February 5, 2025
Dear Beloved in Christ, If you are on social media, you have probably seen the inflammatory and libelous remarks by former General Michael Flynn and Elon Musk regarding Lutheran Social Service agencies across the United States. In these posts, both Flynn and Musk accused these agencies of money laundering and insinuated that the Lutheran faith was made up for that purpose. For the record, the organizations targeted in these posts are legally recognized organizations that receive federal grants to carry out programs such as housing assistance, food pantries, disaster assistance, mental health programs and youth services. These grants have been legally obtained, and as such, have strict guidelines as to how they may be spent. Presiding Bishop of the ELCA Elizabeth Eaton has responded to the falsehoods shared in these posts with a video message. In addition to Bishop Eaton’s remarks, I also want to respond to these attacks against these agencies. Please click on “read more” to see our messages.
The Prayer Vigil offers time to sit in silence, quiet the self and to be still and know that God is God. It is time to prayerfully meditate on Advent – the coming of Christ – and to know him as Emmanuel, “God with us,” who has the power to transform our hearts, lives and even this broken world in which we live.