October 2017 (2)

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


From the President's Desk
 
Last week, the executive board of the Christian Education Network of the ELCA met for our annual meeting. We read Scripture, prayed together, planned and envisioned what 2018 might hold. We spent time with the entire board via Zoom, revised the handbook and began discussion of a new project. (More information to come soon!) We closed our time together worshipping with the Lutheran Center staff and visitors; commemorating the Reformation; and sharing our Lord's Supper.
 
The Reformation is all about change. It is about learning and teaching the faith. It is about communicating the Good News of God's love and grace to all people.
 
Colossians 2:2 reads...
I want their hearts to be encouraged and united in love, so that they may have all the riches of assured understanding and have the knowledge of God's mystery, that is, Christ himself...
 
People ask: What is the purpose of the Christian Education Network of the ELCA? We are people passionate about teaching God's Word, living out our baptismal promises, growing in our faith practices and sharing God's love. We plan. We recruit. We teach. We cry. We pray. We often work long hours. We constantly look for new ways to teach the old, old story.
 
As part of the Reformation commemoration, I was blessed to sing in a Festival Chorus. Over 180 voices from around the Northwestern Ohio Synod sang of mighty fortresses. As much as I love to sing Luther's hymn, today it was these words that moved me most...
 
Here I am, Lord. Is it I, Lord?
I have heard you calling in the night.
I will go, Lord, if you lead me.
I will hold your people in my heart.
(Here I Am Lord by Daniel L. Schutte)
 
Wherever you are, may God's peace grant you Sabbath rest.
May the Holy Spirit encourage and empower you.
May you always remember that you are not alone in your setting.
Together we are better. That is why we continue to be united as the CENetwork of the ELCA.
 
Blessings on your journey,
 
 
Pastor Juli Lejman-Guy, President


Resources

 
Children's Ministry

It's crunch time and you need an interactive, intergenerational, theologically sound pageant and/or worship service.
Here it is in two parts, Part 1 and Part 2, from Presbyterian Pastor Theresa Cho, a second generation Korean-American whose blog includes several art-filled worship resources.
 
 
Technology for Ministry
 
Use Hootsuite's free mobile apps to schedule, publish, and monitor conversations from anywhere. Whether you're editing a scheduled post on the train or capturing a video at a conference, you'll have one seamless Hootsuite experience from desktop to mobile.
 
 
Advent
 
In 2006 five pastors imagined a better Christmas practice for their own communities. Today, Advent Conspiracy is a global movement of people and churches resisting the cultural Christmas narrative of consumption by choosing a revolutionary Christmas through worshipping fully, spending less, giving more and loving all.  The website includes a robust resources section with videos and free downloads for use in your congregation. You can also follow them on Facebook!

 
Good Reads
 
Title: Growing Young
Author: Kara Powell
 
Across the United States, churches are losing both members and vitality as increasing numbers of young people disengage. Based on groundbreaking research with over 250 of the nation's leading congregations, Growing Young provides a strategy any church can use to involve and retain teenagers and young adults.
 
 
Title: Advent Devotions for Busy Families
Author: Laurie Ostby Kehler

Simplify your teachable moments and make this Christmas one to remember! Are your holidays a cuddly, reflective time of making memories with your children? This year, they can be!
Instead of a frenzied blur of activities and crisis shopping, your children can learn the true meaning of Christmas. Advent Devotions for Busy Families is a simple guide for bringing families together to celebrate and learn about the Reason for the Season.

Purchase both on Amazon!
             
How You Can Support the Christian Education Network


You can become a member or make a one-time donation via PayPal on our website; or, y ou can purchase from AmazonSmile and designate The Christian Education Network as your charity. We receive a percentage of the proceeds! Simply go to smile.amazon.com.
 
  
  
Prayer Pause
 
 
Giving thanks for all the disciples who have come before us, we gather in your name to give thanks for the work and witness of Martin Luther.  Who, on this day 500 years ago, nailed his 95 theses and began the Protestant Reformation.  Be present with us as we continue to reform.  As we continue to walk the path of discipleship.  As we continue to gather in your name. 
 
Amen.
 
 
  
Facebook Party!

The next Facebook Party will be on Tuesday, November 14 at
8 p.m. Central. Our topic will be Bible Stories and Yoga.
 
Join the party here.
 
 
 
Like our
 
 
Check out our 
Facebook group!

 Join the conversations!
 

 




  
  
     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