During a recent round-table discussion on the need for immigration reform, the attendees shared their respective interests in the issue.

Some people were business owners who struggle to maintain a workforce, some of them executives in the high-tech world, one of them a farmer. Others championed immigrants' innovation and entrepreneurship.

Then came the Rev. Steve Klemz' turn: his wife, Norma, has twice been in deportation proceedings.

Although standing for social justice "is a part of my DNA," his wife's and family's experiences have made the issue of immigration intensely personal, said Rev. Klemz, pastor of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Salt Lake City.

"There's always been the sense how the church, how our faith, how the gospel makes room for people," Rev. Klemz said.

But when people talk about immigration in terms of "'those people are like this,' I say, 'You're talking about my wife.'" 

Read Full Article on Deseret News website

P residing Bishop Elizabeth Eaton released a statement regarding the Dakota Access Pipeline: 
"I recognize there are people of deep faith on all sides of this issue with varied perspectives, and I pray that we use this time wisely. We need to be in prayer, to express solidarity, and to build relationships. We also need to take seriously the concerns of the American Indian community, initiate and/or continue local efforts to strengthen and expand partnerships, and deepen cross-cultural understanding."

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The Fiangonana Loterana Malagasy (FLM), the Malagasy Lutheran Church, held their National Assembly September 6-14. During this assembly they will elected their church leadership: National President, General Secretary, Treasurer, Vice-President and Vice General Secretary.  We are waiting to hear from the Global Mission Unit for official results of the election.

Holy one, You raise up leaders to serve the church around the world. Send your spirit of wisdom to all who gather for the FLM National Assembly as they elect new leadership. Bring peace to all who are anxious during this time of transition. Give strength to all who are called to lead your church in Madagascar. Amen.  
 

Can We Talk:  Engaging Worship and Culture

You might be part of a congregation that talks about worship and that plans and evaluates what happens in worship on a regular basis. You might have a keen sense of your assembly’s particular strengths and challenges. This resource is for you, a tool to help broaden and deepen these conversations.

You might be part of a congregation that has found itself in conflict. Perhaps a line has been drawn in the sand between “contemporary” and “traditional” worship. Many might desire worship renewal, yet are struggling to find a way through labels and assumptions. This resource is for you, a tool to frame difficult conversations.

You might be part of a congregation that faithfully worships each week but doesn’t gather regularly to talk about it. You might wonder how initiating such conversations might both affirm and challenge you. This resource is for you, a tool to open you up to new possibilities. 

Download Resource Here

As we head into another hotly-contested election season, we tend to see a rise in questions about permissible versus impermissible political activities. Tom Cunniff, Associate General Council for the ELCA offers resources to help guide conversation and answer questions:

• On Being a Public Church
• Politics and the Pulpit: A Guide to the Internal Revenue Code Restrictions on the Political Activity of Religious Organizations
• IRS Tax Guide for Churches and Religious Organizations:  pages 7-19
• ELCA Advocacy Resources