Each year the ELCA asks congregations to provide information about their people and activities. Though each congregation is much more than these numbers, the information contributes to a greater knowledge of overall trends in the ELCA.
Your congregation may wish to begin compiling information for the annual congregation report before you receive the packet through the mail. You can access electronic versions of the forms and instructions here.
Read MoreELCA Global Mission shares their December, 2022 Global Links, featuring: an Advent reflection from Daudi Msseemmaa, regional representative to East Africa; news around the world; mission personnel; new global mission directory available; and how to get involved.
Read MoreJust before midnight on November 19, 2022, a gunman entered Club Q, an LGBTQ nightclub in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and opened fire. Five people died and at least 18 were injured. .
As a queer person who began coming out just before the 2016 mass shooting at Pulse, an LGBTQ nightclub in Florida, I am inspired by the bravery of the people at Club Q who confronted the gunman and almost certainly saved lives in the process.
Read MoreLutheran Disaster Response shares this story of a children’s therapeutic camp for children from Ukraine who lost one or both of their parents in the war.
Read MoreOne timely way we can act as ELCA is to sign on with others to offer pointed comments to decision makers when developments demand. ELCA Advocacy shares this updates list of sign-on letters.
Read MoreALOA seeks a high-energy, experienced individual with a passion for older adult ministry to serve as its new Executive Director. View more info in this PDF.
Read MoreELCA Disability Ministries begins accepting grant applications on 12/12/2022, and will officially close the application process on 2/15/2023, for funding to ministries that are committed to inclusion and accessibility. Read more about these grants in this letter from coordinator Rev. Lisa Heffernan.
Read MoreIn the 2022-23 cycle, three leaders are placed through funding of ELCA World Hunger in California, Ohio and Washington, D.C. where they’ve expressed eagerness to connect, learn and grow as they help work for a world where all are fed.
Read MoreOn December 10, 1948, the United Nations adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), written to address the atrocities committed during World War II.
Every year, International Human Rights Day is observed on December 10. To celebrate, we are reflecting on a few of the articles in the UDHR in the context of disaster response and recovery.
Read MoreThe Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) has received a $1 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. to help establish the ELCA Compelling Preaching: Transformed Listeners Initiative.
The goal of the initiative is to cultivate persuasive preaching by inviting ELCA ministry leaders to review research findings about current preaching settings; propose innovative ways to apply those learnings in their individual ministry contexts; participate in funded cohort learning initiatives; and produce successful preaching foundations for all lay leaders and rostered ministers seeking to transform lives through the gospel.
Read MorePresiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton reads the Christmas story from Luke 2:1-20. Merry Christmas and a blessed Advent! This is a season of preparation. As we prepare for family gatherings, homecooked meals, and Christ’s birth, let us take a moment to relax, breathe, and receive the Christmas story. Merry Christmas, dear church!
Read MoreFor rail workers and all struggling to make a just wage…
For those who are alone or grieving during this season…
For people, plants, and animals in the path of Mauna Loa and Mount Semeru’s eruptions…
For the celebration of the feast of the Virgin of Guadalupe…
For political turmoil and transition, especially in Peru…
For those without homes who face harsh climates and harsh local governments…
For those who are overworked and for those who are underemployed…
For an end to human trafficking and modern slavery…
You may have heard of Lutheran World Relief’s Gifts of Love catalog and what awesome Christmas gifts you can find there. But did you know the gift of a goat can start the wheels of change in a BIG way? Not just for families in need but for entire communities. Transform the future, and give a goat!
Read MoreThe December, 2022 edition of Go and Do News, a newsletter from ELCA World Hunger, is available. This edition features Advent resources, a Lifelines article, updates from the Horn of Africa, resources, the Sea-Eye rescue ship, webinar info, advocacy focus, and many more featured resources.
Read MoreAs a parent now, I find that keeping the time filled with more holy days than holidays is a challenge. We attempt to do this by honoring the saint days that lead up to Christmas Day. Lutherans hold the saints as portals through which you see the faith embodied across the ages.
Read MoreShoppers across the country are buying toys for Christmas presents for the children in their lives. While many toy manufacturers have increased the racial diversity of their dolls and action figures, there is a segment of children who still don’t see themselves in the toys they find under the tree on Christmas day. Children with disabilities and medical conditions.
Read MoreHi everyone, my name is Everdith Landrau, also known as Evie, and I am delighted to join the ELCA World Hunger as Director of Networking and Engagement. I am a native of San Juan, Puerto Rio by way of Manhattan (Spanish Harlem), New York. I am an ordained Minister of Word and Sacrament with the Presbyterian Church, (USA).
Read MoreThe Horn of Africa is experiencing its worst drought in decades. Through the Lutheran World Federation (LWF), ELCA World Hunger is working in the Kakuma region in Kenya alongside the local government to help build the capacity of families to respond to and withstand worsening droughts in the region. These stories reflect the impact of our work together to end hunger through ELCA World Hunger.
Read MoreThis season of Advent begins with apocalypse, revelation. Contrary to the popular and colloquial use of the term apocalypse, it does not mean “end of the world.” Quite literally, apocalypse means revelation, pulling [the curtain] away.
Read MoreThe Planning Team shares a letter of invitation to the Rostered Ministers Gathering in Phoenix next summer, July 17-20, 2023. You’re invited to join colleagues under the theme of "Rekindle the gift within you" (2 Timothy 1:6).
If you like to welcome people, help with registration, or have the gift of hospitality, please connect with Pastor Doug Dill: pastordoug@centrallutheranaz.org or 402-235-6969.
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