Mercy is more than a word—it’s a call to action. This Sunday’s Gospel reading (Luke 6:27-38) challenges us to love our enemies, give freely, and embody God’s mercy in a divided world. As Lutheran social ministries face funding challenges, we are reminded that mercy is at the core of our faith, not an optional extra. How will we answer Jesus’ call to mercy today?
Read MoreJesus didn’t lead from above—he stood among the people, teaching on a level place and challenging societal norms about blessings and woes (Luke 6:17-26). His model of leadership, reflected in the Civil Rights Movement, calls us to walk alongside the marginalized, not from positions of privilege. As we reflect on Black History Month, how can we follow Christ’s example and prepare for God’s reign where all share in His blessings?
Read MoreHave you ever felt like your efforts were wasted? In Luke 5, the disciples had a fruitless day of fishing—until Jesus stepped in, transforming their empty nets into abundance. The same principle applies beyond the sea: even waste, like discarded food or manure, can become something life-giving. In God’s economy, nothing is useless. How can we invite God to bring renewal in places that feel like failure? In this week’s Faith Lens, read more on how faith, science, and trust in God’s abundance can reshape how we see the world.
Read MoreSimeon and Anna saw something extraordinary in an ordinary moment at the temple: God’s presence in Jesus. Their story reminds us that God is still near, revealing the sacred through everyday things—clean water, fresh air, the beauty of creation. As we care for the world around us, we honor God’s gifts and ensure future generations can experience them. This week, take time to notice where God’s fingerprints appear in your daily life. Where do you see the extraordinary within the ordinary?
Read MoreThis week, ELCA Region 2 leaders respond to a recent presidential declaration limiting gender identity to a binary framework. Reflecting on Galatians 3:28 and the ELCA’s 2019 social statement, they affirm the inherent diversity of God’s creation, celebrate all gender expressions, and call for advocacy against discrimination. This letter underscores our shared identity in Christ and invites prayer for those affected by these harmful statements. Read the full letter and join us in standing for justice and inclusion.
Read MoreAs trends and traditions from the past reemerge in today’s world, this week’s Gospel reading from Luke 4 reminds us of the eternal renewal found in Jesus. Unlike fleeting trends, Christ’s fulfillment of ancient promises brings lasting transformation, making all things new. Where do we place our ultimate allegiance?
Read MoreAs wildfires devastate Los Angeles, we are reminded of our call to step in during times of need, just as Jesus did at the wedding in Cana. Whether through prayer, financial support for Lutheran Disaster Response, or opening our homes to those displaced, our actions embody God’s abundant love. In this week’s Faith Lens, explore how this week’s Gospel inspires us to act with grace and compassion in the face of crisis.
Read MoreThe Epiphany of Our Lord reminds us that God’s love is for everyone, from Magi following a star to seekers across the globe. This Sunday, as you gaze at the heavens, consider how God is revealed in creation and what it means to share Christ’s universal love.
Read MoreIn this Christmas message, the bishops and synod vice presidents of Region 2 reflect on Howard Thurman’s poem, “The Work of Christmas,” calling us to embrace God’s grace and live out Christ’s liberating love. Representing over 500 congregations, they invite us to join in justice, service, and joy, embodying the good news of Christ in our communities and the world.
Read MoreMerry Christmas from Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center in Carefree, Arizona! This year, Spirit welcomed diverse groups seeking healing and renewal while continuing to provide exceptional hospitality and spiritual connection. Looking ahead, Spirit offers retreats and programs to deepen faith, including Centering Prayer, contemplative Zoom services, and a Spring Training baseball retreat. Discover how Spirit continues to serve as a haven for peace and renewal.
Read More2024 was a year of remarkable advocacy through the Lutheran Advocacy Ministry of Arizona (LAMA), with record participation at Lutheran Day at the Legislature and impactful work in areas like hunger, housing, and international aid. As we celebrate Christmas, we reflect on the Nativity’s call to care for the vulnerable and recommit to advocacy in 2025. Read more for highlights from LAMA Director Solveig Muus and an inspiring message from Hunger Advocacy Fellow Autumn Byars.
Read MoreHow do we define success? As college football celebrates a new twelve-team playoff, Advent invites us to reflect on a very different kind of victory. Mary’s song in Luke 1:39–55 reminds us that God lifts up the lowly so that all may share in divine blessings. As we approach the manger this week, let us celebrate the true meaning of success: God’s victory for all.
Read MoreRick Steves, a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Seattle, has shared a beautiful 2-minute video of the Christmas story from Luke, illustrated with stunning European art. Offered as a free gift to the ELCA, the video can be used in worship services, concerts, or celebrations with no need for attribution. Watch the video on YouTube here or download it here and enrich your community’s celebration of this holy season.
Read MoreJoin beloved 1960s TV icons Davey and Goliath for their 1965 Christmas special. Davey learns the real meaning of Christmas when he gives his part in a Christmas play to another boy.
Read MoreView the message on YouTube here or download the video here We invite you to pause with us during this holy season to celebrate the miracle of Emmanuel: God with us. From all of us at the ELCA Foundation, thank you for your generosity and partnership. Merry Christmas.
Read MoreMartin Luther’s Christmas sermon challenges us to look at our own lives this season. While Bethlehem had “no room” for Christ, we are asked: Do we make room for our neighbors in need today? God entered the world in love, and Luther calls us to respond with that same love for those around us.
Read MoreThis Advent season, as we wait in hopeful anticipation for the gift of Christ’s birth, I find myself reflecting deeply on gifts and generosity. Not just the kind we wrap in paper and ribbons, but the kind we experience through the Spirit—the gifts of love, grace, and community that bind us together as one church, one body of Christ.
In the past months, I’ve been blessed to witness firsthand how the Holy Spirit moves through our shared ministry, both within our synod and across the globe. During recent visits to two of our companion churches—the Lutheran Church of Senegal (LCS) and Iglesia Luterana Mexicana (ILM)—I saw acts of generosity that have left me humbled and inspired.
Read MoreTucson’s ELCA congregations celebrated the first Sunday in Advent with a joyful combined choir concert at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church. Over 350 people gathered to enjoy music from eight congregations and hear about Lutheran Campus Ministry’s upcoming mission trip to Guatemala. A freewill offering raised $2,950 to support the mission. Highlights included a stirring combined choir finale of “O Holy Night” and fellowship over cookies.
Read MoreWondering how to make a positive impact in the world right now? With ELCA Good Gifts, choose from over 60 charitable gifts to give in honor of friends and loved ones this Christmas! New gifts include safe birth, a climate resilience kit and supporting a Young Adults in Global Mission volunteer for a month. Give online and you can personalize free, printed cards to be sent directly to your loved ones. Find several special-edition Christmas cards for select gifts now. Browse gifts.
Read MoreThe Office of the Bishop will be closed from December 24 to December 26, 2024, in celebration of Christmas. advent
We pray your Christmas is filled with the joy and peace of Christ’s birth.
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