Called to Mission,

Relationship,

Empowerment and

Abundant Living

| March 6, 2024 |

Bishop Shelley Wickstrom

Following the Way of Jesus:

A Lenten Holy Land Journey

ELCA

Six new videos produced for the ELCA's new initiative, Sumud: For Justice in Palestine and Israel, introduce viewers to the Holy Land, the theology of Sumud and its significance through Scripture as the “way of Jesus.”

Sumud is the ELCA’s new name for our church’s engagement in accompaniment, awareness building and advocacy for justice in Palestine and Israel. Sign up for updates about Sumud and upcoming events at: bit.ly/SumudSubscribe. You can also learn more at: https://elca.org/sumud.

March 2024 Update

Portico Benefit Services

2023 Tax Preparation Resources Available

Two helpful tax guides are now available for church personnel. Portico provides rostered ministers and congregations participating in the ELCA benefit program with access to no-cost tax guides: 

- The Clergy Tax Return Preparation Guide by Richard R. Hammar gives special attention to tax-related topics most relevant to ministers.

- Federal Reporting Requirements for Churches helps congregations understand their federal tax-reporting requirements.

Dates

Events

3/15 - 17

Considering Your Call Discernment Weekend

An opportunity to explore vocation and discernment with others, and learn about Wartburg’s degree programs and the various pathways to earn your degree.

3/23

4/26

Register for the pre-Assembly workshop.

4/26 - 28

Register today.

5/2

When Bad Theology Happens to Good Christians

Workshop on Zoom

Law and Gospel. Theology of the Cross versus Theology of Glory. Works-righteousness. The Lutheran theological buzzwords can get overwhelming sometimes. We know the basics of what we believe, but sometimes our domesticated concepts seem to shrivel when faced with some of the wild ideas floating around these days. What's a Lutheran to do when bearing witness to God's grace in a crowded marketplace of ideas? 

This class will brush up your Lutheran basics and then we will use those basics to help you understand the things your pastor calls "bad theology". Ideas like "law of attraction", spiritual bypassing, and the prosperity gospel can seem harmless, but they actually contradict some of our most significant biblical and theological tenets as Lutherans. In this session, we will learn to recognize a few of these theological missteps and how to counteract them with grace, hope, and love. 

Pastor Julia Seymour has served Big Timber Lutheran Church since November 2018. Prior to that, she and her family (spouse and 2 children) lived in Alaska. She likes knitting, reading, and visiting Yellowstone National Park, which she refers to as "her backyard". 

Cost: $40 - 3 hours of continuing education

7/29 - 8/3

Glacier Bible Camp

Sponsored by Lutheran Southeast Alaska Camping Association

Eagle Valley Boy Scout Camp, Juneau

For anyone entering grades 5th - 12th!

Those entering 5th - 9th grades will participate in the traditional in-camp experience. There will be crafts, games, gifts of the spirit, Bible studies, campfire and all your favorite activities. This camp is not exclusively for Lutherans so feel free to invite friends. This is an inclusive camp where all youth are welcome without judgment.

Those entering 10th - 12th grade may participate as Counselors in Training or come as campers. CITs will work with the primary counselors to help with a cabin of campers. They will also assist with leading different activities. 

You will make new friends, grow in your relationship with God and have fun!

Sojourner Truth

March 10

Be a follower of the Lord Jesus.

— the last words of Sojourner Truth

Domestic Violence Help

Click here for contact information on crisis teams across Alaska and to find programs in your area that can help.

Click here for resources from the ELCA about helping to nurture families dealing with domestic violence.

• One in three women and one in four men have been victims of [some form of] physical violence by an intimate partner within their lifetime, according to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV). On average, 20 people per minute are victims of rape, physical violence or stalking by an intimate partner in the United States—more than 10 million women and men a year, according to the NCADV.

• For some resources, you can download: the ELCA social message on gender-based violence and/or a tool from the National Domestic Violence Hotline on the overall pattern of abusive and violent behaviors.

Suicide Prevention

If you’re having thoughts of suicide, call the Alaska CARELINE (1-877-266-4357), or reach out to someone you love and trust. You can also text 4HELP to 839863, 3 - 11 pm Tuesday – Saturday.

Careline treats callers with respect and listens without judging. Careline also provides information for those concerned about someone else. Advice is tailored to Alaskans.

Suicide prevention works. People can and do put suicidal thoughts behind them.

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Office of the Alaska Synod | 907-272-8899 | E-mail | Website