We’re halfway through January and some people are now thinking about their already-broken New Year’s Day resolutions. Never fear, as noted in this Living Lutheran article that first posted in 2017, there’s still time to explore how insights from Martin Luther’s Small Catechism might “reform” some common resolutions, creating “New Year’s reformations.”
Read MoreIn the spirit of advocating for peace, the Lutheran Office for World Community (LOWC) participates in weekly prayers at the Church Center for the United Nations. Recently, they joined in reflection with the Flame of Hope organization, honoring a flame from Hiroshima as a symbol of transformation and peace.
This devotional from ELCA Advocacy at ELCA.org emphasizes the need for brave leaders who pursue peace and resist violence. As we remember Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy, LOWC calls for leadership committed to understanding, action, and the illumination of hope, transforming our world into one of justice and peace for all.
Read MoreThe Rev. Khader El-Yateem has been appointed executive director of the Service and Justice home area of the ELCA. El-Yateem will begin his service March 18, 2024.
"I am excited about Pastor El-Yateem bringing his relationship-building skills to the churchwide organization," said the Rev. Michael Burk, ELCA presiding bishop pro tempore. "Khader's love of Jesus is contagious and his commitment to sharing God's love for the world will enhance the good work already being done by the people he has been selected to lead."
Read MoreFollowing the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. on April 4, 1968, The Lutheran ran this article in its May 8, 1968, edition. The piece is a first-person account by then-Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago student Harold Wesley Varner, who was feet away from King when he was killed. Varner, who died in 1996, served as a Lutheran pastor in the 1960s and 1970s.
Read MoreFor peace among nations, especially between Israel and Palestine, Russia and Ukraine…
For areas of the world facing conflict and violence, especially Syria and Iraq…
For fair elections and for the compassion and integrity of world leaders…
For damages caused by volcanic eruptions in Grindavik, Iceland…
For safe evacuation and successful recovery efforts after avalanches in northwestern China…
For relief and recovery efforts in Mauritius and Réunion following Cyclone Belal…
For areas of the United States facing extreme cold and snow, and especially for those without reliable housing, heat, transportation, or other basic needs…
For those who have suffered religious trauma…
For cooperation and unity in the church, centered on Christ’s model of sacrificial love…
The January 2024 issue of Administration Matters offers key leadership tools, including registration details for the ELCA Youth Gathering in New Orleans, a new year checklist from Portico, compelling Stories of Faith in Action, IRS mileage updates, and the importance of having a finance committee. Read the full issue for more church management strategies.
Read MoreAmidst the digital world's confusion, where verified statuses can be bought and authenticity is questioned, we are reminded of the importance of discerning the true voice of Christ. Like the first disciples, may we learn to follow not the symbols of verification but the undeniable call of love and truth.
Read MoreJoin others at the 2024 Festival of Homiletics for a spiritual refresh that goes beyond the pulpit. Embrace this unique opportunity for self-care, community, and innovation in preaching. Secure your spot by February 15 to benefit from early bird rates and prepare for a transformative experience in Pittsburgh.
Read MoreSamuel L. Jones earned the rank of Eagle Scout more than 60 years ago but because he came from a low-income single family home, he didn't receive his medal. Through the persistence of a friend from church, he finally did. Read more about this inspiring Lutheran and his powerful story at Living Lutheran, or watch a video on YouTube.
Read MoreIn recognition of the National Day of Racial Healing, Rev. Jennifer Thomas reflects on her ongoing journey to address white supremacy and racial justice. A proponent of continuous learning, Rev. Thomas emphasizes the importance of understanding and actively working against the structures that harm our global neighbors.
She shares insights from her involvement with the ELCA's racial justice initiatives and invites others of European descent within the ELCA to join in the anti-racism efforts. Discover more about the ELCA's Truth and Healing Movement and find resources to support your congregation's journey towards racial equity.
Read MoreExplore a wealth of worship and music resources from ELCA partners, including new leadership at Music that Makes Community and transformative events like the Messy Church conference. Embrace the spirit of Lent with dedicated workshops and enrich your congregation's musical journey with Lutheran Summer Music Academy. Engage with the Calvin Institute's grant program to invigorate your worship services. Discover these and more, offering guidance and inspiration for your faith community's worship experiences. Dive deeper into the full array of resources and events detailed on the ELCA Worship’s blog.
Read MoreNew resources are now available from ELCA World Hunger to enrich the life of your congregation during Lent. As congregations across the ELCA creatively find new ways to lean into the future, we are eager to equip leaders with ELCA World Hunger resources during the season of Lent.
The theme for our seasonal materials is "The glory of the Lord shall be revealed.” Where and how do you encounter God? Through the prophet Isaiah, God urges us to take comfort, trusting that “the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together” (Isaiah 40:5).
Read MoreAs you are planning for Lent, the Three Days, and Easter, All Creation Sings provides several resources for your assembly’s worship. Discover the new resources in the full post from ELCA Worship.
Read MoreIn a recent ELCA Advocacy blog post, Quentin Bernhard reflects on the complexity of praying for elected leaders amidst political polarization. He shares insights from a Lutheran Advocacy Ministry in Pennsylvania workshop, discussing the importance of seeing everyone as fully human and loved by God, despite differing views. This devotion is a call to open our hearts and minds, and act as agents of change in God's world. Discover the full reflection and join the conversation on depolarization as an act of discipleship at ELCA Advocacy's blog.
Read MoreFor peace among nations, especially between Israel and Palestine, Russia and Ukraine…
For areas of the world facing conflict and violence, especially Ecuador…
For peaceful elections and political transitions around the world…
For victims of gun violence, especially in Perry, IA; Chicago, IL; Cloquet, MN; Kansas City, MO; St. Peters, MO; and Bessemer, AL…
For cleanup efforts following the explosion at the Sandman Hotel in Fort Worth, TX…
For areas of the United States facing blizzards, tornadoes, high winds, and other stormy weather…
For the legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and for all who advocate for racial justice…
For the church across the world and for shared peace and purpose among congregations and denominations…
This month’s ELCA Mission Support Memo highlights the "Cultivating Generous Congregations" training available in partnership with their Stewardship ministry and the Lake Institute on Faith and Giving. Plus there is an online training on Wednesday, Jan 10th for Synod Treasurers, Bookkeepers and Leaders with Lori Fedyk. View as a PDF here.
They would love to hear about the inspiring stories in your synods, regions and congregations - feel free to reach out to Karen at karen.kretschmann@elca.org.
Read MoreELCA’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.
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