(LWI) - Meeting with Pope Francis in the Vatican on June 25, both the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) President Archbishop Dr. Panti Filibus Musa and Pope Francis expressed the hope that the 500th anniversary of the Augsburg Confession in 2030 can become common ground on which to strengthen the commitment of Lutherans and Catholics to unity and reconciliation.

During the papal audience, the LWF President presented Pope Francis with the gift of a chalice and paten, crafted for the occasion by the brothers of the ecumenical Taizé Community. The glaze for the Eucharistic vessels was made with sand taken from the refugee camp in Za’atari, Jordan, where LWF has been working since 2012 to support Syrian refugees, internally displaced people and host communities. This gift, President Musa told the pope, “represents our calling to be one”

In his address, the pope thanked the Lutheran leaders for the gifts which, he said “evoke our sharing in the Lord’s passion.” He continued: “Let us continue, then, with passion on our journey from conflict to communion.”

Read full article at https://www.lutheranworld.org/news/passion-journey-conflict-communion

Border Servant Corps (Las Cruces, NM) is preparing to (hopefully!) receive asylum-seekers again soon. To this end, we are seeking 15-passenger vans to lease/rent/buy (the nationwide "chip" shortage is posing some difficulties to find vehicles to lease/rent).

The vehicles will be used to provide asylum-seeking families transportation – after having been released from immigration authorities to a local Hospitality Center – to airports/bus stations as they make their way to unite with their sponsors in other parts of the U.S.

If any churches/organizations find themselves with vehicles that are still in good condition that they're ready to get rid of (and/or any leads on vehicles!), please feel free to let us know at OperationsNM.BSC@gmail.com.

  

The Congregations Lead Initiative is a new, two-year program that will gather a cohort of 50 congregations from across the ELCA to unleash and harness their collective genius and discover new and useful ministry innovations. Beginning on July 8, your congregation is invited to apply to join the Congregations Lead Initiative. Learn more at ELCA.org/CongregationsLead.

Learn how to do year-round, on-going stewardship resulting in more money for ministry, become more energized stewards, and build a culture of generosity. Registration is open now for Beginning a Culture of Generosity (BCG) and SAS Refresher that both begin in August.

“I expected that this program would help us put together a stewardship appeal but WOW! It has certainly exceeded my expectations…It has made a huge difference for us.” ~ BCG pastor

Beginning a Culture of Generosity (BCG) is a program to guide congregations and provide the necessary tools to run a successful fall appeal. Participants receive training online in seven online sessions August 14 to December 4, and one-on-one guidance on an easily implemented program to stimulate generosity. Cost is $150 per congregation – no limit on number of participants. 

Register for BCG online - or - register by mail.

The SAS Refresher is a 6 session once-a-month course designed for congregations that have been through Stewardship for All Seasons (SAS) previously. The Refresher is for those who wish to continue the journey of generosity culture building. It is for those who have new leadership on your council and/or new members on your stewardship team.

The full year Stewardship for All Seasons (SAS) has already started with Cohort 5. If you are interested in participating in SAS beginning April 2022 or have questions about all programs, contact Deb Elstad, 3E Associate Director for Stewardship at deb.elstad@gmail.com.

Are black and brown children “violent, disruptive future criminals” or “amazing gifts of God to be cherished and protected?” Learn about the impact of punitive discipline and policing on children and families. Discuss how to reduce the criminalization of Black girls, that we may interrupt pathways to confinement for ALL youth.

Purchase Pushout from a bookstore or borrow from a library near you.

Register here: https://mtnsky-reg.brtapp.com/2021MissionuZoomEventRegistrationPushoutThecriminalizationofBlackGirlsinSchool

Whether you are a recent grad or seasoned professional, we might have just the right job for you! The Rocky Mountain Synod is seeking an accountant/bookkeeper.

Minimum Requirements: degree in accounting or significant experience

Desired Requirements: Experience with non-profit accounting and software

This is essentially a one-person accounting office so we are looking for someone who is flexible handling all aspects of our financial procedures: contributions, general ledger, tracking, and reporting. The position is salaried with benefits.

Please send cover letter, resume, and inquiries to finance@rmselca.org. Application deadline is July 1.

If you would like to be a part of a Christian environment, this is the place for you. Christ Lutheran Church Preschool (CLCP) is looking for a few new team members to join us this Fall. Consider working in a loving and nurturing environment, shaping young minds and teaching them about God's love. These are part-time positions and have a flexible schedule. Paid time off and sick pay are provided. If you are interested or know of someone who would like to work at CLCP please have them call Deb Morgans at 303-471-9290 or email to dmorgans@clchr.org to discuss qualifications.

We have an amazing school and hope to see you here! (CLC is a completely COVID-vaccinated workplace and does require a vaccine in order to be employed)

Augustana Lutheran Church is seeking a part-time (30-hour per week), hands-on Facility Manager to maintain and enhance our buildings and campus. The successful candidate will actively manage facility operations, supervise staff, market available space to third-party users and plan and implement improvements to the properties, all while remaining in compliance with local, state and federal regulations. Interested applicants may apply by sending a resume and cover letter to Augustana Lutheran Church via fax at 303-388-1338 or email to careers@augustanadenver.org. You may also view more details and apply online at at https://www.indeed.com/job/facilities-manager-202d76655f38fc69.