Full communion leaders offer Advent devotions ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth A. Eaton and bishops from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada, the Anglican Church of Canada and the Episcopal Church have prepared a series of devotions for Advent. “May our prayers united be a modest but hopeful sign of what our churches can do together as we bear witness to the One who first reconciled himself to us,” the leaders said in a joint statement. The devotions are available at
elca.org (search for “Advent devotions”).
Whitt named president of Lenoir-Rhyne Trustees of Lenoir-Rhyne University, Hickory, N.C., announced Oct. 24 that Frederick K. Whitt has been named the school’s 12th president. Whitt comes to Lenoir-Rhyne from Appalachian State University’s Beaver College of Health Sciences in Boone, N.C., for which he served as founding dean. “I have always had great respect for Lenoir- Rhyne,” Whitt said in a statement. “The bedrock principles that are unique to Lenoir-Rhyne are values I enthusiastically embrace and support.”
Starbucks cup: Cue the “War on Christmas”?
Yes, Virginia, there are people brandishing pitchforks because the new Starbucks cup is green and doesn’t have a snowflake. On Nov. 1, the coffee chain rolled out a cup
covered with cartoon faces. For some, this was the first salvo in what they see as the company’s “War on Christmas.” But the outrage—primed after last year’s brouhaha over the company’s plain red cup—is premature. Starbucks chairman and CEO Howard Schultz indicated the design was a reference to the election, not the coming holiday.
Reader call: Body in worship This Lent, Living Lutheran will feature the spiritual practices that engage the body in worship. How do you engage your whole self—body, mind and soul—in worship to God at home or in your congregation? Do you do liturgical dance? Practice tai chi? Host a foot-washing ceremony? How about children/ youth in your congregation? Send 300 words or less, plus your name, phone number and home congregation, by Dec. 21 to
erin.strybis@
elca.org for consideration.
Reformation exhibit highlights art as tool Martin Luther recognized that images had the power to teach—a powerful form of communication the church could use. Nearly 500 years later, three museums across the United States, in cooperation with four German institutions, are using art once again to communicate the lasting impact of Luther and the Reformation. “Martin Luther: Art and the Reformation” opened at the Minneapolis Institute of Art on Oct. 30 and will run through Jan. 15. Visit
new.artsmia.org/luther for more information.
ELCA Youth Gathering announces 2018 theme The theme of the 2018 ELCA Youth Gathering is “This Changes Everything.” Based on Ephesians 2:8, the theme emphasizes grace as a foundational and distinctive piece of the Lutheran faith. The 2018 logo incorporates the coming together of a mosaic to reflect the diverse host city of Houston, as well as the idea that we are a church in which all are imperfect and incomplete, yet each belong in God’s masterpiece. Find out more at
elca.org/gathering.
RELIGIOUS NEWS & SOCIAL ISSUES •
LIVINGLUTHERAN.ORG 9
Photo: Courtesy of Starbucks
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