In this gospel reading, Jesus tells his disciples “A new commandment I give you, that you love one another. As I have loved you, you should love one another.” This is a commandment that calls us into a relationship, with both God and one another. It calls us into a relationship of love.
Read MoreThe Young Adults in Global Mission (YAGM) program has been paused since early 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then the YAGM staff deepened relationships with global partners and asked important questions to shape the future of the program. In a video message, YAGM program director Dan Beirne shares some of what he and the staff learned during that process. We also share a newsletter with more info.
Read MoreWhat is important to you when you think about government? What about how the church and the state relate to each other?
A task force is at work on a new social statement about civics and faith, and it wants to hear from you. There are two opportunities to participate on 5/24/2022 or 5/24/2022, 5-6:15pm MST/PDT, 6-7:15pm MDT. Click here to register and learn more at elca.org/civicsandfaith.
Read MoreI am not a practicing Lutheran. Although many of my relatives and ancestors are, I grew up in a secular family, attending church only for Christmas Eve services and the occasional baptism or funeral. As you might imagine, it was an unusual path that led me to this year of being an ELCA Hunger Advocacy Fellow, of learning to navigate through new communities, new opportunities and new insights.
Read MoreThe Rev. Erik Gronberg, Fort Worth, Texas, was reelected April 29 to serve a second six-year term as bishop of the Northern Texas-Northern Louisiana Synod. The election took place during the synod assembly April 29-30 at King of Glory Lutheran Church in Dallas.
Read MoreMay is Mental Health Awareness Month and Bishop Eaton reminds us that caring for our mental health is not a sign of weakness, it’s a sign of courage, faithfulness and hope.
The 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 MoreMMC is excited to announce an event exploring paperless singing, to take place in Eugene, Ore., on June 25. In preparation for the Annual Conference of the Hymn Society, join us in Washington, D.C., on July 16.
Online programs continue, including the new song-writing workshop “Composing Ourselves,” a webinar with Jorge Lockward exploring creative liturgical composition, Morning Grounding, and more. Visit the MMC website for additional details and to register.
Read MoreFor leaders running for elected office as the season for state and local primaries begins, and for all who use their political office to support the welfare of all people
With thanksgiving for mothers of all kinds and for all people who provide compassionate care to others…
For people for whom Mother’s Day is difficult, including those who are grieving, those in difficult relationship circumstances, or those experiencing infertility…
For all wrestling with difficult decisions about pregnancy, parenthood, and childcare…
For all people seeking safe, equitable, and empowered access to healthcare…
For the beloved memory of the more than 15 million lives lost, directly and indirectly, due to the Covid-19 pandemic…
For those battling wildfires in New Mexico, suffering dust storms in Colorado, and cleaning up after tornadoes in Texas and Oklahoma…
A message from Deacon Tammy Jones West, 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering Program Director…
First, there is no curtain but for a peek into the behind-the-scenes happenings of the ELCA Youth Gathering, let me start with my first few months on staff. Let me introduce you to the people who are called to serve this ministry at the ELCA.
We share the Lutheran Men in Mission Spring Newsletter as a PDF. You can visit their website for more information as well.
Read More“Hindsight is 20/20,” the old saying goes, meaning that it is easier to see the meaning of things when you are looking back. Perhaps that is why today’s gospel reading is a flashback to John 10, a time well before Jesus’ death and resurrection. It is as if to say, now that we have encountered the Risen Jesus, we are finally ready to make sense of what he was saying.
Read MoreGreetings to you for a joyous Eid al-Fitr.
On this blessed occasion, I write to share "A Declaration of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America to the Muslim Community." Through this message to you, we recommit ourselves to the heart of both our theological traditions: love of God and love of neighbor.
Read MoreLooking for information about topics related to worship? ELCA Worship’s Frequently Asked Questions page offers guidance, including additional resources, that may be considered within your local context. Visit elca.org/worshipfaq.
Read MoreThe ELCA Social Statement on Civic Engagement is underway. Let your voice be heard! What issues should be included in the ELCA’s next Social Statement on Church, State, and Civic Participation? What concerns do you have about where the church currently stands on civic engagement, and where should the church be headed?
Learn more on the Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona site.
Read MoreWhen Jesus began His ministry, He immediately formed a small group. Following in the footsteps of Jesus, we are continuing to offer opportunities to gather in small groups for discussion and empowerment around the prominent topics swirling in the crucible of change for us as faith leaders. Join us May 4, 2022, 11 am (and every Wednesday). The login information can be found on the ELCA Coaching website.
Read MoreELCA Secretary Sue Rothmeyer reminds rostered ministers who have been granted retired, disability, or on-leave-from-call roster status to opt out of having contact info available in the online ELCA directory if they have a concern for privacy.
Read MoreThe Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) will observe its 35th anniversary on April 30, 2022. On this date in 1987, the ELCA constitution was adopted during the opening session of the Constituting Convention in Columbus, Ohio.
To symbolize the formation of the new denomination, the bishops from the three predecessor church bodies poured water from separate containers into one baptismal font.
Read MoreIf you know of someone in your synod who is discerning a call to ministry and might like to hear from all the ELCA seminaries in one space, please encourage them to attend a collaborative ELCA Seminaries virtual discernment event on Saturday, May 7th from 8 am - 1 pm MST/PDT, 9am-noon MDT. Register here.
Read MoreFor the protection of people and all creatures in the path of wildfires in New Mexico, Arizona, and Nebraska…
For Ukrainian refugees, displaced internally and internationally, and for all refugees of armed conflict throughout the world…
With thanksgiving for the gifts of Asians, Asian Americans, and Pacific Islanders in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and throughout society…
For our Muslim neighbors celebrating Eid al-Fitr, marking the end of their Ramadan fast…
For synods, their leaders, and their bishops as synod assemblies begin to gather…
For all who were baptized or who affirmed their baptisms at Easter…
