ELCA Provides Worship Resources for a National Election
Many of us feel pulled to prayer in the lead up to the election. The new ELCA Worship resource, “Worship Resources for a National Election" contains crafted prayers and suggestions for sacred music to guide worship, prayer, vigils, and devotions preceding or following the election. These resources are offered in
U.S. Supreme Court Renders PA Election Ballot Decision
The U.S. Supreme Court rendered a decision Monday that will allow Pennsylvania to count mailed-in ballots received up to three days after the Nov. 3 election. The justices were divided 4-4, an outcome that upholds a state Supreme Court ruling that required county election officials to receive and count
Gov. Wolf Announces Changes to Rent Relief Program
Gov. Wolf announced a significant change to the CARES Rent Relief Program. Getting landlords to participate in the program has been one of the barriers to the program's success. Currently, renters only get up to $750 in rental aid and landlords must accept that as payment in full for that
Coalition Against Hate Urges PA House, Senate Leadership to Enact Hate Crime Legislation
As high profile incidents of bigotry continue to be reported in local communities, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry in Pennsylvania (LAMPa) joins with other members of the Coalition Against Hate and state Rep. Dan Frankel calling for the PA House and Senate leadership to take action and to allow a vote on
PUC Ending Moratorium on Utility Shut-offs
As the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) ends the moratorium on utility shut-offs, they have adopted a series of enhanced consumer protections intended to safeguard families and small businesses who are struggling financially because of the COVID-19 pandemic – and also established a framework for future discussions about utility
Women of the ELCA Release Updated Resource: “Called to be Political (But I Don’t Want to be Political!)”
Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) have released a new updated version of "Called to Be Political (but I don't want to be political!)". This resource, easily adapted for virtual use, is designed to be used with Faith Formation, Sunday School, young adult or small group
Help Eligible People Claim Stimulus Payments: Deadline is October 15
According to the Center on Budget Policy and Priorities, five million Americans who were hit hardest by the current health and economic crisis risk missing out on $6 billion in CARES Act stimulus payments if they don’t file the required online form before October 15. Many of our most
A Pastoral Word on the Grand Jury Decision in Louisville
September 24, 2020 For he is our peace; in his flesh he has made both groups into one and has broken down the dividing wall, that is, the hostility between us. ― Ephesians 2:14 In response to the grand jury decision in Louisville, Ky., we offer a word of prayer and healing following the decision not to charge police officers for
ELCA Presiding Bishop Responds to Disregard for Human Life and Dignity at Private Detention Facility
“As Christ on the cross did not lose his dignity, but in fact revealed himself fully in vulnerability, every human who is being mistreated retains the image of God that confers dignity. A society should not deny a person's dignity for any reason.” —ELCA social message “Human Rights,” p. 4 On
Voting Updates: Mail-in and Absentee Ballots; Become a Poll Worker; and Election Security
As you prepare to vote in the Nov. 3 elections, here are some important updates. Stay tuned for additional updates as we monitor pending legislation in the PA House and Senate regarding voting in Pennsylvania. The deadline to register for the November general election is October 19, 2020. Keep
