Amidst the alarming findings of the IPCC report, our faith reminds us of our duty as caretakers of the Earth. Discover the intersection of faith and environmental responsibility, and learn how each of us can play a role in safeguarding our planet.
Read MoreNearly 800 women from across the country converged on the Phoenix Convention Center to learn, grow, worship and serve together during Women of the ELCA’s 2023 Just Love Gathering, Sept. 21-24, 2023. Workshops, Bible studies and plenaries covered a range of topics, including immigration, human trafficking, climate change, the Truth and Healing Movement and allyship. View photos of the event here and read a full summary here.
Servant events allowed women to give back by donating blood, making quilts for Lutheran World Relief, participating in the “Run, Walk and Roll” 5K to benefit Women of the ELCA’s Raising Up Healthy Women and Girls initiative, donating in-kind gifts for Phoenix-area non-profits, and knitting and crocheting “Knitted Knockers” breast prostheses.
Read MoreMyrna Wells-Ulland has been elected as the president of the Women of the ELCA for the 2023-2026 term at the Twelfth Triennial Convention in Phoenix. Read further updates to discover more about her vision and the organization's future pursuits.
Read MoreAll members of synod congregations are invited to learn about the God's Love Made Real movement from Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton. Bishop Craig Schweitzer of the Western North Dakota Synod will serve as the host of this online event on Tuesday, 10/17/2023, 10-10:30am PDT/MST, 11-11:30am MDT. Registration is encouraged but not required; you may just join the meeting via this Zoom link.
God's Love Made Real encourages the ELCA to create a world experiencing the difference God's grace and love in Christ make for all people and creation. Bishop Eaton will share in a personal way, through examples, stories, and questions and answers, why God’s Love Made Real is vital to her and this church.
Read MoreLouise Johnson, Executive for Administration, Office of the Presiding Bishop, thanks those who have taken the survey at Future Church: God's Love Made Real, and invites anyone who hasn’t responded to do so Your valuable insights are welcome, and your voices are yearned for in their ongoing listening sessions.
Read MoreIn Malawi, where over 70% of the population lives in poverty and hunger rates are alarmingly high, self-help groups are proving to be a beacon of hope, especially for women. These groups, initiated by the Evangelical Lutheran Development Service with support from ELCA World Hunger, are empowering women with knowledge, financial aid, and community support, enabling them to secure alternative income sources and combat food insecurity effectively, even amid catastrophes like Cyclone Freddy. Read more in Living Lutheran.
Read MoreSaturday, September 30, 2023, is the National Day of Remembrance for Indian Boarding Schools. In her video, Bishop Eaton reminds us that this church is committed to understanding our role in the tragic and sinful history of Indian boarding schools so that we can begin to heal together. Visit ELCA.org/IndianBoardingSchools to learn more.
You can participate by wearing an orange shirt and posting a photo of yourself, members of your congregation or community on social media. #ELCA #TruthAndHealing #DayOfRemembrance.
Read MoreExperience the vibrancy of faith and community life in Zambia with ELCA Global Missionary Pastor Kristin Engstrom. From notable events like the 2023 ELCZa Church Assembly and Service of Ordination in Zambezi to the joyful moments of the Lusaka District Youth Camp, her September Newsletter is filled with inspiration and divine revelations. Witness how "ti yenda pamozi," or moving together, manifests in this part of the world.
Read MoreExplore the essence and joy of autumn stewardship, a tradition rooted in the agrarian cycle of our ancestors, and discover how ELCA’s Congregational Stewardship Support is nurturing this spirit through events, resources, and thoughtful discussions, aiming to cultivate generous congregations and spread kindness and love in the world. Read more in the Where Your Heart is newsletter.
Read MoreFrom September 17 - 20, the LAMA office hosted the State Public Policy Office (SPPO) directors from Ohio, Kansas, Florida, Wisconsin, Washington, California, New Jersey, Minnesota, Washington DC, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and, of course, Arizona, at Spirit in The Desert Retreat Center in Carefree. The faith based offices gathered together to discuss priorities for the upcoming year, fresh advocacy and engagement strategies, attend lectures and discussions led by guest speaker Amanda Tyler, and welcome the 2023-24 Hunger Advocacy Fellows. This year’s theme was on Keeping the Faith in Times of Divisions, with a focus on Christian nationalism. Read more on the Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona blog.
Read MoreThe Gathering Volunteer Corps (GVC) has extended its application deadline to November 1, 2023. GVCs play a crucial role in the Gathering, performing various duties, including ushering and assisting with activities. Applicants should be at least one year past high school and commit to being in New Orleans from July 14 to July 20, 2024. Perks include provided meals and shared lodging accommodations. Don't miss the chance to meet Lutherans from around the world and experience the joy of the ELCA Youth Gathering in the vibrant setting of New Orleans.
Read MoreFor those in the path of Tropical Storm Ophelia…
For victims of the wedding party fire in northern Iraq…
For Armenian refugees fleeing Nagorno-Karabakh…
For leaders in all levels of government, and especially for their partnership and empathy…
For the victims of the devastating landslide in Guatemala…
For scientists and engineers who advance knowledge and learning about God’s creation…
For writers, artists, musicians, and all in creative vocations…
For the community of Lahaina as residents continue to grieve and to assess damage…
For victims of gun violence, especially in Charlotte, NC; Columbia, SC; and Des Moines, IA…
For areas around the world experiencing violence and unrest, including Ukraine, Nagorno-Karabakh, Kosovo, Gaza, and Niger…
Explore more convenient and varied ways to contribute to your congregation with Tithe.ly, a preferred vendor of the ELCA known for its online giving platforms. Tithe.ly offers six diverse methods of giving, including text messages, a free church app, and more, all with no monthly fees or upfront costs, just a minimal transaction fee. Discover the ease of giving and special discounted pricing exclusively for ELCA congregations here.
Read MoreELCA's Disabilities Ministry Blog this month illuminates the resilience and imagination encapsulated in Rev. Jessica Harren’s journey as she shares insights on healing and being queer and disabled. The blog also highlights the notable incorporation of American Sign Language services in the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, extending support to those in crisis. A focus on providing more accessible resources is evident with the availability of dyslexia-friendly religious texts, an invaluable aid for those struggling with dyslexia. Read more about these topics and many more inclusive and supportive resources and insights here.
Read MoreIn the latest Seeds Monthly, delve into insights, remembrances, and learning . From reflecting on the enduring impact of Indian boarding schools to addressing congregational burnout and exploring the facets of civic life and faith, there’s a rich tapestry of resources and events to explore.
Read MoreReflecting on the devastating impact of U.S. Indian Boarding Schools, the ELCA invites you to join a journey toward collective truth and healing. On September 30, 2023, participate in the National Day of Remembrance by wearing an orange shirt and sharing your support on social media.
Read MoreTo celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, we present a thoughtful conversation with Rev. Alejandro Mejía from the Delaware-Maryland Synod, exploring his connection with the ELCA and his reflections on the representation and inclusion of the Latiné community within the church. Rev. Mejía emphasizes the importance of amplifying Latiné voices, fostering diversity, and promoting bilingualism, and he shares his hopes and prayers for the future. Read the full post at ELCA.org here.
Read MoreThis week’s Faith Lens investigates authority and power in a faith-context, inspired by Malcolm Gladwell’s narratives and reflections on Jesus' teachings. Readers are encouraged to reflect on the essence and impact of authority in life, exploring its dual nature as a benevolent force and a potential tool for exploitation. Discover more about the intertwining of authority, power, and faith.
Read MoreIn collaboration with the Lake Institute on Faith & Giving, the ELCA invites congregations to a transformative six-week webinar, “Cultivating Generous Congregations”, starting October 10, 2023. Reimagine stewardship and delve deep into generosity, participating in engaging cohort sessions and meaningful discussions, all aimed at fostering generosity in our faith communities.
Read MoreThe latest blog post from ELCA Hunger reveals alarming trends in global hunger and poverty, with hunger persisting “far above pre-pandemic levels” and 735 million people affected in 2022. It uncovers how issues like urbanization, rising costs, and war significantly impact food security and access.
The post also sheds light on U.S. poverty, emphasizing higher prevalence in rural areas and showcasing the relation between policy choices and poverty levels. Explore the intricate dynamics of hunger, the possibilities of mitigating poverty, and the evolving landscapes of global deprivation in the full post.
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