Synod eNews - Week of April 7, 2024

This month our ELCA Mission Support Memo for March 2024 explores how the Central States Synod is equipping leaders through their Ministry Lab ~ an active place to ask questions, learn new ideas, work with different “tools” or resources, and experiment to see what works. They welcome anyone from anywhere to engage in the lab. Also learn about how congregations can join in a Cultivating Generous Congregations Cohort starting in April. We also share our gratitude for congregations submitting Annual Congregational Reports. Read the memo here!

FROM OUR SYNOD COMMUNICATORS

2023 Tax Preparation Resources Available

Two helpful tax guides are now available for church personnel. Portico provides rostered ministers and congregations participating in the ELCA benefit program with access to no-cost tax guides:

o The Clergy Tax Return Preparation Guide by Richard R. Hammar gives special attention to tax-related topics most relevant to ministers.

o Federal Reporting Requirements for Churches helps congregations understand their federal tax-reporting requirements.

Both tax guides are available on myPortico and EmployerLink.

Harness the Power of Rest

Just as every Sunday is a “little Easter,” every night offers a chance to take a “little sabbath” and restore your body through healing rest. If you have trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or feeling like you’re getting a good night’s sleep, Portico members with ELCA-Primary health coverage have a wealth of resources to help. Since March is National Sleep Awareness month, why not check out Learn to Live’s course on insomnia (use the access PORTICO to register), or the Being Academy’s course on sleep.

Creative Ways to Care for your Body

Looking for fresh inspiration of ways to care for your body – through movement, nutrition, or meditation? Burnalong’s daily calendar links to a different short online course each day. March features fun recipes and kitchen tips, just in time for National Nutrition Month.

FROM OUR FRIENDS AND PARTNERS

Everyone is welcome to the People's Healing Collective, a brief gathering at 6:00 pm every third Thursday of the month. (March 21, April 18, May 16). Take time to "check out" and check in with your body, mind and heart as we meditate, journal, reflect and connect to Higher Source. Contact Pastor Molly Knutson-Keller with questions. All are welcome.

Dear Church Partner,

We hope you and your congregants will join us for breakfast on April 9th in Tukwila, WA to hear about how your gifts have impacted the lives of our neighbors around the Puget Sound. We will share updates on our work furthered through your gifts.We know that is a trek for some of our partners and wonder - fun car pool?

We look forward to communing with you and hope to learn how we can better support the interests of your church community.

Join us for a morning of connection and register today! Share this link with your congregation for them to join as well.

From Words to Action!

May 5 is the National Day Commemorating MMIW.

Use the Truth and Healing resources the ELCA has provided. Your worship service can include prayers for those who are missing and their families. Wear Red, use your social media to lift up the issue to those in your community.

We have an on-going average of 90+ Indigenous people who are missing, according to the WSP.

Thank you for your consideration.

Rev. Linda Smith, (retired)

Member, of our Native American Work Team