The Blessing of Animals is a fun way to engage people of all ages and to have conversations about our responsibilities to all creatures who share Earth with us. Some people may bring their animals to church to be blessed, while others bring photos to avoid unnecessary stress on their pets. Through photos or stuffed toys, congregations may celebrate and bless all types of creatures beyond pets. An appropriate hymn for the blessing of animals is number 1064 in All Creation Sings, “Earth is Full of Wit and Wisdom,” which sings of roly polies, giraffes, geckos, monkeys, mice, and many other creatures!
Bishop’s Resource Corner
Enter the Bible
BibleProject
Religious Art
Art has always been important to me. My walls are the same neutral color as when I purchased this house in 2011, but each piece of wall art and each three-dimensional piece of art has been carefully selected and placed. Many of the pieces of art speak to my faith, either because they capture a biblical story or some place in the natural world.
Talks at the Desk, Fire in our Hearts, Courage in our Actions
A message from Liv Larson Andrews
February is Black History Month in the US, and so this kindling of faith for us is also a call to learning, repentance, and bold change. We are blessed to have a resource to help us stoke this fire in our hearts for ending racism: the ELCA YouTube series called Talks at the Desk.
Portico Offerings
Transterra Collective
Many mainline denominational churches are seeking faithful innovation amidst our changing ecclesial landscape. For example, 75% of churches in the Presbytery of the Inland Northwest have fewer than 100 members and are continuing to shrink. Inspired by the ecclesial imagination of other innovative congregations, some of these churches are seeking renewal and transformation by creating housing with their land to meet the needs of the community.
Annual Meeting – 2022 Budget Approval - Update your changes
At Home Over-the-Counter COVID-19 Tests
Details are emerging daily for our ELCA-Primary members. You can find the most up to date information on our website: At-Home Over-The-Counter COVID-19 Tests (porticobenefits.org).