Gloria Dei Evangelical Lutheran Church

News & Info

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Past issues: 24:04 He is Risen; 24:03 Be Of Good Courage; 23:12 A Spiritual Exercise; 23:09 Getting to Know You; 23:07 Joy?; 23:06 Farewell; 23:05 Advice & Call; 23:04; 23:03 The Love of Christ Abounds; 23:02 Need to Find a Way to Love; 23:01 Love, the Universal Glue; 22:12 Advent & Hope; 22:11 Christ's Cycle; 22:09 A New Look at Matthew; 22:08 Perfect In Every Way; 22:06 Shooting; 22:05 A Number of Days; 22:04 Renewal; 22:03 The Transformational Path; 22:02 The Antonine Plague Lesson; 22:01 Chairs instead of pews?; 21:12 Living in Advent; 21:11 Cloud of Witnesses; 21:10 Biblical Basics?; 21:09 Slipping Into the Future; 21:08 We Belong to God; 21:07 It Takes More Than a Village; 21:06 Pentecost-Coming or Going; 21:05 A Return?; 21:04 A Season of Penance; 21:03 Lenten Reflection; 21:02 The Racist Lawyer; 20:12 Look to Fore; 20:10 Where are the Christians?; 20:09 Remember to Laugh; 20:08 The Bonding, the Blessing;

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ELCA News

ELCA Church Council Holds Spring Meeting

CHICAGO — The Church Council of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) gathered at the Lutheran Center in Chicago, April 11-14. The council, which serves as the ELCA churchwide organization's board of directors and interim legislative authority between meetings of a churchwide assembly, carries out its work in support of the ELCA's priority areas of being a welcoming church, a thriving church, and a connected and sustainable church.

In her report to the council, ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton gave thanks to the Rev. Michael Burk for his service as presiding bishop pro tempore during her leave of absence. Eaton returned from leave on March 18.

Addressing the work and purpose of this church, Eaton spoke of the particular witness to the gospel that identifies Lutherans.

"The unique work of the church is to give the gospel free course in the world," Eaton said. "To care for the gospel, including the word as well as the sacraments. No other institution on earth has that charge."

The council took the following actions:

Elected the Rev. M. Wyvetta Bullock as the executive for administration for a term coterminous with that of the presiding bishop.
Received "Faithful Teaching," the Common Statement of the Twelfth Round of the U.S. Lutheran-Catholic dialogue. Next year will mark 60 years of dialogue between Lutherans and Catholics in the United States. During this time, substantial progress has been made in discovering the shared unity that is detailed in what are now 12 common statements.
Adopted "Gun-related Violence and Trauma" as an official social message of the ELCA.
Authorized the development of a social message on child protection and maltreatment in response to a 2022 Churchwide Assembly memorial.
Revised a continuing resolution outlining the pre-assembly identification process for the elections of churchwide officers.
Requested a review of ELCA World Hunger FY24 revenue and expense performance through May 2024, sharing recommendations with the budget and finance committee and authorizing the executive committee to approve necessary revisions to the World Hunger FY24 spending authorization following the review.
Approved adding a Roth option for elective retirement contributions through Portico Benefit Services, beginning Jan. 1, 2025.
Approved amendments to the churchwide organization's personnel policies.

The council received/engaged in the following:

An update from the co-chairs of the Commission for a Renewed Lutheran Church (CRLC).
An update on the God's Love Made Real initiative.
An update on the work of the budget prioritization task force.
Reports and updates from officers, the chair of the Conference of Bishops, and Church Council committees.
Reports and updates from the Administrative Team.
Presentations from representatives of the ethnic associations and Reconciling Works.
Racial justice and gender justice education.
Ecumenical greetings from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada, the Moravian Church in America, and The Episcopal Church.
Personal reflections on faith from council members.
Worship, prayer and fellowship.

- - -

About the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America:
The ELCA is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States, with 3 million members in more than 8,700 worshiping communities across the 50 states and in the Caribbean region. Known as the church of "God's work. Our hands.," the ELCA emphasizes the saving grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ, unity among Christians and service in the world. The ELCA's roots are in the writings of the German church reformer Martin Luther.

For information contact:
Candice Hill Buchbinder
773-380-2877
Candice.HillBuchbinder@ELCA.org

more >>

Episcopal, Lutheran partnership focuses on asylum-seeker sponsor training

CHICAGO — Building on a shared vision for gospel-centered hospitality and inclusion, Episcopal Migration Ministries (EMM) and AMMPARO, the migrant ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), have entered into a partnership to better train and support asylum-seeker sponsors.

Accompanying Migrants with Protection, Advocacy, Representation and Opportunities (AMMPARO) is the ELCA's strategic commitment to accompany migrants. In this new collaboration AMMPARO will use the Neighbor to Neighbor program designed by EMM to provide training for community sponsors.

The two groups will coordinate efforts as they work with sponsors who welcome new neighbors by offering friendship and fostering community connections. The work will focus on providing practical support such as housing, accessing services, enrolling children in school and supporting adults as they learn English and secure employment.

"This gospel work of serving asylum-seekers deepens even more our 25-year partnership of 'Called to Common Mission,' working together in response to this great need of this time," said the Rev. Margaret Rose, ecumenical and interreligious deputy for The Episcopal Church.

Mary Campbell, director for AMMPARO, noted the excellence of the Neighbor to Neighbor materials. "They are very comprehensive and will help ELCA congregations engaged in asylum-seeker sponsoring to accompany migrants well," she said. "The AMMPARO team is really excited about this partnership."

Episcopal Migration Ministries is one of 10 national agencies responsible for resettling refugees in the U.S. in partnership with the government. In addition to its long-standing work in refugee resettlement, EMM is also The Episcopal Church's convening place for collaboration, education and information-sharing on migration.

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For information contact:
Candice Hill Buchbinder
Public Relations Manager
Candice.HillBuchbinder@ELCA.org

more >>

ELCA Conference of Bishops calls for cease-fire in Gaza / stands in solidarity with migrants

ITASCA, Ill. (March 7, 2024) — The Conference of Bishops of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) added its voice to concerns about international and domestic situations during its meeting Feb. 27-March 5 at Eaglewood Resort in Itasca, Ill. The conference is an advisory body of the ELCA that comprises 65 synod bishops, the presiding bishop and the secretary.

In key business the conference:

Issued a statement and sent a letter to President Joe Biden calling for a permanent bilateral cease-fire in Gaza and urging the president and legislators “to do everything in their power to bring an end to the current suffering and lay the foundation for lasting peace with justice.”

Issued a statement of solidarity with migrants in Texas that expressed concerns about the fate of Annunciation House, a place of welcome for immigrants in El Paso. “Annunciation House’s work with the marginalized in society resonates with us as leaders in the ELCA, a church with a core immigrant identity, for whom welcoming the stranger is a significant part of our baptismal covenant,” the statement read.

In his report to the conference, the Rev. Michael L. Burk, presiding bishop pro tempore, spoke about his approach to working with ELCA churchwide organization staff. “My goal in working with them is to be both strategic in thinking about our shared work and pastoral in our evolving relationships,” he said. “I think that approach has allowed us to continue to move forward together on behalf of this church and in keeping with the directions that have been set by Bishop [Elizabeth] Eaton.”

As a former synod bishop serving the Southeastern Iowa Synod from 2008 to 2020, Burk told the bishops, “The Conference of Bishops is at its best and is strengthened when the gathering around the means of grace is understood to be the center of bishops’ life together. The ministry of oversight begins and ends with the proclamation of the gospel. Welcoming that gospel, depending on it, expecting the good news to be resident at the center of this shared life, sets the stage for the safe, trust-building space necessary to take full advantage of what it means to be in this together.”

In other business the conference:

Received an update on Holy Communion practices led by Deacon John Weit, executive for Worship, and the Rev. Laurie Jungling, bishop of the Montana Synod. The report reviewed the varied thoughts about communion practices throughout the church and presented reflective questions for the conference to consider as it continues the work called for in the memorial “Holy Communion Practices in Unusual Circumstances and in Pandemic Times,” approved by the 2022 Churchwide Assembly.

Received an update and engaged in conversation on the Commission for a Renewed Lutheran Church (CRLC) led by the Rev. Regina Hassanally, bishop of the Southeastern Minnesota Synod, and the Rev. Matthew Riegel, bishop of the West Virginia-Western Maryland Synod, who are members of the CRLC. The commission was established as called for in the memorial “Restructure the Governance of the ELCA,” adopted by the 2022 Churchwide Assembly.

Received updates from the Candidacy Leadership Development working group and engaged in conversation on a proposed process put forward by that group. Established during the conference’s spring 2022 meeting, the working group is a diverse collection of 12 leaders from across the ELCA who are exploring ways to adapt the church’s candidacy process to the church’s current and future needs.

Engaged in conversations around the revised first call process for rostered ministry. At its fall 2020 meeting, the conference approved the implementation of a revised process that was created to be more flexible and to respond better to the changing dynamics of the church.

Received an update on synod diversity goals from Judith Roberts, senior director for ELCA Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. The report focused on the work being done in synods as called for in the continuing resolution adopted by the 2016 Churchwide Assembly, which requires each of the church’s expressions annually to assess its ethnic and racial diversity.

Engaged in learning and deliberations on white supremacy and patriarchy in a session led by Ms. Jennifer De Leon, director for racial justice, and Dr. Mary Streufert, director for gender justice and women’s empowerment. The bishops reviewed the conference’s work in 2023 on racial justice and gender justice and upcoming work of the church related to white supremacy and patriarchy. Small group discussions focused on white supremacy and patriarchy throughout the church viewed through a lens of faith, particularly through ELCA social teaching and policy.

Engaged in a learning opportunity on ELCA social statements, social messages and continuing resolutions with Rev. Dr. Roger Willer, director for Theological Ethics, and Dr. Ryan Cumming, program director for Theological Ethics, community engagement and education. Cumming also updated the conference on the process for reconsideration of the social statement Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust. The task force will begin its work in 2024.

Received an update on AMMPARO from its director, Mary Campbell. AMMPARO is a holistic, whole church response from the ELCA to address the plight of migrants forced to flee from their homes. The report included the global expansion of AMMPARO.

Adopted recommendations from the Roster Committee granting extensions of leave, non-stipendiary calls, and exceptions to the bylaw that requires an initial three years of congregational service for ministers of Word and Sacrament.

Received reports from the ELCA secretary and treasurer and updates from the conference’s various committees.

- - -
About the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America:
The ELCA is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States, with 3 million members in more than 8,700 worshiping communities across the 50 states and in the Caribbean region. Known as the church of “God’s work. Our hands.,” the ELCA emphasizes the saving grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ, unity among Christians and service in the world. The ELCA’s roots are in the writings of the German church reformer Martin Luther.

For information contact:
Candice Hill Buchbinder
Public Relations Manager
Candice.HillBuchbinder@ELCA.org

more >>

ELCA Church Council Holds Spring Meeting

Addressing the work and purpose of this church, Eaton spoke of the particular witness to the gospel that identifies Lutherans.

The council took the following actions:

Elected the Rev. M. Wyvetta Bullock as the executive for administration for a term coterminous with that of the presiding bishop.
Received "Faithful Teaching," the Common Statement of the Twelfth Round of the U.S. Lutheran-Catholic dialogue. Next year will mark 60 years of dialogue between Lutherans and Catholics in the United States. During this time, substantial progress has been made in discovering the shared unity that is detailed in what are now 12 common statements.
Adopted "Gun-related Violence and Trauma" as an official social message of the ELCA.
Authorized the development of a social message on child protection and maltreatment in response to a 2022 Churchwide Assembly memorial.
Revised a continuing resolution outlining the pre-assembly identification process for the elections of churchwide officers.
Requested a review of ELCA World Hunger FY24 revenue and expense performance through May 2024, sharing recommendations with the budget and finance committee and authorizing the executive committee to approve necessary revisions to the World Hunger FY24 spending authorization following the review.
Approved adding a Roth option for elective retirement contributions through Portico Benefit Services, beginning Jan. 1, 2025.
Approved amendments to the churchwide organization's personnel policies.

The council received/engaged in the following:

An update from the co-chairs of the Commission for a Renewed Lutheran Church (CRLC).
An update on the God's Love Made Real initiative.
An update on the work of the budget prioritization task force.
Reports and updates from officers, the chair of the Conference of Bishops, and Church Council committees.
Reports and updates from the Administrative Team.
Presentations from representatives of the ethnic associations and Reconciling Works.
Racial justice and gender justice education.
Ecumenical greetings from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada, the Moravian Church in America, and The Episcopal Church.
Personal reflections on faith from council members.
Worship, prayer and fellowship.

- - -

For information contact:
Candice Hill Buchbinder
773-380-2877
Candice.HillBuchbinder@ELCA.org

more >>

Episcopal, Lutheran partnership focuses on asylum-seeker sponsor training

---

For information contact:
Candice Hill Buchbinder
Public Relations Manager
Candice.HillBuchbinder@ELCA.org

more >>

ELCA Conference of Bishops calls for cease-fire in Gaza / stands in solidarity with migrants

In key business the conference:

Issued a statement and sent a letter to President Joe Biden calling for a permanent bilateral cease-fire in Gaza and urging the president and legislators “to do everything in their power to bring an end to the current suffering and lay the foundation for lasting peace with justice.”

Issued a statement of solidarity with migrants in Texas that expressed concerns about the fate of Annunciation House, a place of welcome for immigrants in El Paso. “Annunciation House’s work with the marginalized in society resonates with us as leaders in the ELCA, a church with a core immigrant identity, for whom welcoming the stranger is a significant part of our baptismal covenant,” the statement read.

In other business the conference:

Received an update on Holy Communion practices led by Deacon John Weit, executive for Worship, and the Rev. Laurie Jungling, bishop of the Montana Synod. The report reviewed the varied thoughts about communion practices throughout the church and presented reflective questions for the conference to consider as it continues the work called for in the memorial “Holy Communion Practices in Unusual Circumstances and in Pandemic Times,” approved by the 2022 Churchwide Assembly.

Received an update and engaged in conversation on the Commission for a Renewed Lutheran Church (CRLC) led by the Rev. Regina Hassanally, bishop of the Southeastern Minnesota Synod, and the Rev. Matthew Riegel, bishop of the West Virginia-Western Maryland Synod, who are members of the CRLC. The commission was established as called for in the memorial “Restructure the Governance of the ELCA,” adopted by the 2022 Churchwide Assembly.

Received updates from the Candidacy Leadership Development working group and engaged in conversation on a proposed process put forward by that group. Established during the conference’s spring 2022 meeting, the working group is a diverse collection of 12 leaders from across the ELCA who are exploring ways to adapt the church’s candidacy process to the church’s current and future needs.

Engaged in conversations around the revised first call process for rostered ministry. At its fall 2020 meeting, the conference approved the implementation of a revised process that was created to be more flexible and to respond better to the changing dynamics of the church.

Received an update on synod diversity goals from Judith Roberts, senior director for ELCA Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. The report focused on the work being done in synods as called for in the continuing resolution adopted by the 2016 Churchwide Assembly, which requires each of the church’s expressions annually to assess its ethnic and racial diversity.

Engaged in learning and deliberations on white supremacy and patriarchy in a session led by Ms. Jennifer De Leon, director for racial justice, and Dr. Mary Streufert, director for gender justice and women’s empowerment. The bishops reviewed the conference’s work in 2023 on racial justice and gender justice and upcoming work of the church related to white supremacy and patriarchy. Small group discussions focused on white supremacy and patriarchy throughout the church viewed through a lens of faith, particularly through ELCA social teaching and policy.

Engaged in a learning opportunity on ELCA social statements, social messages and continuing resolutions with Rev. Dr. Roger Willer, director for Theological Ethics, and Dr. Ryan Cumming, program director for Theological Ethics, community engagement and education. Cumming also updated the conference on the process for reconsideration of the social statement Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust. The task force will begin its work in 2024.

Received an update on AMMPARO from its director, Mary Campbell. AMMPARO is a holistic, whole church response from the ELCA to address the plight of migrants forced to flee from their homes. The report included the global expansion of AMMPARO.

Adopted recommendations from the Roster Committee granting extensions of leave, non-stipendiary calls, and exceptions to the bylaw that requires an initial three years of congregational service for ministers of Word and Sacrament.

Received reports from the ELCA secretary and treasurer and updates from the conference’s various committees.

more >>

Statement from the ELCA Conference of Bishops in solidarity with migrants in Texas

"For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me" (Matthew 25:35).

ITASCA, Ill. - We, the members of the Conference of Bishops of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), consistent with our church's social teachings, stand in full solidarity with people of faith who respond to God's call to serve their neighbor. As members of the conference, we are elected to lead one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States, with nearly 3 million members in more than 8,700 worshiping communities across the 50 states and in the Caribbean region.

We are deeply troubled by the actions of the Texas attorney general's office against Annunciation House, a volunteer-run faith-based organization that has been a pillar of welcome and hospitality in El Paso for more than 40 years. Annunciation House has been singled out by the attorney general's office over potential legal violations for the social services it provides to immigrants in Texas. We recognize Annunciation House's exemplary way of faith—by way of humanitarian works in close partnership with the federal government and other nonprofits in the region—that ensures migrants are treated with dignity and respect.

In its social teachings, our church affirms its legacy as "a church with immigrants and with roots in immigrant churches in a nation of immigrants." We further draw on the long Lutheran tradition in the United States of hospitality toward refugees and migrants. This legacy and tradition "remind us that hospitality for the uprooted is a way to live out the biblical call to love the neighbor in response to God's love in Jesus Christ."

Thus, our church teaches that we are called to love and serve all people, to show compassion toward newcomers, and to support just laws that serve the common good. The ELCA, its synod companions and its ecumenical partners are working vigorously to address unprecedented levels of migration in the Western Hemisphere due to a lack of safe communities and sustainable livelihoods. Annunciation House's work with the marginalized in society resonates with us as leaders in the ELCA, a church with a core immigrant identity, for whom welcoming the stranger is a significant part of our baptismal covenant.

As bishops and as Christians, we pledge ourselves to accompanying both migrants and those who serve migrants with protection, advocacy, representation and opportunities, and we urge all people of goodwill to join us.

We call on policymakers to prioritize the protection and care of migrants, especially children and families, and to work toward humane and just solutions to address the root causes of migration. As people of faith, we are called to welcome the stranger and to love our neighbor as ourselves. May we respond to the needs witnessed at our borders with generosity, fairness, and a commitment to building a more just and compassionate world for all.

References:
ELCA Social Message on Immigration (2021, 1998)
https://download.elca.org/ELCA%20Resource%20Repository/ImmigrationSM.pdf?_ga=2.257566604.680795433.1709229396-919057700.1638821868

AMMPARO – ELCA's strategy for Accompanying Migrants with Protection, Advocacy, Representation and Opportunities
https://www.elca.org/AMMPARO?_ga=2.89948700.680795433.1709229396-919057700.1638821868

- - -
About the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America:
The ELCA is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States, with 3 million members in more than 8,700 worshiping communities across the 50 states and in the Caribbean region. Known as the church of "God's work. Our hands.," the ELCA emphasizes the saving grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ, unity among Christians and service in the world. The ELCA's roots are in the writings of the German church reformer Martin Luther.

For information contact:
Candice Hill Buchbinder
Public Relations Manager
Candice.HillBuchbinder@ELCA.org

more >>

ELCA Conference of Bishops calls for permanent bilateral cease-fire in Gaza

ITASCA, Ill. – The Conference of Bishops of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) is adding its voice to the growing group of faith leaders urgently calling for a permanent bilateral cease-fire in Gaza. We urge President Joe Biden, our legislators, and all who lead and make decisions on behalf of the United States to do everything in their power to bring an end to the current suffering and lay the foundation for lasting peace with justice.

As members of the ELCA Conference of Bishops, we are elected to lead one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States, with nearly 3 million members in more than 8,700 worshiping communities across the 50 states and in the Caribbean region. We are compelled to advocate, pray and act by the social teachings of our denomination and by our belief—rooted in Scripture—that all people are made in the image of God.

We mourn the loss of 1,200 precious lives in Israel on Oct. 7 by the actions of Hamas and the trauma for those 250 others who were taken hostage. We mourn the loss of over 30,000 precious lives in Gaza—including tens of thousands of women and children—who have died in Israel's military action since then and the trauma that ripples outward from this loss. We grieve the deaths of more than 400 Palestinians in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and in Israel since Oct. 7 as the circle of violence expands and makes casualties of yet more civilians.

Too many have suffered. Too many lives have been lost. Strong U.S. leadership is needed to help bring a comprehensive permanent cease-fire and lasting peace. Our country's leadership is needed to support human rights and the Geneva Conventions, to resume funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), and to provide greater access for humanitarian relief in Gaza, as well as to advocate for the immediate and safe return of the hostages and release of political prisoners, for affirmation of both Israel and Palestine's right to exist, and for a path forward that disrupts cycles of violence. Mindful of the rise in hate targeted at people across complex intersections of race, ethnicity and religion—worldwide and nationally—we exhort our legislators, leaders and neighbors to oppose hate in all its forms, and we recommit ourselves to partnership in that same work.

Jesus taught: "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God" (Matthew 5:9). We affirm that all our neighbors, near and far, are children of God and made in God's image, and we are praying for President Biden, our legislators and all decision-makers. May God give us and our leaders everything necessary to meet the needs of this critical moment, particularly peacemaking.

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About the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
The ELCA is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States, with 3 million members in more than 8,700 worshiping communities across the 50 states and in the Caribbean region. Known as the church of "God's work. Our hands.," the ELCA emphasizes the saving grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ, unity among Christians and service in the world. The ELCA's roots are in the writings of the German church reformer Martin Luther.

For information contact:
Candice Hill Buchbinder
773-380-2877
Candice.HillBuchbinder@elca.org

more >>

Khader El-Yateem appointed Executive Director for ELCA Service and Justice

CHICAGO — The Rev. Khader El-Yateem has been appointed executive director of the Service and Justice home area of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). El-Yateem will begin his service March 18.

"I am excited about Pastor El-Yateem bringing his relationship-building skills to the churchwide organization," said the Rev. Michael Burk, ELCA presiding bishop pro tempore. "Khader's love of Jesus is contagious and his commitment to sharing God's love for the world will enhance the good work already being done by the people he has been selected to lead."

El-Yateem has served as assistant to the bishop and director for evangelical mission with the ELCA Florida-Bahamas Synod since 2018. Prior to joining the synod staff, he served as pastor of Salam Arabic Lutheran Church in Brooklyn, N.Y., a congregation he started as a mission developer in 1995. El-Yateem also worked in patient relations at Maimonides Medical Center in Brooklyn from 2010 to 2017, and was chief financial officer at Bethlehem Bible College in Bethlehem, from 1990 to 1992.

"I am deeply moved by this new appointment to be the executive director of the Service and Justice home area," El-Yateem said. "My deep faith commitment is to help advance the mission of our church in making disciples and loving and serving our neighbor. We as the ELCA are uniquely positioned and called to make a difference in this broken world, both locally and globally. The Service and Justice team and I will embark on this journey together, trusting in the incredible gifts of the Holy Spirit that will guide our work and ministry. I seek your prayers as I take on this huge responsibility."

Born and raised in Bethlehem, El-Yateem received his Bachelor of Theology from Bethlehem Bible College in 1989 and his Bachelor of Theology and World Religions from the Evangelical Theological Seminary in Cairo in 1991. He received his Master of Divinity degree from the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia (now United Seminary) in 1996. United is one of seven ELCA seminaries.

The former executive director for Service and Justice, the Rev. Rafael Malpica Padilla, retired in April 2023. Tammy Jackson has served as the interim executive director since his retirement.

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more >>