ELCA Witnessing in Society Team Care for Creation Listening Sessions

Background: The ELCA Witnessing in Society team works for change in public policy based on the church’s social teaching and the experience of Lutheran ministries, programs, and projects worldwide and in communities across the United States. Listening sessions provide opportunities for the Witnessing in Society team members to listen to ministry leaders and members of congregations to learn first-hand about the congregations in local congregations and communities. These sessions will help equip the ELCA Witnessing in Society Team in representing the breadth of concerns across the church. They will also equip the team to better accompany congregations and their members in making their voices heard in productive ways to shape policies that reflect the needs and hopes of the local communities.

In partnership with the ELCA Witnessing in Society Team the Arkansas-Oklahoma Synod is hosting two Zoom Listening Sessions:

Tuesday, July 27 from 7:00-8:30 PM

Wednesday, July 28 from 7:00-8:30 PM

The primary focus of these listening sessions will be on environmental issues and care for creation to build a sustainable and resilient society for future generations. Facilitated conversations will give each individual, if they choose (individuals are always free to simply listen), an opportunity to share their perspective on:

• What is/are the current situation and concerns?
• What could be – what might the future look like?
• How might we fill the gap?

The purpose of these sessions is to provide a safe space where all voices are heard and valued, where there is mutual respect, and listening is done to gain greater understanding rather than debating and defending views and positions. This is an opportunity for people with a broad range of opinions and perspectives on these issues to share their view and be heard by members of the churchwide staff and witnessing in society team members.

To register please RSVP HERE or contact the synod office at (918)492-4288, or email bishopmike@aokelca.org.

The Zoom link will be emailed to you the week prior to the Listening Sessions.

If you have questions, please call, text or email Bishop Mike.