Involving Congregations in Advocacy Now (ICAN) Introduction My Faith and Advocacy The How-tos of Advocacy How to bring advocacy to my congregation Resources Miscellaneous Activities and Handouts

Involving Congregations in Advocacy Now

• Biblical Passages and Lutheran References
• Babies in the River
• Advocacy: A Bible Study
• The Two Feet of Christian Service
• Worship Space Notes
• Worship Space Activity
• Commissioning our Advocates
• My Faith and Advocacy

Worship Space Notes

It is easy to forget that the uniqueness of our training is our faith basis. We are a holy people and the area we use is a holy space. Environmental cues can help remind participants of this connection. When you design this space think of your participants and your focus.

For example, if you are working on a children’s advocacy issue you might:

• drape a table in a cloth with children’s hand prints

• light a candle between pictures of children who might be the focus of your advocacy program

• consider some part of your devotions where people physically move toward the worship space and do/place something at the place (i.e. put a penny in a bank, light a candle etc.)

• have music connected to our faith roots

• consider placing a cross in the space

• consider having bread and wine chalice especially if your time ends with Communion*.

Other examples for a general advocacy workshop might include: < each participant bringing an item that represents advocacy or an advocacy issue 

• participants who come early choosing music

• a few participants doing a reading and each lighting a candle during devotions

As you plan your worship space, complete the worship space “activity.”

A special note on music. Not all participants will necessarily enjoy your particular musical style. Some people pray with chant while others use popular music. Some like the old hymns while others only like folk hymns. Offer your group input to the choices in musical style.

* Please remember, it is an ELCA policy to get permission to celebrate Eucharist outside of a congregation. Permission is granted by a Pastor of the Congregation (if housed in their building) or the Bishop of a Synod.