The August/September update from ELCA's advocacy office covers urgent matters such as FEMA's funding crisis, clean energy tax credits for churches, efforts in the Farm Bill reauthorization, growing support for the Afghan Adjustment Act, and international funding decisions. These updates underline the pressing issues that call for advocacy, reflection, and action in our society.
Read MoreIn an ELCA blog post, ELCA Hunger shares how Calvary Lutheran Church in Perham, Minnesota, has been honored with the Northwestern Minnesota Synod's "Holy Cow Award" for the third time. Recognized for their unwavering support for missions, the church recently donated $12,500 to ELCA World Hunger. While proud of the award, the church's focus remains on its proactive giving spirit, viewing the award as a reflection of their core values rather than a goal in itself.
Read MoreAddressing Christian Nationalism in this video message, Bishop Eaton says this dangerous ideology “is a perversion of the gospel and a threat to our democracy. It’s precisely because I love my country that I warn against it.”
Read MoreStay up-to-date with the August 2023 Worship News from the ELCA Worship, including resources for "God's work. Our hands." Sunday, a new addition to teach kids about worship through "All Creation Sings," and opportunities for spiritual growth and musical inspiration with Music that Makes Community.
Whether you are a congregation leader or a choir director, explore these resources and upcoming events that can enhance your spiritual practices and communal connections.
Read MoreThe harrowing experience of ELCA pastor Alvin Erickson's daughter being victimized by sex trafficking led to the creation of a vital ministry called Adults Saving Kids. This nonprofit seeks to equip parents and grandparents with the tools and knowledge to protect their children from the subtle and sophisticated dangers of modern society.
The organization provides valuable courses and guidance on nurturing wisdom and resilience in young ones to safeguard them from potential harm. Read more in Living Lutheran about the journey of turning a tragic event into a mission for proactive prevention.
Read MoreExplore a reflective meditation from Rev. Drew Tucker on Galatians 5:22-26, focusing on the fruits of the Spirit. In a world where division often reigns, Tucker's insights offer a timely reminder of the virtues we must cultivate. He draws parallels between the conflicts of the early Galatian church and our modern struggles, urging us to practice love, joy, peace, and other spiritual gifts intentionally. Find inspiration for your spiritual journey by reading more at Living Lutheran.
Read MoreExplore the latest initiatives and events in the latest ELCA Seeds Monthly, including the 10th anniversary of "God's work. Our hands." Sunday, the Future Church vision, remembrance for Indian boarding schools, and various opportunities for congregational engagement. Join us in this journey of love, healing, and transformation, and discover how you can be part of making God's love real in the world today.
Read MoreThe ELCA mission support memo for July, 2023 is available as a PDF, as a Word doc, or in this blog post. Join ELCA Mission Support in reflecting on the 2023 Rostered Ministers Gathering in Phoenix. A melting pot of leadership, faith, and inspiration, this gathering fostered connections and reinforced the importance of Mission Support. Learn about the enlightening messages, workshops, and the ongoing mission work that is made possible through the generosity of ELCA members.
Read MoreFor the people of Hawaii and especially the victims of wildfires on the island of Maui…
For those affected by the mudslides in Myanmar…
For those evacuated due to Typhoon Lan in western Japan…
For farmers in the closing weeks of the growing season as they prepare for the coming harvest…
For Lutheran colleges and for Lutheran campus ministries at colleges and universities, as they prepare to welcome students for the coming academic year…
For children in foster care or waiting for adoption…
For those facing a recent diagnosis of disease, cancer, or other health-related challenges…
For those facing eviction or struggling financially, with job loss, underemployment, or….
For couples entering into the covenant of marriage…
For peace in areas of war or conflict, especially in Ukraine, Libya, Syria, and Palestine…
Lutheran Disaster Response reminds us to mark our calendars for "God's Work. Our Hands." Sunday on September 10, 2023, as we celebrate a decade of community service. Engage in activities ranging from assembling preparedness kits to advocating for disaster relief policies. Join hands with your congregation and community to foster resilience, compassion, and love. Find out how to participate in this inspiring day of action at ELCA.org.
Read MoreWatch insightful videos from the 2023 Rostered Ministers Gathering, featuring Bible studies with Rev. Dr. Karoline Lewis and Deacon Dr. Mindy Makant, sermons by Bishops Kevin Strickland and Vashti Murphy McKenzie, and keynotes by Rev. Carmelo Santos, Jeff Chu, and Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton.
Read MoreNavigating stewardship amidst uncertain economic times can be challenging. Join us on Aug. 21, 2023, 4pm PDT/MST, 5pm MDT, for a webinar, "Stewardship When Economics Are Uncertain", hosted by ELCA and the Lake Institute. Led by the Rev. Meredith McNabb and the Rev. Tim Brown, this session aims to inspire open and honest conversations about stewardship and generosity. Zoom Link here on the day of the webinar.
Read MoreThe tenth anniversary of “God’s work. Our hands.” Sunday is a feature story in Living Lutheran this month. Read the article celebrating a decade of service in our communities.
Browse these resources to help you plan for “God’s work. Our hands.” Sunday:
Read MoreExplore the rich tapestry of Lutheran music and worship with ELCA's partner organizations. From communal song-sharing with Music that Makes Community to nurturing workshops by the Association of Lutheran Church Musicians, there are treasures all around. Discover events, resources, and offerings that connect and inspire at ELCA.org!
Read MoreThe Truth and Healing Movement is a time for all of us to begin our work to better understand the colonizing impacts on Indigenous people since the European arrival on Turtle Island. In this video, Bishop Eaton invites us to seek to be in better, right and healthy relationships with our Indigenous siblings. Begin by visiting elca.org/indigenous.
Read MoreLutheran Disaster Response and Lutheran World Relief are joining forces to aid farmers and families in newly liberated areas of Ukraine through the $1 million SPARRK project. This comprehensive initiative aims to rebuild farms, provide essential supplies, and restore resilient livelihoods in the Kharkiv region. Discover the full impact and details of this groundbreaking collaboration at ELCA.org.
Read MoreThe ELCA is inviting you to be a part of "Future Church: God's Love Made Real," a significant initiative to understand and grow the church's mission. Through a survey and listening groups, your voice can help shape the direction and vision of our church. Learn more about how you can participate and make a difference.
Read MoreFrom engaging in global forums to empowering local communities, ELCA World Hunger is leading a relentless pursuit to end hunger. This month's highlights feature inspiring collaborations, upcoming events, success stories of advocacy and change. and a report from the Rostered Ministers Gathering in Phoenix. Learn how you can be a part of this vital mission by reading their latest monthly newsletter at ELCA.org.
Read MoreResourceful Servants is launching a unique program on 8/11/2023 to elevate the financial stability of rostered ministers and their congregations or organizations. With a combination of individual savings support and congregational financial assessment, the Emergency Savings/Congregational Financial Assessment program promises to make a positive impact on personal financial situations and communal financial practices. Find out if you qualify and how to apply by 9/20/2023.
Read MoreFor all victims of violence, and especially victims of race-based violence…
For those facing storms in northern Europe and along the east coast of the United States…
For safety for all in the path of Typhoon Khanun…
For recovery efforts following floods and landslides in Slovenia and Austria…
For those fighting wildfires in Portugal…
For students, teachers, and parents preparing for the beginning of the school year…
For staff and volunteers of daytime drop-in homeless shelters and cooling centers…
For construction workers, farmers, and others who work outside exposed to heat and weather…
For immigrants and refugees, especially those without shelter, and for nonprofits in cities providing for their needs…
For new parents, especially those struggling with postpartum depression and anxiety, and giving thanks for doctors, mental health professionals, family members, and friends who support them…
For the creativity of scientists, engineers, and technicians and their progress toward cleaner, more sustainable energy sources…
For peace in areas of war and conflict, especially in Ukraine, Haiti, and Palestine…
