What we talk about when we talk about guns

February 21, 2018

Four resources here for you as you consider how to speak publicly about gun violence: Wondering how to crack open the gun policy conversation in a polarized environment? Gun Reform: Speaking Truth to Bullshit, Practicing Civility, and Effecting Change by Brené Brown will challenge you to get beyond the all-or-nothing frame that has dominated our national … More What we talk about when we talk about guns

Sharing the Wisdom of the Crisis Leadership Workshop

January 22, 2018

In mid-January, those in formation for Holy Orders gathered for a weekend of integration and prayerful reflection, supported by clergy from across ECMN. On Saturday afternoon, all participants gathered for an intensive workshop, in which they were asked to imagine themselves serving faith communities in Charlottesville, VA, in advance of the white supremacist rallies that … More Sharing the Wisdom of the Crisis Leadership Workshop

Take the Building Bridges course for free

October 27, 2017

Excited about ECMN’s mission opportunity of Beloved Community this year? Here’s one way you can lean into that effort. We’re making a limited number of free spaces in the Building Bridges Across Culture and Race course available to members of ECMN. This seven-week course gives each participant the chance to work one-on-one with an experienced Intercultural … More Take the Building Bridges course for free

Three steps to take advantage of our partnership with ChurchNext

October 2, 2017

“This deepened my body, mind, and spirit regarding racism on personal and theoretical levels.” “I loved how it was broken up into sections and allowed me to return where I left off. The speakers and videos were very engaging.” Friends, we’re excited to tell you that the School for Formation is continuing our partnership with … More Three steps to take advantage of our partnership with ChurchNext

White Supremacy and Your Faith Community: Three Questions to Consider

August 15, 2017

Friends, here are three key questions for your faith community to wrestle with in the wake of the recent events in Virginia. We’ve offered some resources that we hope will support you as you pray through these issues together. 1) What’s the long work your faith community is doing to build beloved community in your … More White Supremacy and Your Faith Community: Three Questions to Consider

Ground yourself in Scripture

August 8, 2017

by guest blogger and SFF summer intern Christy Stang Deepening Roots: Becoming Grounded in Scripture Any type of spiritual programming will inevitably teach you something. Not every program, however, gives you the experience you need to put down roots in your theological heritage and to find your place within the church’s story. Deepening Roots provides … More Ground yourself in Scripture

Practicing love over fear

August 2, 2017

Last week, at the Rethinking Church conference at Luther Seminary, we heard a speaker offer this nugget of wisdom attributed to a fighter pilot: “In the moment of crisis, we don’t rise to the occasion. We revert to our training. That’s why we train so much.” In the midst of rapid-fire news, the constant barrage … More Practicing love over fear

Pray Your Sermon Into Being with Backstory Preaching

April 6, 2017

Backstory Preaching has generously allowed SFF to share their guide for how to make your sermon prep a spiritual respite through the daily practice of Lectio Divina. Download this PDF to organize your sermon prep and pray your sermon into being. Lisa at Backstory also says:  “[I]f you haven’t already, I encourage you to make appointments … More Pray Your Sermon Into Being with Backstory Preaching