Community Lutheran Partners, Inc.

06/02/2026

06/01/2026

She recounts the history of the Johnstown Flood.

I had learned about it during my time as a National Park Ranger and then even more as a WVDEP inspector (it was used as a case study for dam inspection training). I knew Clara Barton and her Red Cross responded but I'd love to know how it shaped disaster response going forward.
Anyhow, it was preventable and occured as a result of greed. Over 2000 lives lost, at least 90 entire families gone because 4 rich men wanted to boat and fish their own lake.

May 30, 2026The members of the South Fork Fishing and Hunting Club were wealthy and influential, The Club took control of a Pennsylvania reservoir created by...

06/01/2026

June 1 (transferred from May 31) - The Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary -

The Visitation is the visit of Mary with Elizabeth as recorded in the Gospel of Luke 1:39-56. Here Mary sings the Magnificat. It is celebrated on May 31 in the West (July 2 in calendars of the 1263-1969 period and in the modern regional calendar of Germany) and March 30 in the East. At St. Augustine's House the church is named "The Church of the Visitation" as the original building was dedicated on the old date, July 2.

Almighty God,
by whose grace Elizabeth rejoiced with Mary
and greeted her as the mother of the Lord:
look with favor, we beseech thee, on thy lowly servants,
that, with Mary, we may magnify thy holy name
and rejoice to acclaim her Son our Savior,
who liveth and reigneth with thee,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and forever.

image: The "Magnificat" window at the Church of the Reconciliation, Taizé, France

06/01/2026

Johnstown Flood 1889

On May 31, 1889, the South Fork Dam failed, releasing more than 4.8 billion gallons of water. The flood devastated Johnstown, Pennsylvania, and claimed the lives of over 2,200 people. Today, on National Dam Safety Awareness Day, we honor those lives by continuing efforts to improve dam safety across the country.

Johnstown Flood National Memorial preserves the remains of the dam and tells the story of one of the deadliest disasters in American history. The site invites visitors to reflect on the tragedy and the remarkable relief efforts that followed.

06/01/2026

At a time when houses of worship, food pantries, farmers, global partners and ELCA World Hunger affiliates are reporting alarming new rates of food requests in our communities, Congress should pass a comprehensive Farm Bill that promotes sustainable livelihoods for all. Visit the ELCA Action Center or go directly to the Action Alert linked in the comment below to take action and read more.

06/01/2026

06/01/2026

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Today we remember Justin, martyr, who died around 165 CE.

A philosopher and early Christian teacher, Justin believed that faith and reason belong together. He sought truth wherever it could be found and boldly shared the good news of Christ in a world that often misunderstood and rejected it.

Justin reminds us that discipleship includes both heart and mind. We are called not only to believe, but also to learn, question, reflect, and grow in wisdom.

May we have the courage to seek truth faithfully and to bear witness to God's love with both conviction and humility.