Resources
Events and resources that equip ELCA leaders for effective global engagement
Use this list to identify materials you can use to inform and equip yourself and your congregation about themes in global mission.
- Items labeled "Call GM to order" (Global Mission) may be ordered by calling 800/638-3522 ext. 2700, and speaking with a resource information specialist.
- Items labeled "Order from Catalog" (ELCA Resource Catalog) may be ordered from the ELCA Resource Catalog: Phone 1-800-638-3522, ext. 2580 or online at www.elca.org/resources.
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Learning about global mission
- 2012 Global Mission map and brochure. For an overview of mission rooted in relationship, see this fold-out world map and brochure. Call the ELCA Resource Information Service (800-638-3522) to order 10 or less. For larger quantities, order from the ELCA Resource Catalog.
- 17” x 22” black and white world map. Blank, ready to customize for your needs. Call GM to order.
- The Future of Lutheranism in a Global Context. Jacobson and Aageson, editors. Essays by leaders of Lutheran churches around the world examine the future of the Lutheran tradition in a global context. $17.99. Order from Catalog.
- ELCA Companion Profiles. Click here to visit the Where We Work section of the Web site to learn about companion churches, their ministries and ELCA mission engagement, plus mission history, maps, recipes, crafts. ELCA Companion Profiles are the new versions of the former ELCA Country Packets.
- Subscribe to Global Links, a monthly e-newsletter that features highlights from the ELCA web site on the ELCA's engagement with the global church. Publicize Global Links with the e-card at www.elca.org/global-links/ecard, or order cards in multiples of 25 by contacting 800-638-3522 or RIS@elca.org. Help people stay informed, be inspired and get involved through Global Links.
- For the Sake of the World: Global Ministries. This concise six-minute video introduces ministries that make a world of difference: ELCA Missionary Sponsorship and ELCA World Hunger. View and share the presentation to better understand "who does what," how we work together, and where to learn more. This video requires the latest version of Flash Player. Download the video for small group viewing: Global_Mission_Ministries.wmv
(right-click, save target as) (47MB .wmv file). Download a self-running executable PowerPoint show (Windows only): ForTheSakeOfTheWorld.exe (right-click, save target as) (34 MB .exe file).
Learning about accompaniment
© Ryan Spencer Reed
- Companion Synod Handbook. Strengthen or start a relationship; prepare for cross-cultural, faith-based international travel. Download PDF copies in English, Spanish, German, or French, or call GM to order.
- Welcoming Friends from Abroad: A Guidebook for Hospitality. Assistance in preparing for, organizing, and following up visits of friends from outside the U.S. Call GM to order.
- Windows for Understanding: Jewish-Muslim-Lutheran Relations. A guide for interfaith discussion. Download now.
- Food for Life: Recipes and Stories on the Right to Food. Recipes, stories, and table blessings help you prepare global dishes for family or congregation—and lift up the work of the Lutheran World Federation. One-third of all ELCA World Hunger Appeal funds go directly to LWF projects that strengthen global food security around the world. Read more about this resource. Order from Catalog.
- ELCA Companion Profiles. Click here to visit the Where We Work section of the Web site to learn about companion churches, their ministries and ELCA mission engagement, plus mission history, maps, recipes, crafts. ELCA Companion Profiles are the new versions of the former ELCA Country Packets.
Traveling faithfully, through companion relationships and short-term mission travel
Celebrating through worship and music
- NEW! Holden Prayer Around the Cross: Handbook to the Liturgy. Based on a flexible order for contemplative prayer that was developed at Holden Village retreat center in Washington state, this new and expanded edition by authors Susan Briehl and Tom Witt presents a wealth of practical suggestions for planning and leading such services. This resource also includes 14 liturgies in the Prayer Around the Cross format, designed for use at particular seasons or centered on certain themes. Users will find this book invaluable for meditative worship during Lent or Advent, for evening services, at retreat, or whenever a quiet time of worship is appropriate. $15.95. Order from Catalog.
- NEW! Singing Our Prayer: Shorter Songs for Contemplative Worship.
- CD Recording. 24 recorded songs, introduced and led in the style of Taize and other communities that use short, repetitive chant for contemplative worship. Many of these can be used in evening services without the aid of printed music. $16.98. Order from Catalog.
- Full Score. A collection of 44 songs that can be used in Prayer Around the Cross or other kinds of contemplative worship experiences. This full score edition is appropriate for music leaders. $9.95. Order from Catalog.
- Assembly Edition. This edition is appropriate for congregational singing: 44 songs, including a rich variety of musical styles to provide a backdrop for contemplative worship experience and appropriate for any season. $3.00. Order from Catalog.
- Vinyl Floor Map. You can rent a 16' X 16' vinyl map with the globe image to use in the "Prayers for the Healing Nations" service at Synod Assemblies and other gatherings. Order it through Mary Hunt at Wisdom Ways Center for Spirituality in St. Paul, Minnesota. Email mhunt@wisdomwayscenter.org or call 651-696-2788. The rental fee is $25 plus shipping both ways.
- Global Lenten Series. Ready-to-use materials for a global-themed Lenten series. Download now.
- Global Epiphany Series. Ready-to-use materials for a global-themed Epiphany series. Download now.
- Learning Songs from the Church around the World: A Teaching Resource for Assembly Leaders, Volume 1. Introduce your congregation to global music with this 100-minute DVD. With a 16-minute overview of the role of global music in North American worship, and six segments that teach six songs to a congregation. Call GM to order.
- 2007 GME Music Teaching CD. Commentary, tips for teaching and pronunciation, and a recording of five global. Call GM to order.
- Celebrating Global Mission. Easy-to-use guide to planning and hosting a congregational Global Mission Festival. Call GM to order.
Praying with the world
- Prayer Ventures. A guide to daily prayer for ELCA global and outreach ministries.
Examining our own context
- The Values Americans Live By.
This article by Robert L. Kohls for visitors to North America helps us understand values that shape our worldview and that we bring to international, cross-cultural relationships. Type “Robert Kohls Values Americans Live By” into a search engine to find downloadable copies on the web.
- Sustaining Simplicity: A Journal. “What is necessary?....short reflections, photos, and bits of artwork [that] record her questions and challenges as she learns to live with less stuff—but more life and love. A funny and honest look at what a ‘good life’ is really about.” –Sojourners Magazine. Online discussion guide available for small-group discussions on our lifestyle choices. $12.00. Order from Catalog. Additional online resources are available.
Plenary speaker DVDs from recent Global Mission Events
Each DVD is approximately 2 hours long, including global music led by the GME music team. $5 each. Call GM to order.
- Al Raja Folkloric Dance Troupe from Palestine, performance and testimonies
- Katrina Browne, producer of "Traces of the Trade," on her family's journey into its slave-trading past and present privilege
- Presiding Bishop Mark Hanson on how our identity as God’s guests in God’s creation influences how we live in the global Christian community
- Presiding Bishop Mark Hanson on “New Heaven, New Earth”
- Chinese artist Dr. He Qi discusses his art and faith
- Immaculée Ilibagiza, Left to Tell, on Rwanda
- Wahu Kaaru, Nobel Peace Prize nominee, on Millennium Development Goals and economic injustice
- Rev. Lisandro Orlov, UELC Argentina, and panel on HIV/AIDs ministry and Millennium Development Goals
- Rev. Lisandro Orlov, UELC Argentina, Bible study through the eyes of people marginalized by HIV and AIDs
- Rev. Rafael Malpica Padilla, Global Mission, on “God’s Work, Our Hands”
- Azur Riki and others on how the Mashiah Foundation's Women of Hope boldly talk about living with HIV and AIDs in Nigeria
- Priscilla Singh, Executive Secretary for Women, Lutheran World Federation and panel on water use around the world
- Dr. Parichart Suwanbubbha, Mahidol University, Thailand, on inter-religious dialogue as a tool for reducing community conflict and building peace
- Dr. Anton Tikhomirov, Evangelical Lutheran Church of Russia and Other States on ELCROS and its challenges today.
- Rev. Vitor Westhelle, Brazilian theologian, Bible study on “New Heaven, New Earth”
- Grace Wolf-Chase, Lutheran astronomer on “New Heaven, New Earth”
- Google Video. Many ELCA videos on global topics plus segments of previous Global Mission Events are posted online. Type "ELCA Global" into your search engine to view, e-mail, or download.
Understanding root causes of hunger
Appreciating global Lutheran perspectives
- The Lutheran World Federation, a Communion of Churches, gathers Lutheran theologians and scholars to reflect on Lutheran theology and practice. Areas of study include mission, Christian ethics, authority of the Scripture, worship, and other topics. Published by The Lutheran World Federation, these studies include contributors from churches in many countries and are distributed in the U.S. by Lutheran University Press.