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Christmas Greetings from Bishop Laurie Download Video Transcript

Mary said,   “With all my heart I glorify the Lord!      In the depths of who I am I rejoice in God my savior. He has looked with favor on the low status of his servant.     Look! From now on, everyone will consider me highly favored        because the mighty one has done great things for me. Holy is his name.      He shows mercy to everyone,         from one generation to the next,         who honors him as God.  (Luke 1: 46-50 CEB)   This fourth Sunday of Advent we pause to reflect upon the ...

Dear Church Leader, The Episcopal Office of the Iowa Annual Conference has created a full worship service for pastoral leaders and worship teams to use on Sunday, December 26, 2021. Bishop Laurie and the Appointive Cabinet thank you for your tireless work during the COVID-19 pandemic. This worship service has been planned for your inspiration and encouragement while providing a moment of rest for our local church leaders. Merry Christmas! Bishop Laurie and the Appointive Cabinet VIEW ON OUR ...

Written by Rev. Doug Cue, District Superintendent of the Golden Valley District FOLKS…What’s the easiest thing for you to lose?    I think I know what it is for me…it’s my glasses, I am losing them all the time.  Or maybe it is the clicker for the power point…I am always putting it down somewhere.  Ask Miss Jodie what it is, and she would probably tell you…”His mind”. All of those might be correct, but the easiest thing for me to lose, in reality…is JOY.  All it takes is…one phone call, one ...

By Rev. Ron Carlson, District Superintendent of the Clear Lake Camp District Peace is often thought of as being free from disturbance, or as a state of tranquility. When we talk about biblical peace, we are often talking about the Hebrew word for peace: Shalom. Shalom goes far beyond a simple definition, shalom is, in essence, a slice of heaven. Shalom is the ideal, it’s a return to God’s original creation, untouched by sin. A child is born to us, a son is given to us, and authority will be on...

By Rev. Dr. Heecheon Jeon, Superintendent Riverview Park District For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, so that by steadfastness and by the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope. May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another, in accordance with Christ Jesus, so that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has ...

As a gift to our pastors and churches during the Christmas season, we are creating a Blue Christmas Worship Service for use in your online church messages, to share with members, or on your social media channels.   We know that not everyone is experiencing joy and excitement during the Christmas season. Dealing with the isolation of a global pandemic, job losses, COVID-19 infections, deaths of loved ones, divorces, the political and religious divisions all contribute to feelings of pain and ...