These “resource letters” include a reflection on each topic and highlight some of the best available resources. These collections are meant for downloading and are shared regularly with pastors and leaders throughout this synod and across the church.
» Download the resource sheet: Connect with the Resource Center (download pdf file)
Open for Exploration!
Connect with the Resource Center: Ways to Help Your Congregation
- Find topical collections of resources for all areas of congregational life
- Include the synod website, brochures and bookmarks, and resource collections in your church communications
- Bring your church council, parish education committee, worship leaders, women’s group, youth leaders for a tour of the center. We’re happy to share resources and we welcome input and requests.
- Use the Resource Center for meetings, sharing and learning together.
- Julie Aageson, Director of the Resource Center, welcomes invitations to share resources with pastoral conferences, women’s and men’s groups, and in other congregational settings. Call to make a date!
- Check out the synod website and online catalog
» Download the resource sheet: Talking Together About Homosexuality (download pdf file)
Updated November 19, 2009
One of the most difficult faith issues of our day centers on matters of sexuality and our differing perspectives. Trying to determine exactly what it means to welcome gay and lesbian people to full participation in the life of our congregations continues to be a challenge for us. We have asked for discerning conversation within the church and called for an end to discrimination, assault, and harassment of homosexual persons. But questions related to leadership issues of ordination as well as blessings for same-sex unions remain. How will we as Christians continue to grapple with these complicated issues of human sexuality? How can we be faithful, compassionate, gracious as we wrestle with the place of homosexual persons in the community of faith? Continue reading…
The September 28 issue of Alban Weekly emphasizes that the staff of a congregation need to be responsible for creating (or at least signing off on) the budget as surely as they are responsible for achieving the vision of ministry. Too often, says author Dan Hotchkiss, the budget goes straight from the committees to the board without staff weighing in on whether it supports a feasible plan for implementing vision.
When budget is closely tied to the vision of ministry—particularly by those responsible for making that vision reality—then two positive outcomes result: staff can be held more accountable for what happens, and the annual fund drive can be based on the vision of ministry. Continue reading…
Subscribe to eQuip