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The Invisible Made Visible

On Ash Wednesday, many years ago, I was giving a children's message during our evening worship. My goal was to prepare the young people in our congregation for what they would experience just a little later - the imposition of ashes. Having an education background, I wanted to build on their known knowledge to help them understand what may be a new idea. So I started by asking them if they knew anything about ashes. I was anticipating a conversation about campfires and candles. I thought we would talk about fire and coals. What I did not anticipate was the very first answer to my question, "We have my dog's ashes on the bookshelf."

I wish I could tell you that I brilliantly tied in that child's comments to my children's message and adeptly maneuvered their answer into a beautiful message about Ash Wednesday, but I honestly don't remember the rest of that message. In that moment, this person reminded me that we all encounter death and new life from a very young age.

"On Ash Wednesday we begin our forty-day journey toward Easter with a day of fasting and repentance. Marking our foreheads with dust, we acknowledge that we die and return to the earth. At the same time, the dust traces the life-giving cross indelibly marked on our foreheads at baptism." (SundaysandSeasons.com ©2024).

Maybe you've heard this before, but one of the things I love about Ash Wednesday is that the invisible cross marked with water on our foreheads at baptism becomes visible in the imposition of ashes. It's the one time a year we see the cross that is always there. I sometimes wonder how it would change the way we interact with the world if it were visible to others every day.

This Ash Wednesday, may we be reminded that: God has claimed us and loves us as we are; we are dust and to dust we shall return; we are forgiven and cleansed of our sin; and we are called to show God's saving love to all the world.

~Deacon Jenny Frantz, Director of Communication & Formation

Are you curious how the Spirit is calling your congregation to root young people in a lifelong, transformative faith in Jesus Christ? Are you looking for tools and a collaborative community to explore new youth ministry frameworks? Join the Formation Co-Op to enter a two-year listening and learning process in a collaborative community, from which you will design new frameworks for ministry in your context! Applications Deadline: April 15, 2024

The Commission for a Renewed Lutheran Church (CRLC) has designed a survey to be shared throughout the ELCA.

There are questions that apply to churchwide, synods and congregations. Participation is voluntary.

Please complete the survey by March 15.

Nothing says "God loves you and so do I!" more than ensuring your group is registered for the 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering!

Today is the final opportunity to register your group for New Orleans with the regular registration price. Prices rise tomorrow, so be sure to register your group by 11:59pm CST today!

Today is also the last day to take advantage of the "Big Incentive," so be sure to send Jenny your Congregation ID# if you are registering today!

A Season of Reflection: Embracing the Path to Racial Healing

Today on Ash Wednesday, we step into Lent, a period that converges with our observance of Black History Month and our commitment to honoring African Descent ministries. Calling for a time that prompts a deep contemplation and steers us towards repentance.

The Repentance Project is born from the compelling need to confront and mend the enduring wounds of slavery and segregation. It rallies leaders across communities to forge a path of healing and to advance a future rooted in equity and inclusion. The imprint of racial inequality endures in our society, affecting lives across racial lines.

In observance of Black History Month, An American Lent serves as a devotional crafted to serve as a contemplative tool, urging individuals to explore the history of racism in America through a Christian perspective throughout the Lenten season. Emphasizing daily reflection, repentance, and actionable steps towards racial justice, it offers a systematic approach for Christians to address racial inequalities and actively contribute to the journey toward reconciliation.

The Repentance Project presents another reflective guide, An American Lament. This devotional leads us on a contemplative exploration of America's past, tracing the path from the slave trade, through the Civil War and Reconstruction, Jim Crow into the civil rights movement, and into the persisting disparities of the present. Blended with scriptural insights and reflective prayers, An American Lament serves not only to educate on the enduring aftermath of slavery but also to shape our spiritual journey, offering actionable steps to foster progress and healing.

Bishop Barbins, along with bishops from every region of the ELCA, visited the US/Mexico Border January 27 - February 1, 2024. While there, they met with people with a diverse set of perspectives around the immigration crisis. 

All are welcome as Bishop Barbins shares pictures, experiences, and impressions from her time at the border. Learn how your congregation could become a sponsoring congregation for those legally seeking asylum. 

Join us on Tuesday, March 5, 2024 at either 12:00pm or 7:00pm on Zoom. The following link will work for both sessions.

Applications close this Friday February 16th!

The Young Adult Border Immersion is now accepting applications! A collaboration between ELCA Young Adults, AMMPARO, ELCA Witness in Society, and Global Refuge (formerly Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service), the border immersion aims to bring young adults to the border to encounter migration issues through a faith-based lens.

A $50 deposit to travel to Las Cruces, NM (or El Paso) is required, but programming, accommodations, food, and local transport are covered. Travel assistance is available. Applications are open through February 16th, so get yours in today!

Applicants must be 18-35 years old by the time of immersion.

Congregation Leader Roundtables are a monthly conversation on Zoom for leaders of congregations without a called pastor - including those in transition with an interim pastor and those who are scheduling regular pulpit supply - however, leaders from any congregation are welcome to attend.

These conversations will provide an opportunity for questions and dialogue with your synod staff and leaders in other congregations as we provide support and encouragement for each other.

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​Please join us on the third Tuesday of each month at 7:00pm as we journey together to shape our Lutheran expression of Christianity in the 21st century.

The next Congregation Leader Roundtable is Tuesday, February 20th at 7:00pm.

​To request the Zoom link, email info@neos-elca.org or for questions, email Pastor Mitch Phillips: mphillips@neos-elca.org. 

Prayers for Healing

Prayer concerns will be removed after four weeks unless otherwise requested.

Consent is required for all submissions. Thank you.

These pages are updated every week with new trainings, events,

opportunities, and more! Be sure to check them out.