[Seeds Monthly] Responding to neighbors in need

ELCA Conference of Bishops emphasizes the need to speak the truth

The ELCA Conference of Bishops has issued a statement on the need to speak the truth. “We know that the power of truth is greater than the power of deceit,” the statement read, in part. “We, the members of the Conference of Bishops of the ELCA, speak with one voice to condemn the hateful, deceptive, violent speech that has too readily found a place in our national discourse. We lament the ways this language has led to hate-fueled action. ... We refuse to accept the ongoing normalization of lies and deceit. We recommit ourselves to speaking the truth and pointing to the one who is truth.” Read the full statement.

Truth & Healing Movement

The ELCA’s Truth & Healing Movement is an opportunity for this church to increase our understanding of our colonizing impacts on Indigenous people in the past and present. Toward Truth and Healing: How Churches Face Accountability for their Indian Boarding Schools is an online event Nov. 10 in which Christian faith communities will discuss how churches are reexamining the roles their denominations played in operating Indian boarding schools. The Vine Deloria Jr. Theological Symposium will be held Nov. 18-19. Participants will hear from scholars and leaders, who will reflect on the text and how Deloria might be speaking to us today about the challenges we face and how we should respond. Learn more.

Be a good steward of the planet — and your congregation’s bottom line

The recently enacted Inflation Reduction Act provides a unique opportunity for congregations and other ministries to receive reimbursements for clean energy investments through the government’s new Direct Pay Program. Partnering with the Mission Investment Fund and the ELCA Federal Credit Union can provide congregations up-front financing to get projects underway. Find out how you can take steps toward a brighter, cleaner future while taking advantage of valuable rebates and grants that can significantly offset the costs of solar panels and more. Learn more.

WATCH THIS

Fort Wayne Food Truck

An interview with the Rev. Amy Beitelschees-Albers, as she takes us through her work with So Much More Ministries. Once a week, Pastor Amy and her team of volunteers make free meals for the community of Fort Wayne, Ind.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

Understanding the Heart of Giving Webinar with Vanco	Forgotten Luther Symposium Discipleship in a Democracy
Election Day Vote faithfully!	Toward Truth and Healing How Churches Face Accountability for their Indian Boarding Schools

FEATURED RESOURCES

Hurricane response

“Sexual Boundary Violations in the ELCA” – full report

ELCA Good Gifts

Lutheran Disaster Response is supporting people affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Resources for your congregation include worship materials for times of storms and flooding, and a bulletin insert.

RESOURCES | GIVE

This review of policies and practices across the ELCA addresses sexual boundary violations in light of the prevalence of rostered ministers, particularly women, who experience sexual harassment in their calls.

LEARN MORE

ELCA Good Gifts is your opportunity to provide support to the ministries that mean the most to you. Free resources are available to help you share ELCA Good Gifts with friends and your congregation.

BROWSE

BULLETIN BLURBS

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

Support hurricane relief: Give to Lutheran Disaster Response

Hurricane Milton hit Florida as a powerful Category 3 hurricane, bringing storm surge, heavy rains, winds and tornadoes. This storm is particularly devastating because many communities are only beginning to recover from Hurricane Helene. With your help, Lutheran Disaster Response will continue to be there to support people affected by Milton, Helene and any other storms that may strike this season. Gifts to Lutheran Disaster Response equip us to respond to these disasters and others, whenever and wherever they strike. Give now.

Faith in Action: Our Call to Civic Engagement During the 2024 Election

God calls us to care for our neighbors and actively shape a just and compassionate society. Civic engagement, including voting and public service, is a meaningful way we live out our faith in the public sphere. The ELCA encourages everyone to engage in the political process with integrity, advocating for justice, peace and the common good. Browse resources, watch videos and learn how to get involved at ELCA.org/CivicEngagement.

An Update from Augsburg Fortress

This fall, the Publishing House of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)—the official name of its parent organization—is reverting to its previous "doing business as" name of Augsburg Fortress Publishers. With this change, it returns to a name that has wide recognition and resonance within the ELCA and beyond, and that connects it to our roots as an always-reforming publishing ministry that responds to our rapidly changing world. What isn't changing is its commitment as your denominational publisher: to create substantive and innovative materials to support you and your congregation in communicating the good news of God's liberating grace.

Webinar opportunity with Vanco: Inspired to Give

Are you looking for ways to inspire generosity in your congregation? Want to make giving easier and more engaging? Join Vanco and the ELCA for an exciting webinar, Inspired to Give: Understanding the Heart of Giving and How to Make It Effortless on Thursday, Oct. 24 at 12 p.m. Central time. Vanco is a preferred vendor of the ELCA. This session will equip you with practical strategies to create a giving experience that feels natural, joyful, and impactful for your congregation. Register today.