Dear Friends in Christ,

"Let us hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who has promised is faithful. And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds..." (Hebrews 10: 23-24)

This week, Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry and the six ELCA bishops from Minnesota, have come together with one voice to share a message that reflects the reality of life in their communities— and our country— in these days of aggressive immigration enforcement. I was touched by how honest my colleagues are about both the uncertainty of these days and the certainty they have in the promises of Christ, who calls us to connect, pray and serve our communities, even when we don't agree on everything. My dear colleagues, Bishop Yehiel, Bishop Regina, Bishop Patricia, Bishop Jen, Bishop Amy, Bishop Dee and Bishop Bill repeat, "we will not grow weary, for we hold fast to the promises of Christ." It is a message I needed to hear, and I commend it to you, encouraging you to share their hope and their prayers with your faith community this week. Please consider incorporating this prayer in your next gathering for worship:

Let us pray— 

God of mercy, hold us in this moment of grief and uncertainty.

Strengthen those who are tired, comfort those who are hurting, and guide us as we continue to show up for one another with courage and compassion.

Renew our hope, remind us of your presence, and keep us steadfast in love.

We will not grow weary, and we are not alone.

In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.


Rev. Yehiel Curry, Presiding Bishop of the ELCA
Rev. Regina Hassanally, Bishop of the Southeastern Minnesota Synod

Rev. Patricia Lull, Bishop of the Saint Paul Area Synod

Rev. Jen Nagel, Bishop of the Minneapolis Area Synod

Rev. Amy Odgren, Bishop of the Northeastern Minnesota Synod

Rev. Dee Pederson, Bishop of the Southwestern Minnesota Synod

Rev. William “Bill” Tesch, Bishop of the Northwestern Minnesota Synod

Bless you,

Bishop Daniel G. Beaudoin

4th Wednesday in the

Season of Epiphany