-
- Happy New Year “Each new year is a gift — a wonderful reminder of God’s grace. We have nothing to bring about the new year. It is given and we receive it. Be thankful. May your new year be blessed!” — Elizabeth Eaton, ELCA presiding bishop
-
- Happy New Year “The new year always brings promise and hope as we begin a new year. We have a feeling that the slate has been wiped clean, and we are starting new. In baptism God gives us newness every day. May 2014 be the year in which we live in that daily promise to the glory of God and the life of the world.” — Chris Boerger, ELCA secretary
-
- Happy New Year “The coming of a new year offers us an opportunity to start fresh — a renewal of sorts. It’s the same feeling I get every time I recite the prayer of confession and take communion. It’s a new canvas, and, from that point, it’s what you make of it. May your canvas for the new year be filled with beauty, love and joy!” — Carlos Peña, ELCA vice president
-
- Happy New Year “Our theme for the anniversary year of the ELCA has been “Always being made new.” Now that 25 years have come and gone, we are still being made new. Whether it is Jan. 1 or Sept. 11, whether it is July 4 or June 19, we are always being made new in Christ. Thanks be to God.” — Jessica Crist, bishop of the ELCA Montana Synod and chair of the ELCA Conference of Bishops
Grace and peace to you from your colleagues at Living Lutheran! As we continue to celebrate the coming of the Christ child and embrace a new year, leaders of the ELCA extend to you and your congregation a special greeting. “Eternal God, you have placed us in a world of space and time, and through the events of our lives you bless us with your love. Grant that in the new year we may know your presence, see your love at work, and live in the light of the event that gives us joy forever — the coming of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.” (Evangelical Lutheran Worship, p. 63) .
