February 2020

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


From the President's Desk
 
Dear friends,
 
Years ago, Bob Sitze wrote a small book entitled: The Great Permission: An Asset-Based Field Guide for Congregations (ELCA, 2002). Luther Snow added to the conversation with ­The Power of Asset Mapping (Alban, 2004). Asset mapping is looking at the things you already have and the things you are good at doing and building on those in living out God's call for your ministry, congregation, or community. So, I ask you the same questions:
  • As a congregation, what are you good at doing?
  • As a congregation, what do you like to do together?
  • As an individual, what are you good at doing?
  • As an individual, what do you like to do?
Make a list. Don't be shy. God has gifted each of us to work together to build up the body of Christ. Stewardship requires we use our time, talents and treasures appropriately. We are not expected to boast, simply to serve.
 
Let me share one example. Faith is a small congregation, one of several ELCA congregations in their city. One year, the school referendum failed. The solution was to close all of the elementary libraries. One of the members of Faith had a passion for children. She worked with the school, found volunteers, and for years, the people of Faith kept the library open making sure the children had access to books. It cost the congregation nothing but a few hours a week of volunteer service. The relationships that were built continue on nearly 20 years later.
 
So, let me ask again: What are you good at doing? What do you like to do together? How can you grow that for your community?
 
Too often we focus on what we do not have, the struggles and the frustrations. But when we live out our God-given purpose, focusing on relationships and discipleship, we can really make a difference great or small.
 
As we enter into this Lenten season, may you make the time to reflect, refocus and celebrate your giftedness and your call.
 
Blessings on our journey,


Pastor Juli Lejman-Guy
President
 



Resources for Ministry




Read an  Ash Wednesday message  from Diane McGeoch, CENetwork of the ELCA board member.








Mid- week worship and programs, including soup suppers or dinners, are practices that can be designed for intergenerational conversations and interactions. 
(A CENetwork Resource)



Lent in a Bag provides ideas for symbols, instructions and reflections on the season of Lent. Distributing small bags - cloth, paper, or Ziplock bags with symbols of the season assists individuals and families in practicing Lent at home. 




Lent is a more somber season, and there can be different ways to mark the weeks.  Lent Madness  is a site that explores the lives of saints through a tournament that culminates in The Golden Halo Award.  This is an opportunity to learn about 32 saints and vote for favorite saints. 



 



The CENetwork's website has many additional resources, including visual materials in various formats, background readings, and additional ideas for activities and events.



Good Reads  
 
 


Title: Pauses for Lent: 40 Words for 40 Days

Author:  Trevor Hudson

Sometimes a pause is good for the soul. It gives us the chance to regroup, reflect, and refocus on God. In Pauses for Lent, Trevor Hudson offers a beautifully minimalist book in which he focuses on one word for each day of Lent. 

Available from Amazon.
 
Contact Us
 
  

CENetwork of the ELCA 
P.O. Box 9304
Rochester, MN 55903

 
Phone messages may be left at 
(507) 721-0057     

    

Prayer Pause
 
   
Dear God,

Look upon us as we enter the holy season of Lent.  Nourish us with Your Word and make us one
with You in love and prayer.

Amen
  
  
 
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The CENetwork is on Pinterest! Check out our newest boards for Living Our Baptism.

 


  
     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.

 

The CENetwork will:

  • Identify and evaluate resources and educational opportunities
  • Facilitate communication and conversation
  • Offer guidance, networking and mutual support
  • Nurture spiritual growth online and face to face

 

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.