Democracy and belonging go hand in hand. Build relationships across divides as we hold one another in solidarity and accountability in service to the Gospel’s call to love our neighbors. ONE There’s Always Room (Petty Launch) promises to ‘wrap children in warmth, wonder, and belonging’ as it ‘invites young readers onto a magical couch that […]
This Great Idea is a mash-up of emerging resources around Homer’s Odyssey, as the major motion picture that brings it to life takes the box office by storm. Why discuss Homer’s The Odyssey in church? The movie is a hit that engages tweens, teens, and adults. Let this bring generations together! Existing resources allow for an engaging […]
This Great Idea comes from a training by Elizabeth Andress, co-facilitator of the ELCA’s Truth Seeking and Truth-Telling Initiative on Indian Boarding Schools. Elizabeth led a one-hour training two weeks ago with the following outline [(c) July 2026, Elizabeth Andress, ELCA Truth Seeking & Truth Telling Initiative on Indian Boarding Schools]: Getting the word out […]
Bring the Bible to bear in uplifting, exhorting, encouraging, and holding accountable. Theology and scholarship, reflections and stories – the Bible has plenty to say in these days of empire’s rise and fall. ONE Let’s start by Reimagining Biblical Politics: What Scripture Says about Public Life and Why It Matters (Baker), which ‘invites readers from […]
Thanks to MNIPL for creating and sharing and facilitating this Great Idea – which is an invitation to youth across Minnesota! From the Youth N’ Power page: ‘Youth N’ Power supports the organizing power of young people across the state who are interested in environmental justice, international human rights, and indigenous rights. The youngest generations […]
Counteract the polycrisis by dismantling barriers, deepening resilience, and practicing compassion for self and others. ONE The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness (Penguin; offers Guides for Parents, Educators, and Youth) has sparked its own antidote in The Amazing Generation: Your Guide to Fun and Freedom in […]
Thanks to the NW MN Synod of the ELCA for sharing this Great Idea!! Here’s the entire write-up: ‘The Minnesota Retiree Environmental Technical Assistance Program (RETAP) employs skilled, retired professionals to provide facility assessments, otherwise known as “energy audits” to small businesses, including churches. The no-cost, non-regulatory assessments include in-person site visits from RETAP consultants […]
Honesty about American history on our semiquincentennial is an essential step on the slow, long road to deep healing, real equity, and true freedom. Let’s celebrate that. ONE If you’re still debating – and maybe cringing – about observing (or even mentioning) the 4th of July – in worship: fear not. There are some excellent […]
Practice liberation! Music… prayer… preaching… The Gospel builds up individuals and community and makes the world a better place. ONE Sing – and preach – liberation! Joe Davis & The Poetic Diaspora – On the Rise Album: 15 Songs + Live Concert Recordings. This album was born in community. Your pre-order directly funds mixing, mastering, […]
This is far more than a Great Idea. This is an urgent call to all clergy – across denominations, faiths, and geography. America’s elections are under serious – and growing – threat. Nearly every day we hear about a new form of election official intimidation, illegal data grabs, voter registration organization investigations, and more. See: […]