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Sunday Morning Worship
9:00 am
HAPPENING at GETHSEMANE
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Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
Tuesday, December 24, 7:00 p.m.
The Christmas Eve service is a special time for reliving fond Christmas memories or making new ones. Don't be by yourself on Christmas Eve, join with us in person or on line for a service of Christmas music, carols, candlelight, and Holy Communion open to all. Come to the Manger and see the Child, born for all!
The War in Gaza
Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton, Presiding Bishop, ELCA
For eight horrific months war has raged in Gaza. Thousands of people have died, and thousands more are suffering. In recent days we have seen unspeakable images of violence in Rafah and escalating violence in the West Bank. Like the prophet Isaiah, we lament, "How long, O Lord?" (Isaiah 6:11).
At times a just peace for Palestinians and Israelis doesn't seem possible, yet as Christians we believe that it is. The psalmist assures us that God "makes wars cease to the end of the earth" (Psalm 46:9). At times it seems that there is nothing we can do, yet through baptism God calls us to be peacemakers. We live out this calling in many ways, including through prayer, advocacy and accompaniment.
As a church, we continue to:
- Pray for all people who are suffering and grieving, and for this war to end diplomatically in a lasting peace, rooted in justice and human rights for Palestinians and Israelis.
- Advocate for an immediate, bilateral cease-fire and a halt in U.S. arms transfers to Israel, to prevent further loss of life; the release of all hostages and uncharged prisoners; and unimpeded humanitarian aid for all in need. We will continue to advocate for these priorities with the Biden administration and the U.S. Congress.
- Walk with all who long for a just peace, including especially our Palestinian siblings in the ELCA, as well as Christian, Muslim and Jewish partners here in the U.S. and in the Holy Land.
As Christ taught, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God" (Matthew 5:9). Let us continue to hope and to live our faith.
Lutheran Disaster Response shares God's hope, healing and renewal with people whose lives have been disrupted by disasters in the United States and around the world. When the dust settles and the headlines change, we stay to provide ongoing assistance to those in need. Learn more.
- Eastern Europe Crisis Response
- Horn of Africa Drought
- Middle East Crisis
- Middle East & Europe Refugee Crisis
- South Sudan Relief
- AMMPARO: Protecting Migrants
Eastern European Crisis Response
Lutheran Disaster Response is accompanying our companions in Ukraine, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Moldova, Lithuania and the Czech Republic, as well as such ecumenical partners as this Lutheran World Federation and Church World Service, in their humanitarian responses to the crisis created by Russia’s war against Ukraine. These partners provide refugees with immediate and long-term support. Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton has joined other religious leaders from Europe and around the globe in issuing an interfaith call for peace in the region.
Please pray for those in Ukraine, Russia and neighboring countries that have been affected by the war in Ukraine. May God's healing presence give them peace and hope in their time of need.
Your gifts designated for “Eastern Europe Crisis Response” will be used entirely (100%) to provide support for people impacted by conflict in the region.