Websites to Help our Light Grow

During this winter season which we refer to as the season of growing light, I have found many websites useful in keeping my internal flame going and growing. I thought I would share them here for others, in case you might find some useful too. Some are Lutheran and others are ecumenical. Enjoy and may your light glow and grow!

Lutheran:
A blog of blogs and videos produced by the ELCA:
http://www.livinglutheran.com
A blog of top Lutheran blogs:
http://theologydegreesonline.com/the-top-50-lutheran-blogs
A website targeted for young adult women:
http://www.elca.org/Growing-In-Faith/Ministry/Women-of-the-ELCA/Cafe-Stirring-the-Spirit-Within.aspx

Ecumenical:
By the authors of Spiritual Literacy, a site packed with tons of prayers, music, video and more:
http://www.spiritualityandpractice.com
Another site packed with prayers, art, music, meditation and more:
http://www.explorefaith.org/Index.php
A site that focuses on cultivating an attitude of gratitude. Look for the light a candle link on the side:
http://www.gratefulness.org/index.htm
A site developed by and for female clergy who share prayers with each other:
http://revgalprayerpals.blogspot.com/search?updated-min=2011-01-01T00%3A00%3A00-05%3A00&updated-max=2012-01-01T00%3A00%3A00-05%3A00&max-results=10
Downloadable audio prayers for MP3 players or on your computer:
http://www.pray-as-you-go.org
Links to different types of prayers:
http://slu.edu/prayerbook/find-a-prayer
Daily meditation/prayer from Ireland:
http://sacredspace.ie

February Prayers Near and Far

Living God,
Be with those without electricity and warmth,
Help others reach out in community,
To help keep them safe and warm.
Be with those providing care and support;
Wrap all involved in your love and light.
Amen.


God of All People,
Shine your light and wisdom on Egypt,
Comfort those who have lost loved ones,
Guide all parties to seek peaceful solutions,
Quicken the process to preserve lives and provide stability,
For the people in the region and the world.
Amen.

by Shari Rogge-Fidler

Native American Indian Event at St. Thomas

Come join us on Sunday, February 20 for a very special event at church after the second service! We will gather for lunch and to watch the video, "Native Nations: Standing Together for Civil Rights." Liz Gaskins will be hosting this event with the support of the Mission Committee. The Mission Committee is hoping that we can learn more about Native American Indians together during this and some potential future events. Please bring a brown bag lunch and/or some food to share - Liz will be bringing some of her very own special native dishes from her tribe to share with us!

Native Nations: Standing Together for Civil Rights
Native Nations, hosted by Peter Coyote, chronicles the American Indians’ struggle for civil rights, and the creation of the National Indian Lutheran Board to raise funds and awareness for that struggle. From the controversy surrounding the 1862 trial when 38 Dakota Sioux were executed in the largest single-day mass hanging in United States history, to the confrontation of the 1960s when many Indian tribes joined together to speak out with a unified voice, Native Nations tells the story of standing together for sovereignty, justice and civil rights. ~ summary from ELCA website