Posts in ELCA
Gather Magazine Seeks Faith-Filled Creators—Nominate by April 11

Gather magazine is collecting stories of ELCA women, congregations, and ministries who create and sell handmade goods—like soap, candles, clothing, or cards—as a way to support ministry or express faith. Know someone in our synod who fits this description? Send their name, contact info, and a short description to gather@elca.org by Friday, April 11.

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Staying with Hope: ELCA’s Sumud Initiative Walks with Christians in the Holy Land

Palestinian Christians living under military occupation in the Holy Land face immense challenges—separation from family, lack of work, and rising emigration. Through the Sumud initiative, the ELCA stands in steadfast accompaniment with our partners in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land (ELCJHL), advocating for dignity, justice, and peace. Sumud means “steadfastness,” and this initiative invites us to listen, learn, and act in faithful support. Click here to read more at Living Lutheran.

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¿Cómo pueden prepararse las congregaciones para redadas migratorias? Preparing for Immigration Raids: A Faithful Guide for Congregations

How can congregations prepare for possible immigration raids? A new ELCA AMMPARO guide outlines practical steps—like hosting Know Your Rights sessions, connecting with local migrant organizations, and training ministry teams—to equip congregations for faithful response. Rooted in Lutheran theology and updated in response to recent policy changes, this guide offers a path forward rooted in justice, compassion, and love for neighbor. Read the full article at ELCA.org.

¿Cómo pueden prepararse las congregaciones para posibles redadas migratorias? Una nueva guía de AMMPARO ofrece pasos prácticos como organizar sesiones de Conozca Sus Derechos, conectar con organizaciones locales y capacitar a voluntarios para responder con justicia y compasión. Esta guía está arraigada en la fe luterana y actualizada frente a recientes cambios de política migratoria. Leer el artículo completo.

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Lint for Lent: Turning Trash into Light at Easter

For the 10th year, St. John Lutheran Church in Victor, NY, is celebrating Lint for Lent, a tradition of collecting discarded household items—like dryer lint and candle stubs—to create fire bricks used to light Easter worship. This creative ritual reminds us how God transforms what we cast aside into warmth, light, and purpose.

Read the full story of this fiery and faithful practice—click here to explore the article in Living Lutheran.

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Fresh Reads for Faith Formation: New Books for Spring 2025

From picture books that walk children through Holy Week to sharp theological insights on race, care, and church life, these seven new titles offer something for every ministry context. Featuring ELCA voices like Bishop Brenda Bos, Pastor Angela Denker, and Pastor Yolanda Denson-Byers, this spring’s must-reads can deepen discipleship, enrich congregational conversations, and offer rest to the weary.

Explore all the recommended titles and how they might shape your ministry—click here for the full article in Living Lutheran.

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I’m a Lutheran: Hannah Limbong

Hannah Limbong, a public health major and lifelong Lutheran, shares how her faith journey—from youth leadership in the ELCA to climate advocacy and nonprofit mentorship—shapes every aspect of her life. A member of Christ Lutheran in Jeffersontown, KY, Hannah lives out her call through music, policymaking, and care for creation.

Read how this emerging leader combines service, justice, and joy in her walk with Christ—click here for the full article in Living Lutheran.

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Faith Lens: Joy Amidst the Sorrow

As Lent nears its end, this season reminds us that even in long, sorrowful journeys—whether personal or global—there is space for joy. Just as a woman anointed Jesus in love on his road to the cross, we too are invited to celebrate sacred moments, even in hardship. This reflection calls us to live intentionally, walk with those who suffer, and embrace joy as resistance and renewal during life’s most difficult seasons.

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God’s Work, Our Hands: Join the ELCA’s Day of Service on Sept. 7, 2025

On Sunday, Sept. 7, ELCA congregations will come together for “God’s work. Our hands.” Sunday, an annual day of service celebrating our call to love and serve our neighbors. Whether through food drives, community clean-ups, or acts of care, this is an opportunity to put faith into action. If your congregation can’t participate on Sept. 7, choose another date—service is ongoing! Visit ELCA.org/DayOfService for resources and inspiration. Mark your calendar and join us in serving our communities!

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Leading with Purpose: Women of the ELCA’s 2025 Leadership Gathering

Join Women of the ELCA for the 2025 Leadership Event on Saturday, April 5, from 11:00 am – 3:00 pm MST/PDT(12:00–4:00 pm MDT), held on Zoom. Centered on the theme “Yes! What’s Next?” this virtual gathering invites servant leaders to reflect on calling and mission with dynamic speakers, small group discussion, and a digital toolbox. Registration is open—come be inspired, challenged, and renewed.

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Love Letters That Inspire Giving: A Webinar with Rev. Dr. Eric H.F. Law

Join Rev. Dr. Eric H.F. Law on Thursday, May 8, for a free webinar that reimagines stewardship through storytelling. Learn how the simple act of writing “love letters to our church” can inspire natural generosity rooted in gratitude and connection. No registration needed—just join online from 4–5:30 p.m. AZ/NV or 5–6:30 p.m. UT/Navajo Nation.

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Region 3 Hunger Retreat Sparks New Collaboration in Worship, Advocacy, and Education

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.

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Confronting Christian Nationalism through Relationship, Truth, and Love

On March 7–8, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry in Pennsylvania co-hosted a powerful event with United Lutheran Seminary exploring Christian nationalism and how we as followers of Jesus are called to respond. Featuring speakers Amanda Tyler of Christians Against Christian Nationalism and Dr. Lori Brandt Hale on Bonhoeffer’s legacy, the gathering emphasized relational approaches, theological clarity, and communal courage. ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton preached at the closing worship, reminding us we are part of a movement of truth, freedom, and love. Click here to read the full blog post and explore the original article.

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Building Faith, One Brick at a Time: Legos as Lenten Discipline

What do Legos have to do with Lent? For Pastor JJ Dygert and others in his congregation, the answer is everything. By limiting their daily Lego builds over 40 days and pairing the practice with devotional readings, they’ve discovered a rhythm of discipline, reflection, and spiritual growth. This creative and surprisingly profound Lenten practice is spreading—brick by brick. Click here to read the full article from Living Lutheran.

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The ELCA’s Call to Creation Care: Hope, Justice, and Reform

The ELCA’s 1993 social statement Caring for Creation and its 2023 companion message call us to faithful, courageous climate action grounded in grace. A recent Living Lutheran article invites us to reflect on the theological roots of climate change, reform unjust systems, and speak hope into a world in crisis. Click here to read the full article on Living Lutheran.

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Leading with Purpose: Women of the ELCA’s 2025 Leadership Gathering

Join Women of the ELCA for the 2025 Leadership Event on Saturday, April 5, from 11:00 am – 3:00 pm MST/PDT(12:00–4:00 pm MDT), held on Zoom. Centered on the theme “Yes! What’s Next?” this virtual gathering invites servant leaders to reflect on calling and mission with dynamic speakers, small group discussion, and a digital toolbox. Registration is open—come be inspired, challenged, and renewed.

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From Lament to Hope: ELCA Leaders Reflect at Montgomery Racial Justice Retreat

In honor of the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, Dr. Robin Lauermann reflects on a recent ELCA Association of White Lutherans for Racial Justice board retreat in Montgomery, Alabama. The group visited the Legacy Museum and the National Memorial for Peace and Justice, deepening their understanding of white supremacy’s legacy and the call to faithful advocacy. Stories of injustice and resilience, like that of Anthony Ray Hinton, challenge and inspire us as people of faith. Click here to read the full reflection.

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