By Joey Chin, ELCA Hunger Advocacy Fellow 

ELCA Witness in Society is excited to introduce the six members of the 2024-2025 Hunger Advocacy Fellows cohort. The year-long fellowship integrates professional development with faith formation and offers fellows the unique opportunity to address issues at the state and national level. Engaging in the work of advocacy remains integral to the life of faith and essential to our present witness. We look forward to the work ahead as we participate in the development of a more just world.

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Emily Ahren (D.C. Policy)

Emily Ahern (she/her) is originally from Allentown, Pennsylvania, and a lifelong member of congregations of the ELCA. She graduated from American University this past spring with a degree in Political Science, and is on track to graduate (once again) from American University this upcoming spring with a Master’s in Public Administration. Ahern is so excited to join ELCA Advocacy so that she can research and lobby for policy which will alleviate the effects of hunger and poverty for all Americans! In her free time, she can be found collecting vinyl, going to concerts, and watching Star Wars.

 

Erin Brown (New York – LOWC)

Erin Brown (she/her/ella) is a deacon consecrated by the Lutheran Diaconal Association. She is passionate about multicultural exchange, language, and the power of storytelling. Before joining the Lutheran Office for World Community (LOWC), Brown worked at Saint Peter’s Church in Manhattan as a fellow in cross-cultural ministry. Previously, Brown taught English to university students in Colombia and to Haitian adults seeking refuge in the greater Boston area. Prior to this, she lived in Costa Rica, completing her diaconal internship with a focus on refugee rights. Brown holds a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish & Global Service from Valparaiso University and a Master of Arts in Latin American & Caribbean Studies from Indiana University. In her free time, Brown enjoys spending her time outdoors hiking and exploring creation. She’s thrilled to continue her work with the LOWC team this year and continue to engage in international advocacy.

 

Joey Chin (D.C. Communications)

Joey Chin (he/him) grew up in the greater Seattle area and earned degrees from The University of Washington in communication and political science. After graduating, he spent one year as an editorial fellow with Sojourners magazine followed by three years working as an elementary public school teacher in Redmond, Washington. Most recently Chin began a Master of Divinity degree at Wesley Theological Seminary. He is looking forward to joining ELCA Advocacy and being a part of all the important work being done. Chin enjoys books, movies, and podcasts and always appreciates any recommendations for new things to read, watch, or listen to.

 

Courtney Hall (California)

Courtney Hall (she/her) is the Hunger Advocacy Fellow with the Lutheran Office for Public Policy in California. She graduated from Clemson University with a Bachelor of Arts in History and a double minor in Political Science and Religious Studies in May 2024. Her undergraduate pursuits were driven by her desire to understand the complex relationship between religion and politics in the United States. Additionally, while at Clemson, she was an undergraduate research assistant for the Chair of the Political Science Department, completing research for his book Dysfunctional Diplomacy: The Politics of International Agreements in an Era of Partisan Polarization. She also worked for Clemson University’s Athletic Academic Services as a tutor for student-athletes in history, political science, and English composition and rhetoric. She was born and raised in Long Beach, California and looks forward to being a faithful advocate and bettering the community that she loves.

 

Sagi Rudnick (Kansas)

Sagi Rudnick (he/him) is a political organizer, strategist, and activist with over half a decade of experience fostering community in Kansas and Missouri. During this time, with over a dozen campaigns and organizations, he has worked with diverse stakeholders and coalitions to achieve results for the community. These results include successfully lobbying for hundreds of millions in public dollars for public universities and working with faith communities and organized labor to raise the minimum wage and enact paid sick leave. Rudnick graduated from the University of Missouri – Kansas City in 2023 with bachelor’s degrees in political science and professional communications, and a minor in International Studies. Raised in the Jewish faith, Rudnick believes simultaneously that the whole community is greater than the sum total of its individuals, and that every person is a whole world unto themselves. He is excited to promote justice in partnership with Kansas Interfaith Action (KIFA) and the ELCA! Rudnick lives in Kansas City, Missouri with his fiancée, Caitlin, and their four cats and two dogs.

 

Jake Summerville (Minnesota)

Jake Summerville (he/him) is the newest addition to the Lutheran Advocacy – Minnesota team as our Hunger Advocacy Fellow! Born and raised in the ELCA with a professional background in youth ministry and direct service work, Summerville is excited to hit the ground running. He has just finished up at Luther Seminary and has been approved for ordination as a deacon in the ELCA, so this will be the first step of many on his journey. Ask him about his fiancé, his cat, the outdoors, or Dungeons and Dragons!

Chris Heavner, Clemson, SC

Warm-up Question

• At what point did you realize that this week is Reformation Sunday?
  • Have you been planning for weeks?
    • Did you make sure your red clothing was washed and ready?
  • Is this devotion your first reminder?

Reformation? Renewal? Realignment? Reformatting?

“Reformation” is one of those words which can refer to a general reforming of “an institution or practice,” or it can refer to the events which began in Wittenberg, Germany in the 16^th century.  Which reference is best known in your community?

I had opportunity to be in Wittenberg, Germany on Reformation Day in 2022.  There was a huge street festival filling and spilling over from the massive town square. There, statues of Martin Luther and Philip Melanchthon serve as reminders of the significance of the events which happened there in 1517.  Among the revelers, few seemed concerned with the 16^th century “Reformation” which catapulted this village onto the world stage.  The festival was lots of fun but did little to call to mind the roots of our “justification by grace through faith” Reformation mantra. I was in Wittenberg to lead worship in the Chapel next to the congregation where Martin Luther served as preacher. Our service that day had a few more attendees than normal, but not the crowds who were working their way through the booths on the square.

I was back in Germany this September. This time, there were no street festivals. There were no crowds elbowing their way to the front. A small congregation assembled for a baptism.  Henry is the four-year old child of a young woman we came to know through Lutheran Student Movement-USA and the World Student Christian Federation. A decade earlier, she had an internship through the Evangelical German Church (EDK) which brought her to the U.S. and to the ELCA to learn how we go about youth and young adult ministry.  Henry’s baptism was a profound reminder that The Reformation (the one that traces its root to 16^th century Wittenberg) binds followers of Jesus all around the world with an appreciation of what it means to love God, be loved by God, and share the Good News of God.

“Lutherans” in North America trace their roots to numerous countries around the globe.  Among my friends are Lutherans from India, many from Finland, and still others from Tanzania.  Swedish, Norwegian, and Danish hymnals are found in countless number of our ELCA congregations. The only thing special about Germany is being home to the first of the reformers.  It is special to me because I have had so many opportunities to visit. This helps me reflect on what it means to be “Lutheran,” particularly at a time when the Church appears to be in the midst of tremendous change.

As you reflect on what it means to be Lutheran, I would encourage you to remember that Martin Luther was far from a perfect role model.  He did say and write some horrible things about those of Jewish ancestry. Luther admitted this and begged that no one would be known by the name of Luther.  Luther wrote: “There is but one name by which we should be known and that is the name of Christ.”

“Reformation” is not something we decide to do. It comes out of necessity. How might God be calling upon us to reform, reshape, reboot?  “The Reformation” should serve as an encouragement to be ready for the next change into which God is calling the Church.

Discussion Questions

• What would you like to see “reformed”?
• What are the leaders of your faith community (think congregation) teaching you?
  • What would you like to hear them talking about?

Reformation Sunday

• Jeremiah 31:31-34
• Psalm 46
• Romans 3:19-28
• John 8:31-36

(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 A at Lectionary Readings.)

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

Reflection on Romans 3

There are two words in this passage which determine how we will understand the whole passage: “grace” and “faith.” Take a moment to reread verses 22, 24, 26, and 28 in Romans 3.

Let’s start with “faith”.  There are many ways to speak of faith and what it means in the life of one who seeks to follow Jesus.  Is faith (as most of those in my part of the country speak of it) the ability to “believe things others would find unbelievable”?  When understood this way, “faith” becomes cognitive assent to a set of confessions or affirmations.  Others seem to associate faith with seeing the world from a particular perspective (God’s perspective), or with the ability to trust that things work together for good.  None of these are mutually exclusive, but where we start may impact where we end.

One note which might guide our thinking is to see the footnotes associated with the repeated use of the word “faith” in these verses.  In a study bible, the footnote will remind you that the Greek phrase translated “faith in Jesus” could also be translated as the “faith of Jesus.”  How do we read these verses if we were to read, “(God) justifies the one who has the faith of Jesus”?  What was the faith “of” Jesus?  Might the phrase even invite us to consider the faith Jesus has in us?

Seeing faith this way aligns well with Martin Luther’s preferred way of thinking about grace.  In his disputes with the other reformers, Luther refused to accept any pre-conditions for God’s grace being freely bestowed.  This is a prevenient grace; it is the grace that goes before anything else.  It is a grace which acts on us, so that we might respond – perhaps respond by that which is spoken of as “faith.”

One seminary teacher asked us to consider whether we understood “faith” as the capacity to receive God’s grace, or if we thought of ourselves as persons to whom the “grace” had been given so that we might respond in faith.  Put differently, do we craft faith as a vessel into which God can then pour grace?  Or is grace a gift from God which then makes faith possible?

Perhaps your congregation will sing “Amazing Grace” this Sunday.  The first line of the second stanza speaks of grace as prevenient grace: “Twas grace that taught my heart to fear.” Remember that “fear” does not mean being frightened; instead, it is the host of emotions which comes from being welcomed into the presence of God.

There is one more, and absolutely essential, thing to remember. The followers of Martin Luther never insist that we, and we alone, possess all insights or answers. We trust that God has placed on our hearts a particular way of seeing, understanding, and living the Good News. In response, we must share what we have first received. We want everyone to know that God’s grace is much wider than the reach of our institutions, much deeper than our most profound thoughts. God’s grace is what makes it possible for us to join in those joyous celebrations of all the wonders of creation!

Discussion Questions

• How do you understand the word “faith”?
• What difference does it make to shift from thinking about “faith in Jesus,” to “faith of Jesus”?
  • What do you think Jesus’ faith was like?
• What might your Lutheran community share with other faith communities in your area?
• What does your Lutheran community need to learn from those neighboring faith communities?

Activity Suggestions

• Take a look at Luther’s Small Catechism. It is printed near the back of the ELW Hymnals. In particular, recall the explanation to the third article of the Apostles’ Creed and the sections regarding Holy Baptism.
• Gather around the baptismal font. Ask those who do not remember the day of their baptism (most of us were baptized when we were only a few weeks or months old) to speak of how something they don’t remember has changed their lives.
• On the day of your baptism, who carried you to the font? Share how their actions impacted the life you have gone on to live.

Closing Prayer

Gracious God, you knew me as I was formed in my mother’s womb.  You cared for me as I entered the world and uttered my first cry.  You looked at me with love when I took my first steps.  With the grace which makes all things possible, enable me to respond in a way which shares with others the good news of your salvation.  Take my life and let it be a light in the darkest corners and a beacon to those whom I encounter. Amen.

Warm-up Question

• What are the qualities you look for in a leader?
  • Why do those attributes matter to you?

Why Did You Get Into This?

Through the United States of America, we are in the midst of election season. From local trustees to state representatives to the President of the United States, many leadership positions will be decided on November 5. If you’re of voting age, make a plan to vote! Even if you’re not, engage in the process. Learn about the candidates and issues at hand. Research deeper than just soundbites and slogans.

One of the questions I always ask of anyone pursuing politics is, “Why did you get into this field?” After all, public office of any sort is a leadership position. The reasons someone wants to lead deserve our attention. One way to know this is to listen to what the candidates have to say about why they’ve chosen to run. We can also learn by discovering what additional benefits–things like money, fame, power, and influence–might come with an election. Any leadership position comes with some benefit, so this question of “why” ultimately looks at how an elected official will use the power that comes with their position.

As people of faith, engaging in the political process is both a privilege and a responsibility. You can learn more about our denomination’s resources for this  through ELCA Votes.

Discussion Questions

• Have you ever run for an elected position in school? Why or why not?

Twenty-Second Sunday after Pentecost

• Isaiah 53:4-12
• Psalm 91:9-16
• Hebrews 5:1-10
• Mark 10:35-45

(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 A at Lectionary Readings.)

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

Gospel Reflection

Today’s Gospel reading follows the trajectory of the last few weeks. Jesus is once again teaching us that God’s approach to authority and value differs from ours. From redefining greatness to valuing those society otherwise downplays, the way of Jesus is just different. Mark 10:45 highlights why this is: Jesus “came not to be served, but to serve.”

Jesus chooses a kind of leadership that serves people’s needs. Rather than expect ancillary benefits, Jesus gives his life for the good of others. Such actions emphasize that Christian leadership prioritizes the public good rather than personal gain. That’s a needed reminder, not only in politics, but in family, in business, in sports, in art, and indeed throughout society.

Leadership matters. Who we follow matters, and why they lead matters, too. As you continue to follow Jesus, consider how following someone willing to serve can inform how you choose leaders in all areas of your life.

Discussion Questions

• How could you serve others in ways that prioritize public good over personal gain?

Activity Suggestions

• Invite leaders of different kinds to speak to your church group. Ask them why they chose to pursue that specific sort of leadership. Then ask them to reflect on Jesus’ decision “not to be served, but to serve.”
• Take time to journal about leaders that you admire. As you list the people, also note what it is that you admire about each particular leader. Then ask yourself whether this person reflects the leadership qualities seen in Jesus.

Closing Prayer

God of All, teach us to embrace your humble style of leadership. When you call us to lead, inspire us to serve the public good rather than seek personal gain. When you call us to follow, encourage us to hold our leaders to the standards you set through Jesus, the one who leads us into abundant life. We pray this all in the name of Jesus Christ: Amen.

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.

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Lutheran Summer Music Academy & Festival

Transforming and connecting lives through faith and music since 1981.

Youth musicians are invited to Lutheran Summer Music

Enrollment for LSM 2025 is open now! Lutheran Summer Music (LSM) is a faith-based residential music academy for high school students who come together to immerse themselves in musical excellence and build a supportive and fun community. Musical experiences include large ensembles (band, choir, orchestra), chamber music, private lessons, and electives like handbells, jazz, musical theatre, composition, conducting, church music and more. Priority enrollment deadline: December 1. Standard enrollment deadline: March 1. Learn more at LSMacademy.org.

 

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Association of Lutheran Church Musicians

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

Where Do We Go from Here is a symposium that will , first, attempt to stimulate conversation about being faithful, creative, and nurturing stewards of the church’s song; and give composers a focused opportunity to explore the changing offerings of music software.

 

 

 

Join us from August 4-8, 2025, in Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina for our 2025 national biennial conference, For all that is to be. This conference will be an exciting opportunity to gather with friends and colleagues, old and new, who share a passion for leading the church’s song. Attendees will leave feeling both inspired and equipped with knowledge and new ideas.

 

 

 

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Institute of Liturgical Studies

An ecumenical conference on liturgical renewal for the church today.

Rites of Passage: Engaging Occasional Practitioners in a Secular Age
Valparaiso, Ind., April 28–30, 2025

The American religious landscape is characterized by declining participation in religious institutions, increasing uncertainty about matters of faith, and a growing population identifying as non-religious. Nevertheless, many people continue to turn to churches at some of the most significant moments in their lives—such as the birth of a child or the loss of a loved one—and many others show up to support them. At last year’s Institute, Rev. Dr. Sarah Kathleen Johnson introduced the idea of occasional religious practice to describe a way of relating to religion that is characterized by participation in religious practices occasionally rather than routinely, most often in connection with certain types of occasions, including holidays, life transitions, and times of crisis. She encouraged us not to rush to judge occasional practitioners’ lack of involvement or to come to hasty conclusions about why they are seeking out these practices but instead to listen to and learn from them.

Most of our planning resources are directed at the Sunday assembly. Yet, baptisms, weddings, and funerals are liturgical events rich in their potential for service and outreach. How might we more fully consider the possibilities of these occasions to be better prepared to serve a decreasingly churched culture?

Sign up for our monthly newsletter to stay up to date on the 2025 conference.

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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 invites you to consider the following events and resources for continuing education, community building, professional development, and celebrating this practice of paperless communal song-sharing.

Communities around the nation gather together to sing and build bridges of connection. Be sure to go to our events pages for information on Workshops and Retreats, Community Events and other gatherings in your area. Join one of these regular groups, if they aree near you or start your own (we can help you with that; just reach out!):

Albuquerque, New Mexico – 1st Tuesdays
Brownsburg, Indiana – 1st Tuesdays
Chicago, Illinois – 3rd Wednesdays
Ellensburg, Washington – 2nd Thursdays
Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota – varies

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The Hymn Society & The Center for Congregational Song

The mission of The Hymn Society in the United States and Canada is to encourage, promote, and enliven congregational singing. The Center for Congregational Song is the resource and programmatic arm of The Hymn Society, connecting resources, leading deep and vital conversations about the church’s song, and collaborating with our partners.

Back in 2020, The Center for Congregational Song hosted a 12-hour broadcast of music and pastoral moments on Election Day in an effort to provide a space for peace in a time of great anxiety. Four years later, the political discourse in the United States is not all that different, and, in some ways, even more charged than it was before. If you find yourself in need of a break from the news, we invite you to recharge by watching our broadcast from four years ago.

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Resources from the Center for Church Music

The Center for Church Music is a place where one can tap into an expansive library of resources and perspectives on the music and art of the church, with a focus on a Lutheran context.

“Profiles in American Lutheran Church Music” presents video conversations with prominent church musicians Nancy Raabe (conversation with Barry Bob, 2023) and Paul Westermeyer, (conversation with Carl Schalk, 2013) as well as many other Lutheran Church musicians.

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Augsburg Fortress Events and Resources

Augsburg Fortress is the publishing ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

A Watered Garden: Christian Worship and Earth’s Ecology 
A Watered Garden by Benjamin M. Stewart explores the deep ecological connections within our patterns of worship and the inherent wisdom that ties us to creation. From the waters of baptism to the ashes to which we return, our sacraments and natural world are inseparable. Insight, meditation, and conversation around these various roots can lead us to a renewed relationship with an ailing earth.  The Worship Matters Studies Series examines key worship issues through studies by pastors, musicians, and lay people from throughout the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

 

Come, Lord Jesus: Devotions for the Home: Advent/Christmas/Epiphany 
This devotional collection is perfect for little hands to hold and experience through the seasons of Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany. Readings, meditations, seasonal blessings, mealtime prayers, and songs prepare the home for the celebration of the Savior’s birth. With the introduction of customs from around the world, these activities also invite our curiosity about the lives of the people around us. The varied ideas in Come, Lord Jesus can also support creative worship planning during these seasons.

 

See Me, Believe Me: A Guide to Deepen Allyship with Congregational Leaders of Color 
In See Me, Believe Me, Rev. Dr. Yolanda Denson-Byers draws from the wisdom and experience she has gained—and the racism she has endured—as a female, Black, and queer pastor in the ELCA. Through storytelling, biblical reflection, and colleague interviews, Denson-Byers offers an honest and unflinching look at the challenges faced by leaders of color in the predominantly white ELCA. Her insights and concrete suggestions for action illustrate how seeing and believing leaders of color are essential steps in the journey of allyship. Chapters beckon readers to acknowledge ignorance, respect boundaries, join in celebration and lament, offer reparations, and continue doing their own work to dismantle racism and live into the fullness of loving God and neighbor.

 

Good News, Great Joy: Devotions for Advent & Christmas 2024-2025 
This pocket-sized devotional explores, shares, and celebrates the joyous good news by continuing a centuries-old Christian tradition of setting aside time to prepare for the celebration of Jesus’ birth and to anticipate his return. From the first Sunday in Advent through Epiphany, this collection of readings, images, reflections, and “To Ponder” sections can focus us on the messages of the season. Amidst the busy Advent and Christmas seasons, use these devotions as an opening meditation for a church meeting or a gift to treasured groups – especially a handbell choir!

 

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Warm-up Question

• Tell a story about when you were genuinely surprised. Maybe you learned something shocking or experienced a surprise party.
  • How did being surprised impact you?

Left Behind in Paradise

Another hurricane is coming. Even as parts of the country from Florida’s panhandle to the Appalachian mountains try to clean up from Hurricane Helene, younger sibling Hurricane Milton is already threatening life with similar ferocity. Those of us who live further away might think of these vacation destinations as wealth centers. Massive beach houses on the coast to log mansions on the Blue Ridge Parkway are annually rented by many, giving the impression that money is everywhere.

Yet, that’s almost never the case. This article details the lives of those who live and work in Martha’s Vineyard, another holiday havens where many visit without knowing the realities of local life. What some view as a paradise is also a place where some people experience poverty, live without secure housing, and can hardly afford the food or accommodations enjoyed by the seasonal visitors. Too often, locals who are first to serve others vacation needs are also the last to enjoy a respite of their own. Those who make our rejuvenation possible are left behind in the wake of the vacation industry. No one deserves they. The people who help provide relief to others deserve the same helping hand.

Now, as another hurricane threatens many of these destinations once again, those people who have so often been last in normal circumstances are now at an even more urgent risk. While we’ll find out the worst results soon, we can prepare now as people of faith to support communities who deserve to be first in our minds not only when disasters strike, but all the time.

Discussion Questions

• Does it surprise you that vacation destinations experience poverty? Why or why not?
• Have you ever felt left behind?
  • What was that like for you?

Twenty-First Sunday after Pentecost

• Amos 5:6-7, 10-15
• Psalm 90:12-17
• Hebrews 4:12-16
• Mark 10:17-31

(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 A at Lectionary Readings.)

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

Gospel Reflection

Each short scene in this Gospel lesson includes a reflection on who is left out. After all, only those with power and value can enter a king’s court. A rich man, used to the ease of life made possible by money, wants to access heaven. Jesus’ metaphor about a camel passing through a needle’s eye expresses the difficulty of entering heaven. Peter, argues that the disciples, who left their families and resources behind, have earned what the rich man had not.

The whole passage hinges not on what humans can do, but on what God does. After all, Peter pipes up only after hearing Jesus say “for mortals it is impossible, but not for God; for God all things are possible.” In other words, Peter tries to justify himself and his friends, even after hearing that justification wasn’t even possible.

What Peter doesn’t understand, along with the rest of the disciples, is that they’re no better off than the rich man. Upon his arrest, Peter will eventually deny knowing Jesus and the rest will scatter. Neither the rich man nor Jesus’ friends could ultimately thread the needle of following him on their own power.

But that’s not the end of the story. The story ends with new beginnings. With Jesus making possible what seemed impossible. Through his life, death, and resurrection, Jesus breaks open the needle’s eye so that elephants and blue whales could pass through. We don’t need to assume, demand, or otherwise perform authority or worth to enter God’s reign. We just need what Jesus has already given us: his very self.

Even more, those who are left behind by the world’s standards no longer need to fear being forgotten on the margins of eternity. The last among us becomes first because, in Christ, there is no ledger of earning our worth. Those of us like the disciples and the rich man will eventually follow once we realize we can’t earn our way into God’s love.

Discussion Questions

• What does it mean to you that “the last will be first and the first will be last”?
• What would be the hardest thing for you to give up in order to follow Jesus? Why is that?

Activity Suggestions

• Plan a fundraiser for those impacted by Helene and Milton to support the work of Lutheran Disaster Response or Lutheran World Relief. Whether a bake sale, Flocking, raking leaves for donations, or another format, do something simple that can quickly deliver resources to those often left last in times of disaster.
• Play a game of musical chairs, first with the standard practice of having one less chair than number of players and continuing to remove a chair after each round until there is only one winner. Then, without telling the group, start a new round and make sure there are enough seats for everyone. Use that as an example to highlight that everyone can be included and that we can change the ways we act now to include those people who are left last in society.

Closing Prayer

God of All, help us to recognize the value of all people. Empower us to recognize the dignity of those left behind by our society and change our ways to amplify their worth. Remind us that the last in this world are the first in your heart not only during times of natural disaster, but in every day and every way. Amen.

Warm-up Question

• When is the last time you asked a child their opinion about something related to faith?
  • Is that more or less often than talking to teens or adults about religious perspectives?
  • Why is that?

Kids Talk. Do We Listen? 

If you haven’t yet discovered research from the Springtide Institute, it’s well worth your time. They spend much time researching Gen Alpha (born after 2010 or so), as well as Gen Z (who are now all in high school or older). The research often focuses on issues of mental health and religious belief, among other things. Newsweek summarized a recent study of Gen Alpha 13-year-olds and the findings therein might surprise you.

For instance, many in Gen Alpha saw positive outcomes from our global experience of the COVID-19 pandemic. Kids are often aware of their own smartphone addictions. Many less united on their response to global climate change and most are still figuring out their political affiliations.

This also indicates that kids are willing to share who they are, what they think, and how they believe. But that begs a question: are adults willing to listen to them? Springtide’s earlier research makes clear that kids with trusted mentors are more likely to have positive mental health and deeper spiritual engagement. No matter their age, it makes a difference whether we take children seriously and welcome their perspectives.

Discussion Questions

• In what ways does your church empower children to share their perspectives and questions?
  • What kind of changes would you recommend?
• During your childhood, who was a supportive mentor for you?
  • What made that experience positive?

Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost

• Genesis 2:18-24
• Psalm 8
• Hebrews 1:1-4; 2:5-12
• Mark 10:2-16

(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 A at Lectionary Readings.)

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

Gospel Reflection

In Mark 10, when children try to get close to Jesus, the disciples “spoke sternly” to the kids. They were rebuked for wanting to connect with Jesus. How absurd! We would never do that, right?

Unfortunately, that’s all too common in communities of faith. How often do newcomers, people with questions about Christianity, experience rejection by insiders? Too often. How often do people young in their faith, with curiosity about Christ, receive harsh correction for their boldness? Too often.

It’s also true that kids still receive this sort of treatment. Under the guise of protection, we sometimes block children’s access to the serious things of faith, like the question of divorce in today’s Gospel. At other times, kids’ questions are ignored because they seem naive or irrelevant to adult conversations. In Jesus’ day, many considered children less valuable than adults, which is still a perspective some carry today.

Both in metaphor and in reality, the church too often puts gates between the young and the Savior.

Jesus’ response is one that applies in all situations: let the children come to me. In other words, whether they’re real children or young in their faith, stop putting unnecessary obstacles between people and God. Jesus wants to connect with kids, not keep his distance. Jesus welcomes what adults consider naive when brought with the sincere faith of a child. Jesus honors what polite society considers irrelevant when arising from the true curiosity of fresh perspective. In short, Jesus doesn’t need protection. Jesus seeks connection. Connection with kids, connection with disciples, connection with all.

Discussion Questions

• What, do you think, made the disciples try to prevent children from coming to Jesus?
• If you could ask Jesus anything, what would you ask him?
  • Why is that?

Activity Suggestions

• Utilize a prayer method, like Praying in Color, to embody a childlike faith in your prayer practices this week. Express yourself to God in ways that lean on the simplicity and boldness so many children display.
• Intentionally seek out a child younger than you and ask them questions about faith. Then, take time to reflect on how their perspective might shape your own connection to God.
• Talk with your pastor about how you might amplify the voices of children in worship so that the congregation can learn from the connection that kids have with Christ.

Closing Prayer

Welcoming God, we thank you for welcoming all those who seek you out. Remind us to seek connection with you and to empower others to connect with you, especially the youngest among us. Help us to learn from the perspectives of children and listen to the opinions of those who are new to the faith. Encourage us to remove all barriers that prevent others from connecting with you. We pray this all in the name of Jesus Christ: Amen.

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

UN | COLORADO | MINNESOTA | PENNSYLVANIA | WISCONSIN

 

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

International Tax Cooperation: The United Nations adopted terms of reference on International Tax Cooperation in August, despite opposition by the United States and other developed Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries. The terms of reference (ToR) are the ground rules and procedures for all member states to engage in intergovernmental negotiations and the subsequent investments in these processes required to ensure their facilitation. While the European Union opposes these negotiations (along with the OECD) their members abstained rather than vote against, which allowed the ToR to be adopted.

The social statement Sufficient, Sustainable Livelihood for All supports monitoring of taxation policy. It calls for, among other things: corporate governance that is accountable for the effects of a company’s practices on workers, communities, and the environment here and throughout the world; scrutiny of the tax breaks, subsidies, and incentives many companies receive, to assure that they serve the common good; enforcement of laws to prevent the exercise of inordinate market power by large corporations; and appropriate government regulatory reform so that governments can monitor private sector practices more effectively and efficiently in an ever-changing global economy (p. 14).

UN General Assembly Summit of the Future: Lutheran Office for World Community (LOWC) will be hosting a high-level delegation from the LWF and ELCA who will represent LWF at the UN General Assembly (UNGA) and the Summit of the Future. The UNGA opens on Sep. 10, 2024, and will contain the following elements: General Debate, Summit of the Future. Additionally, there will be high-level meetings on sea level rise, elimination of nuclear weapons and antimicrobial resistance.

The UNGA is a critical decision-making body in multilateral policy generation and accountability. The LWF is both a stakeholder in the global response to the existential issues of our time and a watchdog of these policies to hold states accountable to their decisions. The outcomes of the UNGA and the Summit of the Future will be key UN processes that will influence our strategy for advocacy engagement moving forward to 2025 and beyond.

 

Colorado
Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Colorado (LAM-CO) – lam-co.org
Peter Severson, Director

2024 VOTER GUIDE NOW AVAILABLE: Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Colorado (LAM-CO) is proud to once again publish our annual Voter Guide, a resource to walk voters through the myriad ballot measures on which Coloradans will be asked to vote this fall. This year, there will be 14 measures on the ballot, the most since 2008. The measures address everything from criminal justice and abortion to same sex marriage and wildlife management.

LAM-CO has taken a position on four of the ballot measures this year: we recommend voting YES on Amendment I, Amendment J, and Proposition JJ, and we recommend voting NO on Proposition 128. We are formally neutral on the rest of the measures, but check out our Guide for more information and analysis about each one, as well as information about faithful voting in elections.

View our 2024 Voter Guide here. Ballots will be going out to voters in the mail starting Oct. 11. Happy voting!

 

Minnesota
Lutheran Advocacy – Minnesota (LA-MN) – lutheranadvocacymn.org
Tammy Walhof, Director

Graceful Conversations: Lutheran Advocacy – Minnesota (LA-MN) and The Ministry Lab (PCUSA & UCC with LA-MN director) have teamed up to share Graceful Conversations: Building Arcs Across Divided Perspectives. It started as a workshop LA-MN Director Tammy Walhof initially created ten years ago (and has continued to improve) to help participants think about how we as Christians should ‘be’ in the world as we attempt to address ever increasing polarization. With the help of Rev. Emily Meyer, an expert on contemplative practices, it has been transformed into a five-part series of learning, reflection, and practice to help participants make Graceful Conversations part of their core being (1-1.5 hour sessions, with 15-20 minutes of video to be paused at various points for discussion). These sessions do not negate the value of Braver Angels workshops or other depolarizations initiatives. Rather, they are geared specifically to churches. Watch for it on our website soon!

Out & About: Walhof has been meeting, presenting, and sharing resources across the state over the last month, including at a statewide EcoFaith Leadership Retreat, the Saint Paul Area Synod’s Creation Care Task Force Retreat, and the Theological Conference of the Northeastern Minnesota Synod. Don’t forget to invite her to your events! She loves these kinds of opportunities, especially now that things are happening in-person again.

Upcoming Event: Walking Together (Lutheran Church of the Cross, Nisswa, Saturday, Oct. 12) – An event to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of ELCA World Hunger has been planned by the Northeastern Minnesota Synod, with LA-MN as co-sponsor. All of Region 3 is invited.

 

Pennsylvania
Lutheran Advocacy Ministry – Pennsylvania (LAMPa) lutheranadvocacypa.org
Tracey DePasquale, Director

On Sept 5. approximately 100 religious leaders of various faith traditions from across the state gathered at the Pennsylvania Capitol to issue a call for peace during this election season. Acknowledging the current climate of political unrest and polarization, they pledged to foster dialogue over division and urged civic leaders to use responsible rhetoric, reject all calls for violence, and inspire hope rather than fear.

In a statement signed by more than 350 religious leaders representing more than 3 million Pennsylvanians, they called on their communities and all Pennsylvanians to prioritize understanding over assumptions and commit to truthfulness, recognizing the real harm caused by misinformation. They called on people of faith across the Commonwealth to commit to courageous peacebuilding and to sign on in support of the statement. Listen to more coverage on public radio!

Lutheran Advocacy Ministry in Pennsylvania (LAMPa) was honored to partner with these leaders and encourages all people of faith in Pennsylvania to add their name and continue the work of building up peace.

LAMPa is offering skills training for peacebuilding throughout September and October and will launch a 40-day devotional for election season on Sept. 27. Sign up here to receive a daily emailed reflection written by Pennsylvania rostered leaders and seminarians.

Oct. 18-19 – Join us virtually or in person at the Gettysburg campus of United Lutheran Seminary for “Hope in a Divided World: Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s This-Worldly Christianity as an Antidote to Christian Nationalism.” Registration is now open.

 

Wisconsin
Lutheran Office for Public Policy – Wisconsin (LOPPW) loppw.org
The Rev. Cindy Crane, Director

 

Wednesday Noon Live

Podcaster and Author Blake Chastain shares his story about responding to Christian Nationalism and the problems the movement presents. Hear about some of the themes in his book, “Exvangelical and Beyond: How American Christianity Went Radical and the Movement That’s Fighting Back,” coming out later this month.

We have more resources on Christian Nationalism on a new page on our website.

Frances Dobbs Ended her Year as a Hunger Advocacy Fellow. She left behind fruits of her work including a unique immigration resource, Undocumented in Wisconsin 2024, and presentation on hunger in Wisconsin and on Healthy School Meals for All.

Voting

Lutheran Office for Public Policy in Wisconsin (LOPPW) has been reaching out to congregations with information on how adults and youth can find opportunities to be civically engaged on Nov. 5. We are grateful for a grant that our four ELCA state public policy offices received to support this work.

Responding to Two Synod Resolutions

In the spring, LOPPW was included in resolutions from the Greater Milwaukee Synod and East Central Synod of Wisconsin requesting that we support the synods in addressing money in politics. Both resolutions supported Wisconsin United to Amend. In August, the director gathered the key authors of the resolutions from each synod to explore how to work together. She also reached out to La Crosse Area Synod, which passed a similar resolution. With feedback from the meeting, she also met with the director of Wisconsin United to Amend to discuss empowering ELCA members to lead workshops and take other actions.

As we approach the anniversary of Oct. 7, 2023, we remember a day of heartbreaking grief for the people of Israel and Palestine, devastated by Hamas attacks on civilians and by the bombardment of Gaza. Mindful that the people of the Holy Land are still living in anguish and in war one year later, congregations may consider incorporating prayers and laments in worship on Sunday, October 6 or at other times near the anniversary, in public worship or for devotional use at home or in other settings.

ELCA Worship Resource: Crisis in the Holy Land (as PDF).
Also available as a Word Document.
This resource created at the onset of the war includes several prayers and suggested hymns and songs. A model for a Prayer of Lament adapted from All Creation Sings is included that may be especially helpful this week.

Selected Prayers from ELCA Worship Resources

Additional options are included in the above worship resource.

Time of War
Eternal God, whose steadfast love never ends, we ask that you look upon the nations now engaged in war and hasten the day of peace. Look in mercy on those exposed to peril, conflict, sickness, and death; and show compassion to the dying. In your good providence, remove all causes and occasions of war. Incline the hearts of all people to follow the path to peace and concord, that war may cease and the day of reconciliation may come quickly, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (Prayer Book for the Armed Services, p. 71)

For Peace
You calm and quiet us, eternal God, as a mother holds her children close; all people have refuge in the shadow of your wings. Spread over us the shelter of your peace. Hold before us the wisdom of your cross, where we are drawn to you not by might or power, but by your boundless love and forgiveness in Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen. (All Creation Sings, pg. 48)

O God, it is your will to hold both heaven and earth in a single peace. Let the design of your great love shine on the waste of our wraths and sorrows, and give peace to your church, peace among nations, peace in our homes, and peace in our hearts; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (Evangelical Lutheran Worship, p. 76)

Petition for the Prayers of Intercession
O God, as war in the Holy Land rages, we pray:
For all trapped by blockades…
For all living in fear of attack…
For all in need of basic necessities and their safe transport…
For those who are hospitalized and all who provide care…
For all who search for safety elsewhere and are separated from loved ones…
For children surrounded by confusion and chaos…
For those consumed by the lure of terrorism and control, that they are filled with compassion for all people…
For the difficult work of diplomats, world leaders, and international organizations in this prolonged conflict …
For the longing of people of different faiths to live together peaceably…
For all grieving those who have died…
Other intercessions related to the crisis in the Holy Land may be added.
In your mercy, receive our prayer.

Prayers from The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land

Prayer for Peace
God of peace, we pray for an end to violence in our world. We bring to you our hope that human rights, justice, and your love will triumph, and that power, destruction, and death will not have the last word. On the one-year mark of the war in Gaza, we pray for an end to massacres and destruction. In the name of your son, Jesus Christ, bring your healing spirit upon your children of Palestine and Israel, that all who live in your Holy Land might know true justice and the peace that passes all understanding. We ask this in your holy name and find hope in the resurrection always. Amen.

Prayer for Justice
God of justice, we pray for safety for those living in times of war. As the church we are your hands and feet in this world. Bring to our hearts and minds the courage to speak out against injustice. Give us the strength to break down the walls that divide us and help us build tables long enough for all. We pray for world leaders, that hearts may be changed, and international law and human rights may be upheld. In Palestine and Israel, we pray that justice may be reached, so all throughout the region can live in peace. Amen.

Prayer for ELCJHL Congregations
God of comfort and strength, we pray for the faithful Palestinian Christians of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land. We ask that you give them “sumud,” steadfastness, in this time of incredible sorrow in their communities. Bless the pastors who are shepherding congregations in this unimaginable situation. Bring your comforting spirit to all, that they may continue to worship, minister, and above all remain steadfast in your Holy Land. Amen.

Prayer for Education
God our protector, we pray for the teachers, students, and staff of the educational ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land. Bring safety and security to those who seek learning. Protect students who must cross checkpoints to reach their schools and bring your spirit of peace to those who cannot access schools at all. We pray for an end to the violent targeting of educational institutions, and we lift up our hopes for a world where all children can learn and grow in safety. Amen.

Worship Resources from Partners

Churches for Middle East Peace resources for a “Solidarity Sunday”
On Sunday, October 6th Churches for Middle East Peace and its 35 member denominations and communions call upon congregations in the U.S. and worldwide to pray for peace in Gaza and the broader Middle East as part of Solidarity Sunday. Resources to shape Sunday include prayers, worship, liturgy, and other aspects of Solidarity Sunday services, including videos from Palestinian Christian voices in the region and are varied, allowing each community to shape their Solidarity Sunday around their own traditions and commitments. This day of prayerful solidarity and calls for justice comes just as we prepare to mark the one-year anniversary of the horrific October 7th attacks and subsequent bombardment of Gaza.

Churches for Middle East Peace Ecumenical Online Prayer Service on October 7
Join Churches for Middle East Peace at 2:00 PM EST on October 7th, for a communal space of worship, lament, and prayer.

The Southeastern Iowa Synod Sumud working group and Pastor Peter Pettit have developed worship resources for use on Sunday, October 6. They are available on the synod worship page.

Global Sunday of Mutual Flourishing
A call for all Christian ministers to join in centering Mutual Flourishing this October 6.

Additional Information

• ELCA Resources for the Crisis in the Holy Land website
• ELCA Sumud: For Justice in Palestine and Israel website

Warm-up Question

• How do you typically identify people who are your friends?

Storm Preparation

This week, a group of thunderclouds in the Caribbean region quickly became Tropical Storm Helene, and as of this writing, is expected to become a major hurricane that is currently threatening Florida’s Gulf Coast before it moves inland. This Tallahassee newspaper is providing updated coverage since most models predict the city will receive a direct hit from Helene.

When disasters strike, whether natural or those of human origin, people often enter a survival mode. Governments suggest or even mandate evacuations. People rush to purchase essentials from local grocery stores and gas stations. Everyone has the same goal: to survive.

Too often, we ignore that shared goal and treat our neighbors as enemies. Prices for gas and groceries spike, putting a hardship on those with less money. People with more wealth purchase more items, preventing their peers from getting the supplies they so desperately need. Drivers ignore others on the road as all look to escape the path of disaster. This drive to survive is understandable, as it comes from our most basic instincts. That survival, though, isn’t just for our self, but for our species. Our fellow humans, our siblings in God’s image, deserve to survive just as much as we do. We don’t need to be enemies in this drive to survive. After all, we’re all on the same human team.

Such commonality is most difficult to remember that amidst disasters, when we’re most at risk. Those of us not in Helene’s path can help by praying for those at risk. We can contribute to organizations like Lutheran Disaster Response to ensure everyone’s basic needs are cared for. And we can practice, in our every day lives, actions of partnership and camaraderie that help us remember that we best accomplish our goals when we work together. If we’ve got the same goals, then we’re on the same team.

Discussion Questions

• Have you ever experienced a natural disaster?
  • If so, what was that like? If not, how do you imagine it might feel?
• What are the best ways to support people who are facing crises?

Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost

• Number 11: 4-6, 10-16, 24-29
• Psalm 5
• James 5:13-20
• Mark 9:38-50

(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 A at Lectionary Readings.)

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

Gospel Reflection

“Whoever is not against us is for us.” So says Jesus in this week’s Gospel. He does so in response to his disciples, who question the legitimacy of another person casting out demons. Jesus’ friends assume that other people doing good work should be stopped because they’re not familiar with them. Even though they appear to have the same goal, since the disciples don’t know these other healers, they assume they worst. Rather than partners, the disciples treat these others as enemies.

“Whoever is not against us is for us.” This is simultaneously countercultural wisdom and the most obvious of truths. It’s countercultural because too often we treat the unknown as a potential threat, if not an outright enemy. If someone is new to us, we tend to think the worst of their actions. Even if they’re doing the same things that we’re doing! And that’s why this is–or at least should be–obvious. If someone isn’t stopping our progress, they’re not a threat. If someone’s actions are promoting same goals we have, they’re not an opponent.

Jesus goes on to describe that it’s certainly possible for people to get in the way of progress. Yet, notice that the threat he describes is not external. It’s internal. We need to prevent ourselves from becoming the stumbling block more than worry about others causing trouble for us. We need to focus on how we function rather than fear the functions of others. Of course, external threats still exist. In just a few verses, Jesus will find opponents in the religious and political elite that believe his teaching threatens their power.

Jesus’ teaching does threaten the powers of this world. It does so by reminding us that we’re on the same team because, as humans, we’ve got the same ultimate goal: abundant life. That kind of shared goal threatens powers of this world because it turns standard logic upside down. But Jesus doesn’t call us to such temporary thinking. Christ calls us to eternal wisdom, the kind of vision that sees everyone as a possible teammate rather than a potential enemy.

After all, “whoever is not against us is for us.”

Discussion Questions

• Why do you think the disciples felt threatened by the other people casting out demons?
• Who are the people that you feel threatened by without reason?
• How could you simplify “whoever is not against us is for us” and share it with a friend?

Activity Suggestions

• Play a game like Amoeba Tag or Blob Tag where, as participants are tapped, they develop larger groups with a shared goal of including everyone.
• Take time to journal in response to Jesus’ words in this Gospel.
  • What are the goals you’ve got that others share with you?
  • If “whoever is not against us is for us,” then who are the people on your team that you’ve never considered a teammate?

Closing Prayer

God of community, inspire us to find peace with one another. Give us the ability to consider strangers as possible friends. Confront us when we assume the worst and help us to appreciate the image of God you’ve placed in all people. In times of both normalcy or disaster, remind us that we all share the goal of abundant life, which we find in Jesus Christ, our Savior: Amen.

from the ELCA advocacy office in Washington, D.C. – the Rev. Amy E. Reumann, Senior Director

Partial expanded content from Advocacy Connections: September 2024

PRESSURE FOR FARM BILL ACTION | INTERIOR AND ENVIRONMENT APPROPRIATIONS FOR FY25 ADVANCE | CONFLICT IN SUDAN | INCREASED CALLS FOR CEASEFIRE & HUMANITARIAN AID, AND RELIGIOUS EQUALITY | ELCA BISHOPS’ HILL VISITS YIELD DIVIDENDS

 

PRESSURE FOR FARM BILL ACTION: In congressional meetings across the House and Senate over August recess, ELCA Witness in Society staff continued to press for passage of the Farm Bill alongside many Lutheran constituents from their districts. Congressional staff from both sides of the political aisle have indicated determination to pass a Farm Bill this year – but with limited legislative days remaining in the calendar year, the opportunity to advance a measure is quickly slipping away.

Why It Matters in the ELCA:

This month, the Department of Agriculture released a new report showing food insecurity has continued to increase – to now 13.8% of all U.S. families, or 47.4 million food insecure Americans. Ahead of Election Day, it is critical that lawmakers continue to hear that hunger, our food systems, and the vitality of our rural communities and our environment are of core concern for Lutherans across the United States. In particular, it is important to highlight the need to preserve and boost support for BOTH hunger programs AND our farming communities in a Farm Bill.

What’s Next:

Advocates can continue to take action on domestic hunger programs via the ELCA Action Center, in addition to the highlighted Farm Bill Action Alerts in our “Farm Bill Updates” blog page. Sending a customized letter this fall urging lawmakers to pass a meaningful Farm Bill before Jan. 1, 2025, will make a critical difference.

 

INTERIOR AND ENVIRONMENT APPROPRIATIONS FOR FY25 ADVANCE: Both the U.S. House of Representatives and the Senate have been working toward approving a budget for 2025 (FY25). This includes the budgets for government agencies and programs like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and many environmental justice programs. The House passed a bill that would reduce funding to the EPA by 20% and eliminate these environmental justice programs. The Senate passed their proposed Interior & Environment budget out of committee. Their bill fully maintains topline funding for the EPA and environmental justice programs alike and had bipartisan support through the committee vote.

Why It Matters in the ELCA:

The ELCA has a history of advocating for the importance of creation care and environmental justice. The strides that the U.S. government has made in addressing environmental justice in particular can only be made possible if we continue to provide robust funding to these programs.

What’s Next:

If the Senate version passes a whole floor vote, these House & Senate versions of the Interior and Environment budget will need to be conferenced (i.e. aligned) to determine how to reconcile the differences and agree on a final budget for 2025. With little time left for Congress to get this done in September, it seems likely that an extension will be passed until the lame duck session in November/December for budget talks to continue.

 

CONFLICT IN SUDAN: Negotiations in Switzerland over the conflict in Sudan came to a close at the end of August without sound agreement to end the hostilities, but with major progress in access to humanitarian aid and inclusion of civil society. While Sudan’s military did not send a representative to Switzerland, both sides agreed to greater aid access through the Adre border crossing with Chad and through Port Sudan along the Red Sea. After a consultation meeting with the Department of State and U.S. Government representatives to the talks in Geneva, it was also notable that civil society and marginalized voices were heavily included.

Why It Matters in the ELCA:

The conflict in Sudan has displaced over 10 million people and more than 25 million people (over half the population) is facing acute hunger, making this one of the largest and most consequential conflicts in the world and a key focus for our global, anti-hunger advocacy. The ELCA has been in many meetings with the U.S. government to express concerns and priorities that would bring an end to the conflict in Sudan, address hunger through humanitarian aid and include voices in the negotiations that are often neglected in peace processes. With both sides moving promisingly toward greater aid access and with the inclusion of a Sudanese women’s delegation – which produced this list of priorities – steps are being made to allow for greater progress in the future.

What’s Next:

The ELCA will continue to meet with U.S. government administration officials to keep up the work that has allowed for progress on humanitarian aid access and inclusivity, while also continuing to urge that future negotiations implement the recommendations of those included voices and focus on durably resolving the violence.

 

INCREASED CALLS FOR CEASEFIRE & HUMANITARIAN AID, AND RELIGIOUS EQUALITY: [Editor’s Note: This message was compiled days ago and does not reflect recent developments which ELCA staff is monitoring.] ELCA Middle East and North Africa policy staff have organized meetings with Senior State Department and White House officials to discuss humanitarian aid in Gaza, a ceasefire and recent developments on Israeli taxation of Palestinian churches. In parallel, ELCA staff joined Churches for Middle East Peace-hosted meetings with National Security Council officials on Gaza policy.

Why It Matters in the ELCA:

In the Message on the War in Gaza (6/5/24), our ELCA presiding bishop affirms that Lutherans care deeply about the people of the Holy Land and about seeking a just resolution to this conflict. “As Christ taught, ‘Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God’ (Matthew 5:9). Let us continue to hope and to live our faith.” The ELCA’s relationship with our companion church the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land continues to inform our care for the victims of the current conflict, the ongoing dehumanization of the occupation, and the specific ways in which policies like imposing taxes on churches threatens their witness and ministry in the Holy Land.

What’s Next:

The ELCA will continue communicating directly with and advocating to senior administration officials who oversee U.S. policy to the region. Congress will return from August recess in the second week of September, when ELCA advocacy staff will take ELCA policy objectives to members officials on the Hill. Current policy adviser Susannah Cunningham (contractor) has been onboarding and transferring responsibilities to newly hired Program Director for Middle East and North Africa Policy Sasha Ghosh-Siminoff, and she will be staying on until early-October to fully transition Ghosh-Siminoff into his new role with the ELCA’s vital advocacy.

 

ELCA BISHOPS’ HILL VISITS YIELD DIVIDENDS: On June 10-12, ELCA Witness in Society and Global Refuge hosted several bishops for advocacy in Washington, D.C. Throughout their visit, the bishops were able to express how immigration policies are intricately connected to the welfare of families within their communities from Southeast Minnesota to Texas. The bishops who participated were Bishops Brenda Bos, Susan Briner, Jim Gonia, Regina Hassanally, David Nagler and Michael Rinehart. On Capitol Hill, they discussed federal policies and legislation including the Asylum Seeker Work Authorization Act (H.R.1325), the Afghan Adjustment Act (S. 2327/H.R.4627) and FY25 appropriations for refugee and immigrant accounts.

Why It Matters in the ELCA:

The bishops, joined by ELCA and Global Refuge staff, met with senior staff at the Department of Homeland Security and the State Department, as well as congressional staff. The visit concluded with an interfaith town hall on immigration accompaniment, featuring administration officials and faith-based organizations. The visit showcased the effectiveness of tying federal policies to local impacts. Bishops wove stories from their congregations to make the case for the Biden Administration and Congress to act in support of immigrant communities.

What’s Next:

In the days that followed, the Biden Administration acted on three policies highlighted during the bishops’ visit: Temporary Protected Status for Haiti, Deferred Enforced Departure for Liberia and relief for undocumented spouses of U.S. citizens, supporting thousands of immigrant families. The last of these, parole in place (PIP) spousal provisions, made over 500,000 undocumented spouses of American citizens eligible for legal status within the US, supporting the goal of keeping families together.

 

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