January 2016 (2)

Our Mission:
Supporting lifelong faith formation in the home and congregation.


From the President's Desk

Dear Friends,
 
This has been a most interesting start to the new year. If your congregation is like mine, you have people who are sure that America will be great again while others are sure that America is doomed.
 
But one thing is sure. As disciples of Jesus Christ, we do not need alternate facts to know who we are and what we are: loved children of God called to love all of God's children.
 
The Old Testament reading for the Fourth Sunday after Epiphany ends with these familiar words:
 
what does the Lord require of you
b ut to do justice, and to love kindness
and to walk humbly with your God?
  Micah 6:8b NRSV
 
As leaders we are called to be the non-anxious presence in a time of great anxiety and turmoil. We are called to speak out for those who cannot speak for themselves. We are called to love even those with whom we disagree. Even more, we are called to pray for all those in authority whether we voted for them or not.
 
As we remember the Reformation, may we remember that it was not all good; not all easy. But if we remain faithful, justice will prevail.
 
My prayer for each of you is that you share God's love in word and deed, in planning and playing, in study and work. May God use you, in your setting, to do justice and love kindness today and always.
 
Blessings on your journey!
 
Pastor Juli
President, CENetwork


Resources for Ministry
 
 

Five Christian publishing houses offer their latest Lenten r esources for children and families keeping a Lenten practice. Whichever you choose, you can be sure that learning about Lent will continue at home, as well as at church.



The Christian Education Network of the ELCA supports you and your ministry all year long!  Check out our website for a some ideas for Lent!

 

Webinar: Churches and Copyright
Tuesday, February 7, 2017 12:00:00 PM CST - 12:45:00 PM CST

Join us for this free, 45-minute light-hearted approach to the sometimes complicated world of copyright law. This webinar will explore what copyright is, and how it impacts churches. Copyright Specialist Michael Moore will discuss a little of the history of copyright law in the U.S. and how it affects churches as "weekend publishers" of bulletins and other materials. He will offer helpful tips on how to be compliant with copyright laws, and how Augsburg Fortress can assist you. Topics addressed will include: elements of liturgies and music that need coverage, copyright licenses, live performances, and exemptions.

Register here.


Our Facebook book study continues with new posts every Thursday!
 
We will gather thoughts and prayers from this wonderful author. The subtitle tells it all.  A Shared Pilgrimage.  As we celebrate Jesus among us we give special attention to sharing.  Sharing life, death and resurrection.  Sharing prayers, forming hearts. The back cover indicates, "Betty Cloyd has an intimate understanding of prayer.  She also has a clear understanding of children. In putting together these two 'loves,' she has written a practical, helpful book for adults who care about children."  I look forward to the company of Jesus in prayer as we study this enlightening book, available on Amazon.com
 
This book study will be lead by Pastor Dave Wasemann, Christian Education Network, Region 8 Advocate.  Look for a new post in our Facebook group each Thursday!
 
  
It's a party!
A Facebook party!
We're starting a series of Facebook parties in 2017 and you're invited!

Hosted by one of our board members, Emily O'Brion Dalen, our Facebook parties will be a great way to learn from each other and meet others in the Christian education community. All Facebook parties begin at 8:00 p.m. Central in our Facebook group. Mark your calendars and join us!
  
Facebook Party Schedule
Tuesday, February 21: Helping Grandparents Nurture Faith in Their Grandchildren
Tuesday, March 21: Technology and Children's Ministry
Tuesday, April 18: Involving Older Adults with Children's Ministry
Tuesday, Mary 16: Equipping Adults to Lead Small Groups
   
Prayer Pause
 
 
Gracious God, gather us together in our faith.  Help to remind us to put our trust in you.  When we have troubling times, guide us through.  When we are celebrating, watch over us. When we need to pray, remind us that you are always near to us.  Amen.

Rev. Elizabeth Cummings
CENetwork Chaplain
 
 

 

  

 

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Facebook group!

 
Join the conversations! 

 

 





 


Upcoming Events
 
Christian Formation
Mon, Jun 12, 2017 to
Fri, Jun 16, 2017

Each year, clergy, professional educators and countless volunteers come together to share the best formation practices, be inspired by great speakers and be rekindled for ministry.
Keynote Speaker: John Roberto

Click here for more information.

    
     Christian Education    
 Network of the ELCA
  Vision Statement

Building a community which equips, encourages, and empowers those engaged in lifelong faith  formation in a changing world by:
  • Providing resources and educational opportunities
  • Facilitating communication and conversation 
  • Offering networking, idea sharing, and mutual support
  • Nurturing spiritual growth
  
Contact Us
  
CENetwork of the ELCA 
P.O. Box 9304
Rochester, MN 55903


 
 
 
 
Phone messages may be left at 
(507) 721-0057