Dearly beloved,

This week’s theme is “belonging”. As I have been reflecting on this theme, I have also been mindful that the ELCA (of which we are a part) will be meeting in their Churchwide Assembly (July 28-Aug. 2). We are connected to the larger church in so many different ways. It is not something that we may often think about, but it is amazing to see the ways that we as the Church can work together to spread the Gospel. Ministries that we support like Lutheran World relief with our personal care and baby kits bring hope after natural disasters or during war. Lutheran schools and camps connect young people to the gifts of scripture and the ways in which we can live our faith. Churches and people are doing wonderful things in their own communities like feeding the hungry, sheltering the homeless and accompanying others in times of difficulties.

The triennial gathering in assembly by the ELCA celebrates ministries and also works to find ways to express our faith and trust in God in new ways. They will gather around the theme of “For the life of the world”, seeing how God calls us to share Christ’s message of hope and peace wherever we are. Part of the assembly will be the election of a new Presiding Bishop as well as voting on a new social statement about “Faith & Civic life”.

I invite you to learn more about the ELCA – sign up for news releases, visit their website and/or social media platforms (see links below) as well as watch the Assembly process as it begins. Share what you learn with others – see how we belong to God’s Church in today’s world

peace in Christ, Pastor Jen

ELCA LINKS

Website: http://www.elca.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Lutherans
Instagram: @elca
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ELCA

Favorite hymns for this week
Children of the Heavenly Father
What a friend we have in Jesus
Be Thou my vision

Pastor Jen Boyd (she/her(s)

And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:7)