Dr. Jennifer Wojciechowski joins the Pivot Podcast to explore how ancient traditions speak to contemporary spiritual needs.
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Want to lead worship with a guitar around the campfire? Join Camp ALOMA in Prescott, April 25–27, for a weekend retreat focused on learning how to lead and support campfire worship. Designed for guitar players with basic chord skills, the $110 weekend includes lodging, meals, and musical leadership training grounded in Lutheran faith. Register now at campaloma.com or call 928-778-1690.
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Join the ELCA Seminaries for a virtual Fireside Chat on Thursday, April 10, as Deacon Krista Anderson and Deacon Beth Anderson explore the ministry of Word and Service in the ELCA. This engaging conversation will offer insight into the call to diaconal ministry and is perfect for those discerning a call or seeking to understand this unique role in the life of the church.
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How can clergy navigate mental health challenges while serving in ministry? Join Rev. Seth Perry for a free one-hour webinar on March 26, 2025 (12:00-1:00 PM CT), as he shares his journey of pastoring with a dual diagnosis. Hosted by the Center of Addiction & Faith, this conversation will address stigma, strengths, and faith-filled recovery. Register here.
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The March 2025 Mission Support Memo from ELCA Mission Support connects us as partners in relationship. Hear about how the South-Central Synod of Wisconsin welcomed lay and rostered leaders across the synod to the Grove, providing a beautiful space to wonder, learn, connect, collaborate, and explore how vital ministry can happen in the name of Christ.
This memo also asks to connect with you to get your important feedback about the memo through a short survey seeking to improve this work we do together. We are so grateful to be in partners in relationship across our ELCA synods and congregations.
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The March 2025 issue of Administration Matters covers key updates for ELCA leaders, including the 2025 ELCA Churchwide Assembly in Phoenix, new clergy tax guides, insurance trends, and best practices for church administration. Learn about managing employee time, navigating clergy tax status, and strengthening your church’s digital presence. Read the full update here: ELCA Administration Matters – March 2025.
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Join the Lutheran Faith Community Nurse Association on March 25, 2025, for This Isn’t Kansas, Toto: Living in the New Digital World, a special Zoom session with Dr. Patricia Fosarelli, MD, DMin. Explore how to navigate online misinformation, protect vulnerable individuals, and apply digital tools to ministry. Open to all, including non-nurses. Earn 2.0 nursing contact hours. View a PDF flyer here. Register now: LFCNA Event Page.
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How can your congregation collaborate with local organizations to make a lasting impact? Neighbors Together: Partners for Innovation is a free, two-part workshop designed to guide churches through the process of forming community partnerships. Learn how to identify potential partners, start meaningful conversations, and launch a neighborhood project that benefits all. Sessions are on March 25 and April 1, 2025 (choose 10 AM or 4 PM Pacific Time). Register today at www.livingtheresurrection.com.
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Engage with youth, cool off in the pines, and explore stewardship this summer! Campformation at Camp Pinerock, June 30–July 4, 2025, invites three rostered leaders to join for free as Resident Theologians. Travel, room, and board are covered. Apply by March 15, 2025. Contact Pr. Tim Perlick at tim.perlick@gmail.com.
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In the latest Pivot podcast, Rev. Dr. Christian Selvaratnam shares insights on church planting, leading from the middle, and fostering a 'mixed ecology' of new and legacy churches.
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Looking for ways to deepen your worship ministry? This month’s ELCA Worship partner updates include music and worship events across the country, from Lutheran Summer Music for young musicians to Music That Makes Community training workshops. The Institute of Liturgical Studies, ALCM Conference, and Augsburg Fortress music clinics offer further opportunities for learning and inspiration. Find registration details and new worship resources in our latest blog post. Read more in the ELCA Worship blog post.
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How can church leaders effectively engage the next generation and navigate adaptive change? The latest edition of The Crucible, the Church Leadership Institute’s newsletter, explores these pressing questions. Featuring insights from Future Focused Church, a book by Kara Powell, Jake Mulder, and Ray Chang, this issue highlights research-driven strategies for leading change in diverse church communities. Plus, don’t miss discussions on cultivating transparency in leadership and practical training for managing the business of ministry. Read more and explore these resources—click here.
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Is God calling you to lead? The ELCA, in partnership with its seminaries, is offering Online Discernment Groups—a three-session opportunity to explore church leadership and seminary. Whether you’re considering ministry or just curious, these groups provide a space for reflection and connection. Sign up at elcaseminaries.org or email recruitment@elca.org. Rostered ministers interested in leading a group can email Rick.Summy@elca.org.
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In this Pivot Podcast, Blair Pogue shares a Lenten reflection for church leaders.
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Discover new ways to lead in changing times! The Missional Leadership Cohort is a nine-month journey beginning March 2025 to equip clergy with tools for transformative leadership. With retreats (including an in-person gathering at Spirit in the Desert), coaching, and peer support, this program offers practical insights and theological grounding to help you move from “fixing” to faithful discernment. Scholarships available! Learn more today!
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The Festival of Homiletics 2025 is set for May 12-15 in Atlanta, GA, and online, offering preachers a time of renewal and learning under the theme “Preaching to Heal the Divide.” This year’s gathering takes place at Peachtree Road UMC, a church celebrating 100 years of ministry. Attendees can explore the church’s rich history and experience the Doves of Peachtree Road, a stunning Centennial art installation. Can’t attend in person? Join online! Register today: festivalofhomiletics.com.
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In this Pivot Podcast, Nancy Dyson from St. John's Episcopal Church shares how her congregation's Laundry Love ministry emerged organically from listening to their neighbors' actual needs.
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Looking for a meaningful way to engage in Lent this year? The 2025 ELCA Sumud Lenten Series Resource Guide offers six weeks of devotions, prayers, and theological reflections from ELCJHL pastors, Bethlehem Bible College students, and an ELCA bishop. This collaborative resource invites you to journey through Lent with voices from the Holy Land, reflecting on themes of faith, justice, and steadfast hope. Download the guide today and share it with your congregation or study group. Read more.
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A big thanks to the 75 rostered ministers who have submitted their rostered minister reports! Reports are due by March 1, 2025 and are an opportunity to connect directly with Bishop Hutterer. All submissions will be carefully reviewed, and each minister will receive a personal response. Forms are available online or as downloadable Word documents. Visit gcsynod.org/rostered-minister-report for full details.
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The Annual Congregation Report (Form A) portal is now open, and all congregations are asked to complete their reports by March 1, 2025. This year’s updated system makes reporting easier, with previous year data displayed, built-in instructions, and forms available in English and Spanish. To access the portal, visit ELCA.org/congregationreport using your congregation’s ID and password. If you didn’t receive this information, contact the Office of the Bishop. Your participation helps shape the future of our synod and the wider church—thank you for being part of this important work!
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