ELCA’s Global Links newsletter for January 2024 celebrates 50 years of ELCA World Hunger's impactful work and invites everyone to partake in future efforts to combat poverty and hunger. Reflect on messages from global ministry leaders, join Lent with ELCA World Hunger, and consider service opportunities with the YAGM program. Read Global Links here.
Read MoreCenturies after colonial models of education were first forced on Indigenous people in North America, their effects are still keenly felt. Western theological education has remained the default methodology within the church, including the ELCA. This fall, Native leaders from across the ELCA, in partnership with leaders from Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary (PLTS) of California Lutheran University in Berkeley, are seeking to change that with the launch of the Theological Education for Indigenous Leaders (TEIL) program. Read more at Living Lutheran.
Read MoreIn a world where AI-generated content blurs the line between reality and fiction, ELCA's Faith Lens challenges us to explore the authenticity of our faith experiences. How do we discern the truth in what we see and share a genuine testament of God's love in our lives? Dive into a thoughtful discussion on the intersection of faith and perception at ELCA.org.
Read MoreAs part of our Creating Space for Conversations series, we share this video from the ELCA’s "Study Curriculum on Civic Life and Faith." Watch the video as a standalone resource, or explore the full set of the curriculum, including leader’s guides.
Read MoreJoin the ELCA in shaping a faith-based response to gun violence in the U.S. Review the draft social message, focusing on trauma and public peacemaking, and share your feedback. Your voice matters in this critical dialogue for change. Feedback due by Jan. 31, 2024. View all ELCA current social writing projects here.
Read MoreLiving Lutheran and its predecessors have been telling the stories of God’s people living their faith for nearly two centuries. The formats, distribution frequency and even church bodies represented have changed for these publications—but the core mission, to share the good news through Lutherans’ stories, hasn’t.
Read MoreFor peace among nations, especially between Israel and Palestine, Russia and Ukraine…
For victims of and responders to the runway crash in Tokyo, Japan…
For relief and recovery efforts following an earthquake in western Japan…
For continued tensions and disruptions among those traveling the Red Sea…
For all victims of gun violence…
For renewed commitments to compassion, collaboration, and equity across political divides…
For astronomers, physicists, photographers, and all artists who reveal the beauty and mystery of the cosmos to us…
Discover the intersection of urgency in our lives and faith in this week's Faith Lens. Reflect on the festive season and explore the deeper meanings of our traditions and the Gospel of Mark. For thoughtful insights and discussion, check out the full post.
Read MoreJoin us as we mark a monumental milestone—the 50th anniversary of ELCA World Hunger—at the 2024 ELCA World Hunger Leadership Gathering on February 1-4, 2024. Celebrate decades of dedication and look ahead to the future of hunger advocacy and action. Be a part of this transformative event for networking, learning, and planning, as we continue to embrace hope and move forward in our mission. Act now to secure your spot and take advantage of special rates!
Read MoreYou are cordially invited to participate in a listening session hosted by the Grand Canyon Synod. This Zoom session on Tuesday, 1/16/2023, 5pm MST, 4pm PST, features Sarah Morris and Anthony Ormsbee-Hale from the Commission for a Renewed Lutheran Church (CRLC), and offers a unique opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue about the future of our community. Click here to register.
Read MoreFor peace among nations, especially between Israel and Palestine, Russia and Ukraine…
For peaceful resolution to post-election clashes in the Democratic Republic of Congo…
For relief and recover efforts following storms in eastern Australia…
For all victims of human trafficking worldwide…
For areas of the United States facing winter storms, heavy rains, and other weather events…
For ongoing holiday celebrations during the season of Christmas and during the days of Kwanzaa…
For a renewed sense of hope and possibility at the start of this new calendar year…
“When God created the seventh day, God did not rest because God did all the work of creation in the six days prior. God rested because rest is intrinsically built in the rhythm of life. That means, if we choose Sunday to be the seventh day, then no matter what happened the past week, whether we fall to illness, or lose track of time, or projects and schedules fail in the many ways they often do, we still must rest. Rest allows us to be human, understanding that production may not work the way we need it to, but days of work will always come back around.”
Read MoreJoin beloved 1960s TV icons Davey and Goliath for their 1965 Christmas special. Davey learns the real meaning of Christmas when he gives his part in a Christmas play to another boy.
Read MoreThe 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering staff shares some updates for the 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering, MYLE, the tAble and Young Adult Gathering next summer. To learn more about the Gathering or to register, visit elca.org/Gathering.
Read MoreThe ELCA recently announced the Rev. Louise Johnson, Executive for Administration, has accepted the Executive for Vision, a new position in the churchwide organization.
Starting in January 2024, Johnson will lead a small team in a new effort that will emanate from the ELCA's vision, purpose, goal, and priorities, which call for the church to work together to share the difference God's grace and love in Christ make for all people and creation.
Read MoreThe ELCA Seeds Monthly for December 2023 is available online, featuring Advent and Christmas resources, featured events and resources, as well as bulletin blurbs.
Read MoreThe latest ELCA Disability Ministries news updates are available, featuring: a webinar with Dr. Bill Gaventa, The Curb Effect: How Accessibility Impacts Everyone; a book review of The Difference That Disability Makes by Rod Michalko; the Disability Ministries advisory team’s “Top 10” list ; resources for a Blue Christmas worship service; and a reminder that Jan. 4 is World Braille Day and that Extravaganza 2024 takes place Jan. 18-21, 2024, in New Orleans, La.
Read MoreBeing a youth leader can be both rewarding and challenging. It’s a role that requires a great deal of energy, compassion, and patience. If you’re feeling tired or overwhelmed during this Advent Season, you’re not alone. The demands of guiding and supporting young people, coupled with all the responsibilities of the season, in addition to balancing the visioning prep for upcoming trips and all that goes into them, can take a toll.
Read MoreWhat is your response when someone asks, “Where are you from?” Mine is a joke and reality. I often reply with my Eswatini accent, “I am from Decorah, Iowa.” I was raised in Eswatini, attended Luther College in Decorah and Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minn., and am now a Lutheran pastor in Jersey City, N.J. For most people in America, “Where are you from?” is a tricky question. We need a different question if we are to be hospitable to one another.
Read MoreExplore the power of belief and the importance of listening to women's voices in this week's Faith Lens post. Drawing inspiration from Britney Spears' memoir and her #FreeBritney movement, we delve into the societal tendency to dismiss women's stories and the impact of such attitudes. This post connects this theme to the Gospel, emphasizing the significance of believing Mary's account of Jesus' divine origin and the ongoing struggle to give women a voice in the church and society.
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