Nov. 30 marked not just the beginning of Advent, but the beginning of a new lectionary year—Matthew for those who follow the RCL and John for those who follow the newer Narrative Lectionary. For several lectionary cycles, my go-to commentary on Matthew has been ethicist Stanely Hauerwas’ commentary in the Brazos section. In conversation with Lutheran Pastor Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s Discipleship, it helped me draw on the best of Matthew’s gospel—a vision for the church on earth and clarity about what it means to follow Jesus.
In Preparation - A New Liturgical Year
I am ready for the old, old story. It does not matter that I have heard this story, sung this story, seen this story portrayed by artists from across the globe, or told this story countless times. Jesus, Son of God, will be born in Bethlehem and visited first by shepherds, far from the halls of power. He is coming soon, already here among us, and will come again, bringing the shalom that only God can bring.
United at the Font: Partnering for the Future - Recap
Three one-day events were held at Immanuel Lutheran, Moses Lake (Oct. 25), Our Savior Lutheran, Clarkston, WA (Nov. 1), and First United Methodist, Pocatello (Nov. 15). Our CaSTLE Grant from Wartburg Seminary funded our two professional facilitators, Lauren Hackman-Brooks and Rebecca Hoyt, and paid for lunch at each event. But YOU, all of the participants, made these gatherings so hopeful and life-giving!
ELCA Young Adult Ministry
Take action with ELCA Advocacy
LSM Musical Advent Calendar
ELCA Coaching
You are invited to join - any Wednesday. No advanced registration is required. This is for rostered and non-rostered leaders across the denomination. See our elcacoaching.org events page for the focus of the week.
Lutheran Men in Mission
Companion Synod News
Advent Imagination: Dismantling Patriarchy
Join Pastor Liv on Tuesday evenings in Advent, 6:30pm PST / 7:30pm MST to study the ELCA social statement on Faith, Sexism and Justice by reading the short book on it by Mary Streufert and Mary Elise Lowe. Let’s take delight in the promises of God that we are all a part of the Body of Christ on earth.