World Hunger Resources for Congregations

This wonderful resource was shared on the Assistant to the Bishop's List Serve. Why not use this resource to help your congregation live out our calling to serve those in need. Here are the details, shared by Beth Ann Stone.

Our synod’s World Hunger Task Force created a series of materials, available free as downloads from our website, for congregations to use for a five-week emphasis on responding to hunger…perfect for mid-week Lenten services/programs (or other times of year). The materials introduce the topic in week one, then focus each week on one of the four pillars of the ELCA World Hunger appeal: relief, development, education, and advocacy. Here’s the link: http://www.uss-elca.org/for-congregations/2011-world-hunger-lenten-series.

Here’s a publicity blurb about it, edited to be appropriate for another synod’s use:

FREE SERIES MATERIALS ON WORLD HUNGER
A free 2011 World Hunger Series, “Give Us This Day Our Daily Bread” is now available online! Created by members of the Upper Susquehanna Synod (ELCA), the comprehensive materials include: Bible studies, worship services, drama/dialogue sermons, children’s sermons, meal ideas, table prayers, take-home family devotions, and fundraising ideas. Click here to download items as Word or PDF files: http://www.uss-elca.org/for-congregations/2011-world-hunger-lenten-series. The versatile collection may be used for mid-week Lenten programs, Sundays in Lent, or at any time of the year for a congregational focus on God’s call to feed the hungry. Congregations may also wish to order free resources from ELCA World Hunger to complement their Hunger emphasis. Coin bank boxes for adults and children, color brochures, calendars, and other materials are available at no charge through the ELCA Resource Catalog at: http://www.elca.org/Our-Faith-In-Action/Responding-to-the-World/ELCA-World-Hunger/Resources.aspx. “Give us this day our daily bread; may all the world be clothed and fed.”

The Rev. Beth Ann L. Stone
Assistant to the Bishop, Upper Susquehanna Synod
PO Box 36
Lewisburg, PA 17837
570-524-9778

Lenten Resources

I know, I know, Christmas isn't even here yet, and I'm talking about Lent! But sometimes it helps to plan ahead.... Last Tuesday, November 30th, Resource Center directors and Assistant directors, had a conference call with Augsburg Fortress representatives. The topic was "Lenten Resources", so I thought perhaps it would be a good idea to let you know what is available for this coming year of 2011.

From the Book of Faith publications: a brand new Lenten study by Katherine Kleinhans called, "Seven Wonders of the Word" using themes from God's Word: Creates, Calls, Commands, Saves, Sustains, Shapes and Sends; last year's study, "Marks of a Christian" by David L. Miller; and 2009's study, "40 Days with the Lord's Prayer". These are great, in-depth studies from which students will get a lot of insights. The last one listed on the Lord's Prayer has been reprinted 6 times, the most reprints of a Lenten study in a decade!

Also, "Music Sourcebook for Lent and the Three Days" will expand your collection of great music for the congregation; "Worship Guidebook for Lent and the Three Days" has all kinds of new ideas and possibilities for the congregation's experience.

These are wonderful publications that will enhance your planning and the congregation's participation. Check out other "on sale" items from Augsburg Fortress soon.