Imagine this scene playing out in your fellowship hall: people from age two to 95 sharing M&Ms together, Scripture story read by the fourth-grader and acted out by everyone, caring conversations between children and adults who aren’t related, God’s Spirit imprinting generosity on hearts.

This was exactly the scene on Saturday, September 6 at Zion Lutheran Church in Muscatine where about 30 people from four congregations ranging in age from two to 81 gathered to experience The Generosity Project (TGP).

In the four-page synod insert Bishop Burk shares about leadership. Pastor Uthe, director for evangelical mission, writes about change and leadership. Download to share in your newsletter or as a bulletin insert. 

Turning Point is an 18-month guided learning process for congregations in the Southeastern Iowa Synod. The process focuses on congregational vitality using a variety of in-person learning labs, online check-ins, and assignments based in the local community. A learning team from each congregation will commit to the process.An informational meeting for those interested will be held Tuesday, October 22, at 7:00 pm via Zoom videoconference. Questions? Contact Rev. Erika Uthe, uthe@seiasynod.org

This church had a meeting in August. We gathered in Milwaukee for the 2019 Churchwide Assembly. We were filled with anticipation and excitement—what would unfold during the assembly? How would we be inspired by worship and Bible study? How would we be challenged? What new insight into the work of the church would we receive?  

It turned out to be quite a week. The assembly adopted a social statement, “Faith, Sexism, and Justice: A Call to Action”; offered an apology to people of African descent; adopted a resolution setting aside June 17 as a day of repentance to commemorate the Emanuel 9; moved forward on our work toward authentic diversity; declared the ELCA a sanctuary denomination; adopted a policy statement, “A Declaration of Inter-religious Commitment”; celebrated the successful completion of our first-ever comprehensive campaign; began the celebration of 50 years of Lutheran women being ordained in the United States, 40 years of women of color being ordained, and 10 years of LGBTQIA+ individuals being able to serve freely; elected Deacon Sue Rothmeyer as secretary; passed a budget; and much more. Continue reading...

Christmas at Augustana has become one of the most treasured traditions at Augustana College. Another treasured tradition is our special invitation for ELCA pastors and deacons with one guest, to join us.

This year, Christmas at Augustana will be performed on Saturday, December 7 at 2:00 and Sunday, December 8 at 2:00. As special guests, we would like to offer you two (2) free tickets for you and a guest to attend either performance. 

Presale for tickets are available now. Go to www.augustana.edu/christmas2019 to order tickets. Enter the code ChristmasELCA to receive your two complimentary tickets.

You also may call the Augustana Ticket Office at 309-794-7306 to order. Additional tickets may be purchased at the same time at the normal price online or by calling the Ticket Office.

Tickets for Christmas at Augustana tend to sell quickly, so order soon. We cannot guarantee that tickets will be available as the performance date grows closer.