Video Contest Asks, 'What Does It Mean to Live Lutheran?'

CHICAGO (ELCA) – What does it means to "live Lutheran" today? Members and congregations of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) are invited to answer that question and compete for ministry grants and cash prizes in the 2011 ELCA Video Contest.

Congregations could win a $3,000 or a $1,500 ministry grant, and individual entrants could win a $1,500 or $1,000 cash prize. Prizes will also be awarded to the congregation and individual entries voted most popular by registered users of www.livinglutheran.com.

"This is a wonderful opportunity for members and congregations to share their stories with the rest of the church and the world," said Scott J. Hendrickson, ELCA director for marketing and public relations. "We know that ELCA members are active in their communities, doing God's work with their hands. Now it's time to share those stories of ministry with others."

Entries will be accepted through June 30. Viewing of and voting for the videos will run through July 15. Details of the contest, including judging criteria, resources to help create videos, rules and frequently asked questions can be found atwww.livinglutheran.com/contest. Odyssey Networks, New York, is the contest sponsor.

Contest winners will be announced at the 2011 ELCA Churchwide Assembly meeting in Orlando, Fla., Aug. 15-19. Selected entries, including the winning entries, will be shown in plenary sessions at the assembly.