2024-2025 Devotional Guide

Sponsored by the
Evangelical Lutheran
Church in America
 The 2024-2025 ELEA Devotion Guide is made possible with
the support of the ELCA. Copyright 2024

Permission is granted to duplicate this resource with credit

given to individual writers and the ELEA Devotional Guide.

Additional copies of this guide may be downloaded, or portions thereof,

free of charge at www.elcaschools.org

Unless otherwise noted, all biblical quotations are taken from

The New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 by
the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of
the Churches of Christ in the United States of America.
All rights reserved. Used with permission.

Devotions are based on the Revised Common Lectionary for

2024-2025. In accordance with the ELCA’s guidelines for
inclusive language, our devotional seeks to illustrate the
expansive nature of God.

ELEA Devotion Guide Coordinator, Cory Newman

Assistant Editor, Deacon Andrew Larsen
Printing by Tri-M Graphics, Owatonna, MN

Evangelical Lutheran Education Association (ELEA)

Serving ELCA Schools and Learning Centers
1301 E. Main St. #3215, Carbondale, IL 62901
800-500-7644 Website: www.elcaschools.org
 2024-2025 edition
ELCA Schools and Learning Centers
Devotional Guide
Created To Be / Creado Para Ser
Psalm 139: 13-16

As we begin this school year, let us reflect on Psalm 139:13-16.

Each of us—students, teachers, staff, families, and caregivers—is
fearfully and wonderfully made by God, created with purpose and
love.

Leaders: You are created to guide and inspire. Your wisdom and
compassion foster a community where everyone feels valued.

Teachers and Staff: You are created to nurture knowledge and

character. Every lesson and interaction reflects God’s creativity.
Inspire each child to discover their gifts. You are the backbone of
our community. Your dedication ensures the school thrives.

Families and Caregivers: You are our students' primary support.

Your love and encouragement lay the foundation for their growth.
Partner with us to shape their futures.

As we step into this new year, remember that we are all part of
God’s intricate design. Embrace your role with joy, knowing your
contributions weave a beautiful future for our students.

Let Us Pray: Gracious Creator, thank you for forming us with

such care and intention. As we begin this school year, help us
embrace our roles with enthusiasm and love. Guide our leaders,
teachers, staff, families, and caregivers to work together
harmoniously. May we reflect your love in all we do, connecting,
developing, and inspiring each child and each other to become who
they are created to be. Amen.

Cory Newman,
Executive Director, Evangelical Lutheran Education Association
 August 4, 2024
Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost
Ephesians 4: 1-7

Imagine a giant, brilliant, colorful, vibrant blanket woven together with

strands of yarn. Each yarn represents every color found here on our
planet. Yarn covers all of the verdant greens, mimicking the trees and
plants around us. The bright yellow strands are like the daisies blooming
in the springtime and the warblers that flit around in the bushes. Light
blues, dark blues, and some blues that are so deep they are almost
black- and everything in between! Reds, indigos, oranges, pinks, and so
much more! This kaleidoscope blanket even has more unusual colors
like ochre, mustard, puce, chartreuse, and cerulean.

The blanket is beautiful because the different colors are unique and
wonderful. Each contributes their special gifts and additions to the
overall tapestry. That is how it also goes with God's love. Each person
throughout the planet offers their bright color to the divine tapestry.
We are united in grace, love, and forgiveness from God. What a
beautiful, vibrant, and colorful experience! Thanks be to God that we
are all woven together.

Reflect: What unique gifts have you noticed in your friends and family
around you? How can you help their colors shine more brilliantly?

Pray: Creator God, We give you praise and thanks for binding and
weaving us together. You knit our hearts to be united in your love.
Amen.

Deacon Andrew Larsen serves on the Young Adult Communities team of the
ELCA. Andrew is also a board member of ELEA.
 August 11, 2024
Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost
2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33

While King David is at war, his son Absalom is killed. He mourns. He

laments. He wishes his own life was taken so that his son might be
spared.

The love of a parent to a child is a precious gem. Whether adopted, of

genetic descent, or under your care as a student - children are a gift.
Those responsible for children are given a holy vocation: to care for,
cherish, teach, and guide young people.

In each case, that vocation is taken very seriously. In the case of David
and his son, Absolom, the relationship was indeed full of love and
closeness. With that love comes vulnerability. You don’t know how or if
that love can be returned.

You care for the young ones for whom you are responsible. They may
love you back; they may not. They may care about your wisdom; they
may not. They may heed your warnings; they may not. And yet…you
love them, anyway. You pour your heart out, regardless.

God sent Jesus into a dangerous world, a foolish act, according to

worldly wisdom. And yet, even in Jesus’ death, God brings new life. Love
is returned, even in unexpected ways.

May your courageous vulnerability bring you new life as you give of
yourself and challenge and love those in your care. Amen.

Reflect: The love you show your children may never be returned, but
does that change your calling? What (or who) have you been created to
be for the sake of those in your care?

Pray: Gracious God, bring us the courage to extend love that may not be
returned and grace that may be taken for granted. Amen.

Rev. Michael Jannett, Tucker, GA, serving as the Assistant to the Bishop for
Formation and Communication for the Southeastern Synod of the ELCA,
overseeing youth ministry and young adult ministry.
 August 18, 2024
Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost
1 Kings 3:3-14

The Lord appears to Solomon, son of David, in a dream and says, “Ask
what I should give you.” Solomon, a new king, essentially asks for help
in his work, “Give your servant, therefore, an understanding mind to
govern your people, able to discern between good and evil.” Impressed,
Solomon did not make selfish requests for a long life or riches. God
responds, “I give you a wise and discerning mind; no one like you has
been before you, and no one like you shall arise after you.”

As teachers, the first lesson here is: Get your sleep and do some
dreaming. This is essential, invaluable time you must prioritize. Open
your heart to hear the Lord.

Next, Ask God for help in your work and ministry. You are pleasing the
Lord by asking to serve your students, parents, and coworkers better.
Just asking for an understanding mind shows us that Solomon was
already understanding and wise. He asked for support and growth in his
abilities. Lean into your strengths. Our loving God wants to lift and
support your efforts. Open yourself to the questions and answers that
the Lord has for you.

Additionally, Be your unique self. There has never been someone like
you and never again will be. Embrace what you offer to your class,
ministry, and world. Then, live it out to the fullest.
Finally, remember that striving to do your best and walking with God
leads to blessings in your life without your asking. May we all recognize
them.

Reflect: What might you pray the Lord God give you?

Pray: Generous Lord, give your servants understanding minds to discern

between good and evil to care for and teach your precious children.

Janean Moriarty, Poulsbo, WA, begins her 11th year as director of

Vinland Lutheran Preschool this fall. She has served on the
Region 1 ELEA board for 9 years.
 August 25, 2024
Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost
Psalm 84, verse 10 “For a day in your courts is
better than a thousand elsewhere.” (NRSVUE)

We begin again - surrounded by promise! This week, in many of our

places, we are doing ALL THE THINGS! to get ready to welcome staff,
children, and parents back into programming, and there is SO MUCH to
do! And in the midst of the plans, the schedules, the paperwork, the
coordination, the readying of our spaces, we look forward to the return
of the blessed children of God's promises, and we so look forward to
seeing & being with old friends & new. And we do it all surrounded by
promise, knowing that even if we come to our tasks tired, stressed, or in
any way, not really ready, still, the promises of God are with us that
children & adults learning in God's community are in the right place,
working to do the right things and that there is joy in this journey of
learning together! May your preparations and your beginnings be
blessed!

Reflect: What is one tiny time, maybe 5 minutes, when you can talk to
God this week about your hopes for your work and also listen to how
and where God might be calling you to move?
What support might be helpful in doing that?

Pray: Loving Holy Spirit, help us to see the next best step when we get
stressed with what we want & need to do, and breathe into us
whatever we may need to do your will.

Mary Kaye Ashley, Burnsville, MN, is a bi-vocational teacher who has worked in
MN public Early Childhood Family Education with parents and children for 37
years and a pastor (for 26 years this week). She loves her congregations and is
thrilled when the next one includes purposive ways of including children and
families in church life and worship.
 September 1, 2024
Fifteenth Sunday after the Pentecost
James 1:19-20.
I volunteer to listen to new readers in my son’s lower elementary
classroom. I have learned to keep quiet as the child sounds out tricky
words, though I’m tempted to blurt it out for them. Often, the child
uses their own knowledge of consonant blends and vowel sounds to
decode the word by themselves.

The value of listening and being slow to speech and anger, may seem in
short supply in our American culture. Social media urges us to keep
posting, generate followers, and comment on what everyone else is
saying. Cultural divides deepen as we lose the skills to listen to the
thoughtful positions of those who differ from us.

The author of the Biblical James advises us to listen and keep calm –
timeless advice! Biblical scholars say that although James is located in
the epistle (or letters) section of the New Testament, it is in the genre of
wisdom literature. James was written for an early Christian community
determining how to live as Christians in the world.

Read through James 1 to find several nuggets of wisdom, which lead to

a specific end of the chapter: “Religion that is pure and undefiled before
God, the Father, is this: to care for orphans and widows in their
distress” (James 1:27). The point of wisdom and right action isn’t to be
puffed up with our own smarts, but to use our wisdom and gifts to care
of others, particularly the most vulnerable. Like James’ community, we
would be wise to listen!

Reflect: To whom do you find it easy to listen? To whom do you find it

more difficult to listen? Where is God calling you to listen next?

Pray: God, you hear the cries of our hearts. Help us tune in to our
neighbors to hear their joys and sorrows, too. Amen.

Lisa A. Smith, Anchorage, AK, serves as Director for Evangelical Mission for the
Alaska Synod of the ELCA and, along with her husband, parents three young
children.
 September 8, 2024
Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost
Psalm 146:1-2 “Praise the LORD! Praise the LORD, O
my soul! I will praise the LORD as long as I live; I
will sing praises to my God all my life long.”

For many schools and centers, this week will see the start of another
academic year. Even for those whose school years began in August,
there's still a sense of being at or near the starting gate. Unless your
setting is wildly different than most, the year ahead will offer times of
satisfaction and accomplishment, as well as times of challenge and
frustration. There will be those children who make our hearts sing for
joy, and those others who will earn the designation of "that kid" -- and
will get on our last nerve. And then there are the parents and
colleagues, the rooms and spaces, the breakthroughs and breakdowns.
In other words, life and mission lived in the midst of a world that can be
both breathtaking and exhausting -- and all at the same time!

The words of Psalm 146 verse 1, "I will praise the LORD as long as I live,"
couldn't be more appropriate to the season in which we find ourselves.
For though the school year may be new, the faithfulness of God is a
matter far longer and deeper. Through years, better or worse, joyful or
grievous -- every trip around the calendar is a cause and call for praise!

May all that we will do in God's service -- in classrooms and chapels,

conferences and interactions -- may every moment ahead be a moment
to lift God's grace in praise and proclaim the joy that Christ offers. In
every season, we "Praise the LORD!"

Reflect: As a new school year begins, what joys do you anticipate, and
what challenges do you expect to face? How, in the midst of it all, can
our life and work praise the LORD?

Pray: Dear God, help us to praise you in all that we do, whatever the
circumstances we may face. In the name of the Christ who is our
comfort and our hope. Amen.

Bill Hurst, for 20 years serving First Lutheran Church and School in Torrance,
CA, as its Early Education celebrates 50 years of service, and whose elementary
and middle school approaches its 70th Anniversary in 2027.
 September 15, 2024
Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost
Psalm 19:14

Growing up, our pastor began a sermon praying these words: Let the
words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to
you, O Lord. I thought these were magic words and that God could
change what the pastor was saying. As I grew older, I realized how much
prayer, reading, and thought are poured into each sermon.

As teachers, we are asked to respond quickly to children’s calls for help.

Two children had a pretend TV remote. “Miss Cindy, help. Evan keeps
changing the channel. Tell him to stop!”….. Let the words of my mouth
and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, O Lord.

The children were playing beauty parlor. One child cut a chunk of hair
out of another child’s head… Let the words of my mouth and the
meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, O Lord.

“Miss Cindy, help. Johnny said two girls can’t marry.”…..Let the words of
my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, O Lord.

After reading about Martha and Mary, Olivia said, “That wasn’t fair that
Mary was doing all the work; Mary should have helped her.”….. Let the
words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to
you, O Lord.

As educators, we don’t have a magic wand for what to say, but we do

have a God who is our rock and redeemer and can keep our hearts
loving and kind to those we serve.

Reflect: What other verses from the Bible can you think of that will
guide us and give us direction when working with children?

Pray: Dear God, Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my
heart be acceptable to you, my rock and my redeemer. Amen

Cindy Decker has worked as a teacher and director at St. Mark Lutheran Church
in Mt. Prospect, IL, and as a teacher at Messiah Lutheran Church in Park Ridge,
IL. She retired after 30 years and enjoys traveling, playing pickleball, and
gardening.
 September 22, 2024
Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost
God is my helper; it is the Lord who sustains my
life. (Psalm 54:4)

A fun exercise for your class, staff, or just yourself is to brain-dump all
the images of God you can think of. (Go ahead and spend the rest of this
time of devotion doing that now if you want!) How many could you
come up with without looking through the Bible? How many did you
add after?

God is my helper; we hear the psalmist breathe in the middle of their

prayer for help. It is a great gift to have a long, diverse, and powerful list
of images of God to draw from when you need a little help or
encouragement throughout the year. Maybe you don’t really need it
today…. but you know you will!

God is my helper, the upholder of my life. No doubt you have people to

help you and support you in your teaching, leading, and life, and yet it is
still an important part of faith to remember and give thanks for God’s
role as helper and the one who sustains your life. God is the reason we
try to do this work of Lutheran Christian Education anyway! We know
this truth of faith and desire to offer this to our students, staff, and
families.

We largely still do not know what this year holds for us as it unfolds, and
thanks be that what is ahead of us on the journey this year, God is there
to help and sustain us along the way! Peace and blessings in your
ministry!

Reflect: To whom do you look for help in challenging situations?

Pray: O God our helper, sustain my life with your unfailing love and give
me the grace and space to share your love by helping others. In Jesus'
name, Amen.

R. Adam Berndt, Albuquerque, NM, enjoys sharing the journey with his 10- and
7-year-old while serving as Pastor of the fun community of faith at Cross of
Hope Lutheran Church and School.
 September 29, 2024
Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost
Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22

We are CREATED TO BE generous like God. From the beginning, in

Genesis, we hear that we are imago dei, “created in the image of God.”
We learn throughout scripture that God is gracious and merciful, slow
to anger, and abounding in steadfast love. We learn that God is faithful
and keeps her covenants. We hear that God judges and offers radical
grace. List more attributes of God that come to mind…

So, as creatures made in God’s likeness, we, too, have these qualities
within us. We, too, are CREATED TO BE generous. In the book of Esther,
there is no mention of God. But the qualities of God are mentioned by
God’s people.

There is a celebration after Esther has bravely spoken to the powerful

king about the tragedy about to befall her people. However, the feast is
not just for Esther. It’s also not just for the people the king saved. The
food and presents were also given to the poor.

How often do we take time to give to the poor during our own
celebrations and Thanksgivings? Are the presents only for us? Are the
gifts and the food only for the “birthday girl?” What if every time we
threw a party, we also gave gifts to those in need? Who would you give
to locally: your congregation? Homeless shelter? Animal shelter?

By doing so, we not only remember that ALL gifts are from God but also
that our generosity reflects being made in God’s image.

Reflect: Esther’s story tells us of generosity. What will your story tell us
about the Divine, since you, too, are CREATED TO BE like God?

Pray: Holy Wisdom, Guide us daily to be more generous like you. Amen.

Pastor Janelle Rozek Hooper is the program manager for Ministry with Children
for the ELCA and serves as secretary on the ELEA board. She loves sharing
ministry with children tools at evescuriousgarden.org
 October 6, 2024
Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost
Psalm 26: 7-8 “singing aloud a song of thanksgiving,
and telling all your wondrous deeds.”

Whether the voices are loud or soft, on pitch or out of tune, children’s
singing brings music to my heart. Their enthusiasm for the lyrics and the
beat is irresistible and joyful! You can hear that “they love the house in
which the Lord dwells and the place where God’s glory abides” (Psalm
26: 8). I can even feel God smiling. Music is and always has been my
favorite part of chapel and worship time.

Like each of those voices has its own uniqueness, each of our children
was created by God “mysteriously complex, marvelously breathtaking,
and simply amazing” (Psalm 139: 14, The Passion Translation). God
thoroughly knows us and our students.

Take a moment today as you care for these young people to “see”
(really see!) their complexity and marvelousness as an amazing and
mighty miracle created lovingly by our God. Then, raise your voice in a
song of thanksgiving and praise for the incredible gift of the younger
generation that God shares with us and the world.

Reflect: What is your favorite chapel or worship song? (My favorite is

“This Little Light of Mine”-the jazzy version)

Pray: Thank you, God, for the gift of music and song. Bless each voice as
it is lifted in praise and thanksgiving to you. Amen.

Gaye Rodriguey, Coupeville, WA, Stephen Ministry Leader, Women’s Bible study
teacher, and lifelong learner.
 October 13, 2024
Twenty-First Sunday After Pentecost
Psalm 90:12-17

Psalm 90 is titled a prayer of Moses, the man of God. It is believed to be

authored by Moses and is known as one of the oldest psalms. In this
psalm, Moses was praying for the children of Israel. He had wandered
with them for 40 years in the wilderness. This was a long, difficult
journey, and in this psalm, he was praying that the children of Israel
might learn an important lesson. He wanted them to live wisely and be
dependent on God. Moses prayed for God’s blessing upon them.

This week, as you begin looking at your schedule, take a moment to

consider verse 12: “So teach us to count our days that we may gain a
wise heart.” Think about what it means for you to count your days
wisely. Some days, when we look at our busy schedules, it can feel as
though we, too, are wandering in the wilderness. We can feel drained
and overwhelmed just thinking about them. Rather than being
dependent on God, we can add so much to our schedule that we make
things difficult for ourselves. We forget to make what is most important
to us a priority.

Moses also prayed that “God’s steadfast love might satisfy us in the
morning so that we may rejoice and be glad all our days” (verse 14).
Perhaps reading this psalm every day this week would embed in our
hearts and minds an understanding of who God created us to be.

Reflect: Think about how you spend your time each day. How might you
ask God to help you schedule your time more wisely and effectively?

Pray: Lord God, may your favor be upon us. Help us to open our hearts
and minds to your presence in our lives so that we may fully be who you
created us to be. Amen.

Debbie Streicher is a Co-Director at Milestones Ministry, a certified coach,

a writer, speaker on the Lifelong Faith Team, and consultant for
the Gen-On Parenting Project.
 October 20, 2024
Twenty-Second Sunday after Pentecost
Job 38:7, Ps. 104:24

In today's text, God asks Job the question, "Were you there?" Job is
barraged with examples of God's creating power, which he is unaware
of and absent. Among them are the humbling, challenging, beautiful
words from Job:38:7. Were you there "when the morning stars sang
together, and the sons (children) of God shouted for joy?'"

You have heard the excitement in a child's voice when they proudly
proclaim what they want to be. As educators, we want each child to
become ALL they can BE. That said, whatever they become in human
terms or, yes, fail to become in the eyes of God, we are called to
enthuse and infuse them, whatever their stage or position in life, to
become morning stars, singing together and shouting out their creator's
praise. Middle school years are known as the "age of becoming." But
each of us renews every day that challenge to become and fulfill God's
creative purpose in our world and in our own lives. Psalm 104:24
proclaims that "the earth is full of thy riches." We are Created to Be part
of those riches.

Reflect: Who have YOU been Created to Be? Consider your own current
measure of "becoming" in the eyes of God, and then commit to greater
shouts of joy this year and throughout your life.

Pray: Help us, Lord, each and every one, to be morning stars. Help us,
Lord, as morning stars, to sing together. Help us, Lord, sing together as
your children and shout for joy! Help us, Lord, to see each other as you
see us, your riches of the earth.

Alan Feddersen, Oro Valley, AZ, lifelong Lutheran educator, having served as a
teacher, principal, and director of schools - Elgin, IL, Los Angeles, Hong Kong,
San Francisco, Sacramento, and Cleveland. In loving memory of my wife, Carole,
an educator who lived as a morning star with resounding shouts of joy.
 October 27, 2024
Twenty-third Sunday after Pentecost
Mark 10:51and Psalm 34:6

By now, you are established in your school routines. Halloween will be

fun and will change routines, for better or worse! Perhaps older kids will
even learn about the Reformation!

Halloween lets us put on masks and enjoy sweets, but these fun things
don’t cover the sadness of the issues that bother us.

In the Gospel story, Mark tells us that Jesus heals the man and allows
him to see again. In Psalm 34, the writer says that the man cried and
was heard and saved.

Our text contains stories and verses of encouragement about answered

and unanswered prayers. Even when prayers go unanswered, we can
find hope in Jesus' example of submitting to God's will. We are
challenged to trust that God's will is always for goodness, healing, relief,
and sight, even if our prayers are not directly answered.

May your students learn from your example as you cherish them for
their individual and unique beauty. May they know that they are loved
by God for who they are and that you love them, too.

Reflect: Think about what your students or colleagues need you to pray
for.

Pray: Pray for your students and colleagues who are suffering. Give
thanks for the good times.

The Rev. Beth Orling serves as interim pastor at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church,
Port Angeles, WA, which has a lovely preschool.
 November 3, 2024
Twenty-Fourth Sunday after Pentecost
Where you go, I will go; where you lodge, I will
lodge; your people shall be my people, and your
God my God. Ruth 1:16b

When I see the above verse and think of children, I think of the phrase,
“Bloom where you are planted.” Ruth is a terrific example of doing just
that. Not only does she follow her mother-in-law out of her own
country, but she also provides for them by gleaning the wheat in a field.
She was created to be a strong woman of valor and demonstrate fierce
love and loyalty.

Children serve as examples of how to bloom, and we have the

challenging and important job of providing good soil for them. They
come to us in various stages of growth, but overall, they are seedlings.
In just the one year we have with them, we see them become
something sturdier and stronger. We watch as they become ready to
take the next step.

We nurture them with prayers, faith, food, creativity, learning, safety,

joy, and, most importantly, love. We pray God provides a happy and
healthy environment for each child, and we know that is not always the
case. Our little seedlings are like Ruth; they will follow you everywhere
and be excited to be a part of your classrooms. Can we, too, do the
same and bloom where we are planted, love the child in front of us,
pray for them, and figure out what each seedling needs to grow?
Teachers, You are so important to each child. Thank you for all you do.
Let us provide good soil and bloom along with the children in our care!

Reflect: How can we provide good soil for our little ones?

Pray: Dear God, thank you for giving us seedlings to protect and
nurture. Help us nurture them so that they bloom under our care. Amen

Susan Dollinger, Pastor of Bethany Lutheran Church in Longview, WA, has

taught Sunday school and confirmation for multiple years. She has had a role
in every VBS for 15 years. She has a deep love for Godly Play and has taught it
to both children and adults.
 November 10, 2024
Twenty-Fifth Sunday after Pentecost
Psalm 127

Arrows can be unpredictable things. A gust of wind, a drop of rain, or

the smallest twitch in the muscle can change their whole trajectory. A
skilled archer tests the wind, evaluates distance, and even works to
calm their heart and slow their breath in order to launch an arrow
straight and true.

How appropriate, then, is the psalmist’s image of arrows for our

beloved children? We do our best to consider the winds of life ahead of
them, how far they have come, and how far they have to go, and we
who teach and love them certainly have to work to calm our hearts
occasionally! But no matter the care and planning we have done, our
greatest task is to let loose and allow them to fly. We are privileged and
commissioned to try to be the body of Christ -- Jesus’ hands, feet, heart,
and voice in their lives for a short time. We pray that the imprints we
have left will sustain them in their journey.

May we always remember that the children we are entrusted with are a
gift, a work, and a heritage of God. May we lovingly help them become
perfectly fitted for the unique ways they will bring about the future and
find joy in their lives? May we always be grateful that we were allowed
to pull back the bow and freely release it, trusting God to direct their
wild and beautiful flights.

Reflect: How can we use our own unique gifts and skills to launch
children without clinging too tightly to their expected trajectory? Are
there any expectations we need to let go of for the children in our lives
in order to celebrate the uniqueness that God has gifted them with?

Pray: Holy God, save us from the notion that the children we encounter
are anyone's but yours. Help and guide us as we seek to serve you by
tending them. We pray this and all things in the name of our beloved
Jesus. Amen

Chavaleh Forgey is the Pastor of Mount Cross Lutheran in University Place,

Washington. She has a deep and lifelong love of children and youth,
particularly serving them in musical settings.
 November 17, 2024
Twenty-Sixth Sunday after Pentecost
1 Samuel 1:4-20; 1 Samuel 2:1-10

Have you ever thought you wanted something so badly that you were
willing to make a deal? What if we let our thoughts pass, giving them
some time to settle and not respond so quickly to the desire at that
moment?

I believe we’d hear our heart’s true desire. Instead of wagering our way
to an outcome we think we want, we will have taken the time to discern
what our heart truly desires. It may be part of what we thought, a step
towards what we thought, but most of the time, it turns out to be a
fleeting thought, and when given time, it’s not truly what we want.

And what would have happened if we had made a deal for it? We gave
away something we had? If our desires change, would we get what we
are willing to give away back?

When we give our true desires to God, we speak from our hearts, and
we speak our truth. Although desires may change, God does not. We
put our faith in God and then wait patiently for an answer to our heart’s
desire to see what the outcome will be. That ought to comfort us,
knowing that we are always looked after because God is always there,
keeping us on our path.

Be like Hannah, speak your truth to God, but don’t be impatient,

envious, or resentful.

Reflect: Think about a time that you may have traded for something you
wanted in a spur-of-the-moment decision (an item or a promise to do
something). Now that time has passed, what would you have done
differently?

Pray: O Lord, please help me discern between wants and needs and
have the patience to hear my heart's true desire as it matches Your
desired outcome. Amen.

Kimberly Morse Julian is an office manager at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church,

Ephrata, WA. Her position supports the church pastor and ministries; she is a
Christian freelance writer and published author.
 November 24, 2024
Twenty-Seventh Sunday after Pentecost
2 Samuel 23:1-7

“What do you want to be when you grow up?” How often do we ask this
of our young learners? Our preschool features students’ answers in our
annual farewell ceremony. In addition to the answers from the popular
firefighter, doctor, mommy, and teacher, some of our favorites include
a mermaid, a pumpkin, and a lizard on the wall!

God has created each of us to be something special. Only part of our

purpose in life is whatever our career turns out to be. We, and our
students, have also been created to be friends, family members,
coworkers, and members of society. We were created to worship God,
and God created us for God’s pleasure. God delights in seeing us
achieve, create, learn, help, and give. God is also with us, loving and
supporting us when we struggle, hurt, and despair.

2 Samuel 23: 3-4 gives us another goal of what “to be.” A person who
treats others with justice and who makes decisions with God in mind is
compared to the first light of day. Such a person is like bright sunshine,
and the sunshine is reflected in the rain on the grass. We are created to
be such people, putting God first and working for justice, letting our
light shine before others, and seeing God’s light reflected back around
us.

Working in an ELEA school gives us an incredible opportunity every day

to see God’s light reflected in the faces of our students. Let us strive to
be the good role models of God’s love and justice that they need.

Reflect: What is special about the way God created you? How can you
share your gifts with others?

Pray: Dear God, You have created us to be so many different things.

Help us strive to put you at the center of our lives and to treat others
with dignity and respect. We want to reflect your light and love to all we
meet. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Melissa Roselle, Springfield, IL, lifelong Lutheran, currently in her second

decade serving as Director of St. John’s Lutheran Preschool
 December 1, 2024
First Sunday of Advent
1 Thessalonians 3:9-13
From an early age, we are enculturated and socialized to see
independence and uniqueness as the quintessential qualities we aspire
to be fulfilled, successful, happy, and admired.

Paul’s letter to the Christian community in Thessalonica encouraged

them to remember that they were wonderfully made and uniquely
gifted children of God and followers of Christ created to live in
community. They were to be alert to the influences that might draw
them away from being bold in exercising mutual love, care, and respect
— ways that foster healthy, joyful faith communities and societies.

Advent is when we remember and celebrate that we are loved and

reclaimed through the birth, life, suffering, death, and resurrection of
Jesus, the son of God and our Redeemer. Jesus is the one who liberates
us from that which binds us to identities and self-images that we’ve
acquired, been enculturated into, or have had imposed on us and that
pull us away from each other and from who we are created to be —
beloved children of God and siblings in Christ created to love and care
for one another and be bearers of love in the world.

Helping students understand and embrace their uniqueness and

become more independent is essential, but it’s not the be-all and end-
all. It’s more important than ever to teach, practice, and model a life
that abounds in love and respect for one another — friends, strangers,
and enemies alike.

Reflect: How do we counter and reshape the influences and persuasive

voices that work to pit us against each other and separate us? How can
we support each other in doing this difficult work?

Pray: Creator God, remind us daily of who we are created to be in this

world — children of God and followers of Jesus who look to the
example and teachings of Jesus for how to love, forgive, respect, and
care for each other. Amen

Rod Boriack, Des Plaines, IL, served on ELCA churchwide Outdoor Ministry
and Youth Ministry staff and now writes Prayer Ventures for the ELCA.
 December 8, 2024
Second Sunday of Advent
Malachi 3:1-4

The Prophet, Malachi (which means my messenger in Hebrew), was

trying to get the attention of the people by writing a message from the
Lord. This was written during a turbulent time for the Jews. They
returned to Jerusalem for about 80 years and rebuilt the temple. Even
with all that back into place, the people were falling away from God,
and their commitment to worshiping and serving God was at a low
point. The people wondered why their difficult life had not really
changed. After the temple was rebuilt, they expected the promises and
visions of the prior prophets to be fulfilled. The people questioned the
value of serving God when those who did not serve God continued to
prosper. They were looking for justice. God's message through Malachi
was to let them know, just as God had promised from the beginning,
God indeed had a plan. Justice would prevail when sins are cleansed,
and we are made new.

In this passage, two similes were used for references to purifying and
cleaning. The refiner's fire was used to melt the silver to burn away all
the impurities. The fuller's job was to use strong soap to remove the
stains on the wool. God sent His Son to fulfill this promise to take away
our impurities and wash away our sins. During this season of Advent,
may we prepare our hearts to receive the Savior who was sent for us
and worship God for the promises Jesus has fulfilled.

Reflect: During this busy Advent season, are you preparing room in your
heart for the Savior Jesus Christ?

Pray: Heavenly Father, thank you for the love you have for us. A love
that is so strong that you sent your son to be our Savior. Thank you for
looking upon us during this Advent season and offering us peace. In
Christ's name, we pray. Amen

Becky Popio, Uniontown, Ohio, has served a vital congregation for over 17 years
as the children's and family ministry coordinator and supports the infant-school
child development center.
 December 15, 2024
Third Sunday of Advent
Zephaniah 3:14 - 20

The school was abuzz with Christmas joy. Kid-made stars shimmered on
the sanctuary walls, and a hand-crafted stable scene was up at the
front. As smiling parents and grandparents took their seats, devoted
teachers lined up the kids, adjusting sheep ears, royal crowns, and
haloes as necessary.

As the procession began, it seemed that everyone was rejoicing, except

for one little wailing person who could be heard even over the jingle of
carols. Moments later, up the aisle came my three-year-old, completely
distraught in her sparkly halo and wonky wings.

With her teacher’s blessing, I scooped my daughter into my lap and

said, “It’s okay. You can stay with me.” Soon, snuggled in our quiet love,
a sense of contentment and joy returned. Do you ever feel like the
grown-up version of that little angel—sad, anxious, grieving,
overwhelmed, exhausted— or some other variation of un-joyful? If so,
take heart because today’s passage is for you!

From Zephaniah, it is a call to rejoice because the King is “in your midst”
to “save the lame and gather the outcast,” to free us from “the
judgments against us” and to, as it says so beautifully in the NIV, to
“quiet you with his love.” And who is this King? JESUS!

King Jesus is in our midst. Now, that is something to be joyful about!

Will you let Him quiet you with His love today and always?

Reflect: What does it mean to you that Jesus is in your midst? How can
you include him in whatever situation you face today?

Pray: Dear Lord, Thank You for sending Jesus into the messiness of our
daily lives. Quiet me now with Your love and surround me with a
calming sense of Your presence as I rejoice in the wonderful gift of
Jesus, whose birth we celebrate this season. Amen

Laura Sassi, Cranford, NJ, author of faith-filled books for children, including My
Tender Heart Devotions, Little Ewe and Goodnight, Manger and a grateful
parent of a graduate of Calvary Nursery School and Day Care in Cranford, NJ.
 December 22, 2024
Fourth Sunday of Advent
Luke 1:41

The winter holidays are a time of joy-filled greetings—to loved ones

returning home, to well-deserved breaks from work and school, and to
a change in pace and priorities. As Christians, our most important joy-
filled greeting this season is just around the corner. On Christmas Eve,
we will greet the baby Jesus, God-made flesh, the One who will redeem
our broken world.

Mary and Elizabeth are the first bearers of this joy-filled greeting. After
her conversation with the angel Gabriel, Mary hurriedly went to
Elizabeth’s house to tell her the news of the incarnation. Simply at the
sound of Mary’s voice, the child leaped inside Elizabeth’s womb, and
Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit was at work
even in something as seemingly simple as a joy-filled greeting. Like
Elizabeth, each of us is filled with the Holy Spirit, and we are filled with
joy as we prepare to joyfully greet the newborn Christ-child.

In the final days of this Advent season, this joy of the Lord is practically
palpable. Soon, we will gather with joy at Jesus’ manger side and sing
“Silent Night.” But this joy of the Lord is not reserved for Christmas Eve
alone. The Holy Spirit is continually at work — from the beginning of
creation to the joy-filled greetings between Mary and Elizabeth to
today. Even now, the Holy Spirit is still at work, moving and sparking joy
in our hearts. The joy of the Lord is here: it’s real, it’s alive, and it lives in
you.

Reflect: Who has shared the joy of the Lord with you this week?
Consider sending them a card or saying a prayer of gratitude for them
today.

Pray: Loving God, thank you for filling us with the Holy Spirit. Help us
share the joy of this good news and the love of your Son, Jesus Christ, in
all we do and say. Amen.

Cassandra Nagle, The Woodlands, TX, serves as the Associate Pastor at

Lord of Life Lutheran Church and is a board member of its
preschool Kids of the Kingdom.
 December 29, 2024
First Sunday after Christmas Day
1 Samuel 2:18-20,26

Merry Christmas! As I wrestled with this passage, how does it connect

with “Created to Be”? What is it saying? Then, the light bulb went off.

Samuel was created through Elkanah and Hannah, as Jesus was created
through Mary. When Samuel was born to Elkanah and Hannah, they
dedicated Samuel to be given to the Lord as an answered prayer. He
was raised in the temple and ministered to those who came to worship.
Elkanah and Hannah continued to make their yearly pilgrimage to offer
their sacrifice, and Hannah provided a new ephod for Samuel.

Samuel was created to be a minister who would talk about the Lord and
how the people were to live. We are all created in God's image and have
our unique and special gifts. We are to listen to the Lord and take God’s
lead. God is calling each of us to them.

Reflect: How is God calling you? What special gift do you have? How can
we help the children we are teaching find their calling?

Pray: Lord, help us to find why we were created. Help us to share our
gifts with our staff, families, and children in our programs. Help us to
support those who have found calls. Amen

Michelle Schaffer, Norwalk, OH, has served as director of

Christian Day Nursery School for 17 years.
 January 5, 2025
Second Sunday after Christmas Day
Jeremiah 31:7,10b

Jeremiah, known as "The Weeping Prophet," cried when having to give

the message of God's justice for Israel's disobedience. He speaks now
about his other commission - deliver God's message of grace and hope
to the remnants. God called Jeremiah to be a prophet. Young and
knowledgeable, Jeremiah didn't feel he had the necessary skills to
prophesy to Israel and foreign nations. International ministry was NOT
what he would have chosen. Did God argue with him or disqualify him
by his age or skills? NO!! God touched Jeremiah's lips to give him divine
Words. The once unwilling vessel prophesized 40+ years despite
challenges, imprisonment, and captivity.

We all have a calling. We need to understand that not only does God
have a plan for us, God CREATED us for said purpose. As Creator, He
gave us gifts to do it. We must TRUST GOD to help us to know when,
where, and how to use them. You are neither too young to be used by
God nor to realize the gift(s) He gave you and how to use them for
God’s glory.

I'm reminded of a personal mantra on a Post-It in my nephew's room

while participating in the Utah Shakespeare Festival. It read, "Nothing to
prove...Only to share!" You don't have to prove to anyone who God
created you to be; just be the SALT of the earth: share your gifts,
appreciate others’ gifts, love without expectation of its return, and
treasure everyone – God created them, too.

Reflect: Do you know your God-given gift(s)? How have you been able
to use your gift(s) for God's glory?

Pray: Heavenly Father, you created me and know for what purpose you
did. Help me walk boldly, courageously, and confidently to fulfill said
purpose. Help me to move my feet as you guide my path. Help me, Lord,
to be all you created me to be! In Jesus' name. Amen.

Sandra F. Nelson, Broadview, IL, Business Administrator for Holy Family School-
Chicago (7 years). Have served for over 26 years as a Youth Leader at United
Baptist Church and as the Director of God's Precious Children (Bible Study) and
Vacation Bible School ministries.
 January 12, 2025
First Sunday After Epiphany
Isaiah 43:1-7

There is good news today. God has made a New Year’s resolution and
included each of you in that resolution. Imagine God looking directly
into your eyes and saying, “I have made a New Year’s resolution for you.
I have resolved that in 2025, and ever after that, I will be with you. I will
call you by your favorite name. When you feel like all the currents of the
river of life are flowing against you, I will help you swim upstream.
When things get hot in 2025, I’ll cool them off. You are really precious to
me.”

These are not the words of a fellow teacher, director, principal, or

parent. These are real words of a real God who, in Christ, is reclaiming
this New Year’s resolution, which the Almighty One has carried out for
centuries. Hear them again. “My resolution is to be with you. Always! “

Reflect: If you were alone with Jesus today, and he looked into your
eyes and said, ”I have resolved to do something very special for you this
year.” For what would you ask?

Pray: Lord, keep me from being afraid of anything, including angry

parents, health challenges, spiritual doubts, burning fires, and rising
rivers… Let me hear your voice daily saying, “I resolve to be with you,
help you, and bless you. In God’s name, we pray.

Mel Kieschnick, now living in retirement in San Diego, has spent more
than 70 years as a colleague to all in Lutheran Education, both
nationally and internationally.
 January 19, 2025
Second Sunday after the Epiphany
Isaiah 62:1a, "For Zion’s sake, I will not keep silent."
This reading sounds like God is ensuring we are basking in great joy,
hope, and the excitement of life forever with God! One of the first
images that came to my mind was standing on the sidewalk outside our
elementary school when I saw the side doors to the school erupt with
the presence of running Kindergarten and First graders as they raced to
the playground for recess. While they raced, everyone was screaming at
the top of their lungs in pure joy.

I’d watched that many times before, but on this day, I was struck with
the wonder of these little people running with the greatest excitement
toward the playground, their refuge of fun, laughter, and play.

This passage begins with, “Regarding Zion, I can’t keep my mouth shut.”
Biblical references tell us that Zion is used to describe a place
designated by the Lord where followers can live and serve God.

Could our Zion be where we are? Isn’t that always where God is, too?
So, no matter our circumstances, we can still live in our refuge of faith
and experience fun, laughter, and play as children of God. Would God
not want it any other way? Despite the woes of the world, we can still
run toward our holy playground, which is the hope we have in a God
who is love! We run, screaming with joy, laughing with hope, and fall
into a gracious God’s open arms of love!

Reflect: What mantra can you design to remind you that Zion, the place
where we can live and serve God, is everywhere in every part of our
day? Then, use it in places that are often difficult, like the teacher’s
lounge, staff meetings, parent meetings, and contentious student
challenges.

Pray: Gracious God, we dwell on your holy playground where peace,

hope, and joy abide. Your presence is love, and may we always serve
you with grateful hearts.

Dr. Kris Meyer, Rochester, MN, served as principal of St. Paul's Lutheran School
in Waverly, IA. Part-time retired, Kris is on faculty with Buena Vista University,
teaching school counseling.
 January 26, 2025
Third Sunday after the Epiphany
Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10

When God's people returned home to Jerusalem after being exiled to

Babylon, everything that had formed their identity as a people had been
destroyed. The Temple, which served as the very center of their Jewish
faith, lay in ruins. Without the Temple, what would be their center? The
source of their identity? Their way to encounter God's presence?

The priest, Ezra, holds the answer in his hands. He carries into their
presence the Torah, God's Word to and for God's people. Ezra reads
from the book in the presence of the assembly. When he opens the
book, the people stand to honor the presence of God in their midst.
Ezra declares, "This day is holy to the Lord your God; do not mourn or
weep."

From that day forward, the Jewish people became a people of the book,
formed and fashioned by God's Word. Christians, too, are a people of
the book, formed and fashioned by God's Word in both the Old and
New Testaments. As we read and study God's Word, the Holy Spirit
works in our lives, shaping us into the people we were created to be.

As we gather in worship around the reading, hearing, and preaching of

God's Word, we encounter God's presence in Jesus, the Word made
Flesh, the Word Incarnate, God's Word made real. The rhythm of
weekly worship and daily Scripture reading patterns our lives of faith
and discipleship to Jesus. Centering our lives on the Word of God
contained in Holy Scripture reminds us who and whose we are. It leads
us to Jesus and, in so doing, strips us of all false notions of who we
might be and clothes us with our true identity in Christ as beloved
children of God.

Reflect: Is God's Word the center of your life? If not, what needs to
change?

Pray: Speak your Word to us, O God, that we might know Jesus in
whom we live, move, and have our entire being. Amen.

Bishop Greg Busboom, Springfield, IL, bishop of the Central/Southern

Illinois Synod of the ELCA
 February 2, 2025
Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany
Jeremiah 1:9

Coaching is a key component of our work with children. We explain,

model, and provide guided practice, then watch our students
independently practice new skills. Each child approaches independent
practice differently, but everyone needs encouragement to get things
done. For divergent learners, we might spend the bulk of our day giving
verbal encouragement and a variety of non-verbal cues. We smile. We
touch a shoulder. We whisper: Good job! Keep going! Nice Work! Great!
Followed by fist bumps. High 5’s, and hundreds of stamps and stickers.

God does the same for each of us. The Bible provides the lesson, Christ
models for us, and the Church guides our practice. Ultimately, we must
live our lives independently and with integrity. We look for signs of
encouragement, and the Holy Spirit never fails to provide something.

As we learn to have faith and act gracefully throughout our lives, we

accept the call and the commission to teach, guide, and coach the
children in our care. The words or the methodology come to reach even
the hardest kids. “Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver
you.” We all make mistakes, but we get up and try again with confidence
and grace until we make things work. Pass this lesson to our students:
believing and persevering with grace brings heavenly joy. The Lord has
put the words in your mouth.

Reflect: How does the power of faith and the grace of Christ shape the
way I teach, coach, and encourage my students, especially when they
miss the mark? How can this all be done with joy?

Pray: Good and gracious God, infuse me with your Spirit so that I might
share it with others as I move through a day of teaching, modeling, and
practicing what the profession's standards require. May my joy for
wisdom and understanding, knowledge and counsel, and all the gifts of
the Spirit flow to my students and their families in all that I do. Amen.

Chris Comella has been a teacher and school administrator for over 40 years
and currently serves as Principal of Saint Luke Academy in Chicago's Lakeview
neighborhood. Chris has served on the ELEA Board and was the 2018 ELEA
Principal of the Year.
 February 9, 2025
Fifth Sunday After the Epiphany
Isaiah 6:1-8 NRSV

The prophet Isaiah in 6:1-8 describes our creator, the Lord (God), as too
large for the temple. Scholars describe the Lord as sitting on a 15-foot-
tall throne with flowing robes overwhelming the space. Gigantic flying
cobras known as seraphs—also perhaps 15 feet long—tend to the Lord.
The Lord’s glory frightens them, and they protect their faces with their
wings.

Isaiah feels lost (silenced), inadequate, and unclean in God’s larger-

than-life presence: “Woe is me!” (6:5). A seraph touches Isaiah’s mouth
with a live coal to cleanse Isaiah’s guilt and sin. Isaiah becomes a new
creation. He wants to go and tell the people of Israel about the Lord,
who cannot be contained in a building. Isaiah desires God’s presence,
love, forgiveness, and hope for everyone: “Send me!” (6:8b).

Like Isaiah, God creates you and your students to share God’s love with
the world outside your learning centers. God creates us all with the
potential to serve as courageous and real free thinkers, innovators, and
learners in a rapidly changing world. No burning coal is necessary!
Instead, the waters of baptism are freely offered, reminding us that we
all can be created anew to be God’s children. We are called to share
God’s love with the world, and each of us is enough! Per that famous
saying, “God does not call the equipped. God equips the called.” Or, as
God’s seraph’s touch transforms Isaiah’s words from “Woe is me” to
"Send me!”

Reflect: What is God doing that is courageous and real in each of us as

we share God's love in the world? Please share what you see in other
staff members and students!

Pray: Gracious God, you create us and send us out to spread your love
and hope in the world. Like Isaiah, help us to draw comfort and
inspiration from your transforming and larger-than-life presence with us
all. AMEN

Pastor Karl Biermann is a legacy/generosity planner with the ELCA Foundation in

IN, KY, OH, and MI. He previously served as a bishop's assistant and a parish pastor.
Pastor Karl is happy that these roles involved supporting children's ministries.
 February 16, 2025
Sixth Sunday after the Epiphany
Jeremiah 17:5-10

Jeremiah reminds us of the true source of security and blessing in a

world that often values self-reliance and human strength. He paints a
vivid picture of the contrast between those who trust in human power
and those who place their confidence in the Lord. Trusting in human
strength alone, Jeremiah warns, is like a bush in the desert, withering
under the scorching sun and bearing no fruit. But those who trust in the
Lord are like trees planted by streams of water, deeply rooted and
flourishing even amid adversity. The imagery of a tree by the water
illustrates the steadfastness and resilience that comes from trusting in
God. Just as the roots of a tree draw nourishment from the water, our
souls find sustenance and strength in God's presence. When the heat of
trials and challenges comes, we need not fear, for our trust in God
anchors us securely, enabling us to remain green and fruitful even in
difficult seasons. Trusting in the Lord doesn't exempt us from hardships,
but it promises us stability and resilience through them. As we lean on
God and God’s promises, we discover a peace that transcends
circumstances and a strength that sustains us through every storm.

So today, let us examine where we place our trust. Are we relying solely
on our own abilities and resources, or are we entrusting our lives to the
faithful and unchanging God? May we root ourselves in God, drawing
deeply from God’s grace and finding our strength and security in God’s
unfailing love.

Reflect: Are we relying solely on our own abilities and resources, or are
we entrusting our lives to the faithful and unchanging God?

Pray: God of Grace, help us to trust in You wholeheartedly, knowing

that You are our source of strength and security. Teach us to rely not on
our own understanding but to acknowledge You in all our ways,
confident that You will direct our paths. May we be like trees planted by
streams of water, flourishing in Your presence and bearing fruit in every
season. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Deacon Darcy Mittelstaedt, New Braunfels, TX, has served as the Bishop's
Associate for Leadership and Lifelong Faith Formation in the Southwestern
Texas Synod of the ELCA for the past five years.
 February 23, 2025
Seventh Sunday after the Epiphany
Genesis 45:3-11, 15

Joseph’s story, found in Genesis 37 and 39–50, is an exciting tale of sin,

suffering, and God’s behind-the-scenes work. But, like many exciting stories,
very few of us would want to live it. Joseph’s path led him from death threats
to slavery to imprisonment before experiencing God’s amazing triumph.

His experiences during those eventful twenty years led Joseph to see the good
that resulted from his brothers’ despicable actions. This doesn’t excuse what
they did, but it inspired Joseph to be gracious to his brothers as God had been
gracious to him—and to the world. I don’t think that it’s much of a stretch to
say that Joseph was able to forgive his brothers because of the freedom he had
in God’s goodness.

It’s often unhelpful, sometimes even harmful, to tell someone who is suffering
that God has a purpose for their suffering or will bring good out of it. It is far
better to assure them that God is always with them as God was with Joseph.
Then, act as God’s representative and accompany them in their suffering. After
their suffering has ended, then you can gently ask them what good things—
positive growth—came out of that experience.

Reflect: What is something good that has come from an experience of suffering
in your life?

Pray: God, thank you for your presence with us through good times and bad.
Help us to feel your comfort and inspire us to be that comfort for others.
Amen.

Gregory Rawn, Pleasant Prairie, WI, is a proud parent of two and publisher of
easy-to-use, theologically sound, and inclusive faith formation resources for
schools and congregations through his company Spirit & Truth Publishing.
 March 2, 2025
Transfiguration Sunday
Exodus 34:29-35

There was just something a little different about him now, wasn’t
there?! This was a shine that could not be tamed down with a little
blotting paper! This was a full-on shine, and it was apparent to everyone
but Moses. It was not a source of embarrassment, though.

It was not the shine of an oily-skinned teenager, but I imagine it more

like the shine on the face of an expectant mother. You know, that “lit
from within” glow that everyone seems to notice!

Except with Moses, it was not so much “lit from within.” Rather, the
glow on his countenance was a side effect of talking with God. Think of
it like a “lit-from-within” pregnancy glows x1000!

The people, whom Moses often referred to as “stiff-necked,” could not

help but recognize that something was different and special. Moses had
talked with God, and God had agreed to show steadfast love and
faithfulness once again.

Just as the people “read” Moses’ face and sensed the important
moment even before a word crossed Moses’ lips, we too can enter
deeper into the practice of noticing. Who might need us to notice them
today, to notice the expression on their face that hints at a story longing
to be heard?

Reflect: The visual is just as important as the verbal. How can you
"read" the deeper emotions of a person by taking in their facial
expression and body language?

Pray: Loving God awaken all our senses and help us to notice all the
things that otherwise might be missed or overlooked. Help us care for
and tend to others with the same great love you have shown us. Amen.

Maren Hooper is an ELCA pastor in the Greater Milwaukee Synod. She has
served nine congregations through the work of Interim Ministry.
 March 5, 2025
Ash Wednesday
Isaiah 58:1-12

Lent can often cause us to turn inward. In additional time of prayer or

scripture reading, we find ourselves trying to return to God with our
whole hearts and repair our relationship. But we are not created to be
introspective. In Christ, we are confident that our relationship with God
is just fine. Our life of faith, our very being, is not one that worries about
ourselves as individuals with God. We are created to be in a relationship
not just with God but with one another and with the communities in
which we find ourselves. From the beginning, God looks at the creature
of earth and declares that “it is not good for that one to be alone,” and
creates a companion. Community is at the very heart of what we are
created to be.

So many of our communities—whether our schools, our congregations,

or the neighborhoods in which we are located—are not whole. Where
there is need, when there is oppression, the community is not whole.
There is a divide; there is a breach in the community that was created to
be whole. When we take time to face our neighbors, open our hearts to
others, open our hearts to embrace and draw together, we live into just
who we are created to be: repairers of the breach and restorers of
streets to live in.

Reflect: In what ways is God working through you to restore the

wholeness of your community?

Pray: Holy One, through Jesus, you restore us to a loving relationship

with you. Turn us then, open our eyes, open our hearts, open our hands
to our neighbor, and restore the wholeness of our community so that all
may know your love through us. Amen.

Jay Mitchell (he/him), Erie, PA, is pastor of Luther Memorial Church and
Academy--known as "Pastor Jay" in the halls of LMA. Luther Memorial Academy
is celebrating its 48th year of helping its K-8 students to grow:
"In wisdom, in stature, in favor with God, and in favor with others,"
taking the example of Jesus in Luke 2:52.
 March 9, 2025
First Sunday in Lent
Deuteronomy 6:1-11

One of the interesting things to note in the text for today is The Great
Shema, in verse 4. The Shema is the central affirmation of faith for the
Jewish people. It is often the first section of Scripture a Hebrew child
learns. It is called by the first Hebrew word in the verse, “Shema” or
“Hear”.

In English, we read:
4
Hear, O Israel: The LORD is our God, the LORD alone. And in
transliterated Hebrew: Shema Yisrael, Adonai Eloheinu, Adonai echad.
And then in verse 5 we read the words quoted by Christ in the Gospel of
Matthew, chapter 22: 37 He said to him, "'You shall love the Lord your
God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.'
38
This is the greatest and first commandment.”

Reflect: There is a movement for secular schools to teach the Bible as

an important historical document. It is certainly that for the Jewish,
Islamic and Hebrew communities of faith. But beyond the historical
significance, the Bible is a book of faith – of Our Creator’s faithfulness to
Creation and her creatures, including us. And of our attempts at
faithfulness, righteousness and unity.

Above all, the Holy Word is the cradle for the Christ who has revealed
this Creator God, the One Holy God whom we worship, who is to be
worshiped above and differentiated from all other gods or idols or
beliefs.

Pray: Creator God – heavenly Father, teach us to follow you more

closely and love you more dearly so that we are freed in Christ to love
those whom you love and serve where you have called us to serve.
Amen.

Pastor Marcia Schultz; Grace Lutheran Church, Gulf Shores, Alabama.

Graduate of Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary, Columbia, SC.
Class of 2008.
 March 16, 2025
Second Sunday in Lent
Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18

Promises are important to all of us, children and adults. In Genesis 15,
God makes big promises to Abram about his descendants. Abram seems
to have difficulty believing God wants to use him to create something
new, so God makes a covenant with Abram. In ancient times, covenants
were “cut,” literally. The verb, to cut, appears almost 90 times in the
Hebrew Bible. It’s where the term “to cut a deal” originates.

Abram is very familiar with this practice and knows what to do. He
brings the requested items, cuts them in two, and arranges the halves
opposite each other. God then tells Abram what will happen to his
people, and the sun sets. A smoking firepot with a blazing torch appears
in the darkness and passes between the pieces as a sign of God's
presence. God invites Abram to trust and believe God has his best
interests in mind. God assures Abram that God will be faithful and
seek a right relationship —a relationship with a God who is good, kind,
and generous. This is totally new for the people of Abram’s time and
represents a shift in how people viewed the divine.

As we understand who we are “Created To Be” in our lives and in our

roles within ELCA Schools and Early Learning Centers, let us remember
this covenant and the invitation to trust and believe that God is good all
the time.

Reflect: Relationships between churches and their ministries - especially

schools and early learning centers- can sometimes be challenging. How
can covenants or promises illuminate the spirit of the divine in your
ministry setting?

Pray: Good and faithful God, we number ourselves among the stars
Abram viewed. Challenge us to create something new, knowing you
believe in us like you believed in Abram. Remind us that we are created
to be courageous, real, free thinkers, innovators, and learners. Bless our
ministry and our covenant with you. Amen.

Linda Chambers, St. Augustine, FL, serves as both Chapel School director and
director of Family Ministry at Memorial Lutheran Church. She is a former Secretary
of the ELEA National Board and ELCA Early Childhood Director of the Year in 2015.
 March 23, 2025
Third Sunday in Lent
Isaiah 55:1-9.

You have probably seen the ongoing series of commercials for a major
credit card company. One of them from the late 1990s goes like this:
Two tickets: $28.00. Two hot dogs, two popcorn, and two sodas: $18.00.
One autographed baseball: $45.00. Real conversation with 11-year-old
son: priceless. There are some things money can’t buy. For everything
else, there’s MasterCard.

The commercial, of course, makes an emotional appeal to the truth that

there are indeed things that money cannot buy. Still, the ad asserts,
money is necessary. It even implies that perhaps it's necessary to help
one experience the things that money can’t buy!

Today’s reading from Isaiah counters the assertion of that credit card
commercial. In God’s kingdom, there is no cost. There is no charge for
admission. God loves freely and lavishly. Without payment. Without
price. And where God’s love is given and received, God’s love is shared,
even with disobedient children. Sometimes, those children are us, even
with the stingy children. Again, sometimes those children are us, even
with the children who are poky or pesky, unkempt or unruly, noisy or
nosy. Once again, sometimes us.

Admission to the Kingdom of God: $0.00. The Lord’s Supper: $0.00.

Being named as a child of God in baptism: $0.00. God’s steadfast love
and mercy: Priceless. Always.

Reflect: Where is God calling you to share your love and gifts more
freely?

Pray: Loving and gracious God, forgive us for forgetting that your love is
offered without payment or price. Help us to grow in your grace so that
we may more freely share your love for the sake of your kingdom. In the
name of Jesus, who paid the price so we might experience the priceless
gift of grace. Amen.

Linda Strader is the Pastor of Outreach and Discipleship at

St. John's Lutheran Church, Springfield, Illinois. Prior to entering
seminary, Linda was a special educator and school counselor.
 March 30, 2025
Fourth Sunday in Lent
Joshua 5:9-12

One of my college friends would regularly pause in the middle of a walk

or conversation to say, “Stop! Appreciate.” Pointing to something
interesting, she invited an interruption in life’s busyness, calling us to
pay attention to the world around us and thank God for the little
moments that give life its flavor.

After forty years of wilderness wandering after their escape from

slavery in Egypt, the Israelites finally entered the land God had
promised to them. In Joshua 5, the first thing they do after crossing the
Jordan River is to stop and celebrate a holiday. Imagine the excitement
they must have felt after forty years of wilderness wandering, awaiting
the fulfillment of God’s promise. Yet once they arrive, the whole
community stops to give thanks. Together, they celebrate the Passover
festival, sharing the story of how God has been faithful to them in the
past, reminding each other to appreciate how far God has brought
them.

We, too, regularly mark milestones such as Christmas, Easter, the first
100 days of school, birthdays, and many more. On a smaller scale,
rituals happen each day in classrooms and homes, perhaps by gathering
in a circle to discuss what we did yesterday and then presenting
something new for today. In these rituals, we have a powerful
opportunity to pause and appreciate what God has done for us thus far.
And in that remembering and appreciating, we prepare to live into who
God has created us to be.

Reflect: What rituals do you celebrate in your home? In your classroom?

How do these rituals provide encouragement to you?

Pray: Faithful God, you have brought us to this time and place, and we
are grateful. Open our eyes to notice and share glimpses of your loving
care all around us. Amen

Pastor Daniel Flucke serves at Christ the King and Living Hope Lutheran
Churches in Port Washington and Saukville, Wisconsin, and Here We Grow
Preschool and Childcare Center, a ministry of Living Hope.
 April 6, 2025
Fifth Sunday in Lent
Isaiah 43:18-19

It is springtime! In many parts of the country, April provides hints of

what is to come- beautiful flowers, warmer temperatures, and longer
days. After a cool, grey winter, Creator God offers new life that sustains
us, “I am about to do a new thing.” Spring is coming, and even a small
glimpse creates a spark of joy and renewed energy.

Everyone faces challenges and moments of grey winter in our lives.

Students’ learning goals can be challenging, and outside influences can
distract them. Teachers and administrators work hard to provide
learning environments that are meaningful but are pulled in many
directions. These moments can feel overwhelming. We can become
defeated. Like those hints of spring, we can use a word of hope. Hope
that offers “confident expectation” or “assurance of the possibility” as
stated in dictionary definitions. Hope that provides encouragement to
look forward.

In verse 19, the reader hears a word of hope from God, “I will make a
way in the wilderness.” God goes with us, providing what we need every
day. As teachers and administrators, we can share this hopeful
perspective with those we encounter- students, parents, colleagues. We
can offer a glimpse of light on those tough days and every day.

Reflect: How have you experienced God’s provision of hope in the midst
of your week, your month? How have you offered this hope to those
around you?

Pray: Creator God, we thank you for the hopeful signs of spring
provided year after year. Thank you for the gift of hope. Help us to
share it with others. Amen.

Amy Cauble, Sioux Falls, SD, serving an active ELCA preschool for eight years.
Our preschool strives to share the love of God, the love of learning, and the love
of friends with their community and neighbors.
 April 13, 2025
Sixth Sunday in Lent
Luke 19:28-40

We are Created To Be: LOUD! This text means for me, for you, that we
are created and invited to shout, praise, and sing — HOSANNA!

H - hear today from Luke’s accord

O - of a colt carrying our Lord
S - songs of praise were lifted high
A - as Jesus, Savior, rode on by
N – now, this means we, too, can praise
N - now the young, the old can raise
A - all shouts: Hosanna! All our days

Reflect: When have you, or the kids you tend to, been so excited that
you couldn’t keep silent? (Like 19:40)

Pray: Lord, hear our shouts: the joyful ones and the desperate ones. Fill
us with a love that cannot be kept silent. Amen.

Deacon Emily Myallis, Lititz, PA. Children’s Minister to the St Paul Lutheran
Church and Christian Early Learning Center.
 April 17, 2025
Maundy Thursday
Psalm 139:13-16

Psalm 139:13-16 emphasizes that every child is intricately formed by

God, with unique value and purpose. This calls educators to recognize
and celebrate every child's inherent worth, guiding them according to
God's plan.

This passage prompts those who work with children to create inclusive,
nurturing, and affirming environments where every child feels valued,
accepted, and empowered to fulfill their God-given potential. It also
reminds us to approach each child with patience, compassion, and love,
recognizing the sacredness of their journey and the immense
responsibility of shaping their future.

In a bustling pre-k classroom, Ms. Sandra noticed Alec, lost in thought.

"Mrs. Sandra, do you think God made me?" he asked. With a warm
smile, she nodded. "Yes, Alec, God carefully crafted each of us like an
artist creating a masterpiece." Alec's eyes widened. "But what if I'm not
good at anything?" Ms. Sandra reassured him, "Being fearfully and
wonderfully made doesn't mean being the best at everything. It means
you're uniquely you, with your own special gifts." Alec's face lit up with
understanding. From that moment on, he approached each task with
newfound confidence, embracing his individuality. Ms. Sandra, inspired
by Psalm 139, celebrated the uniqueness of each child, knowing that in
their diversity, God's love and purpose were beautifully revealed.

Reflect: How can we honor the uniqueness of each individual in our

community or classroom, recognizing their inherent value and purpose
as part of God's intricate design?

Pray: Gracious God, may we find solace in knowing that each of us is

fearfully and wonderfully made, and on this Maundy Thursday, may we
embrace the depth of your love as we reflect on our purpose in your
divine plan. Amen.

Mary Kandilian, Granada Hills, CA, serves as the Director for Bethlehem
Lutheran Church and School. Mary is the recipient of the ELEA 2024
Distinguished Educational Leader of the Year.
 April 18, 2025
Good Friday
Isaiah 52:13-53:12

It can be hard to reconcile the transformational, life-giving power of

the crucified Christ. For generations, God’s people had waited for a
Savior- the Messiah- to come and liberate God’s people from
oppression and injustice. For Jesus’ disciples, the image of Jesus nailed
to the cross is inverse to the triumphant nature of God’s promised
Savior. Sure, the body of Jesus is lifted up—high on the hill of Golgotha
for all to see. This isn’t the image of death’s defeat the disciples had in
mind. Despite Jesus’ teaching and preparation of his disciples for his
impending death, the disciples struggled to reconcile how the death of
this One could mean life for all.

The Suffering Servant portion of Isaiah centers on Jesus’ life-giving love

through the path of pain. While Isaiah was written long before Jesus’
embodied arrival on earth, these verses point forward to the Savior of
the world would be betrayed, arrested, tried, mocked, and executed.

The physical disfigurement of Jesus’ body on the cross and vivid imagery
from Isaiah point to a Savior who is willing to go to the deepest depths
for the world. For you, Jesus endured torture and death. For you, Jesus'
resurrection leads to new life!

This Good Friday is a time to pause, to contemplate, and to ponder the

seriousness with which God loves you! For all people the suffering
servant has conquered death, opening the door to eternal life.

Reflect: When thinking about Jesus' death on the cross, what word
sticks out to you the most from this reading from Isaiah?
Why might it be challenging for someone to grasp the "good" of Good
Friday?

Pray: Holy God, thank you for sending your Son into the world so all
may know of your love. Help us share the good news of Jesus's life,
death, and resurrection with our neighbors who are in need. Amen.

Pastor Paul Waterman, Marshalltown, IA, serves alongside the people of Elim
Lutheran Church and the Elim Children's Center.
 April 20, 2025
Easter Sunday
Luke 24:1-12

As we read the well-worn Resurrection story in Luke, can we confess

that when it comes to Easter, most of us know more about the Easter
Bunny than we understand the Resurrection of Christ?

I can describe the inner workings of a jet engine better than I can what
the women at the tomb saw on Resurrection morning. I think I can be a
poster child for the passages, "Blessed are those who have not seen and
yet have believed" (John 20:29) and “Our faith is not based on mere
human reasoning, but on the assurance of things hoped for and the
conviction of things unseen (Hebrews 11:1).”

These passages have saved my life more than once and will continue to
do so. The real message here, I think, is that we, as followers of Christ,
are created to be witnesses of the Resurrection, created to be witnesses
of the Resurrection. Really? Yes, really. How’s that working for you?

The Resurrection of Jesus Christ is the cornerstone of our faith as

Christians. But when they got to the tomb, they found that the big stone
blocking the entrance had been moved away. And when they went
inside, they couldn't find Jesus' body anywhere! Instead, they saw two
shiny-looking men who told them that Jesus wasn't there because he
was alive again, just like he said he would be. Wow!

Reflect: When you have doubts or questions about your faith, what can
you do to remember that Jesus is real?

Pray: Gracious God, We are created to be part of the Resurrection story

by sharing the good news of Jesus' victory over death.

Kenneth Johnson, Redondo Beach, CA, serving a congregation

with a preK-8 school.
 April 27, 2025
Second Sunday After Easter
Acts 5:12-42

Picture this: The disciples gather at Solomon’s Porch in the Temple,

praising God for raising Jesus from the dead, healing and comforting
those who requested it, teaching as Jesus had commanded them, and
then being rudely rounded up and thrown into jail.

Talk about highs and lows! But the story doesn’t end there. Angels to
the rescue, prison gates opened, and the disciples were told to return to
the Temple to continue witnessing how God raised Jesus from the dead.
So that’s what they did – until court guards came and rounded them up
again. But here’s an even more vivid picture: 11 disciples standing
before the powerful 71-member Sanhedrin. You would think that this
power imbalance would have intimidated the disciples. Not so! Even
after a flogging, the disciples returned to their teaching, ignoring the
Council’s directives not to talk about Jesus.

So, what does this say to us today? When was the last time you were
called before a powerful authority? While I can’t remember ever being
sent to the principal’s office, I do remember standing in front of my
dissertation defense committee. Uncomfortable? Yes, but when you
know you’re right, there is no fear. Jesus’ disciples had no fear of
anyone or even death because they knew that their full trust was in God
and his Son, Jesus. No doubts, no waffling! Pure faith. May each of us
find that all-consuming faith in our own life journeys.

Reflect: What will you keep in mind when you are in the “power seat”?
When you are the defendant, what will be your “solid ground” on which
you stand?

Pray: Ultimate judge of the world, help me in my faith journey to be

able, with full conviction, to say, ‘The Lord is my strength and my
defense.’ I need no more.

Barbara J. Huffman de Belón, Ed.D. ELCA Coach and Coach-Evaluator for Luther
Seminary, Faith+Lead. Author, “Coaching for Everyday Life”
 May 4, 2025
Third Sunday of Easter
John 21:15-17, 19b

When I met my service dog Narnia for the first time, it was love at first
sight for me. I hoped that she would love me too. As we went through
two weeks of training, we began to bond; still, I was not sure if our
budding relationship would survive the plane ride home. As she learned
to follow my cues in her new environment, it was trial and error for me
at first. Nine years later, our trust and love have grown, and we are sure
of each other now.

When Jesus asked Peter, “Do you love me?” he already knew the
answer. The reason for his question was to guide Peter into the role he
would serve as a leader in the early church. Jesus entrusted Peter to
care for Jesus ‘people in his absence after his ascension. This care
included nurturing them in prayer and encouragement to follow him in
sharing the good news about Jesus with others.

Reflect: What prompted you to become a teacher/caregiver of

children? Have you ever doubted your ability to shepherd the children
in your care? What assures you that you were created for this purpose?

Pray: Loving Shepherd, show me how to reach the children in my care

with those lessons you want them to learn. Make me a messenger of
your love for the children and families I touch. In your name, I pray.
Amen

Karen Kress, Waupaca, Wisconsin, is a retired teacher of children and adults.

She is helped by her husband, Hugh, and her service dog, Narnia, as she faces
the challenges of multiple sclerosis. She is also a mother, grandmother, sister,
and Stephen Minister. She trusts God to provide whatever she needs to do
God’s work each day.
 May 11, 2025
Fourth Sunday of Easter
Acts 9:36-43, Focus on verse 40

Life, death, and resurrection! That is a lot to pack into eight verses.
Tabitha, a devoted disciple, dies. Peter is asked to come, so he does. He
sends everyone out of Tabitha’s room, then he kneels down and prays.
Did Peter express sorrow or anger? Did Peter ask God, "Why?" or ask
God for help? Did Peter...?

This passage doesn't answer any of those questions. Instead, it tells us

that Peter sent everyone away and talked to God. He had a private
conversation before he did anything else. He prayed first, then stepped
into action, and our Creator healed Tabitha through Peter. This was
amazing!

Children, youth, and adults…we all have challenges. What if, in the
midst of those challenges, we took time to pray first before doing
anything else? What if we told God about our struggles, our fears, our
frustrations? What if we talked to God as if we were talking to a friend?
What if we talked to God without any expectations? What if we talked
to God, then, like Peter, let God lead our next step? Amazing things can
happen.

When we seek conversation and connection with God first, God will
open our eyes to the beautiful child within us. God will help us see who
God created us to be and guide us in our next steps.

Reflect: Choose any of the “What if…” questions above to focus on this
week.

Pray: God, my Creator, please help me seek you first, in prayer, before I
take the next step. Amen.

Lynn M. Hess, Grace Lutheran Church, ELCA, Raleigh, NC, serving as Director of
The School of Grace Parent Participatory Preschool, which welcomes children
with special needs, children from refugee families, and all families.
 May 18, 2025
Fifth Sunday after Easter
Acts 11:1-18

One of the best things I did as a preschool teacher and director was
sharing God's love and Bible stories with young children. They were
eager listeners and really embraced the simplicity of God's love.

When the first Gentiles heard the Good News from Peter, people
believed in Jesus and received the Holy Spirit. Jesus’s followers are
called to be witnesses to God. God has given us the Holy Spirit
(Advocate) and will work in each one of us in different and unique ways!
When we help and serve others, being a good listener, being kind and
respectful, standing up for social justice, and reaching out of our
comfort zone to help another person in need or someone who is
culturally different from us are a powerful way of serving God.

God's Spirit lives in each one of us, and when we truly listen to God's
spirit and follow God’s ways, watch out because God created us to be
unique and will use our spiritual gifts and talent to bless others… in
more ways than we can ever imagine!

Reflect: How does God change the way we think?

Pray: Dear God, Thank you for creating us to be your amazing children!
Lead us through your Holy Spirit by using the unique spiritual gifts you
have given each one of us to serve others. In Jesus name, we pray.
Amen

Debbie Cooper, Everett, WA, retired preschool director from an ELCA preschool
and actively involved in Kids Club for elementary school-aged children at Our
Savior's Lutheran Church and Preschool in Everett, WA
 May 25, 2025
Sixth Sunday of Easter
Acts 16: 9-15

When Paul was on his journey to Macedonia, he had a vision that the
people there needed his help. He was convinced that God had called
him to this place to proclaim the good news to the people living there.
On the Sabbath, he went to the river and encountered Lydia and her
household in prayer. As Paul preached the word, she listened intently
and invited Paul and his followers to stay at her home.

In our work with children, we are called to be models of the faith and
practice loving kindness. Sometimes, it can be challenging to be patient
and understanding. When my granddaughter Lydia was born, I was filled
with joy. I felt called to be a loving witness to God's love in my family
and prayed they would know God's love the way I did. When we work
with children, we have a daily opportunity to respect and care for those
children in our care. They can learn from us at an early age how God
loves and cares for them and teach them how to pray. As you interact
with the children in your care, be a person in their lives who appreciates
them as the unique individuals they are.

Reflect: Am I modeling loving kindness and faith for the children in my

care? How am I doing that?

Pray: Dear Lord, help and guide me daily to be the best role model I can
be for the children in my care. Help me to encourage them in their faith
journeys to love themselves and others.

Janet Siry is a lifelong Lutheran. I began to teach Sunday School the year after I
was confirmed and have been involved with Children's Ministries ever since. I
served as a preschool teacher for 13 years in Rocky Point, NY. I coordinated
VBS for many years. I graduated from Valparaiso University in 1973, majoring
in Elementary Education. In 2003, I graduated from Fordham University and
obtained a Master of Social Work degree. I continue to work with families and
children as a psychotherapist.
 June 1, 2015
Seventh Sunday of Easter
Acts 16:16-34

Possibly, this is a story of transformations and uncertainty and our

human response to those changes. The transformations and responses of
a slave girl relieved of her spirit, of her owners unhappy about their new
lot, of a crowd easily angered by the magistrates, of ones flogged and
imprisoned after earlier walking the streets, and of a jailer who felt
enough social pressures to consider a most unfortunate act.

As an educator, you undoubtedly have seen your share of

transformations within this year and any years in your classroom
before. Just like the owners of the freed slave girl, the magistrates, and
Paul and Silas, we respond to those changes with many eyes watching
us. We don’t know what became of the slave girl or her untoward
owners, but we do know Paul and Silas did not respond with anger, and
they were freed from prison, and the jailer and his family were baptized.
We also know that our actions in the face of uncertainty and
transformations have an impact on those close to us.

How we respond to uncertainty and change is being watched by all

around us. How we handle situations will be noticed and will be
remembered. Each of our students, created to be, is created by a God
worthy of our praise but is also crafted and molded by how we handle
ourselves, day in and day out, in unfamiliar or testing situations.

Reflect: What has happened since Easter in which you have felt your
response to a situation was being noticed by others?

Pray: How might we ask in a prayer for the courage and knowledge to
be open to change and uncertainty?

Wayne Griffith, Marion, IL, member of Epiphany

Lutheran Church in Carbondale, IL.
 June 8, 2025
Pentecost
Acts 2:1-21

Imagine how the disciples must have felt when the gift of the Holy Spirit
came upon them, and they could suddenly speak in tongues. What
emotions must have washed over them—shock, fear, uncertainty,
amazement? They were each suddenly able to minister in a very specific
way to those around them.

While my staff and I haven’t had that seemingly dramatic Pentecost

experience, it’s not lost on me that we have each been gifted by God,
through the Holy Spirit, with unique gifts to minister to those placed in
our care. As a team, we have gifts of compassion and understanding,
courageous leadership, patient listening, wise instruction, and gracious
giving. Not one of us teaches, witnesses, or leads exactly like any other
member of the team. We’re uniquely equipped to share God’s word and
breathe life into those around us. There are certainly days that we feel
under attack, much like the disciples must have felt when bystanders
scoffed and accused them of drunkenness. And yet, in spite of naysayers
and obstacles, we persevere, rooted in God’s word and equipped to go
forth and serve. We live in the hope of the Easter resurrection and the
Pentecost miracle, worshipping and serving a God who gives us what we
need to minister and bear witness to God’s goodness and the ultimate
gift of grace through Jesus Christ.

Reflect: In what ways has God uniquely gifted you to serve in your
school or church community?

Pray: Good and gracious God, thank you for the unique gifts you have
given to me and those I serve alongside. Help us to use our skills and
talents to bring our students into your Kingdom, bearing witness to your
unfailing love. In Christ's name, we pray. Amen

Mandy Gilbart, Westminster, MD, Principal at Carroll Lutheran School, a K-8

school supported by the Westminster Conference Churches of the ELCA.
 June 15, 2025
Trinity Sunday
Psalm 8

If your preschool is anything like ours, the classrooms and play areas are
filled with the sounds of children’s delight and wonder. As our students
learn about God’s creation, they smile and laugh at the beauty of it all.
As they create their own versions of what God has made --- drawings of
animals, paper flowers --- they marvel at what they are able to do with
their God-given hands and minds. Through their joy and curiosity they
give praise to God, setting an example for us to follow.

How might we nurture that sense of wonder in the children to which we

are entrusted? How might we, as teachers and leaders, reclaim that
sense of delight for ourselves? How might we incorporate praise into
our prayers, both on our own and with the children in our classrooms?
The Psalmist sets an example of asking a question in the midst of
praising God: “What are human beings that you are mindful of them,
mortals that you care for them?” We cannot fathom that a God as great
as ours wants to be in a relationship with us, mere mortals. We cannot
imagine God trusting us to care for all of the animals, birds, and fish,
God’s beautiful creation that our children so dearly love. So what our
minds cannot possibly comprehend, our hearts will sing with praise to
our Creator.

O Lord, our Sovereign, how majestic your name is all over the earth!

Reflect: In what specific ways might you and your students care more
deeply for creation, both at home and in the classroom?

Pray: If you are in a group, take turns naming one thing in creation that
brings joy and wonder (i.e., “For orange Gerbera daisies…”). The group
will respond to each petition with, “Praise the Lord!” If you are on your
own, you may name a number of things in this way, saying, “Praise the
Lord!” after each one. Do this with as much enthusiasm as you can
muster!

Pastor Gail Rautmann, Lynnwood, WA, has led weekly preschool chapel services
at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church since 2014. Gloria Dei Preschool has been a
cherished ministry of the congregation and in the neighborhood for 37 years.
 June 22, 2025
Second Sunday After Pentecost
Psalms 42 and 43

My bible has a heading for today's chosen Psalms, "Longing for God and
His Help in Distress." We've all been there - our souls cast down within
us and searching for the living God. I have experienced some distress
with several close family members in the past few years that remind me
that the Almighty is indeed my help and my God.

As educators, we walk a fine line between dealing with our own distress
(we all have it occasionally) and being a positive force in our students'
lives. Not letting our personal lives influence our professional lives can
be a tricky balancing act. The same is true with our students and their
families. Concentrating on good behavior and learning in the classroom
can be nearly impossible for children who are in distress themselves,
not to mention the stress and trauma that is created in them when their
parents are dealing with distress. In the words of the musical Annie, "It's
a hard knock life!"

Often, the answers and path forward required to resolve distress are
not clear, particularly if we feel others have caused us pain, especially
for those too young to understand the source of the confusion. God
knows this, and even when it seems we have been forgotten, our God
has indeed not forgotten us. God is there for us in spite of the
circumstances. Let us teach the children in our care the life-giving and
healing power of prayer. And let us not forget it for ourselves!

Reflect: Is there a child in your classroom or in your life who is in

distress and in need of God's love? How can you help guide that child to
experience and accept God's healing presence?

Pray: Gracious and Loving God, You are our rock and our salvation. As a
deer longs for flowing streams, so my soul longs for you. Help me to
accept your loving and healing touch and to remember you are always
there. Amen.

Gayle Denny, Goodyear, AZ, retired educator, administrator and

former ELEA Executive Director.
 June 29, 2025
Third Sunday after Pentecost
2 Kings 2:1-2, 6-14

The story of Elijah passing the mantle to Elisha carries profound

implications for those who work with and care for children in our
schools and centers. It underscores the importance of mentorship,
resilience, and the recognition of God's presence in times of transition.

Elijah's journey with Elisha highlights the significance of mentorship in

guiding and equipping the next generation. As educators and caregivers,
we are called to walk alongside children, imparting wisdom and
nurturing their gifts and talents. Like Elisha, our students may face
daunting challenges and uncertainties, but through our support and
guidance, they can find the strength to overcome obstacles and fulfill
their potential.

Moreover, Elijah's ascension into heaven reminds us of the ever-present

hand of God in our lives and the lives of those we serve. Just as Elisha
cried out, "Where is the Lord, the God of Elijah?" (2 Kings 2:14), we are
called to continually seek God's guidance and presence as we navigate
the joys and struggles of our educational journey.

In our Lutheran educational communities, let us embody the spirit of

mentorship and resilience exemplified by Elijah and Elisha. Let us walk
alongside our students, empowering them to inherit the legacy of faith
and service, knowing that God goes before us, guiding us through every
transition and equipping us for the tasks ahead.

Reflect: Consider the mentors or guiding figures in your life who have
helped shape your journey. How can you embody their spirit of
mentorship and resilience in your interactions with children in our
schools and centers?

Pray: "Lord, grant us the wisdom and strength to be faithful mentors

and caregivers, guiding children with love and grace as they navigate
their educational journey."

John Murphy, Chicago, IL. Serving as Principal at Pilgrim Lutheran School, a

PreK-8 mission of Pilgrim Lutheran Church.
 July 6, 2025
Fourth Sunday after Pentecost
Psalm 66: 1 - 9

I love this Psalm. It begins by telling us to make a joyful noise to God.

The whole earth worships the Creator! This is what, as a teacher, I
encourage among my students. We sing during our worship services.

We have a couple of songfests a year where the classes get to choose

their favorite song to sing. What a wonderful way to make a joyful noise
to God. In my fourth-grade classroom, we begin each day with
devotions. After the devotions, the children have an opportunity to
offer prayers. I encourage them to pray for people who are sick, safe
travels for people who are traveling, etc.

The students write in their prayer journals. In their journals, the

students have to include a prayer of joy. What are they thankful for? I
enjoy hearing their prayers develop into deeper thoughts as the year
continues. The students begin to think about others in their prayers.

They also begin to see how much they have to be thankful for, and they
include these in their daily prayers. Every day brings new ideas for
gratitude and gratitude to God. As these prayer journals become part of
their daily routine in school, I hope that this activity becomes a part of
their lives outside of school. I hope that they continue to pray for those
in need, but always remember to give thanks to God for the many
blessings they have received.

Reflect: How can you encourage your students to give thanks to God
daily?

Pray: Dear Lord, Thank you for the many blessings you have given to
me. Help me to be a blessing to others. Amen.

Jo Groth taught fourth grade at St. Paul's Lutheran School in Waverly, Iowa, for
26 years. Our church and school celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2022. St.
Paul's is a preschool through sixth-grade education center.
 July 13, 2025
Fifth Sunday after Pentecost
Amos 7:7-17

The Hebrew Scriptures are full of stories of prophets calling God’s

people back to a way of having a right relationship with God and their
neighbor. This passage from the visions of the prophet Amos predicts a
tough season that is to come for God’s people. While they have enjoyed
a time of peace and plenty, their straying from God’s “plumb line” will
mean hardship for a time as they are brought back into God’s embrace.

I can’t say that I’ve held an actual plumb line before, but I certainly have
seen the merit of its use. A primary tool for masons and builders, a
plumb line utilizes weight and gravity to keep a level measure from the
top of a building to the foundation as the walls go up. Without one, the
building would curve inward on itself or outward over the edge of the
foundation, making it unstable and unsafe. The plumb line was the
standard that everyone worked off to ensure order, strength, and
safety.

The summer holds a different season of activity and often can provide
the space outside of the busy school year to reconnect to the plumb line
of purpose and mission for our work and ministry. Like the standard
that Amos was calling God’s people back to, like the tool used to guide
the construction of a building, a plumb line for our centers that nurture
the children entrusted to you can be a vital part of your leadership.

Reflect: What are your core purposes and values that serve as the
plumb line for your work and ministry?

Pray: Steadfast and loving God, thank you to prophets like Amos who
called your people back when we have wandered from your love for us.
Guided by your plumb line of justice and mercy, help us to live in
abundant relationship with you and our neighbor. Amen.

Ed Kay, Halethorpe, MD, serves as the ELCA Senior Director for Discipleship and
Inclusive Communities, the team in the Churchwide Organization that relates to
and supports children’s ministry and the ELEA.
 July 20, 2025
Sixth Sunday After Pentecost
Luke 10: 38-42

Have you heard the story from Luke about Martha, Mary, and Jesus?
Martha welcomes Jesus and his Disciples and shows dedicated
hospitality to all who enter her home. She’s busy setting out food and
drink and making sure everything is perfect. Her sister, Mary, is lounging
on the floor near Jesus, soaking in his words but doing nothing!

Then Jesus responds when ‘Martha [who] was distracted by her many
tasks…asked [Jesus], "Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to
do all the work by myself? Tell her then to help me." But the Lord
answered her, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by
many things.’

Wow, that’s not fair. Before Jesus encouraged folks to serve others,
provide hospitality, and care for the injured, but today, he says, “ There
is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, which will
not be taken away from her.”

I think about how recently I had my toddler grandson for several days.
The days were full of figuring out meals, changing clothes, choosing toys
he wouldn’t throw at the window, reading books, and drawing. What I
appreciate about this story is that Jesus would have been confused if
Martha had not been getting “many things” done, but that doesn’t mean
we also shouldn’t stop and listen to what God has put in front of us. A
curious child, a kiddo needing comfort, a teenager eager to share a
discovery, even a family member frustrating us but maybe choosing
“the better part. VIDEO FILE LINK: https://photos.app.goo.gl/abHxLCGgWzQvg6Me6

Reflect: In your days at school or home, how do you carve out time to
celebrate and explore God in your midst?

Pray: God among us guide us to use our gifts to care for all we connect
with, remembering it’s not always about what we do but how you bring
us together to hear your word and love each other unconditionally. In
Jesus loving name, Amen

Karen Johnson Kretschmann is a member of our ELCA Congregation and Synod

Support Team, sharing stories of being church together!
 July 27, 2025
Seventh Sunday after Pentecost
Luke 11:9-10

In the midst of summer, many educators and caregivers are away from
our places of service in mind, body, and spirit. It is a time of rest and
recuperation. Yet, it is almost August, and the foundation for the next
school year is about to begin being laid. The Luke verses provide an
excellent framework and guide for this coming year.

The first phrase in the verse is what the children come ready to do. The
second part is what you, the teacher in Christ, provide.

Children are always full of asking. This could be overt, such as “where do
I put my coat and supplies.” (me space), or secretly, “am I going to be
safe and secure.?” This leads to what the children receive.

Each day, the children begin a new search for friendship, loving care,
and mind-expanding experiences that are an adventure to find and
slowly reveal their gifts.

The children’s curiosity has them knocking about in the classroom to

open new doors to learn and grow into the people they were meant to
be.

May the love of the Creator, the care of the Son, and the power of the
Spirit wash over you and your students as the year ahead unfolds.

Reflect: What can you do in your classroom before the year starts to
provide adventures for your children as they seek and find?

Pray: Lord of Discovery; please inspire me to equip my classroom as a

stimulating place of adventure for the children entrusted to my care.

Hugh Kress has served in many roles over the past 50+ years as a Christian
education teacher, administrator, and leader. He currently focuses on assisting
our generation to understand our relationship with our Indigenous siblings in
the past, now, and for the future through Land Acknowledgment activities.
 REFLECTIONS and PRAYER NOTES

Reflect:

Pray: