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Sunday, February 12, 2012
Sixth Sunday after Epiphany / Lectionary 6 (Year B)
Sunday, February 12
First Reading: 2 Kings 5:1-14
Naaman is healed of leprosy
Psalm: Psalm 30
My God, I cried out to you, and you restored me to health. (Ps. 30:2)
Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 9:24-27
Run the race for an imperishable prize
Gospel: Mark 1:40-45
The healing of one with leprosy
Liturgical Color: Green
Sunday, February 12
First Reading: 2 Kings 5:1-14
Naaman is healed of leprosy
Psalm: Psalm 30
My God, I cried out to you, and you restored me to health. (Ps. 30:2)
Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 9:24-27
Run the race for an imperishable prize
Gospel: Mark 1:40-45
The healing of one with leprosy
Liturgical Color: Green
Sunday, February 5, 2012
Fifth Sunday after Epiphany / Lectionary 5 (Year B)
Sunday, February 5
First Reading: Isaiah 40:21-31
The creator of all cares for the powerless
Psalm: Psalm 147:1-12, 21c (Psalm 147:1-11, 20c NRSV)
The LORD heals the brokenhearted. (Psalm 147:3)
Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 9:16-23
A servant for the sake of the gospel
Gospel: Mark 1:29-39
The healing of Peter's mother-in-law
Liturgical Color: Green
Sunday, February 5
First Reading: Isaiah 40:21-31
The creator of all cares for the powerless
Psalm: Psalm 147:1-12, 21c (Psalm 147:1-11, 20c NRSV)
The LORD heals the brokenhearted. (Psalm 147:3)
Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 9:16-23
A servant for the sake of the gospel
Gospel: Mark 1:29-39
The healing of Peter's mother-in-law
Liturgical Color: Green
February 5, 2012: Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany (Year B)
Isaiah 40:21-31 * Psalm 147:1-11, 20c * 1 Corinthians 9:16-23 * Mark 1:29-39
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Presentation of Our Lord
Thursday, February 2
First Reading: Malachi 3:1-4
My messenger is a refiner and purifier
Psalm: Psalm 84
How dear to me is your dwelling, O LORD. (Ps. 84:1)
Psalm (Alternate): Psalm 24:7-10
Lift up your heads, O gates, and the King of glory shall come in. (Ps. 24:7)
Second Reading: Hebrews 2:14-18
Jesus shares human flesh and sufferings
Gospel: Luke 2:22-40
The child is brought to the temple
Liturgical Color: White
Thursday, February 2
First Reading: Malachi 3:1-4
My messenger is a refiner and purifier
Psalm: Psalm 84
How dear to me is your dwelling, O LORD. (Ps. 84:1)
Psalm (Alternate): Psalm 24:7-10
Lift up your heads, O gates, and the King of glory shall come in. (Ps. 24:7)
Second Reading: Hebrews 2:14-18
Jesus shares human flesh and sufferings
Gospel: Luke 2:22-40
The child is brought to the temple
Liturgical Color: White
February 2, 2012: Presentation of the Lord (Year B)
Malachi 3:1-4 * Psalm 84 or Psalm 24:7-10 * Hebrews 2:14-18 * Luke 2:22-40
ELCA presiding bishop supports Syrian church leaders' call for peace
CHICAGO (ELCA) - In letters to Christian church leaders in Syria, the Rev. Mark S. Hanson, presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), offered his support of the churches' collective call for an end to violence and his prayers for the people in the region.
"In these difficult days, I will continue to pray and encourage members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America to pray for you and your efforts to sustain the courage and faith of your communities," wrote Hanson. In addition to prayers for the people of Syria, the presiding bishop said he mourns the recent death of a priest there, "who died serving others."
As the violence in Syria continues, Hanson acknowledged in his letters that there are no simple answers to resolve the current situation, and therefore agrees with many Syrian church leaders on the need for dialogue instead of further fighting.
"We who are at 'the ends of the earth' cannot forget the importance of Syria for the growth of our faith or the communities of disciples keeping the faith in the land of Christianity's birth," Hanson wrote. "We affirm, with you, that the Christian communities in Syria are an essential component to the fabric of Syrian culture and history."
At the conclusion of his letter, Hanson said he will pray for the efforts of Syrian church leaders toward renewing and strengthening their relationships with Muslim neighbors, and he asked how the ELCA might assist church leaders and the people of Syria.
"We know that well-meaning actions can sometimes result in unintended negative consequences, thus we seek your guidance. In this critical time, we hope to do all we can to strengthen your callings to be ministers of reconciliation in your land," wrote Hanson.
The letters were hand-delivered to three Christian leaders in Syria Jan. 28 by His Eminence Jean Kawak, archbishop patriarchal office director, Syrian Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch. Bishop Kawak offered to deliver the letters after they were read aloud by an ELCA member attending a World Council of Churches meeting in Beirut.
Hanson wrote to His Holiness Ignatius Zakka I Iwas, Patriarch of Antioch and All the East and Supreme Head of the Syrian Orthodox Church in All the World; His Beatitude Ignatius IV Hazim, Patriarch of Antioch and All the East of the Greek Orthodox Church; and His Beatitude Gregory III Laham, Patriarch of Antioch and All the East of Alexandria and Jerusalem of the Melkite Greek Catholic Church.
The letters were also shared with Christian Syrian leaders in the United States.
- - -
About the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America:
The ELCA is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States, with 4.2 million members in 10,000 congregations across the 50 states and in the Caribbean region. Known as the church of "God's work. Our hands," the ELCA emphasizes the saving grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ, unity among Christians and service in the world. The ELCA's roots are in the writings of the German church reformer, Martin Luther.
For information contact:
Melissa Ramirez Cooper
773-380-2956 or Melissa.RamirezCooper@ELCA.org
http://www.ELCA.org/news
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Lutherans
Living Lutheran: http://www.livinglutheran.com
"In these difficult days, I will continue to pray and encourage members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America to pray for you and your efforts to sustain the courage and faith of your communities," wrote Hanson. In addition to prayers for the people of Syria, the presiding bishop said he mourns the recent death of a priest there, "who died serving others."
As the violence in Syria continues, Hanson acknowledged in his letters that there are no simple answers to resolve the current situation, and therefore agrees with many Syrian church leaders on the need for dialogue instead of further fighting.
"We who are at 'the ends of the earth' cannot forget the importance of Syria for the growth of our faith or the communities of disciples keeping the faith in the land of Christianity's birth," Hanson wrote. "We affirm, with you, that the Christian communities in Syria are an essential component to the fabric of Syrian culture and history."
At the conclusion of his letter, Hanson said he will pray for the efforts of Syrian church leaders toward renewing and strengthening their relationships with Muslim neighbors, and he asked how the ELCA might assist church leaders and the people of Syria.
"We know that well-meaning actions can sometimes result in unintended negative consequences, thus we seek your guidance. In this critical time, we hope to do all we can to strengthen your callings to be ministers of reconciliation in your land," wrote Hanson.
The letters were hand-delivered to three Christian leaders in Syria Jan. 28 by His Eminence Jean Kawak, archbishop patriarchal office director, Syrian Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch. Bishop Kawak offered to deliver the letters after they were read aloud by an ELCA member attending a World Council of Churches meeting in Beirut.
Hanson wrote to His Holiness Ignatius Zakka I Iwas, Patriarch of Antioch and All the East and Supreme Head of the Syrian Orthodox Church in All the World; His Beatitude Ignatius IV Hazim, Patriarch of Antioch and All the East of the Greek Orthodox Church; and His Beatitude Gregory III Laham, Patriarch of Antioch and All the East of Alexandria and Jerusalem of the Melkite Greek Catholic Church.
The letters were also shared with Christian Syrian leaders in the United States.
- - -
About the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America:
The ELCA is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States, with 4.2 million members in 10,000 congregations across the 50 states and in the Caribbean region. Known as the church of "God's work. Our hands," the ELCA emphasizes the saving grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ, unity among Christians and service in the world. The ELCA's roots are in the writings of the German church reformer, Martin Luther.
For information contact:
Melissa Ramirez Cooper
773-380-2956 or Melissa.RamirezCooper@ELCA.org
http://www.ELCA.org/news
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Lutherans
Living Lutheran: http://www.livinglutheran.com
ELCA leaders' effort to protect families pays off
CHICAGO (ELCA) - Leaders of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) believe progress has been made with a recent policy change that would keep some families living in the United States, without legal residency, to remain here while applying for legal status -- a step intended to keeping families together.
Such "policies have significant human consequences that affect the lives and well-being of our neighbors," said the Rev. H. Julian Gordy, bishop of the ELCA Southeastern Synod, Atlanta, and chair of the ELCA Immigration Ready Bench.
Before the policy change, people living in the U.S. undocumented who return to their country of origin to apply for legal U.S. residency or green card face years of separation from their family.The U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced the new regulation Jan. 6. According to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the proposed change will only permit the applicant to apply for a waiver of the "unlawful presence" bar while still in the United States. They must still, by law, leave the United States for immigrant processing. The proposed change, expected to take effect later in 2012, is designed to make the wait outside the country shorter.
"There are many people who were brought to the United States without documents as children. They've grown up here, gone to school, landed a job, paid taxes, married and had children. They are Americans in every way except for place of birth. Having to go back to their country of origin and apply for residency could take years, posing hardship to their families and communities," Gordy said.
Although the policy change is considered a step in the right direction in keeping families together, ELCA leaders still believe a complete federal overhaul of the U.S. immigration system is needed.
"What we really need in this country is comprehensive immigration reform," Gordy said.
Along with other ELCA members and synod bishops, Gordy advocated for the policy change in Washington, D.C., this past fall. He also helped initiate a letter to members of Congress and President Barack Obama to express concern over new state immigration laws. Nearly 60 of the 65 synod bishops of the ELCA endorsed the letter in November 2011, which said that federal reform should restore trust in communities and include:
+ An earned pathway to lawful permanent residency and eventual U.S. citizenship for immigrants and their families who learn English and pay back taxes.
+ Expeditious reunification of families and protection against separating families.
+ Expansion of legal avenues for workers to allow immigrants to migrate to the United States in a safe and legal manner.
+ Decreased use of immigration detention, improvement in detention conditions with increased access to medical assistance, pastoral care and legal council and the increased use of community-based programs that assist immigrants who do need to be incarcerated.
+ Improved border policies that treat all individuals with respect and allow the U.S. government to focus on individuals involved in the trafficking of people, drugs, weapons or other dangerous people seeking entry.
+ Increased programs and resources to help immigrants participate fully in U.S. social and civic life.
The Nov. 30 meetings with Congress and the White House were organized by the Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service, one of the United States' leading agencies in welcoming and advocating for refugees and immigrants. Based in Baltimore, it works on behalf of the ELCA, The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod and the Latvian Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
"We wanted to underscore the work of Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service and the ELCA's concern about the broken immigration system, and to move forward with ways to help and keep families and communities intact," said Eric Sigmon, director for advocacy at Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service.
"This Congress has been unable to agree upon fair and humane immigration reform legislation," said Sigmon. The ELCA, Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service and other groups have worked with the Obama administration in the past year "to make good policy changes that help families (and) do not necessarily require Congress to pass new laws. The administration can make decisions given the authority provided," he said.
ELCA Presiding Bishop Mark S. Hanson, who serves on Obama's advisory council on Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships, also wrote Congress and the president this past November, calling for immigration reform and support for the DREAM Act (the Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors Act) -- legislation that would provide a path for citizenship for undocumented high school graduates.
The 2011 ELCA Churchwide Assembly, the chief legislative authority of this church, called on its leaders to support comprehensive U.S. immigration reform and the DREAM Act.
- - -
About the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America:
The ELCA is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States, with 4.2 million members in 10,000 congregations across the 50 states and in the Caribbean region. Known as the church of "God's work. Our hands," the ELCA emphasizes the saving grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ, unity among Christians and service in the world. The ELCA's roots are in the writings of the German church reformer, Martin Luther.
For information contact:
Melissa Ramirez Cooper
773-380-2956 or Melissa.RamirezCooper@ELCA.org
http://www.ELCA.org/news
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Lutherans
Living Lutheran: http://www.livinglutheran.com
Such "policies have significant human consequences that affect the lives and well-being of our neighbors," said the Rev. H. Julian Gordy, bishop of the ELCA Southeastern Synod, Atlanta, and chair of the ELCA Immigration Ready Bench.
Before the policy change, people living in the U.S. undocumented who return to their country of origin to apply for legal U.S. residency or green card face years of separation from their family.The U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced the new regulation Jan. 6. According to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the proposed change will only permit the applicant to apply for a waiver of the "unlawful presence" bar while still in the United States. They must still, by law, leave the United States for immigrant processing. The proposed change, expected to take effect later in 2012, is designed to make the wait outside the country shorter.
"There are many people who were brought to the United States without documents as children. They've grown up here, gone to school, landed a job, paid taxes, married and had children. They are Americans in every way except for place of birth. Having to go back to their country of origin and apply for residency could take years, posing hardship to their families and communities," Gordy said.
Although the policy change is considered a step in the right direction in keeping families together, ELCA leaders still believe a complete federal overhaul of the U.S. immigration system is needed.
"What we really need in this country is comprehensive immigration reform," Gordy said.
Along with other ELCA members and synod bishops, Gordy advocated for the policy change in Washington, D.C., this past fall. He also helped initiate a letter to members of Congress and President Barack Obama to express concern over new state immigration laws. Nearly 60 of the 65 synod bishops of the ELCA endorsed the letter in November 2011, which said that federal reform should restore trust in communities and include:
+ An earned pathway to lawful permanent residency and eventual U.S. citizenship for immigrants and their families who learn English and pay back taxes.
+ Expeditious reunification of families and protection against separating families.
+ Expansion of legal avenues for workers to allow immigrants to migrate to the United States in a safe and legal manner.
+ Decreased use of immigration detention, improvement in detention conditions with increased access to medical assistance, pastoral care and legal council and the increased use of community-based programs that assist immigrants who do need to be incarcerated.
+ Improved border policies that treat all individuals with respect and allow the U.S. government to focus on individuals involved in the trafficking of people, drugs, weapons or other dangerous people seeking entry.
+ Increased programs and resources to help immigrants participate fully in U.S. social and civic life.
The Nov. 30 meetings with Congress and the White House were organized by the Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service, one of the United States' leading agencies in welcoming and advocating for refugees and immigrants. Based in Baltimore, it works on behalf of the ELCA, The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod and the Latvian Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
"We wanted to underscore the work of Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service and the ELCA's concern about the broken immigration system, and to move forward with ways to help and keep families and communities intact," said Eric Sigmon, director for advocacy at Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service.
"This Congress has been unable to agree upon fair and humane immigration reform legislation," said Sigmon. The ELCA, Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service and other groups have worked with the Obama administration in the past year "to make good policy changes that help families (and) do not necessarily require Congress to pass new laws. The administration can make decisions given the authority provided," he said.
ELCA Presiding Bishop Mark S. Hanson, who serves on Obama's advisory council on Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships, also wrote Congress and the president this past November, calling for immigration reform and support for the DREAM Act (the Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors Act) -- legislation that would provide a path for citizenship for undocumented high school graduates.
The 2011 ELCA Churchwide Assembly, the chief legislative authority of this church, called on its leaders to support comprehensive U.S. immigration reform and the DREAM Act.
- - -
About the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America:
The ELCA is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States, with 4.2 million members in 10,000 congregations across the 50 states and in the Caribbean region. Known as the church of "God's work. Our hands," the ELCA emphasizes the saving grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ, unity among Christians and service in the world. The ELCA's roots are in the writings of the German church reformer, Martin Luther.
For information contact:
Melissa Ramirez Cooper
773-380-2956 or Melissa.RamirezCooper@ELCA.org
http://www.ELCA.org/news
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Lutherans
Living Lutheran: http://www.livinglutheran.com
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Fourth Sunday after Epiphany / Lectionary 4 (Year B)
Sunday, January 29
First Reading: Deuteronomy 18:15-20
The prophet speaks with God's authority
Psalm: Psalm 111
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom. (Ps. 111:10)
Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 8:1-13
Limits to liberty: the case of food offered to idols
Gospel: Mark 1:21-28
The healing of one with an unclean spirit
Liturgical Color: Green
Sunday, January 29
First Reading: Deuteronomy 18:15-20
The prophet speaks with God's authority
Psalm: Psalm 111
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom. (Ps. 111:10)
Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 8:1-13
Limits to liberty: the case of food offered to idols
Gospel: Mark 1:21-28
The healing of one with an unclean spirit
Liturgical Color: Green
January 29, 2012: Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany (Year B)
Deuteronomy 18:15-20 * Psalm 111 * 1 Corinthians 8:1-13 * Mark 1:21-28
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Conversion of Paul
Wednesday, January 25
First Reading: Acts 9:1-22
Saul encounters the risen Christ and proclaims him as Messiah
Psalm: Psalm 67
Let all the peoples praise you, O God. (Ps. 67:3)
Second Reading: Galatians 1:11-24
Paul received the gospel from a revelation of Christ
Gospel: Luke 21:10-19
The end times will require endurance
Liturgical Color: White
Wednesday, January 25
First Reading: Acts 9:1-22
Saul encounters the risen Christ and proclaims him as Messiah
Psalm: Psalm 67
Let all the peoples praise you, O God. (Ps. 67:3)
Second Reading: Galatians 1:11-24
Paul received the gospel from a revelation of Christ
Gospel: Luke 21:10-19
The end times will require endurance
Liturgical Color: White
Palestinian Lutheran pastor to receive 'German Media Award'
CHICAGO (ELCA) - Dr. Mitri Raheb, pastor of the Evangelical Lutheran Christmas Church in Bethlehem, will receive the German Media Prize award Feb. 24 for his work in founding educational, cultural and health care institutions and his commitment to inter-faith dialogue and peacemaking in the Middle East.
"Mitri Raheb is a pastor with passion in proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ. Persistently working for a lasting, just peace in the Middle East, Pastor Raheb is a visionary leader who has created new pathways in the areas of education, employment and health care," said the Rev. Mark S. Hanson, presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA).
"This deserved recognition of Pastor Raheb is testimony to the global leadership shared by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land, and the ELCA remains committed to accompanying this partner church," he said.
The Evangelical Lutheran Christmas Church is one of six congregations of the 2,000-member Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land. The denomination is the only Arabic-speaking Lutheran church in the world and the only indigenous Lutheran Church in the Middle East. The church and ELCA engage in ministry together in a variety of ways, and both are members of The Lutheran World Federation based in Geneva.
In 1988 Raheb became pastor of Evangelical Lutheran Christmas Church and founded the International Center of Bethlehem in 1995. The center includes the Dar al-Kalima Health and Wellness Center, which focuses on general preventive medicine, community health awareness and psychological health issues associated with the current situation in Palestine.
Raheb also founded the Dar al-Kalima School and Academy in Bethlehem. Together with the International Center of Bethlehem, the school and academy have become the second largest private employer in the Bethlehem area.
The Mission Investment Fund, a financial ministry of the ELCA, provided a loan to support the construction of Dar al-Kalima College in Bethlehem. The loan is the Mission Investment Fund's first to an ELCA global partner.
According to Raheb, the college is an answer to the current shortage of higher education institutions in Palestine and "a beacon of hope for future generations." Raheb is president of Bright Stars of Bethlehem, a not-for-profit organization based in the United States that is instrumental in securing funding for the college.
"We wanted to contribute to empowering generations of Palestinians and help strengthen this vital ministry of the ELCA's companion, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land," said Eva Roby, president and CEO of the Mission Investment Fund.
"The ELCA's relationship with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land is long-standing and deep, and we are proud to have relationships with each of the pastors in that church and to accompany them as they seek to respond to the needs of their context," said the Rev. Robert Smith, ELCA program director for the Middle East and North Africa and coordinator of the Peace Not Walls Campaign.
Born in Bethlehem, Raheb received his undergraduate degree in protestant theology from the Hermannsburg Mission Seminary in Germany and earned a master's degree and doctorate in theology at Philipps University Marburg there.
He has written numerous articles, essays and books that concentrate on inter-religious dialogue, contextual theology, church history, biblical interpretation and issues related to the civil society.
Raheb will receive the 2011 German Media Prize along with three others in Baden-Baden, Germany.
- - -
About the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America:
The ELCA is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States, with 4.2 million members in 10,000 congregations across the 50 states and in the Caribbean region. Known as the church of "God's work. Our hands," the ELCA emphasizes the saving grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ, unity among Christians and service in the world. The ELCA's roots are in the writings of the German church reformer, Martin Luther.
For information contact:
Melissa Ramirez Cooper
773-380-2956 or Melissa.RamirezCooper@ELCA.org
http://www.ELCA.org/news
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Lutherans
Living Lutheran: http://www.livinglutheran.com
"Mitri Raheb is a pastor with passion in proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ. Persistently working for a lasting, just peace in the Middle East, Pastor Raheb is a visionary leader who has created new pathways in the areas of education, employment and health care," said the Rev. Mark S. Hanson, presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA).
"This deserved recognition of Pastor Raheb is testimony to the global leadership shared by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land, and the ELCA remains committed to accompanying this partner church," he said.
The Evangelical Lutheran Christmas Church is one of six congregations of the 2,000-member Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land. The denomination is the only Arabic-speaking Lutheran church in the world and the only indigenous Lutheran Church in the Middle East. The church and ELCA engage in ministry together in a variety of ways, and both are members of The Lutheran World Federation based in Geneva.
In 1988 Raheb became pastor of Evangelical Lutheran Christmas Church and founded the International Center of Bethlehem in 1995. The center includes the Dar al-Kalima Health and Wellness Center, which focuses on general preventive medicine, community health awareness and psychological health issues associated with the current situation in Palestine.
Raheb also founded the Dar al-Kalima School and Academy in Bethlehem. Together with the International Center of Bethlehem, the school and academy have become the second largest private employer in the Bethlehem area.
The Mission Investment Fund, a financial ministry of the ELCA, provided a loan to support the construction of Dar al-Kalima College in Bethlehem. The loan is the Mission Investment Fund's first to an ELCA global partner.
According to Raheb, the college is an answer to the current shortage of higher education institutions in Palestine and "a beacon of hope for future generations." Raheb is president of Bright Stars of Bethlehem, a not-for-profit organization based in the United States that is instrumental in securing funding for the college.
"We wanted to contribute to empowering generations of Palestinians and help strengthen this vital ministry of the ELCA's companion, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land," said Eva Roby, president and CEO of the Mission Investment Fund.
"The ELCA's relationship with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land is long-standing and deep, and we are proud to have relationships with each of the pastors in that church and to accompany them as they seek to respond to the needs of their context," said the Rev. Robert Smith, ELCA program director for the Middle East and North Africa and coordinator of the Peace Not Walls Campaign.
Born in Bethlehem, Raheb received his undergraduate degree in protestant theology from the Hermannsburg Mission Seminary in Germany and earned a master's degree and doctorate in theology at Philipps University Marburg there.
He has written numerous articles, essays and books that concentrate on inter-religious dialogue, contextual theology, church history, biblical interpretation and issues related to the civil society.
Raheb will receive the 2011 German Media Prize along with three others in Baden-Baden, Germany.
- - -
About the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America:
The ELCA is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States, with 4.2 million members in 10,000 congregations across the 50 states and in the Caribbean region. Known as the church of "God's work. Our hands," the ELCA emphasizes the saving grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ, unity among Christians and service in the world. The ELCA's roots are in the writings of the German church reformer, Martin Luther.
For information contact:
Melissa Ramirez Cooper
773-380-2956 or Melissa.RamirezCooper@ELCA.org
http://www.ELCA.org/news
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Lutherans
Living Lutheran: http://www.livinglutheran.com
January 22, 2012: Third Sunday after the Epiphany (Year B)
Jonah 3:1-5, 10 * Psalm 62:5-12 * 1 Corinthians 7:29-31 * Mark 1:14-20
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Third Sunday after Epiphany / Lectionary 3 (Year B)
Sunday, January 22
First Reading: Jonah 3:1-5, 10
Repentance at Nineveh
Psalm: Psalm 62:6-14 (Psalm 62:5-12 NRSV)
In God is my safety and my honor. (Ps. 62:8)
Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 7:29-31
Living in the end times
Gospel: Mark 1:14-20
The calling of the disciples at the sea
Liturgical Color: Green
Sunday, January 22
First Reading: Jonah 3:1-5, 10
Repentance at Nineveh
Psalm: Psalm 62:6-14 (Psalm 62:5-12 NRSV)
In God is my safety and my honor. (Ps. 62:8)
Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 7:29-31
Living in the end times
Gospel: Mark 1:14-20
The calling of the disciples at the sea
Liturgical Color: Green
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Confession of Peter
Wednesday, January 18
First Reading: Acts 4:8-13
Salvation is in no one other than Jesus
Psalm: Psalm 18:1-7, 17-20 (Psalm 18:1-6, 16-19 NRSV)
My God, my rock, you are worthy of praise. (Ps. 18:2)
Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 10:1-5
The ancestors drank from the spiritual rock of Christ
Gospel: Matthew 16:13-19
Peter confesses: You are the Messiah
Liturgical Color: White
Wednesday, January 18
First Reading: Acts 4:8-13
Salvation is in no one other than Jesus
Psalm: Psalm 18:1-7, 17-20 (Psalm 18:1-6, 16-19 NRSV)
My God, my rock, you are worthy of praise. (Ps. 18:2)
Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 10:1-5
The ancestors drank from the spiritual rock of Christ
Gospel: Matthew 16:13-19
Peter confesses: You are the Messiah
Liturgical Color: White
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Second Sunday after Epiphany / Lectionary 2 (Year B)
Sunday, January 15
First Reading: 1 Samuel 3:1-10 [11-20]
The calling of Samuel
Psalm: Psalm 139:1-5, 12-17 (Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 NRSV)
You have searched me out and known me. (Ps. 139:1)
Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 6:12-20
Glorify God in your body
Gospel: John 1:43-51
The calling of the first disciples
Liturgical Color: Green
Sunday, January 15
First Reading: 1 Samuel 3:1-10 [11-20]
The calling of Samuel
Psalm: Psalm 139:1-5, 12-17 (Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 NRSV)
You have searched me out and known me. (Ps. 139:1)
Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 6:12-20
Glorify God in your body
Gospel: John 1:43-51
The calling of the first disciples
Liturgical Color: Green
January 15, 2012: Second Sunday after the Epiphany (Year B)
1 Samuel 3:1-10, (11-20) * Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 * 1 Corinthians 6:12-20 * John 1:43-51
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Baptism of Our Lord (Year B)
Sunday, January 8
First Reading: Genesis 1:1-5
God creates light
Psalm: Psalm 29
The voice of the LORD is upon the waters. (Ps. 29:3)
Second Reading: Acts 19:1-7
Baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus
Gospel: Mark 1:4-11
Revelation of Christ as God's servant
Liturgical Color: White
Sunday, January 8
First Reading: Genesis 1:1-5
God creates light
Psalm: Psalm 29
The voice of the LORD is upon the waters. (Ps. 29:3)
Second Reading: Acts 19:1-7
Baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus
Gospel: Mark 1:4-11
Revelation of Christ as God's servant
Liturgical Color: White
January 8, 2012: Baptism of the Lord (Year B)
Genesis 1:1-5 * Psalm 29 * Acts 19:1-7 * Mark 1:4-11
Friday, January 6, 2012
Epiphany of Our Lord (Year B)
Friday, January 6
First Reading: Isaiah 60:1-6
Nations come to the light
Psalm: Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14
All kings shall bow before him. (Ps. 72:11)
Second Reading: Ephesians 3:1-12
The gospel's promise extends to all
Gospel: Matthew 2:1-12
Revelation of Christ to the nations of the earth
Liturgical Color: White
Friday, January 6
First Reading: Isaiah 60:1-6
Nations come to the light
Psalm: Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14
All kings shall bow before him. (Ps. 72:11)
Second Reading: Ephesians 3:1-12
The gospel's promise extends to all
Gospel: Matthew 2:1-12
Revelation of Christ to the nations of the earth
Liturgical Color: White
January 6, 2012: Epiphany of the Lord (Year B)
Isaiah 60:1-6 * Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14 * Ephesians 3:1-12 * Matthew 2:1-12
