World Hunger: 2017 In Review
In 2017, ELCA World Hunger was able to provide more than $23 million to activities and programs to address hunger and its root causes with sustainable solutions. Nine brand new projects in six countries joined the fight to end hunger. Internationally, our work included agricultural programs in Nepal and training for women entrepreneurs in Brazil. In the United States, your support allowed us to do things like walk alongside our refugee neighbors. This work has been made possible because of the hope and energy of people like you, inspired by faith and united in our commitment to a just world where all are fed. Thank you!
Click here to access the full report. #UntilAllAreFed
Global Farm Challenge
ELCA World Hunger’s Global Farm Challenge is a yearlong, youth-driven fundraising challenge to support the agriculture-related programs of our church’s ministry to end hunger and poverty. As of July 1, thanks in large part to the generosity of the youth attending the ELCA Youth Gathering, we have received more than $260,000 in gifts to ELCA World Hunger’s Global Farm Challenge!
All gifts toward the Global Farm Challenge will be matched – dollar for dollar – up to $515,000, so together we can raise more than $1 million this year to create healthier families, stronger economies, and a future filled with hope. To learn more, participate, or find helpful resources, visit ELCA.org/globalfarmchallenge.
#ELCAvotes
Can’t Wait for Election Day? Be a part of ELCAvotes this Summer!
Election Day is just over three months away, and faith leaders are getting involved in civic engagement across the country. ELCAvotes provides support and resources for congregations serving their communities through nonpartisan election activities, voter registration, and access to the ballot.
In 2013, the ELCA adopted a social policy resolution titled “Voting Rights to All Citizens.” This resolution calls on members, congregations, and synods of the church to “promote public life worthy of the name” by speaking out as an advocate and engaging in local efforts such as voter registration and supporting legislation to guarantee the right to vote to all citizens. We are called to conversation and prayer around our role as U.S. residents and as people of faith in ensuring our election systems guarantee participation and promote dignity for all.
Get your congregation involved today by joining the activities below!
Be a Lutheran Voter Champion!
Sign up with ELCAvotes to receive information on faith webinars, engagement opportunities, and congregational planning resources for Election Day.
Already on board? Use #ELCAvotes on social media to share pictures, stories, and ways your congregation is getting involved!
Share ELCAvotes Resources!
There already are many voting resources for congregations online, with more on the way! From Bible Studies, Voting Rights History, Church IRS Guidelines, and more; check out some of the resources available now at ELCA.org/votes. Don’t forget to sign up for ELCAvotes email alerts to be the first to receive upcoming resources including future webinars, voter pledge cards, and more!
For a full guide on faith-based voting activities, visit the updated ELCA Civic Participation Guide.
Featured Resource for July
“RESPONDING TO FAMILY VIOLENCE”
NEW TOOLKIT FOR FAITH COMMUNITIES
According to the Texas Council on Family Violence, 1 in 3 Texans will experience domestic violence in their life.
Faith communities can be key resources for victims of family violence. It is vital for church leadership to know how to respond when a congregant approaches them about their concerns…and it’s important for congregations to make family violence awareness part of their culture.
Texas Impact’s toolkit for congregations, Responding to Family Violence, is a great place to start. It includes information that faith communities need to be proactive:
- basic legal information like definitions
- websites and phone numbers for professional responders
- religious resources like sermon starters and prayers
- printable signs for restrooms and other public areas
- guidance from Texas religious and policy experts
Click here to download Responding to Family Violence (FREE)
The toolkit is also available in print for $20 (including postage). The print publication comes bound and 3-hole punched. To order printed copies, email emma.davis@texasimpact.org.
Save the Date
Panhandle Fall Conference: An introduction to The Generosity Project
Led by Linda Staats, the ELCA Generosity Project Coordinator
St. John Lutheran Church, Wilson, TX
Saturday, September 29, 2018
Congregations from across the NT-NL are invited to participate for FREE.
Where in the world is?
Bishop Gronberg:
- Jul. 26: Briarwood Camp Chapel
- Jul. 29-Aug 6: Family Vacation
Pastor Totzke:
- Jul. 11-31: Hip replacement and recovery
Pastora Bañales:
- Jul. 24-27: Rethinking Stewardship, Luther Seminary, MN
Upcoming Events
- Aug. 11: WELCA Annual Women’s & Girl’s Retreat, Location TBA
- Aug. 28-30: “Undoing Racism” Training, Arlington, TX
- Sep. 1: Bishop Installation for the Southwestern Texas Synod, San Antonio, TX
- Sep. 7: The Bolder Board Training, North Texas
- Sep. 9: “God’s work. Our hands.” Sunday
- Sep. 15: PLMA Fall 2018, Course 1, Briarwood
- Sep. 20-22: Synod Council meetings, Briarwood
- Sep. 22: MEF Board meeting, Briarwood
- Sep. 28-30: Addiction & Faith Conference, Bloomington, MN
- Sep. 29: Panhandle Fall Conference: An introduction to The Generosity Project, Wilson, TX
- Oct. 14: The Eighth Annual Herbener Lecture: “A Latino Immigrant Reads Luther”, Dallas, TX
- Oct. 14-16: NT-NL Leadership Convocation, Briarwood
Access our full online Calendar here. Updates made regularly.
Do you have news or announcements to share? Please submit to the Synod office (office@ntnl.org) for consideration for upcoming NT-NL News.