On Monday, Sept. 14, I learned of the very disturbing account of human rights violations against immigrant women in custody in the privately run Irwin County Detention Center in Ocilla, Ga. The center is run by LaSalle Corrections under a contract with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The whistleblower complaint that was filed on Monday by a licensed nurse practitioner revealed a pattern of medically unnecessary hysterectomies and medical neglect that violated women. Too often, the Christian community has given its tacit or explicit consent to acts of gender-based violence.

Sufficient, Sustainable Livelihood for All conveys ELCA teaching that economic activity is a means through which God's will is served for the thriving and well-being of humankind and the care of the earth. It recognizes that even though sin distorts human activity, we are called to practice economic activity justly and with special concern for those who live in poverty.

This social statement was adopted by the ELCA Churchwide Assembly, which was held in Denver, in August of 1999. I had just accepted the position of director of the Rocky Mountain Synod advocacy office in New Mexico and was preparing to begin my ministry by serving as a volunteer during the Churchwide Assembly. As I watched the Assembly debate and then adopt this social statement, I was deeply grateful for the ELCA’s discernment and action. I knew that “Sufficient, Sustainable Livelihood for All” would be central to advocacy ministry in New Mexico which was established by congregational leaders and the Rocky Mountain Synod to intentionally and faithfully respond to God’s commandment to “Love God and Love Neighbor.”

As part of the program, we've launched two toolkits: one for congregations and one for communities. Each toolkit provides a unique action guide to host a virtual worship service or family dinner that focuses on the rich history of Afghanistan, complete with great learning opportunities and tangible ways to support migrants and refugees. Though we have to be apart, we're all in this together. Together we honor the journey of the migrant and the refugee. Together we seek to understand the global realities that our brothers and sisters face. Together we respond to fear, pain, and persecution with compassion, generosity, and open arms to welcome the stranger.  https://www.lirs.org/gather

Currently the fire is 102,596 ares with 15% containment. As temperatures continue to rise fire activity is expected to increase again.

Thank you for your continuing prayers and support for Sky Ranch and the firefighters working hard throughout the west.

Follow Sky Ranch on Facebook for ongoing updates here.

Rick Steves, guidebook author and travel TV host; the Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton, presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA); and the Rev. Shelley Bryan Wee, bishop of the ELCA Northwest Washington Synod, invite you to an online benefit — the first of its kind — for ELCA World Hunger. Our goal is to raise $250,000 to confront hunger in the time of COVID-19.

We are called by God to share hope in this time of challenge. Join us to face this global hunger crisis head-on and to continue moving toward a just world where all are fed. Join us for this online event that will raise funds for ELCA World Hunger!

Gather -- As part of your registration, you will receive soup and cornbread from Women’s Bean Project (a partner organization with USC) to be prepared at your home and eaten “together” in a small group community meal (via Zoom) the night of the event.

Share -- hear from current volunteers and alumni who continue to change the world!

Give -- Offer your financial and "stage" talents. Opportunities to contribute to various aspects of the USC community will be offered throughout the night. Please consider offering your stage talents during our first annual USC Talent Show! If you are interested in having your act be considered for the USC Talent Show, please let us know! We welcome your submissions -- kids and/or family talent is invited! (music, jokes, juggling, and/or general silliness!)

For more information visit: https://urbanservantcorps.dm.networkforgood.com/emails/gather-and-give

Have you ever wondered - "What makes something funny?" "How can humor help us keep our perspective?" In these chaotic times, we have to laugh...right? Join us for this presentation where we explore the answers to these questions and learn how to write a good joke.

Andrea Vahl is a marketer, mom, and standup comedian performing in the Denver and Boulder area as well as festivals around the country. She also performed Improv Comedy in Denver for 8 years. Hosted by the Mental Health Ministry Team of Atonement Lutheran Church, Boulder, and the Interfaith Network on Mental Illness (INMI, www.inmi.us)

Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/4264420220

This week's conversation will be about wisdom sayings. As we all navigate the rough waters of these days, what guiding wisdom is helping us with our life challenges? Rev. Martie McMane will share some of her favorite wisdom sayings that have helped her through the lived experiences of uncertainty, lack of control, embracing resilience, learning to trust and more.

The conversation will introduce these insights, encourage discussion, and invite you to share your own favorite wisdom sayings. Martie, a retired UCC clergy, works with individuals and small groups in soul care through her training in spiritual direction, SoulCollage®, pastoral counseling and the Enneagram. She is also an artist. Hosted by the Mental Health Ministry Team of Atonement Lutheran Church, Boulder, and INMI.

Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/4264420220

Fueled by a heat wave and unfavorable winds, devastating wildfires are raging across California, Oregon, Washington and other western states. At least 20 people have died, hundreds of thousands of people are under evacuation orders and more than 3.5 million acres have burned across the three states. Some evacuees face the difficult decision of whether to stay in a shelter during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Lutheran Disaster Response is engaging with at least three Lutheran social services agencies and five synods to assess the situation and determine the best ways to respond. We expect immediate needs may include food and other necessities, as well as emotional and spiritual care for those who have been traumatized.

Even as we face multiple crises, together we can reflect Christ's light and hope to our neighbors in their time of need.

Addiction and drug policy in America are inextricably linked to race. In this one-hour free webinar, we’ll dive into the dynamics of racial injustice, trauma, and oppression that contribute to addiction rates. We’ll also look at the ongoing racial disparities in policing and incarceration that perpetuate inequality and fail to address the root causes of addiction and the potential negative consequences of drug use. 

The link to register is https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/9416001257644/WN_ZtYXWEOnTaCJMmbdV6sPGA.

Our keynote speaker will be Rachel Kodanaz. Rachel Kodanaz is a heart-minded professional author, speaker and consultant helping her audiences to Embrace Life's Challenges. Overcoming her own adversity following the sudden death of her husband, leaving her with a two-year-old daughter. She has been speaking passionately to national audiences of all sizes for over 20 years.

Visit https://fcnrockies.org/.

For more information and to register, download our flyer here.

You’re invited to join us for a Virtual Open House to explore PLTS!

(510) 559-2730 and admissions@plts.edu

A new in-depth resource of safe practices for worship during the pandemic has been created by an ecumenical consultation. In addition to representatives from several denominations in the United States, the consultation team included scientists and medical professionals.

A Spanish Version of this resource is now available. Additional materials will be made available on the supporting website in the coming weeks.

The role of the congregation council is to assess and shape strategic and long-term direction, protect church unity and oversee administrative functions of the church. Being elected to a congregation council carries with it the respect and trust of your congregation. Your contribution to the life of your congregation is significant and appreciated. These are some of the functions and responsibilities of the congregation council’s positions. >More

This annual publication illustrates how God is at work across the ELCA through your generosity. It highlights how a portion of your offering, called Mission Support, advances the ministry of our church — particularly the ways the ELCA nurtures vital congregations, raises up leaders and grows the global church. Most importantly, it’s one way we say thank you for your faithful generosity to your congregation, your synod and the churchwide organization - by showing your offering at work. Find the new publication and other resources now at elca.org/sofia.

The Fall 2020 issue of Interchange is available for you to download, print, and share. In it, you will find information about using Women of the ELCA blogs, Thankofferings and Faithful Friends, news from Lutheran World Relief and the explosion in Beruit, an article about the church serving as a place of hope for people with HIV/AIDS, and much more.

Interchange is now digital only. You can download it, print it, and share it. Forward this email to your friends and ask them to sign up here.

The purpose of Interchange is to equip and empower Women of the ELCA participants with information and resources necessary to carry out the organization's mission. Both English and Spanish versions are posted on our website under the publications link and are available for download. Articles may be reproduced provided each copy carries the notice, "Reprinted with permission from Interchange, the churchwide newsletter of Women of the ELCA, copyright © 2020."

Can you use some Splash! books? We have 24 books for 1-12 months and 1 book for 13-24 months. None have the music CD. Free for the taking!

St. Andrew Lutheran Church, an active, service-oriented ELCA congregation in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, invites individuals who are passionate about sharing God’s good news with others, particularly children, youth, and their families, to apply for the position of Director of Children, Youth, and Family Ministry.

(Full job posting here)

Christ Lutheran Church is seeking a friendly, outgoing, and detail-oriented individual to fill the role of Office Coordinator. In this important role, you will be the face of CLC to our members and the public by being the first point of contact for the church. In addition, you will provide office services for church staff and various committees, organize communications, act as a receptionist for the church, and keep church records. We are looking for someone with strong organization, computer, and communication skills. This is a part-time position that will average 30 hours per week.

Resumes should be sent to, and job descriptions can be obtained from, Executive Pastor Gail Mundt, Christ Lutheran Church, 8997 S. Broadway, Highlands Ranch, CO 80126, pastorgail@clchr.org. *Covid restrictions are in currently in place. Please contact Pastor Gail Mundt at pastorgail@clchr.org for additional information.

St. Andrew Lutheran Church - Vancouver, WA

Christ Lutheran Church - Highlands Ranch, CO

Joy Mission Preschool - Parker, CO

Atonement Lutheran Church - Boulder, CO