ELCA Worship Update
From Deacon John E. Weit, Assistant to the Presiding Bishop and Executive for Worship:
"For most of us, this is an Easter season like none before. We have not been able to physically gather in worship for many weeks. In some places, it could be many more weeks until in-person worship may be safe. Pastors, deacons, musicians and worship leaders have worked tirelessly to find ways to be in community in unique and creative ways. We have learned from each other. We will continue to learn from this time, and it will likely shape how we are church together for years to come. The Office of the Presiding Bishop is exploring ways to guide conversation and reflection on our worship life into the future.
"As a church musician, one of the things I lament most these days is not being able to sing in community. Singing and leading others in song is inherent to my vocation as a worship leader, and music has been essential to Lutheran worship. Recent advice from medical experts suggests that singing together may not be safe for some time even after we are able to gather in person. In these times, we may need to learn (or re-learn) how to listen. Even as the rest of creation sings — we will need to listen. Listen to the music of the earth. Listen to the music that carries proclamation, even if it is not safe for us to vocalize that proclamation in community."
Resources
Faith Leaders' Call With Montco Commissioners
In response to the rapidly evolving coronavirus situation, the Montgomery County Commissioners will be hosting an informational Webex on
Friday, May 22
nd
at 12:30 PM
for faith-based organizations and houses of worship in Montgomery County. You can join via computer or phone, information is below:
Phone: 1-408-418-9388, Access code: 798 742 219
Webinars from Thrivent
Join the Thrivent Member Network: Mid-Atlantic Region on May 21st at 8 pm for a valuable event Social Security: Money Left on the Table with national Social Security expert Jim Caulder where you can learn how to find money and avoid costly mistakes.
No products will be sold at this event. For additional disclosures, see Thrivent.com/social.
Join the Thrivent Member Network: Mid-Atlantic Region on May 28th at 8:00 PM for an Exclusive Online Webinar, Retirement and Taxes, with Guest Speaker, Ed Slott.
This totally unique, entertaining and educational online webinar is for people who have spent a lifetime saving for retirement and now want to know how taxes will impact those savings… and what you can do about it.
PRIDE Month Worship Resources
June is PRIDE month, and Reconciling Works offers resources for your congregation to celebrate the diversity of the LGBTQIA+ community.
DEEPENING & EXPANDING ONLINE WORSHIP Living into your commitment to welcome during COVID-19:
A one-pager
designed to help you find creative and intentional ways to share your welcome, inclusion, and celebration of LGBTQIA+ people during your online worship.
PRIDE Prayer 2020: Every Sunday in June ReconcilingWorks has a prayer for your community to share in worship, online, and in your communication with your community.
Sharing on Social Media: Knowing people are finding community online, now more than ever, ReconcilingWorks will have daily posts and information about the LGBTQIA+ community for you to share on your social media streams throughout the month of June. Like and Follow ReconcilingWorks on Facebook and Instagram to be able to share these resources daily!
