By now you've probably seen the tag line, "God's work, Our hands." in ELCA materials, including the new design of ELCA.org, at least I hope so! If you're looking for a new way to present your congregation, or even if you're not looking but are willing to think about it, consider using the redesigned emblem/tag line.

Kristi Bangert, Executive Director for Communication Services for the ELCA, says that some congregations question whether they can use this tag line or whether it "belongs" only to the churchwide expression of the ELCA. Her answer, "This is yours, you are the ELCA."

Materials will become available for more ways to integrate this into your congregation's identity. At this time there are standards in the ELCA graphics standards regarding use of the ELCA emblem and tag line. It is asked that you follow these guidelines for consistency. Note that in the entire manual is available at the bottom of www.ELCA.org/emblem and there is a portion that specifically addresses use for each expression of the ELCA, including congregations (click here for the PDF).

"God's work, our hands," is something that ELCA Communication Services is very excited about. They hope that this will be adopted throughout the ELCA and they tell us it is not expected to change in a few years and many fear it might.

Go to www.ELCA.org/love for more information.