Engaging in Ministry and Action
Navigating the GlobeActs 1:8 commissioned the apostles to engage in mission to the ends of the earth. We have received the same command; we no longer leave our global mission ministry to men and women who leave home for years to go to parts unknown. Each of the four sections of this short program—Purpose, Language, Approach and Navigate—contains commentary, biblical references with questions and directions for connecting the P.L.A.N. Once completed, it will give participants a new tool for viewing and navigating their participation in global mission.
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Knitting as a Spiritual Practice
Knitting, a once grandmotherly craft, has been rediscovered. New generations of women are toting their knitting bags around, making scarves, hats and prayer shawls. Knitting has also emerged as a spiritual practice that opens a way to meditation. Understand the connection between craft and spirituality with his simple scarf project that will help you practice deliberate focus and meet the Divine as you work.
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Stitches and ScriptureThis 4-session Bible study takes place over seven weeks and pairs seasoned knitting mentors with beginners. Novice knitters will learn several basic knitting techniques as the group makes scarves and dishcloths, perhaps to donate to others. Everyone will learn a bit about how knitting is frequently used in Scripture as a metaphor to describe God’s creative and intimate relationship with us.
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Kitchen Table Philanthropy Do you discuss your beliefs and values around giving together as a family? Have you ever asked your children if there are places or causes they would like the family to make a commitment to? This short resource has ideas to help you start talking about giving with your family. It includes conversation starters, questions for personal reflection and ideas on how to make giving a regular part of your children's lives.
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Pentecost, Prayer and Power
This short program connects the disciples’ experience at Pentecost and the days leading up to it with three areas in which we can be a blessing to others through prayer and action: women’s health, violence against women and clearing the “red tape” that keeps people from being fully empowered.
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Caring for the Earth as God's People Discover what it means to have dominion over the earth and see why caring for the earth is an expression of gratitude to God for its riches. Use this short resource in connection with Earth Day or any time you want to explore increasing your commitment to caring for creation.
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Being Good Stewards of Water
Learn what “virtual water consumption” is, how North Americans compare to Europeans and Africans on water use, and easy ways to conserve and recycle water—which is good not only for the local and global environment but for your wallet, too.
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Also see our
water prayers.
God Colors Outside the Lines: A Short Workshop on Diversity and God's ChurchDiversity is one way God demonstrates genius at coloring outside the lines. Through scripture and simple, brief exercises, this short resource will help you demonstrate how diversity is a gift from God, as well as a trait of God, worthy of our exploration and embrace.
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Rachel's Day
This new resource offers step-by-step information on how you can carry out a service project that helps incarcerated mothers and fathers read to their children. Your congregation donates books, blank tapes, and recorders, and then volunteers help parents choose a book, record it, and mail the recording to their children. Rachel’s Day is observed by Women of the ELCA annually on the first Sunday in May, though it can be observed any time of the year. It is a time set aside to mourn the loss of our children and to renounce the forces of violence and fear.
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Also see our more extensive
section on Rachel's Day for more ideas on observing the day, including a litany and responsive reading and other resources.
Act Boldly for Mission Bible study This three-part Bible study explores how women can boldly take part in God's mission to love, bless, and save the world. To be in the church, says author Kelly Fryer, is to participate in that mission by sharing the good news about Jesus Christ in word and deed. Each approximately one-hour session is designed for group use but can also be used by an individual.
Session One: With the Message of Jesus Session Two: Like the First Evangelists Session Three: In the Power of the Holy Spirit
Leader Guide
The Level Playing Field We are called by our constitution to be an anti-racist organization. This program is part of our anti-racism education materials and uses an activity called The Level Playing Field to help people make the connection between racism and real life. It is ideally used with a cross-cultural group, either large or small.
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Children's Sabbath The National Observance of Children's Sabbaths is an intergenerational and interfaith event dedicated to speaking out and acting faithfully on behalf of children and families. This short resource is an introduction to Children's Sabbath with tips on planning, suggestions for activities and action, planning and promotion ideas, and sermon help.
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A Day Full of Light This introductory resource to commercial sexual exploitation (CSE), or sex trafficking, includes background on CSE and why Women of the ELCA is involved in the effort to end it, action steps, worship resources, links to online resources, and a list of ministries that work to address the challenge of CSE and the commercial sexual exploitation of children.
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Called to Be Political:
But I Don't Want to Be Political!This resource offers a fascinating glimpse into the teachings of Martin Luther on the role of Christians in politics and explores how those teachings still speak to us. A two-hour program.
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Called to Be Women in Mission:
Exploring New Opportunities Exploring the biblical foundation for understanding God's call to be women in mission — in our homes, congregations, communities, and world — is the focus of this resource.
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