serving as MMC’s Executive Director, Paul Vasile discerned it was time for a new adventure. We are grateful for his service and all the ways he grew this community of practice and shared resources so generously. To succeed him, the Board of Trustees hired Conie Borchardt, a long time MMC practitioner and facilitator. Please join us for Coffee Hour (10a ET) and Happy Hour (5p ET) on Monday, Jan. 15 to meet Conie.

To support you in planning your Lenten experiences this year, MMC is offering three virtual gatherings.  On Friday, Jan. 15, 3:30p ET, there will be a hybrid Lenten Resource workshop offered live from Albuquerque, N.M. (1:30p MT) which will be recorded and available for later purchase.  (If you’re local to ABQ, please join us in person!)  On Thursday, Feb. 1 (2:30p ET) and Monday, March 4, (4p ET) there will be Drop-In spaces with MMC leaders to explore and envision meaningful experiences for the Lent arc from Ash Wednesday to Easter.  The latter will specifically focus on Holy Week and Easter.  As always, our facebook group is an ever present place to start and continue conversations about creative liturgical music practices.

Our facilitators, Breen Sipes, ELCA pastor, and Charles Murphy will be leading music and offering a plenary at the Messy Church conference in Chicago in April.  Charles will be leading a 1/2 day workshop in Birmingham, AL on Sunday afternoon, Feb. 4. Practice groups continue in Chicago and Albuquerque and monthly community sing/song circles are starting in central Washington state and Indianapolis.  In addition to these in-person events, Monday Morning Grounding is currently meeting on Zoom at 10a ET until March 4.  Please visit our website calendar for more details!

May the Song support and nourish you during this little green time between Advent and Lent.  Please be in touch at hello@musicthatmakescommunity.org and keep singing.

---

Lutheran Summer Music Academy and Festival

Transforming and connecting lives through faith and music since 1981.

It’s time to nominate students for Lutheran Summer Music
Each year, the primary way that music students find their way to LSM is through the encouragement of their church musician! LSM offers opportunities for musicians of all kinds: brass, winds, strings, percussion, piano, organ, voice, harp, guitar, handbells, and more! Students receive advanced musical instruction through large ensembles (Festival Choir, Band and Orchestra), chamber music, private lessons with collegiate-level faculty, and elective classes (such as conducting, composition, church music, intro to the pipe organ, jazz band, musical theatre, music therapy). In the evenings, students attend recitals and Evening Prayer services, and social events with their friends.

LSM 2024 takes place at Valparaiso University in Indiana from June 30-July 28 (Full Session) or June 30-July 14 (Half Session) and is open to students who have completed grades 8-12. Know a musical young person who would thrive at LSM? Nominate them today.

---

Association of Lutheran Church Musicians

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

Ponder Anew: a continuing education conference for church musicians, pastors and worship leaders
July 22-25 at Valparaiso University

With an emphasis on practical skill-building, you will be able to attend workshops and in-depth learning sessions on a variety of topics. Early registration closes March 19. Additional information about the conference, including pricing, scholarships, and accommodations, is available on the ALCM website.

---

Institute of Liturgical Studies

An ecumenical conference on liturgical renewal for the church today.

Creation, Not Commodity: The Church’s Liturgy in a Consumer Culture
Consumer or market culture’s role in our lives is so ubiquitous that we frequently fail to recognize its presence and influence over us. Even committed church folk will talk about “church shopping” when they move to a new location.

In its 75^th year, the Institute will turn its attention to this phenomenon. It will be held April 9-11, 2024 (note start date is one day later than usual).  Sign up for registration updates and other news from ILS.

---

Augsburg Fortress Events and Resources

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

Gathered into One: Devotions for Lent 2024

Gathered into One provides daily devotions for each day from Ash Wednesday to the Resurrection of Our Lord/Vigil of Easter (traditionally known as Holy Saturday). Devotions begin with an evocative image and a brief passage from First Corinthians. The writers then bring their diverse voices and pastoral wisdom to the texts with quotations to ponder, reflections, and prayers. The apostle Paul writes First Corinthians after hearing of quarreling and divisions among the people, emphasizing a theme of unity amid diversity is as timely now as it was when Paul was writing.

Worship Guidebook for Lent and the Three Days

An essential companion resource to the Worship Guidebook, this collection greatly expands the repertoire of resources for the song of the assembly and its leaders during the days from Ash Wednesday to Easter. Most materials are reproducible and newly composed in a broad range of styles. Spiral-bound, includes a CD-ROM with assembly and instrumental parts.

Music Sourcebook for Lent and the Three Days

This guidebook is a treasure trove of insights, images, and practical tips to help deepen your congregation’s worship life during the days from Ash Wednesday to Easter. An essential companion to the guidebook is the Music Sourcebook.

 

New Music for Lent, Easter, and Spring

Check out new music for Lent, Easter, and Spring from Augsburg Fortress. A piece that may become a new favorite is “Dust, Remember You Are Splendor.” Susan Palo Cherwien’s poetry brings new imagery and depth to the traditional Ash Wednesday themes of dust and repentance. In this setting for SAB choir, composer Anne Krentz Organ beautifully writes original music which underscores the hopeful and contemplative text. The assembly can be invited to join on the last stanza as well.

Save the Date for Augsburg Fortress Summer Music Clinics

Join clinicians David Cherwien and Mark Sedio for Augsburg Fortress’ free summer music clinics this summer in any of our five locations! Registration information is still forthcoming, but now is the time to save the date:
July 16-17 in St. Paul, Minn
July 19-20 in Columbia, S.C.
August 1-2 in Philadelphia, Pa.
August 5-6 in Columbus, Ohio
August 9-10 in Chicago, Ill.

---

Luther Seminary: Faith + Lead

Who plans worship in your congregation? Perhaps roles are shifting, and a common framework would be helpful. Or you’re trying a new worship service but want to keep the essential elements centered. Luther Seminary’s Faith+Lead has a new on-demand course A Lay Leader’s Guide to Planning Worship Experiences ideal for equipping individuals or groups to faithfully design worship that grows along with your community’s needs. Integrating multiple learning styles, this course will help you connect your understanding and hopes for worship.

---

Calvin Institute of Christian Worship

An interdisciplinary study and ministry center that promotes the scholarly study of the theology, history, and practice of Christian worship and the renewal of worship in worshiping communities across North America and beyond.

The Vital Worship, Vital Preaching Grants Program at the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship is designed to foster, strengthen and sustain well-grounded worship in congregations Grants to worshiping communities stimulate thoughtful and energetic work that will result in worship services that exhibit renewed creativity, theological integrity, and relevance. Learn more about Worshiping Communities Grants. The deadline for this round of proposals is October 15. Future dates for submissions include Feb. 15 and June 15, 2024.

---

Journey to Baptismal Living

Journey to Baptismal Living (JBL) announces the launch of its new website journeytobaptism.org, on Nov. 15. Founded as the North American Association for the Catechumenate in 1993, JBL remains an organization committed to providing training and resources for those who guide formation in Christian discipleship with individuals both unbaptized and baptized. The redesigned website offers insights and strategies for facilitating discernment, worship, instruction, and reflection, as well as advice on how to form a team and mentor sponsors. Primarily, the new website is a place to connect: to arrange for practitioner training and for ongoing development through monthly blogs and frequent community chats.

As you are planning for Lent, the Three Days, and Easter, All Creation Sings provides several resources for your assembly’s worship.

Lent

Explore the collection of “short songs” in All Creation Sings. These could be incorporated into a weekly Service of Word and Prayer (ACS pp. 42-45) for a Lenten midweek service or during communion, gathering, or other times in Sunday worship. This blog post provides video links and tips for using these songs in ACS. 

Enrich your use of Setting 12 in All Creation Sings with the Ensemble Setting arranged by Anne Krentz Organ. You don’t need a full orchestra; even a single instrumentalist or a few handbells would be a lovely addition. Read this blog post for one congregation’s experience using this setting.  Watch the composer share more about Setting 12. 

Pray using several of the new prayers in All Creation Sings. Several collects, laments, and thanksgivings are offered. This video gives a very brief introduction to this content.  

Holy Week and The Three Days 

Teach a “paperless” setting for the procession with palms. Both “Pave the Way with Branches” (ACS 928) and “Blessed is the One” (ACS 929) could be taught and sung by rote, with harmonies being added as it becomes more familiar. Children could lead these as well. 

Sing from All Creation Sings as part of your Easter Vigil service. This blog post provides several ideas. If you are considering “Earth Is Full of Wit and Wisdom” as an assembly response to the creation story, this video offers a brief introduction. Do you have a children’s or unison choir? See this setting in ChildrenSing Creation.  

Consult the Indexes to Evangelical Lutheran Worship and All Creation Sings to see several suggestions from ACS for this week and throughout the year. 

Easter 

Teach a new Easter hymn such as “Woman, Weeping in the Garden.”  This video provides background on the text and a singing of the tune. There is a short description of this and every hymn/song in All Creation Sings through Sundays and Seasons. This Augsburg Fortress blog post describes the value of these brief descriptions. 

Introduce your congregation to other new Easter hymns through choral settings. “Touch That Soothes and Heals” by Thomas Keesecker offers a more meditative expression of Easter and is especially suitable for Easter 2. With its beautiful piano accompaniment and setting for SAB choir, a choir could introduce the assembly to this new hymn. Take a listen. Curious about what other ACS hymns and songs have anthem arrangements? This listing would be a great help to church musicians.  

Discover All Creation Sings outside of worship with an intergenerational event using Gather Together: 8 Intergenerational Events to Explore All Creation Sings. Perhaps you have a session close to Earth Day and use the Creation Care event or Climate Justice event. You could have a “kick off” session in Easter and plan other sessions throughout the year.

 

by Quentin Bernhard, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Pennsylvania [about the author]

Praying for our leaders, especially those in elected office, came up in conversation during a fall 2023 meeting of the Lutheran Advocacy Ministry in Pennsylvania (LAMPa) Policy Council. Several people mentioned that it was difficult for members of congregations to do this in front of their fellow churchgoers, especially when it involved naming specific leaders and offices. Mere mention of an elected official’s name can elicit a sharp response, especially in our times of political polarization. It is at play in our expressly political institutions as well as in our families, our communities and our church.

This polarization, and how to begin to depolarize both ourselves and our interpersonal relationships, was the topic of a LAMPa fall workshop on depolarization as an act of discipleship in a democracy. While the conversation did not linger on prayers for elected leaders and the role of these prayers in worship, it did bring to the surface the challenges we all face in embracing others in their fullness and complexity – across our sense of division, brokenness, and different understandings of our values. That fullness and complexity is at the heart of our common humanity and yet is so often overlooked in our world. This happens in part because of polarization but also because of the harms and injustices of colonialism, white supremacy and other dehumanizing modes of oppression.

For me, praying for elected officials and candidates—and for all our leaders and community members, regardless of title or status—is a call for them to bring open hearts and minds, to open to the “mystery” of God, and to be open to be changed by it through Christ. It is also an act of hope, that peace and justice might be made real and that the Spirit of wisdom and revelation will allow our leaders to see our neighbors as they really are, fully human and fully loved by God.

Caring about what our leaders do, and acting on that care, is an expression of our love for our neighbors and our faith in a future, transformed by Christ, that we are part of bringing about. When officials and candidates belittle our neighbors here and around the world, consider them deserving of unending bombardments and military assaults, and name them as threats to the United States and its supposed way of life, often defined in Christian nationalist terms, we fall short of seeing that humanity.

Our prayers are important. And our actions make our witness known to our leaders—as disciples and agents of change for God’s world.

---

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Quentin Bernhard (he/him), ELCA Hunger Advocacy Fellow, is serving with Lutheran Advocacy Ministry in Pennsylvania (LAMPa) – an ELCA state public policy office – with Penn. roots and global perspective. After graduating from Muhlenberg College where he majored in history and political science and minored in Spanish, Berhard spent a year in Senegal through ELCA Young Adults in Global Mission. He has worked with community and advocacy organizations including the Allentown School District Foundation, the Lehigh Valley Zoo and the Climate Action Campaign, and is a member of New Life Evangelical Lutheran Church in New Tripoli, Penn.