“For what shall we pray?” is a weekly post inviting individuals, groups, and congregations to lift up our world in prayer. This resource is prepared by a variety of leaders in the ELCA and includes prayer prompts, upcoming events and observances, and prayer suggestions from existing denominational worship materials. You are encouraged to use these resources as a starting point, and to adapt and add other concerns from your local context. More information about this resource can be found here.
 

Prayer prompts:
For an end to war, violence, and genocide across the world, especially in Ukraine, Gaza, Iran, Israel, Haiti, Sudan, Myanmar, Yemen, India, and Pakistan…
For lasting ceasefire between Israel and Iran…
For an end to anti-Semitism and anti-Arab hatred, aggression, and violence…
For those recovering from the damage and grieving the loss of life in the aftermath of Hurricane Erick in Oaxaca, Mexico…
For de-escalation of violence amidst protests in Kenya…
For those threatened by wildfires in Greece…
For victims of a Central African Republic school stampede…
For communities across the country experiencing extreme heat and storms…
For medical researchers and practitioners, and especially global health workers…

Events and observances:
June Observances: LGBTQIA+ Pride Month, Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, Gun Violence Awareness Month, PTSD Awareness Month

July Observances: Disability Pride Month, National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, National Bereaved Parents Awareness Month

John the Baptist (June 24)
Presentation of the Augsburg Confession, 1530 (June 25)
Philipp Melanchthon, renewer of the church, died 1560 (June 25)
Cyril, Bishop of Alexandria, died 444 (June 27)
Irenaeus, Bishop of Lyons, died around 202 (June 28)
Peter and Paul, Apostles (June 29)
Catherine Winkworth, died 1878; John Mason Neale, died 1866; hymn translators (July 1)
Thomas, Apostle (July 3)
Independence Day (July 4)

Prayers from ELCA resources:
A prayer for peace (ACS p.48)
Holy God, out of your great love for the world, your Word became flesh to live among us and to reconcile us to you and to one another. Rekindle among us the gift of your Spirit so that we seek to live in unity with all people, breaking down the walls that divide, ending the hostility among us, and proclaiming peace to those who are near and to those who are far away; through Christ Jesus, in whom we all have access in the one Spirit to you, both now and forever. Amen.

A prayer for the nation (ELW p.77)
Almighty God, you have given us this good land as our heritage. Make us always remember your generosity and constantly do your will. Bless our land with honesty in the workplace, truth in education, and honor in daily life. Save us from violence, discord, and confusion; from pride and arrogance; and from every evil course of action. When times are prosperous, let our hearts be thankful; and, in troubled times, do not let our trust in you fail. We pray in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The following topical resources are available from resources.elca.org for use in public worship and personal devotion:
Worship resources and prayers in response to wildfires
Worship resources for the crisis in the Holy Land
Worship resources for the Eastern Europe Crisis
Worship resources for and following national elections

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ELW = Evangelical Lutheran Worship
ACS = All Creation Sings: Evangelical Lutheran Worship Supplement

Additional topical prayers are found in Evangelical Lutheran Worship (pp. 72–87) and All Creation Sings (pp. 46–55), as well as in other resources provided in print and online at sundaysandseasons.com.

Crafted intercessions for every Sunday and festival are provided in the Sundays and Seasons worship planning guide published in-print and online by Augsburg Fortress. Further assistance for composing prayers of intercession can be found here: Resources for Crafting Prayers of Intercession

Prayer Ventures, a daily prayer resource, is a guide to prayer for the global, social and outreach ministries of the ELCA, as well as for the needs and circumstances of our neighbors, communities and world.

 

In the quiet hamlet of Sua, Saibi Samukop village, Mentawai Islands, Ibu Dewi is a humble farmer, tending to her family’s small plot of land. For years, she followed traditional farming methods, without realizing the potential her land held. Everything changed when she joined an organic farming training program organized by the Indonesian National Committee of the LWF (KNLWF). The program opened her eyes to a new technique that not only promised a healthier harvest, but also a sustainable way of life. With dedication, Ibu Dewi transformed her land into a thriving organic farm, producing bountiful harvests and making a real impact in her community.

As her farm grew, so did her confidence. Ibu Dewi is a living example of what organic farming programs can achieve, inspiring others in Sua. Her success did not go unnoticed, and when an opportunity arose for a cross-village agricultural training program, Ibu Dewi was selected as a trainer. This was a pivotal moment for her-she had gone from being a farmer eager to learn, to a leader ready to share her knowledge.

The prospect of teaching others is both exciting and daunting, but Ibu Dewi is determined to give back to the community that has supported her journey.

The cross-hamlet training program brought together farmers from several hamlets in Saibi Samukop Village, each arriving with their own unique challenges and aspirations. Ibu Dewi embraced her new role with humility and enthusiasm, sharing not only the techniques she had mastered but also the wisdom she had gained through experience. She taught her peers about composting, pest management, and crop rotation, but more importantly, she imparted the spirit of resilience and hope that had carried her through her own transformation. The training sessions became more than just an educational experience; they became a space for community building, exchanging stories, and fostering a sense of mutual support.

Through this experience, Ibu Dewi’s life was enriched in ways she had never imagined. The program not only empowered her with skills but also gave her a platform to lift others. “Seeing my farm transform with organic methods gave me hope. Now, teaching others and watching their farms flourish is the greatest reward,” she said.

And now, as she watches the farmers from other hamlets implement the techniques she had taught them, she feels a profound sense of fulfillment. Her journey from a struggling farmer to a community leader had come full circle, and she knew that the seeds of knowledge she had planted would continue to grow, bringing new hope and prosperity to the Mentawai Islands. Ibu Dewi’s story became a source of inspiration, showing that with the right support and a desire to learn, even small beginnings can lead to remarkable changes.

By: Rahel Mwitula Williams

“Infrastructure is the dream!” stated one of the members of an inner city congregation. In my last blog, I spoke about the concept of innovation as a way to continuously reinvent ourselves, finding new ways to communicate the gospel and serve our brothers and sisters in an ever-evolving world. However, I would be remiss if I did not take a moment to acknowledge that innovation is a privilege. Yes, to try something new and test a concept, one must be in a space where dreaming and visualization are possible. But how can that happen if you lack stable footing, if your foundation is crumbling? 

The church is often seen as a place of vision, hope, and new possibilities. It is where communities gather to dream about a better future, new initiatives, and transformative ministries. However, for many marginalized communities, the idea of dreaming beyond survival can feel like a luxury they cannot afford. When basic infrastructure is crumbling—both literally and figuratively—calls for innovation and risk-taking often fall on exhausted ears. 

The struggle is real…Very real…

Before congregations and communities can dream of new ministries or ideas, they must first have a solid foundation. Many communities are burdened with economic hardship, lack of resources, and crumbling infrastructure. When we encourage marginalized communities to apply for grants and experiment with bold new ideas, we must first consider whether these communities have the stability to support such endeavors. It is difficult to innovate when you are barely surviving. 

A church with a leaking roof, failing heating system, uneven parking lot, broken windows, or financial instability cannot launch new ministries.  Infrastructure matters; ignoring it can set communities up for failure rather than success. 

Funding infrastructure and funding projects are not mutually exclusive 

Too often, funding and grant opportunities prioritize new and innovative ideas over addressing foundational needs. Indeed, our own grant processes at the ELCA Innovation Lab look for new and useful ahead of rooted and ready. Grant processes often include disclaimers like  “no brick and mortar,” or exclusions for fixing roofs, basements, and other structural necessities. But, as one church member pointed out, we rarely talk about these things!

We see this pattern across many grant applications. It raises the question: why does the Church feel the need to adopt secular standards that say investment in infrastructure is unwise? What happened to “Do not conform to the pattern of this world”? I would argue that without strong infrastructure—both physical and organizational—even the boldest ideas cannot truly thrive. 

When we invest in infrastructure, it helps ensures that: 

• Basic needs are met so communities can shift from survival mode to visionary thinking. 

• Churches and organizations are structurally sound and capable of sustaining new initiatives. 

• Technology and resources are accessible, making it easier for communities to engage in innovation. 

• Leadership and financial stability are prioritized, preventing the collapse of new initiatives and giving them a chance before they even begin. 

A sustainable future for any congregation or community requires a balance between maintaining what exists and dreaming of what could be. 

The challenge of “Fail Boldly”  

In our own work as the ELCA Innovation lab, we often use the phrase “fail boldly” . We use this phrase to celebrate entrepreneurial spirit, encouraging risk-taking and experimentation. But I’m not always comfortable with the fail boldly concept; this phrase can pose danger to many communities. 

I know for a fact that I cannot approach my own community with the phrase “fail boldly.” For many in my community—and in other marginalized communities—we often have just one shot to get it right. Resources for implementation are limited, and the stakes are high. So, the response to “fail boldly” is often, “We can’t afford to fail,” though, in reality, that sentiment may be expressed with even stronger language. 

At the same time, some of the most innovative ideas and solutions come from these very communities—not in spite of the struggle, but because of it. Survival has required creativity, resilience, and innovation. The alternative was never an option: to die, to close, to let dreams go unrealized. But this can’t be the only strategy available. Marginalized communities deserve the freedom to innovate not just out of necessity, but with the same privilege and support that others receive. 

The consequences of failure can mean further economic distress, displacement, or deepened systemic struggles. While taking risks is important, those risks must be calculated, supported, and rooted in a solid foundation. The church should recognize that true innovation requires both inspiration and infrastructure.  We must invest in stability for true creativity to take place; God established order, stability, and provision first—setting the land, sea, and sky in place—so that all living beings could thrive. This reflects God’s intentionality and care, showing that a strong foundation is essential.  

So what? 

We (the church) have a responsibility to ensure that our congregations and communities are not merely surviving but thriving. Before asking congregations to dream big, leaders must assess whether their foundational needs are being met. Addressing these challenges is not just about fixing buildings—it is about ensuring that the people within them have the capacity to engage in meaningful innovation. 

Funding infrastructure is an act of faith and justice. It affirms that all communities, regardless of socioeconomic status, deserve the opportunity to dream and create. It ensures that when ideas emerge, they are built on a foundation strong enough to sustain them. 

For the church to truly support innovation, it must recognize that before we call people to dream, we must first give them a solid ground to stand on. 

The Consultation on Common Texts (CCT)— a joint American and Canadian ecumenical body—oversees the Revised Common Lectionary (RCL), a schedule of biblical passages read on Sundays and festivals in congregations of multiple denominations in North America and other parts of the world. The ELCA is one of more than 20 member denominations.

At its April 2025 meeting, CCT approved a provisional update to the RCL. This update reexamines passages of Scripture that have historically been misused to justify discrimination and violence against the Jews. This process involved extensive study and consultation with biblical experts, church historians, and liturgical leaders, including a forum with consultation and participation of Jewish scholars. The ELCA Consultative Panel on Lutheran-Jewish Relations was among the groups that offered feedback during this process that helped shape this ecumenical effort.

This proposed update is commended by the CCT to the churches for a three-year trial period, beginning in Advent of 2025 (Year A).

Key Areas of Focus

The proposal considers how the passion narrative is proclaimed on Palm/Passion Sunday and Good Friday, offering guidance for preachers and worshipers.

It also includes provisional revisions to the lectionary for the Easter season and the Time after Pentecost. A significant concern raised is the practice of replacing Old Testament readings with passages from Acts during Eastertide. As the proposal notes:

“The RCL lectionary for Easter Season has perpetuated what we also find to be a potentially harmful practice of replacing the first reading from the Old Testament with a reading from Acts during Easter Season. For Christians not to read from texts shared with Jews during any season of the year is inherently problematic.”
…
“Therefore, the Consultation recommends alternative readings from the Hebrew Scriptures during Eastertide, drawing on work from the Church of Scotland as promoted by the English Language Liturgical Consultation.”

The proposal suggests delaying readings from Acts until after Pentecost, using them as a replacement for the second reading.

Next Steps for ELCA Congregations and Worshiping Communities

As a member church of the Consultation on Common Texts, the ELCA encourages use and testing of these materials during these next three years. Feedback may be provided directly to the CCT during this testing phase. Please also consider sharing this feedback with the ELCA Worship team at worship@elca.org.

The ELCA anticipates that some limited additional resources may be available later this fall to assist worship planners in our ELCA context as they consider implementation during the testing phase.

Available Resources

Several existing ELCA resources can help guide worship leaders and preachers in addressing these important concerns:

• Preaching and Teaching “With Love and Respect for the Jewish People” – from the ELCA Consultative Panel on Lutheran-Jewish Relations.
• “The Jews” in John’s Passion – an essay published in the 2020 edition of the Sundays and Seasons worship planning resource from Augsburg Fortress and available for local use.
• Readings for Assembly (Emended) – a provisional emendation of the NRSVue for the entire RCL cycle continues to be available to subscribers to com. Considering Anti-Jewish interpretations is one of several principles that guided this liturgical translation intended for use in worship

This article is re-published content from ELCA Worship

The Consultation on Common Texts (CCT)— a joint American and Canadian ecumenical body—oversees the Revised Common Lectionary (RCL), a schedule of biblical passages read on Sundays and festivals in congregations of multiple denominations in North America and other parts of the world. The ELCA is one of more than 20 member denominations.

At its April 2025 meeting, CCT approved a provisional update to the RCL. This update reexamines passages of Scripture that have historically been misused to justify discrimination and violence against the Jews. This process involved extensive study and consultation with biblical experts, church historians, and liturgical leaders, including a forum with consultation and participation of Jewish scholars. The ELCA Consultative Panel on Lutheran-Jewish Relations was among the groups that offered feedback during this process that helped shape this ecumenical effort.

This proposed update is commended by the CCT to the churches for a three-year trial period, beginning in Advent of 2025 (Year A).

Key Areas of Focus

The proposal considers how the passion narrative is proclaimed on Palm/Passion Sunday and Good Friday, offering guidance for preachers and worshipers.

It also includes provisional revisions to the lectionary for the Easter season and the Time after Pentecost. A significant concern raised is the practice of replacing Old Testament readings with passages from Acts during Eastertide. As the proposal notes:

“The RCL lectionary for Easter Season has perpetuated what we also find to be a potentially harmful practice of replacing the first reading from the Old Testament with a reading from Acts during Easter Season. For Christians not to read from texts shared with Jews during any season of the year is inherently problematic.”
…
“Therefore, the Consultation recommends alternative readings from the Hebrew Scriptures during Eastertide, drawing on work from the Church of Scotland as promoted by the English Language Liturgical Consultation.”

The proposal suggests delaying readings from Acts until after Pentecost, using them as a replacement for the second reading.

Next Steps for ELCA Congregations and Worshiping Communities

As a member church of the Consultation on Common Texts, the ELCA encourages use and testing of these materials during these next three years. Feedback may be provided directly to the CCT during this testing phase. Please also consider sharing this feedback with the ELCA Worship team at worship@elca.org.

The ELCA anticipates that some limited additional resources may be available later this fall to assist worship planners in our ELCA context as they consider implementation during the testing phase.

Available Resources

Several existing ELCA resources can help guide worship leaders and preachers in addressing these important concerns:

• Preaching and Teaching “With Love and Respect for the Jewish People” – from the ELCA Consultative Panel on Lutheran-Jewish Relations.
• “The Jews” in John’s Passion – an essay published in the 2020 edition of the Sundays and Seasons worship planning resource from Augsburg Fortress and available for local use.
• Readings for Assembly (Emended) – a provisional emendation of the NRSVue for the entire RCL cycle continues to be available to subscribers to com. Considering Anti-Jewish interpretations is one of several principles that guided this liturgical translation intended for use in worship.

In our churchwide organization’s recently released God’s Love Made Real strategic recommendations report, research from the Barna Group and Fuller Seminary suggests a path forward for the church to connect with new, young and diverse people in our communities. As the report was being compiled, it became clear that there were emerging gaps in how we understand, welcome, and include people with disabilities into a full life of participation in the church.

That awareness drove the process of creating the ELCA Disability Ministries Report, completed in partnership with Datawise Consulting and our ELCA Research and Evaluation colleagues, and shared earlier this spring. Drawing on qualitative research from ELCA congregations that are intentional about their own disability ministries, the report highlights resources and opportunities for congregations and ELCA Disability Ministries to more effectively connect with and support people with disabilities.

Hi friends!

Today’s post links with our upcoming newsletter. Be sure to check out Rev. Peter Heide’s interview below, and go to the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America newsletter sign up page and subscribe to receive our next and future newsletters! 🙂 Thanks!

–Rev. Lisa Heffernan,coordinator

The following resources enable Braille readers to lead worship more easily and to participate fully in impromptu hymn sings. Users of other formats will also have increased access to worship resources.

• The National Library Service (NLS): Without charge, individuals can receive both a digital talking-book player and a 20-cell, refreshable Braille eReader. Martin Luther’s Small Catechism and several translations of the Bible are available. NLS at the Library of Congress
• The  electronic Braille edition of Evangelical Lutheran Worship (ELW), ISBN 9781506445793, is now available from Bookshare, an independent provider of materials in EPUB scalable font, DAISY synthetic voice and BRF (Braille Ready Format). ELW was uploaded thanks to proofreading work completed by Terry Gorman, a friend of the Disability Ministries advisory team. All material from the large-print edition — liturgy, psalms and hymns — is included.
  • Listen to an audio interview with Gorman, conducted by the Rev. Peter Heide, a member of the advisory team:

• Bookshare also has several editions of the NRSV and NRSVue available. My Bookshare | Bookshare

 

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. ELCA Worship also features resources from Augsburg Fortress Publishers in a monthly blog post.

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Music that Makes Community

Rooted in Christian contemplative and activist traditions, Music That Makes Community envisions a liberative culture that empowers individuals and communities to claim and use the power of singing to heal our spirits, nurture our common lives, and work for justice. We offer resources, training, and encouragement to individuals, organizations, and communities in the dynamic power of singing to connect others and ourselves.

Introductory Spaces – Meet Music that Makes Community at these events and conferences.

• Intergenerate Conference at Asbury University, Wilmore, KY: On June 10, Rev. Breen Marie Sipes will be offering a “Taste of Welcome Through Song”
• The Hymn Society Conference at Wayne State, Detroit, MI: On July 15, Executive Director Conie Borchardt and Organizer Doe Hoyer from the Coalition to Dismantle the Doctrine of Discovery will offer a Sectional on “Reckoning with the Doctrine of Discovery: How Our Sacred Songs Can Move Us Toward Indigenous Solidarity”.
• Sacred Lands SING at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, Detroit, Mich: On July 17, Conie and Doe will share more songs from the Sacred Lands Playlist Collection. 7-9 p.m.
• ALCM Conference at Raleigh, North Carolina, August 4-8.
• CMP Converging 2025 in Columbus, Ohio, October 16-18.

Training Events — Join us at the following events for continuing education, community building, professional development, and celebrating this practice of paperless communal song-sharing.

• June 20-21: Two-Part Workshop in Taos, New Mexico
• October 3-5: Workshop in Madison, Wisconsin
• October 12: Three-day Retreat in Albuquerque, N.M.
• November 7-9: Workshop in Waco, Texas (coming soon!)
• February 6-8, 2026: Two-Day Retreat in Raleigh, North Carolina (coming soon!)
• More in-person events are being planned. Please stay tuned!

Online Spaces – 

• Summer Solstice SING – Join us for a celebration of paperless song sharing on Monday, June 23, 5-6 p.m. PT / 8-9 p.m. ET.  Register here.
• Monday Morning Grounding — This weekly online touchstone continues to offer song, silence, sacred text and community connection, Mondays at 10 a.m. Eastern / 7 a.m. Pacific until July 28. Register for the Zoom link here.

Resources – Read the MMC blog for articles on a variety of topics.  The latest presents Songs for Justice.

Job Postings on Music That Makes Community website.

Sign up for our Monthly Newsletter for regular updates on resources and events.

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Lutheran Summer Music Academy & Festival

Transforming and connecting lives through faith and music since 1981.

Lutheran Summer Music 2025
Valparaiso University,Valparaiso, Ind.
June 22–July 20

Get Ready for LSM 2025!

Join us at Valparaiso University from June 22 -July 20 for our 43rd season. It will feature over 30 free concerts, recitals, and worship services. Can’t make it in person? Watch online via Live from LSM!

Highlights include the beloved Bach Cantata Eucharist, Festival of Hymns, and the debut Faculty Organ Recital. Don’t miss Festival Week with powerful performances from the Festival Band, Orchestra, and Choir.

Read more in our new season brochure using this link: bit.ly/2025season

Additional visitor details and online access.

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Let It Be With Me According to Your Word

Seminar on Lutheran Liturgy
Minneapolis, Minn., August 13-15

Register at www.seminarliturgy.org.

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Association of Lutheran Church Musicians

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

ALCM Conference 2025
Aug. 4-8
Raleigh-Durham, N.C.

There is still time to register for the August conference in Raleigh-Durham. Here are just a few of the highlights:

• Worship at Duke University Chapel as well as a concert there by Grammy-nominated vocal ensemble VOCES8
• A hymn festival at Holy Name of Jesus Cathedral led by composer, conductor, organist, preacher, and teacher Tom Trenney
• A concert by internationally acclaimed, advanced community handbell chir Raleigh Ringers
• 25 workshops covering a wide range of topics as well as plenary presentations
• Reading sessions from six publishers
• 15 different exhibitors
• A choice of three post-conference seminars
• Numerous opportunities for fellowship and relaxation

We look forward to seeing you in Raleigh!

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Journey to Baptismal Living: North American Associate for the Catechumenate

An ecumenical Christian community seeking to support seekers, whether baptized or not,  and those who accompany them on their journey of faith through the catechumenal process.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Vi Messerli Memorial Lectures in Church Music: For All the Saints

October 19-21
Concordia University Chicago
River Forest, Illinois

Presenters include: John Witvliet, plenary; Brenda Portman, organ concert; Hymn Festival: Hymns of David Rogner

Workshops: John Behnke, Stephen Starke, Barry Bobb, Benjamin Kolodziej, Matthew Janssen, Sam and Lois Eatherton, Lisa Clark, Jim Rindelaub

Registration information will be available in mid-July.

Check the website for updates.

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A little over a year ago I was approached by two of our ELCA seminaries with an invitation to teach a May term class on disability theology and ministry. After a few (okay, several) moments of thinking “Who…me?” and many calls with some of my trusted friends/colleagues and family, I answered with a cautious “Sure! When?”. May term 2025? Perfect! Now, if you know me, you know the procrastination/imposter syndrome bug can catch me. And goodness, did it! Very quickly the months passed, and it was go-time for planning the course.

Teaching this kind of course wasn’t super new to the seminaries; they had held a similar one back in 2021. But what way did I want to go with it? Well, here’s where I can thank the folks at Wartburg Seminary and Western Theological Seminary (where I’m attempting to finish my doctor of ministry degree). I felt led to take a practical theology route. Because, what good would a class on a theology of disability be if it couldn’t have some kind of practical impact on the students and the church? After staring at a good 20 books-high pile, and a panicked call (or a million) later to bounce ideas around, things got started. Seven sessions, two weeks. Yikes! Come, Holy Spirit!

When the weeks of class began, I was honored to get to know and teach two students from LSTC, one from Wartburg, and another from our friends at the Catholic Theological Union. We were up for a challenge together, and I am so thankful for this small, but phenomenal, mix of students. Their interest, passion, and dedication to the Gospel were really what made our time cohesive and fruitful.

In the first week we tackled definitions and models of disability, a brief history of the disability justice movement, and looked ahead to case studies; real world scenarios they may encounter related to access and disability in their futures as leaders. The highlight of the week for myself was the day I simply got to sit back and listen over Zoom as my dear friends and colleagues Anita Smallin and Rev. Sarah Mayer-Flatt taught sessions on faith formation (Anita) and a study of Amy Kenny’s My Body is Not a Prayer Request (Sarah). I am so grateful for their insights and work brought to the class. And I know the students LOVED the discussions and conversations that day. By the end of the week their minds, and mine, were full!

The second and final week we studied and discussed Bethany McKinney Fox’s Disability and the Way of Jesus, a tough but wonderful book on what it means to heal in the way of Jesus. This week, and in those first days too–oops!– we also talked about language in worship, did my favorite bible study called “I Met That Person Once”, introduced to me by Pastor Jonathan and Kara Vehar in 2006. The practical pieces also included language around prayer, preaching from a disability/anti-ableist perspective, and inclusive worship practices. I know I’m forgetting more–it was a full couple of weeks!

On our second to last day we gathered in our Zoom space with my colleagues Rev. Brian Krause, Deacon Amanda Sabelko, and Rev. Edward Pease for a panel on their experiences in ministry and the church as leaders living with disabilities, and quite a bit more. Our conclusion? The church still has a long way to go for disabled leaders and their families, but the call to lead and participate and break down barriers is strong. The resources and the trust in the church, in ourselves as leaders, and the trust of our people whom we serve? That’s coming along too, and all find common ground in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

On our last day, we reflected on lessons learned, and leaned into the students’ hard work on their case studies. One focusing on what to do if a leader feels pressured to ask a disabled youth and their family to leave a congregation, and the other on how we might think about hospitality and the construction of our worship and gathering spaces. I promise you, these are some wise students. And I’m proud that the church will get to be served by people like Kit, Brandon, Megan, and Didier.

And that was it! Class was complete, and I hope to be able to get the opportunity again. I’m thankful for the opportunity and experience, and am reminded by my own sense of call, embodiment, and experiences with ableism and prejudice that happen all the time, even the next day at synod assembly, that a theology of disability and different disability ministries and services are needed if we are indeed to live into our baptismal vocation as servants of Jesus Christ. (Note: Don’t congratulate a wheelchair user for using the bathroom on her own! Just don’t do it.)

Thank you to all of you who support our seminaries, colleges, rostered and lay leaders, and the holy diversity found in them. We need you, and we need one another, as we journey together with Christ.