CHICAGO (ELCA) -- "These Things Matter," a video resource of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), received an "Award of Distinction" from The Videographer, a trade journal for video production professionals.
"These Things Matter" is a video exploration of sacramental practices in congregations of the ELCA. The 60-minute video is intended to support and deepen understanding of the printed resource, "The Use of the Means of Grace: A Statement on Sacramental Practices," approved by the 1997 ELCA Churchwide Assembly.
The ELCA recognizes Holy Communion (the Lord's Supper) and Baptism as sacraments -- sacred acts instituted by Jesus Christ. "Use of the Means of Grace" contains four major parts: The Proclamation of the Word, Holy Baptism, Holy Communion, and the Means of Grace and Christian Mission.
"The video is designed to help congregations see practices described in the sacramental practices statement that may be different from their own, and to hear what these practices mean to pastors and members of several ELCA congregations," said the Rev. Paul R. Nelson, ELCA director for worship.
"The ELCA Division for Congregational Ministries is delighted that this video has been recognized by video producers for its quality of presentation," said Nelson. "This powerful communication medium offers the church a world of possibility."
"These Things Matter" is divided into four sections: Introduction, Word, Baptism and Communion. A detailed study guide for users is included with the video.
"These Things Matter" was funded in part by the Lutheran Brotherhood Foundation, Minneapolis.
The Videographer Awards is a national awards program created by communication professionals to honor individuals and companies in the video production field. The "Award of Distinction" is presented for projects that are outstanding and raises standards of the video production industry.
Editor's Note: "These Things Matter" and "Use of the Means of
Grace: A Statement on the Practice of Word and Sacrament" are available
by contacting Augsburg Fortress at 1-800-328-4648.
For information contact:
John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or NEWS@ELCA.ORG
http://listserv.elca.org/archives/elcanews.html
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About the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America:
The ELCA is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States, with 2.8 million members in more than 8,500 worshiping communities across the 50 states and in the Caribbean region. Known as the church of "God's work. Our hands.," the ELCA emphasizes the saving grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ, unity among Christians and service in the world. The ELCA's roots are in the writings of the German church reformer Martin Luther.
For information contact:
Candice Hill Buchbinder
Public Relations Manager
Candice.HillBuchbinder@ELCA.org
