Theologians and scholars representing the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) met Dec. 6-8, 2022, to engage in an ecumenical, theological dialogue at St. Mary's Seminary & University in Baltimore.
Read MoreRead more about the Commission for a Renewed Lutheran Church at ELCA.org. The nomination process is open until March 9, 2023. More information about the commitment and expectation of serving on the CRLC can be found here. Interested individuals who wish to be nominated or to nominate another person should complete and submit the nomination form.
Read MoreThe priority deadline to apply for Young Adults in Global Mission (YAGM) is Jan. 15, 2023. The final application deadline is Feb. 1, 2023.
Now even more communities are ready to welcome you. The YAGM team recently announced that the Mexico and Central Europe country programs will be reopening in 2023. Volunteers will have the opportunity to serve there and in four other country programs. Learn more at ELCA.org/YAGM.
Read MoreFor the continued healing of Damar Hamilin and all athletes who suffer injuries to body and spirit…
For parts of California and the West Coast affected by massive amounts of rainfall this week…
For Abby Zwerner and all victims of school shootings…
For victims of the Tonga tsunami and the efforts to rebuild …
For those continuing to die from Covid-19, especially in China as transmission increases …
For the people of Brazil and their president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva as they struggle for continued democracy …
For the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and all who continue the work for civil rights …
For those injured and grieving following a bus crash in Senegal…
For those injured in a Paris train station attack…
During the first quarter of the Monday Night Football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Buffalo Bills safety, Damar Hamlin, collapsed on the field after making a tackle. Medical personnel quickly rushed on field to administer CPR. Both Hamlin’s teammates and opponents were visibly upset as they looked on: some with tears in their eyes, others kneeling to pray.
Read MoreThey were prodded by a desire to know. The magi who journeyed to baby Jesus were likely some of the only people who noticed this bright new star in the sky, and they took off with excitement and energy even still.
This past Sunday, we did Lectio Divina on the story of the magi. I couldn’t help but reflect on the virtue of curiosity.
Read MoreJoin us Wednesday, January 11, 2022, when we will hear from three avid story engagers: Karen Kretschmann, ELCA National Coordinator for Mission Interpretation & Former Delaware-Maryland Synod Director for Evangelical Mission; Nick Kiger, ELCA Director for Mission Support; and Victoria Flood, ELCA Senior Director for Misson Support.
Join ELCA Coaching every Wednesday at noon MST, 11am PST, as we practice Courageous Leadership. Log in info is on the ELCA Coaching website.
Read MoreFor all experiencing winter storms and significant weather events…
For the Colorado river as it faces continued drought and all places facing a shortage of water…
For all places in our nation and across the world without access to safe water…
For the eternal rest of Pope Emeritus Benedict and for all who mourn his death…
For those hurt and killed around the world in violent acts on New Year’s Eve…
For those grieving tragic injuries and deaths across our nation and world…
For those recovering from earthquakes in Northern California…
For the rebuilding of relationships and open borders between Colombia and Venezuela…
Under a new name, Lutheran Faith Community Nurse Association (LFCNA) shares information for faith community nurses (PDF) and invites communities to start a faith community nurse ministry (PDF).
Formerly known as the Evangelical Lutheran Parish Nurse Association (ELPNA) , their current website is at elpna.org but will be moving to lutheranfcna.org.
Read MoreThere is no doubt that digital platforms allow individuals with similar interests to find one another, help family and friends to share memories and stories, and connect individuals who might otherwise be isolated.
In many cases, life in the digital world is viewed through a filter which either crafts a perfect online image—free from conflict, sadness, or imperfection— or automatically “perfects” the appearance of the individuals or places in the picture.
Read MoreYesterday we awoke to the news of the passing of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI. As part of the Lutheran World Federation (LWF), we mourn his death and celebrate his life eternal in Christ Jesus.
Read MoreFor the new year…
For rescue workers and utility workers during winter storms and for all who suffered damages, cancellations, injuries, or deaths due to the extreme weather…
For those struggling to afford heat and electricity…
For teachers and students returning to school after the holidays…
For the women of Iran and Afghanistan and all fighting for gender justice…
For peace between North and South Korea….
For the aboriginal people of Australia enduring the desecration of sacred sites…
For those affected by the cholera outbreak in Haiti…
For those celebrating Christmastide, Yule, Kwanzaa, and all other winter holidays…
For peace in Ukraine and all countries torn apart by war…
Lenny stands next to the bank of the Rio Grande/Rio Bravo. He can see the U.S. from where he stands in Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, but he can’t get there. A former soldier in the Venezuelan armed forces, he decided to leave his home country looking for greater opportunities.
Read MoreThis article will introduce readers to a newly-published resource titled, “Preaching and Teaching with Love and Respect for the Jewish People.” This publication is a product of the ELCA’s Consultative Panel on Lutheran-Jewish Relations and was written under the leadership of Dr. Peter Pettit.
Read MoreFor those celebrating Christmas, Yule, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and all other winter holidays…
For the nativity of our Lord and for all expectant families…
For those who have difficult relationships with family…
For migrants and refugees around the world and at the southern border…
For all experiencing extreme weather conditions, especially dangerously cold temperatures…
For those injured by turbulence during last week’s Hawaii flight…
For victims of gun violence, especially the apartment shooting in Ontario, Canada…
For the families of those killed in the fuel tanker fire in Afghanistan…For those protesting in Peru…
For rescue and recovery efforts following a landslide in Brazil and earthquake in California…
For peace in Ukraine and all countries torn apart by war…
The December, 2022 edition of Seeds Monthly is available, featuring: Journi’s introduction; When your Advent calendar is broken article; ELCA Good Gifts; and more.
Read More“When we talk to someone who shares the same Christian faith, but has a different set of political beliefs or convictions, it can be uncomfortable, or frustrating, and sometimes even scary. As members of the ELCA, we believe that we can have different political opinions but be of the same faith,” asserts Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton in her November 2, 2022 video addressing Christian Nationalism.
Read MoreThe Rev. Lamont Wells has been named executive director of the Network of ELCA Colleges and Universities (NECU), effective Jan. 3, 2023.
Wells has served as program director for ELCA Campus Ministry since 2019. In this role he has provided leadership to the Lutheran Campus Ministry Network (LuMin), comprising over 240 colleges and universities. Wells is also national president of the African Descent Lutheran Association (ADLA).
Read MoreThanks to endowments created in the past for this purpose, Women of the ELCA is able to offer scholarships in two categories: for Lutheran laywomen and for those studying for ordained ministry. Learn more about Women of the ELCA Scholarships.
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