Over 20 ELCA leaders from Region 3 gathered March 7–8 at Camp Onomia to discern how God is calling us to end hunger together. Guided by worship, Bible study, and community, the retreat resulted in five shared focus areas: worship, giving, local networking, leader connection, and education. The retreat, supported by an ELCA World Hunger grant, offered hope and renewed purpose in a time of challenge. Click here for more to read Rev. Sarah Stadler’s full reflection on the gathering.
Read MoreMartha Garner has joined the Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA) Policy Council to represent northern Arizona. A longtime music educator, community leader, and active member of Living Christ Lutheran Church in Flagstaff, Martha brings deep experience in ministry and advocacy. Her faith journey—shaped by Rainbow Trail, Lutheran Campus Ministry, and CASA work—prepares her well for this new call to public witness. Please keep Martha in prayer as she begins her three-year term. Click here to read more.
Read MoreThe March 2025 Advocacy Connections update from the ELCA highlights critical federal policy developments affecting public servants, energy and climate programs, immigration enforcement, and international aid. Of particular concern to our synod are proposed HUD staff cuts, threats to solar tax credits used by congregations, funding freezes to Augusta Victoria Hospital in Palestine, and a broader retreat from humanitarian support. These changes call for faithful public witness rooted in our Lutheran theology of justice and care for neighbor. Click here to read the full update from the ELCA Advocacy Office.
Read MoreMillions of Americans rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to put food on the table, yet the average benefit of just $6 per day is often not enough to maintain a healthy diet. The SNAP Challenge, happening March 18–20, invites participants to experience firsthand the difficult choices faced by those living on limited food budgets. This challenge raises awareness about hunger, highlights the need for increased SNAP benefits, and encourages congressional action. Learn how you and your congregation can get involved—click here.
Read MoreProposed Medicaid cuts could leave millions without essential healthcare, impacting our congregations, ministries, and the most vulnerable in our communities. A recent ELCA Advocacy and Lutheran Services in America webinar explores the implications of these changes and how Lutherans can take action. Watch the webinar recording and find key resources to help advocate for protecting Medicaid. Click here to learn more.
Read MoreHow do Lutherans make a difference through advocacy? Solveig Muus, director of Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA), explores how intentional intersectionality strengthens our collective impact, from bipartisan legislation to Lutheran Disaster Response and interfaith collaboration. Read about the 40-40-40 Lenten Challenge, new legislative efforts inspired by Lutheran advocacy in New Jersey, and how faith communities are working together to create change. Click here to read more: SPPO Spotlight: Inspired by Intersectionality.
Read MoreJoin the 2025 Lenten Challenge and support the Navajo Evangelical Lutheran Mission (NELM) in Rock Point, AZ, where many households lack access to clean water. This friendly competition among ELCA Region 2 synods challenges participants to commit to three Lenten practices while raising awareness and funds for Lutheran Disaster Response (LDR) and its water projects at NELM. The synod with the most sign-ups wins—so let’s make Grand Canyon Synod proud! Sign up today:lentenchallenge.org.
Read MorePastor Christine Stoxen of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Chandler, testified before the Arizona House Appropriations Committee in support of HB2191, the “Yes In God’s Back Yard” (YIGBY) bill. Representing Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA) and Valley Interfaith Project (VIP), she spoke on the critical role faith communities play in addressing Arizona’s housing crisis. While the bill advances, significant challenges remain, and continued advocacy is essential. Click here to read the full story on the LAMA site and see how you can help keep up the momentum!
Read MoreFaith-based advocacy is a powerful way ELCA members live out their calling to love God and neighbor. Former state public policy office (SPPO) directors share their insights, emphasizing the persistence, faith, and courage it takes to work for justice. Whether advocating for climate action, hunger relief, or racial equity, Lutherans across the country are making a difference—one conversation, prayer vigil, and legislative meeting at a time. Click here to read more in Living Lutheran.
Read MoreELCA state public policy offices nationwide are actively advocating for justice, equity, and compassion. Recent highlights include Arizona's Lutheran Day at the Legislature, Minnesota's housing and environmental initiatives, New Mexico's broad social justice agenda, Pennsylvania's defense of vulnerable communities, Texas's robust advocacy teams, and Virginia's focus on healthcare and criminal justice reform. Explore how Lutherans across the U.S. continue to make a difference. Read the full update here.
Read MoreIn a world where the “common good” feels more elusive than ever, how do we navigate the tension between legality and morality, division and unity? Courtney Hall of the Lutheran Office of Public Policy – California reflects on faith as a guiding light in the midst of uncertainty, especially for those working in advocacy. Instead of placing blame in times of struggle, she encourages us to lean on each other and keep our eyes on the shared values of love, grace, and compassion. Click here to read more in this devotional from the New Year Devotional Series.
Read MoreA recent funding freeze has halted U.S. foreign aid programs critical to global health, refugee resettlement, and disaster relief—programs already approved by Congress. As Lutherans, we are called to serve our neighbors in need. Contact your congressional representatives today to urge them to restore this lifesaving aid. Take action now: Click here.
Read MoreProposed Medicaid cuts in Congress could significantly impact low-income families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities—many of whom are served by Lutheran ministries. As people of faith, we are called to protect healthcare access for the most vulnerable. The ELCA is mobilizing action through advocacy alerts, a webinar on March 6, and direct outreach to legislators. Now is the time to act—contact your representatives, sign coalition letters, and learn how your congregation can engage. Click here to read more and take action.
Read MoreProposed Medicaid cuts in Congress threaten millions of low-income children, seniors, and people with disabilities—including many served by Lutheran ministries. As Lutherans, our faith calls us to protect the vulnerable and advocate for just policies. Learn about the proposed changes, why they matter, and how you can take action through advocacy alerts, upcoming webinars, and direct engagement with lawmakers. Read more and find ways to get involved at ELCA.org.
Read MoreLutherans from across Nevada gathered in Carson City for Lutheran Lobby Day, a day of worship, learning, and advocacy. Participants engaged with state leaders on Voter Engagement, Creation Care, and Affordable Housing, living out their faith through action. Lutheran Engagement and Advocacy in Nevada is committed to continuing this work—and you can be part of it. Join the movement and raise your voice for justice!
Read MoreOn February 10, 200 Lutherans from 29 districts gathered at the Arizona State Capitol for a day of advocacy, meeting with over 40 lawmakers and speaking out on key issues. Guided by faith, participants attended legislative meetings, engaged in training, and shared in prayer and fellowship. Read the full recap on the LAMA site and see photos from this inspiring day of action.
Read MoreFaith and advocacy go hand in hand. As Rev. Kelly Bayer Derrick of the ELCA Virginia Synod reminds us in this ELCA blog post, engaging in civic life is a way to live out our faith and seek abundant life for all. Across the country, ELCA-affiliated public policy offices are hosting advocacy days to help Lutherans and faith-based advocates voice their concerns on issues like housing, hunger, migration, and environmental justice. Want to get involved? Find an upcoming event near you or contact your local synod office to learn how you can participate in shaping just policies in your community.
Read MoreThe recent halt on refugee resettlement and a stop-work order have left hundreds of refugee families in Arizona without critical support. Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest is responding to this crisis, but we need your help. Contact your representatives, educate your community, volunteer, or give to ensure that newly arrived refugees receive the support they need. Now is the time to stand together in faith and action. Read more to learn how you can make a difference, and visit LSS-SW’s Refugee Crisis page to act today.
Read MoreThe foreign assistance funding freeze has halted critical global health, refugee, and disaster relief programs—including Lutheran-supported efforts like PEPFAR and Augusta Victoria Hospital. These disruptions put millions of lives at risk by suspending already-approved aid for refugees, famine prevention, and lifesaving medical care. Urge Congress to lift the freeze today. Learn more and take action here: ELCA Action Center.
Read MoreLutherans are raising their prophetic voices for justice at the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69) this March, where the global church will review progress on the Beijing Declaration’s gender justice commitments. Deacon Erin Brown of the Lutheran Office for World Community reflects on the diverse ways Lutherans advocate for the common good, ensuring that God’s love, compassion, and justice are proclaimed. From pastors to students to international leaders, the Lutheran delegation amplifies stories and solutions that work toward a world free from violence and oppression. Read more about how faith informs advocacy and how you can support this vital mission.
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