As we enter the third year of this pandemic, we see the signs of stress and incivility, even the signs of war and disease in Ethiopia and Sudan, in Europe. It might seem like death still has sway, but Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton reminds us to declare confidently on this Easter and all times "I know that my Redeemer lives.”
View in this post, on YouTube, or download the video here. Read the message as PDF in English or Spanish.
Read MoreSpring allergies? Worn out by Lent? Portico members with ELCA Primary health coverage have 24/7 access to text-based primary care from board certified physicians through the 98point6 app at no out-of-pocket cost, thanks to recent action by Congress. Find out more on myPortico (and take care of yourself!)
Read MoreThe ELCA World Hunger Team invites applications for Domestic Hunger Grants. Visit this FAQ page about applying. Applications are open April 18–May 20, 2022.
Read MoreAs the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), we assure our Muslim neighbors of our love and respect and reaffirm our commitment to working together in our shared communities for the common good.
As people who know that we live by the grace and in the sight of the one, almighty, and merciful God, we have confidence that our engagement will result in mutual learning, growth, and enrichment. Read the full declaration here.
Read MoreAs you plan for new activities and events this summer for youth, we invite you to join us in ELCA World Hunger’s Global Farm Challenge, a youth-focused, whole-church campaign to accompany our neighbors who are facing threats of hunger and poverty around the world.
Visit ELCA.org/globalfarmchallenge for more information, to order resources when they become available, and to begin planning your youth group’s participation and fundraising.
Read MoreThe Church Council of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) met March 31–April 2. The council, which serves as the ELCA's board of directors, took action on a variety of matters before this church. Among them were preparations for the 2022 ELCA Churchwide Assembly, to be held Aug. 8-12 in Columbus, Ohio.
Read MoreIn this episode of Portico’s Being Here podcast, Pastor Melissa Pohlman and Bishop Kevin Strickland reflect on what's meaningful about our time-honored traditions and how to reconcile our new practices with what we've left behind. They'll discuss ways to approach modern challenges with creativity and innovate in our work. Listen here.
Read MoreThe Texas-Louisiana Gulf Coast Synod, with support from Lutheran Disaster Response, is addressing immediate needs for those impacted by the storms. In Arabi, Gethsemane Lutheran Church-Chalmette is coordinating with other organizations to distribute food supplies and expects the need for its own food pantry to grow.
Read MoreSince the start of the Evangelical Lutheran Church (ELCA) in 1988, New Orleans has hosted the ELCA Youth Gathering and pre-events three different times. The city has a unique blend of history, culture and beautiful venues that are within walking distance of one another— making it a prime location for the 2024 Gathering.
Read MoreMark your calendar for Sunday, Sept. 11, when congregations of the ELCA will join together for “God’s work. Our hands.” Sunday, our annual day of service. Be sure to save the date and visit ELCA.org/DayofService for updates to resources.
Read MoreThere are so many ways to be engaged in Spirit and Action for Earth Day! Lutherans Restoring Creation provides ideas and resources to celebrate as an individual, youth group, Bible study or whole congregation.
Read MoreNews headlines have been particularly dire this spring, and the investment markets have responded with nerve-rattling volatility. A newly-updated page on myPortico gives context for the short- and long-term effects. And a new blog post by Portico Chief Investment Officer David Quello addresses how Portico is responding to Russian aggression in Ukraine.
Read MoreFor the victims of violence in Bucha, Ukraine, and for all witnesses of the atrocities of war…
For the victims and survivors of the mass shooting in Sacramento, CA…
For our Muslim neighbors observing the holy month of Ramadan and for our Jewish neighbors preparing for Passover…
For all areas suffering damage, injury, or loss of life in spring storms…
With thanksgiving for the gifts of people with autism and for all who offer care and support to them…
The Courageous Leadership Series with ELCA Coaching is weekly on Wednesdays, 11am MST/PDT, noon MDT. Click here for log-in information.
On Wednesday, April 13, we welcome Deacon Tammy Devine. Join us for a rare opportunity -- permission -- to pause, listen to self, one another, and God. You will be invited to consider what might be getting in the way of Being Present to the PRESENCE.
Read MoreAn online worship service for Earth Day (4/24/2022) is being finalized by Lutherans Restoring Creation and they are excited to share it with all. If you want to integrate it into your worship service be sure to register now as private/preview links will be sent soon. Click here to register.
They are honored to have the Rev. Dr. Carmelo Santos sharing the message of the day according to the Readings for April 24th. The service — in English, Spanish, and ASL — will be available to all via YouTube and Facebook starting Friday April 22, 2022.
Read MoreOn April 4, 2022, the Patriarchs and Heads of Local Churches in Jerusalem released this statement about the Little Petra Hotel, which stands on the pilgrim route for the millions of Christians who visit Jerusalem each year. “It represents Christian heritage, and speaks of our very existence in this place.”
Read MoreIn this post we share an update from Rev. Kyle & Ånna Svennungsen, ELCA missionaries in Slovakia.
We are writing to you from Bratislava, Slovakia. At Bratislava International Church, our theme for Lent is ‘Walking with Jesus: Repentance, Reconciliation, Restoration.’ This theme was chosen before the war in Ukraine began and it has taken on a whole new meaning in these last four weeks.
Read MoreOne famous chef who wasn’t in L.A. for the Oscars was Chef José Andrés. Chef Andrés could have been in L.A. or comfortably resting at one of his restaurants in New York or Washington D.C. But he wasn’t. Chef José Andrés was on the border between Ukraine and Poland serving up thousands of meals for the Ukrainian refugees fleeing the war.
Read MoreFrom the first-fruits offering of Deuteronomy to the teaching of Jesus in the Gospel of Luke, our reflections have pointed to how God continues to “make a way in the wilderness” and calls us to be part of that journey for ourselves and our neighbors. Read more in this post in English and Spanish.
Read MoreAs we prepare to celebrate Earth Day later this month, Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton shares some examples of how Lutherans are caring for creation and addressing climate justice.
God calls us to be stewards of the earth, and to fully integrate creation care into our love of God, neighbor and everything in our environment. Learn more at https://elca.org/environment.
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