Plus: what was in the final print edition of Living Lutheran?

Living Lutheran: A Legacy of Lutheran Storytelling

The final print edition of Living Lutheran honors the legacy of Lutheran publications whose tradition continues. Read the lead feature for a collection of ways our publications have covered vital events in the church and the world, and view photo essays depicting some of these impactful moments.

"Living Lutheran and its predecessors have been telling the stories of God’s people living their faith for nearly two centuries,” reads the story. “The formats, distribution frequency and even church bodies represented have changed for these publications—but the core mission, to share the good news through Lutherans’ stories, hasn’t."

Reconsiderations Task Force for Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust

You are invited to be part of shaping the ELCA’s social teaching. The 2022 ELCA Churchwide Assembly authorized two reconsiderations of the social statement Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust. In response to these actions, a task force will begin working in 2024 to lead this five-year process of discernment. Information about the reconsiderations, expectations for the task force, and instructions to apply or nominate someone else are available at ELCA.org/reconsiderations. The application will be open until Jan. 31. Learn more.

Living Lutheran: Top Five Articles of 2023

As Living Lutheran wrapped up 2023, it took a look at some of its top stories from the year. Among them are an article about the Commission for a Renewed Lutheran Church, an impactful column from Bishop Eaton on what it means to be a “real” American, tips for for finding a new church, advice for beating burnout, and a powerful “I’m a Lutheran” refection. They’re worth a read or a reread!

Living Lutheran looks forward to bringing you more great stories in 2024!

WATCH THIS

God's Love Made Real: Building Up African Descent Leaders

Learn more about Emmaus Church in Kannapolis, N.C., one of the five congregations in the ELCA African Descent New Start Cohort.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

Week of Prayer for Christian Unity Ecumenical observance	Human Sexuality Social Statement Reconsiderations Task Force applications due
Draft social message on gun-related violence Public comment period closes	ELCA Youth Gathering Regular registration closes

FEATURED RESOURCES


Contemplating the New Year Are you looking for deeper experiences of faith? Contemplative practices are designed to provide them. This study guide from Living Lutheran has discussion questions to help you explore meditation, mindfulness and contemplative practices.	Draft Social Statement: Civic Life and Faith The ELCA Task Force on Civic Life and Faith has released a draft social statement for public comment and is looking for your feedback by Sept. 30.	NEW: Lent Resources ELCA World Hunger offers Lenten resources under the theme “the glory of the Lord shall be revealed,” including a study guide, calendar and action guide for congregations.
READ \| DOWNLOAD	READ AND COMMENT	BROWSE

BULLETIN BLURBS

These snippets are available for you to copy and paste into your bulletins.

Learn about MMIW in Lent

The ELCA Task Force on Repudiating the Doctrine of Discovery (the folks who brought you the Truth and Healing Initiative) encourages congregations and ministries to learn more about missing and murdered Indigenous people during Lent. For resources go to elca.org/indigenous and click on “Truth and Healing” or “MMIW.” You'll find education resources and resources for planning a recognition on May 5, MMIW Day.

Join the Month of Unselfish Love Challenge

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

*A Case for Love, only in theaters, Jan. 23. Buy your tickets today!

Draft social message on gun violence

What is a faithful Lutheran response to U.S. gun culture? The draft of a social message on gun-related violence and trauma is now available, and your feedback is requested. The draft focuses on trauma, public health and an ethic of shared responsibility for peacemaking, seeking to move beyond the strict polarization of gun rights versus gun control. To participate in the public feedback period, read the draft and use the response form. Responses are due by Jan. 31.

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