Faith is a living, bold trust in God's grace, so certain of God's favor that it would risk death a thousand times trusting in it. Such confidence and knowledge of God's grace makes you happy, joyful and bold in your relationship to God and all creatures. The Holy Spirit makes this happen through faith. Because of it, you freely, willingly and joyfully do good to everyone, serve everyone, suffer all kinds of things, love and praise the God who has shown you such grace. - Martin Luther


Friday, November 2, 2012

ELCA Responds to Hurricane Sandy

Rostered leaders of the ELCA received this email and video from our Presiding Bishop earlier this week. We continue to pray for all those affected by the storm and all who help in recovery efforts. Want to help? Donate to Lutheran Disaster Response online or in worship this Sunday.




Dear sisters and brothers in Christ,

God's word of promise is given to all who are facing uncertainty, damage and disruption following Hurricane Sandy and its subsequent storms.

That word of promise is Christ is with you always. With Paul we can say, "If one member suffers, all suffer together with it; if one member is honored, all rejoice together with it." (1 Corinthians 12:26)

As members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), we remain in prayer, responding generously and working tirelessly to rebuild lives, congregations and communities.

We are not doing this work alone. Through ELCA Disaster Response, we are joining with our congregations, affiliates and other partners in our shared commitment to restore communities. As we have shown in past disasters, we stay until the work is done. That is the ELCA's commitment.

Please continue to respond with prayers, generous gifts of time and money, and the commitment to a sustaining presence. Visit ELCA Disaster Response at www.ELCA.org/disaster for updates, worship resources and ways to make contributions online.

Thank you for your prayers and generosity as we respond together and do God's work in Christ's name for the life of the world.

In God's grace,

The Rev. Mark S. Hanson
Presiding Bishop
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America



No comments: