This next year promises to be full of electoral tension and political turmoil. Let’s stay grounded in our faith together! Check out the offering from United Lutheran Seminary below, but don’t register yet! If you might be interested in participating, please email Pastor Kyle by June 3.
We’re excited to announce a new development in our faith formation program! With our younger children thriving in Kid’s Club Sunday morning classes, we’re creating special classes designed to meet the needs of our older children. These new classes will offer a deeper exploration of our faith, tailored to their growing age and understanding. They can discuss important topics, ask questions in a safe space, and strengthen their connection to our faith community.
ELCA Conference of Bishops calls for a permanent bilateral cease-fire in Gaza
ITASCA, Ill. (March 2, 2024) – The Conference of Bishops of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) is adding its voice to the growing group of faith leaders urgently calling for a permanent bilateral cease-fire in Gaza. We urge President Joe Biden, our legislators, and all who lead and make decisions on behalf of the United States to do everything in their power to bring an end to the current suffering and lay the foundation for lasting peace with justice.
As members of the ELCA Conference of Bishops, we are elected to lead one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States, with nearly 3 million members in more than 8,700 worshiping communities across the 50 states and in the Caribbean region. We are compelled to advocate, pray and act by the social teachings of our denomination and by our belief—rooted in Scripture—that all people are made in the image of God.
We mourn the loss of 1,200 precious lives in Israel on Oct. 7 by the actions of Hamas and the trauma for those 250 others who were taken hostage. We mourn the loss of over 30,000 precious lives in Gaza—including tens of thousands of women and children—who have died in Israel ’s military action since then and the trauma that ripples outward from this loss. We grieve the deaths of more than 400 Palestinians in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and in Israel since Oct. 7 as the circle of violence expands and makes casualties of yet more civilians.
Too many have suffered. Too many lives have been lost. Strong U.S. leadership is needed to help bring a comprehensive permanent cease-fire and lasting peace. Our country ’s leadership is needed to support human rights and the Geneva Conventions, to resume funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), and to provide greater access for humanitarian relief in Gaza, as well as to advocate for the immediate and safe return of the hostages and release of political prisoners, for affirmation of both Israel and Palestine’s right to exist, and for a path forward that disrupts cycles of violence. Mindful of the rise in hate targeted at people across complex intersections of race, ethnicity and religion—worldwide and nationally—we exhort our legislators, leaders and neighbors to oppose hate in all its forms, and we recommit ourselves to partnership in that same work.
Jesus taught: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God” (Matthew 5:9). We affirm that all our neighbors, near and far, are children of God and made in God’s image, and we are praying for President Biden, our legislators and all decision-makers. May God give us and our leaders everything necessary to meet the needs of this critical moment, particularly peacemaking.
As people of faith, we are called to give of our time, talent, and treasure for a greater purpose. Bread for the World invites you to use your voice to help end hunger.
Every year, Bread for the World (BFW) organizes churches, community organizations, and people of faith from across the country to write letters and emails to their members of Congress who have the power to impact the policies and programs that can end hunger.
By taking part in Bread for the World’s 2024 Offering of Letters, you will help support domestic and international nutrition programs that offer a hand up to families and a brighter future for children.
Your letter matters. Your letter, joined with the voices of thousands of advocates across the country, is an expression of faith and hope, urging U.S. decision makers to pursue a world without hunger. God uses these letters to change hearts and minds, and again and again, Bread for the World wins help and opportunity for our neighbors who face hunger.
Visit www.bread.org/offering-letters/ and scroll down to and click the WRITE NOW link. Then it’s as easy as 1, 2, 3!
Step 1: Look up your elected officials – Just fill in your information and the elected officials will populate.
Step 2: Check the box that says, “Yes, this is an Offering of Letters” and enter “Our Savior Lutheran Church, Hanover, NH.”
Step 3: Write Your Message: The information is already prewritten and you can personalize it.
For more information there are additional down-loadable resources, videos, and more at www.bread.org/offering-letters.
Over the past year, Brian Promersberger shared his gifts with OSLC and has made us 8 processional crosses for children and a new ambo – and they are beautiful! Did you know that the wood used to craft these items for worship also has deep meaning?
Our Savior Lutheran Church and Campus Ministry 
You must be logged in to post a comment.