Resources

Updated 08/29/2011

Annual Appalachian Assembly - Leaders from the 16 Appalachian ELCA Synods gather at varying locations in the region to direct the work of ELCMA, share successes and concerns, to lend insights and support to each other and to learn how ministry is done in that part of Appalachia.  Contact the ELCMA office for dates and additional information.  Costs vary from year to year.

Appalachian Heritage Sunday Packets -A packet, available from our office, offers suggestions and models for an Appalachian Heritage Sunday celebration.  FREE DOWNLOADS OF THIS AT www.elcma.org

Appalbytes – Periodic in-house update on ELCMA activities and news.  Contact ELCMA office.  No charge.

Bonding Gardens – How do you partner your congregation with a food pantry, the cooperative extension office, the community matriarch or patriarch, and merchants in your community to help end food insecurities?  Through the Bonding Garden Project you will receive some answers.  Information at www.elcma.org for FREE download

 Bulletin inserts and impact reports describing the ministries of ELCMA are copy ready and available from the ELCMA office.  No charge.

Elcmanews List serve - News of a more immediate nature comes to folks from our List serve called Elcmanews. Subscribers are able to read news or submit their own news.  It will be sent to all subscribers.  Sign up at www.elcma.org on the home page. No charge

ELCMA display - contact the ELCMA office.  Cost - shipping only

ELCMA FACEBOOK Group – Join and see photos, get the latest news, share info with the network

 Grant Writing Seminar - basic grant writing instruction offered in areas where there is enough interest and someone willing to be trained to reproduce this workshop in your area.  Resources are available anytime.  Cost varies.   Call our office or contact Dory@elcma.org to schedule a training.

Guest Speakers for your special events are available by contacting the ELCMA office.  These folks usually receive an honorarium to cover their mileage costs.

Handbook for Small Churches - A book of ideas on everything from administration to stewardship in small congregations.  Written by experts in the congregations, this resource is the tried and proven Astuff@.  A must for every small congregation!  FREE DOWNLOADS OF THIS AT www.elcma.org

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Awareness (PTSD) Trainings - “Emotional & Spiritual Care in Communities” is a training to help lay leaders & pastors recognize the symptoms of PTSD, make referrals to appropriate resources, and to walk with the sufferers and their families as they return to wellness

Prayer Invitation brochures are available for use by individuals and congregations.  No charge.

Sunday School Curriculum – this material is designed for Sunday schools with small numbers and limited teachers and other limited resources, and for intergenerational groups.  Various units have numerous building blocks in it.  The leader chooses blocks based on her/his time and talents and resources for teaching the lesson.  The lessons can be completed in about 40 minutes or go as long as 90 minutes, or perhaps, be used for several Sundays in succession.  Additionally there will be a Teachers’ Handbook available at the website.  It covers such things as setting up a holy space to the physical capacities of the various age groups.  Both are FREE to download because of the generous gifts of individuals and the contribution of the work of the writers.  Go to www.elcma.org

www.appalachianmissionopportunities.org – website funded by ELCMA listing servant opportunities within the Appalachian Region for youth groups or other groups or individuals

ELCMA, PO Box 338, Indiana, PA 15701-0338

Phone/Fax: 724/463-8422

dory@elcma.org     www.elcma.org

Updated 08/29/2011