Our Mission: Supporting lifelong faith formation in the home and congregation |
|
Dear God,
When the pressure mounts and the struggles of this world begin to close in, give me the grace to return to you. I don't want to be a hero; I don't want the easy way out. All I want, all I need, is your loving mercy.
Never leave me Lord. Keep me under your wing. Even if I don't feel you there, at least let me understand that you are there. Give me the strength to take up my cross and fight the good fight. Let your grace allow me to believe in the only one that gives me truth and clarity. Despite the pain and struggle, fill my heart and soul with overwhelming joy that only your spirit gives. For in the Messiah, I find my Resurrection, In Christ Almighty, all things are made new again.
In Jesus' name,
Amen.
|
|
A Message from Our President, Diane McGeoch
DISCERNMENT AND MOVEMENT
We are continually on the move, as people of faith, and as faith formation leaders. We move from one season of the church year to the next, from one program or event to another, from one understanding of a curriculum or practice to a deeper understanding. All these movements include many decisions about what has happened in the past, what is going on in the present, and planning for the future. These movements can happen very rapidly with little time for reflection.
I recognize that I am a slow decision maker. I want to seek input from people I trust, weigh the pros and the cons, do research into whatever area I am deciding on, pray about it, think about it, pray some more and on and on. A year ago, I was in the midst of making a life changing decision – whether to retire or not. I loved my call as a deacon, enjoyed the people I worked with, was making a difference in the community where I served. Yet there was something deep inside of me that was causing me to think about retirement.
|
|
Boundless (Still): An Interview with Pastor Meggan Manlove,
Trinity Lutheran, Nampa, Idaho
By Diane McGeoch, President, Christian Education Network of the ELCA
The cancellation of the ELCA Youth Gathering created opportunities for alternative Youth Gatherings and adaptations for churches and groups intending to go to the Gathering. This interview is with Pastor Meggan Manlove of Trinity Lutheran, Nampa, Idaho, whose youth group attended Boundless (Still), an event at the University of St. Thomas in Minneapolis with youth and adults from Minnesota, Iowa, Montana, and Idaho.
How did you learn of the alternative event?
We found the event on the ELCA Youth Ministry Network’s Facebook page. It was organized by the Northeast Iowa Synod. We wanted to experience the Minneapolis – St. Paul area as originally planned and explore the themes of Boundless Creation, Forgiveness, Invitation, and Promise.
|
|
Boundless into the Holidays
Ministry Resources
Thanksgiving, Advent and Christmas Activities for Churches and Families
This resource gives nine ways to integrate Christian traditions into the Thanksgiving holiday. Some of the ideas included are making a blessing basket, creating a “God is Good” paper chain, and acting out the story of the Ten Lepers.
Gratitude Menu from the United Methodist Church, Michigan Conference, provides fun activities for all ages to think about and discuss including a scavenger hunt, Pick-up Sticks Gratitude Game, Gratitude Stones, and more!
Prophets and Promises: Devotions for Advent & Christmas 2022-2023 provides opportunity to reflect on the marvelous promises of God. Each devotion features a scripture reading (many from Matthew), accompanied by a photo, a quote to ponder, a reflection, and a prayer. The book also offers household blessings and prayer to enrich your preparations and celebrations. A large print edition also is available.
“Seeking and Sharing Love this Advent” by Pastor Kimberly Knowle-Zeller is an article in Living Lutheran which reminds us to share Jesus’ boundless love with those around us as a way to observe Advent.
|
Book Review
Title: Song of Songs: The Bible's Great Love Poems in Calligraphy
Authors: Margaret Shepherd
Reviewed By: Deacon Beth Caywood, ACC
Song of Songs is a unique book of the Bible. As author Margaret Shepherd points out in her introduction:
“It includes no family trees, no battles, no dietary rules, no legends, no historical events, no religious doctrines, and no promises from God.
Song of Songs does not mention the name of God and it refers to Solomon in only three places. When Song of Songs does mention Solomon, it is to describe his possessions: his splendid palanquin, his wedding crown, his numberless wives, and his well-managed vineyard. He plays no role and speaks no words.
The young woman’s voice and her point of view dominate the scenes and events, an unusual perspective for an era when women had very little social or legal power. She describes her desires in striking detail, boldly pursues her lover, meets him for private trysts, and seizes the initiative in physical love. When she is hurt or disappointed, she pushes back. Her lover, in contrast, does not talk about how he feels, but mainly describes how beautiful she is. In one place, he tries to coax her to come from the wilderness.
|
|
Christian Education Network of the ELCA |
|
Check out our Facebook group and
join the conversations!
|
|
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 designate The Christian Education Network as your charity. We receive a percentage of the proceeds!
Contact Us
CENetwork of the ELCA
PO Box 250009
Holly Hill, FL 32125
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
