May 2021
Our Mission: Supporting lifelong faith formation in the home and congregation
Prayer Pause
Loving God,

We thank you for the gift of summertime,
the upcoming days of light, warmth and leisure.
As we open our eyes and ears to the landscape of nature and people,
open our hearts to receive all as gift.
Give us that insight to see you as the Divine Artist.
And warm our souls with the awareness of your presence.
Let all the gifts we enjoy this coming summer
deepen our awareness of your love
so that we may share this with others.

Amen
President's Message

Dear friends,

It is always interesting to pay attention to reoccurring themes.

In 2009, Simon Sinek wrote a book entitled "Start with Why". It remains one of my favorite books to study with congregation leaders. Here's how Simon Sinek expresses his WHY: “To inspire people to do the things that inspire them so that, together, we can change our world.”

So, what is your WHY?

A few weeks ago, I participated in an Innovators Academy through our Synod. Part of the presentation focused on knowing our why. I was reminded of a clip by Michael Jr entitled: Know Your Why. In the video, Michael Jr., a comedian, takes a break to talk with the audience. He asks a music teacher to sing Amazing Grace. The teacher does an impressive job. Then Michael Jr. asks the teacher to sing but gives a setting. The teacher sings a much different version when knowing his WHY.

So, what is your WHY?
 Learning Strategies for the Life of Faith Initiative
Faith Out Loud: Talking About What Matters

In this video resource available from Select Learning. Dwight Dubois, in his book, The Scattering, suggests that sharing stories about our faith in the worship service is a great way to equip people for a life of faith. This resource can help provide examples for those who may be timid about sharing their stories. Available as a DVD or streaming.
 


"Taking Faith Home" Inserts from Milestones Ministry

These bulleting inserts are an easy way to connect the worship service with daily life. Take a few minutes during the service to review the main idea in the sermon and highlight one way that people can put the message into practice during the week.



Ministry On and Off the Field

This article discusses how congregations can respond creatively to families who are involved in sports on Sunday mornings instead of being frustrated.
A Life of Faith Initiative Resource
How Worship Practices Form Us for Ministry in Daily Life

How are the things we do at worship related to ministry in daily life? Often people have a difficult time making connections between the things we do in the worship service and the things we are called to do when we leave the church building after worship. In fact, however, everything we do at worship is directly related to forming us for a way of life as Christian people in the world. As we participate in liturgy we not only are worshipping God but also engaging in rituals that immerse us in the person and way of Jesus Christ himself, who makes us members of the body of Christ and engraves upon us Christ’s very own character.
BF
Good Reads
Title: Liturgy of the Ordinary: Sacred Practices in Everyday Life

Author: Tish Harrison Warren

In the overlooked moments and routines of our day, we can become aware of God's presence in surprising ways. How do we embrace the sacred in the ordinary and the ordinary in the sacred? Framed around one ordinary day, this book explores daily life through the lens of liturgy, small practices, and habits that form us. Each chapter looks at something―making the bed, brushing her teeth, losing her keys―that the author does every day.

Available on Amazon.
Christian Education Network of the ELCA
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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 conversations
  • 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, you can purchase from AmazonSmile and diesignate The Christian Education Network as your charity. We receive a percentage of the proceeds!



Contact Us

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


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