As we step into June, it’s a perfect time to pause and reflect. Congregational leaders often worry about attendance and engagement during the summer, but June offers a unique opportunity to take a moment to just be. The latest “Where Your Heart Is” newsletter from Tim Brown, ELCA’s Director of Congregational Stewardship, explores how to find peace, share community stories, and stay connected with upcoming stewardship events.
Read MoreIn preparation for the Youth Gathering this summer, youth from ELCA congregations across the country are raising money to become the generation that ends hunger. Will you join them?
Read MoreExplore the ELCA Foundation’s latest strides toward intentional generosity and financial stewardship in the newest issue of “Insights.” This edition includes the expanded 2023 annual report, featuring both gift planning and investment services. Learn about their new Vice President of Advancement role and find inspiring articles on leaving a legacy. Engage with the full content for more details and updates.
Read MoreThe Port of Baltimore is the starting point for most shipments of Lutheran World Relief Quilts & Kits. From here, seafarers from all over the world transport them across the seas to ports in Africa, Asia, Latin America and beyond.
But this spring, for the first time in LWR history, the ships themselves were the final destinations — and the seafarers were the intended recipients. Read the article and view the video at lwr.org.
Read MoreJoin the ELCA’s online workshop series from June to October to delve into how our faith informs our actions and voting on critical social issues. Sessions include topics like corporate social responsibility, abortion, and climate crisis, led by knowledgeable speakers. View a PDF flyer and register now to engage deeply with our social teachings and lead community discussions.
Read MoreFor justice and peace among nations where war and violence rage, especially Palestine and Israel, Iran, Myanmar, Iraq, Haiti, Russia and Ukraine, Burkina Faso, and South Sudan…
For synods of the ELCA as they gather in their assemblies, that the Spirit would enliven and guide them…
For all mourning the loss of life, home, livelihood, or property after mudslides in Papua New Guinea…
For all mourning the loss of life, home, livelihood, or property after tornadoes, heavy storms, flash flooding, and the loss of power across the United States…
For the integrity of public institutions, for all public servants, and for good governance in our national, state, and local governments…
For teachers and educators, students and their families in these waning days of the school year…
Memorial Day, often seen as just the start of summer, carries a deeper and solemn history that is frequently overlooked. Originally established to honor fallen soldiers of the Civil War, the day was marked by community parades and remembrance ceremonies. However, today it is more commonly associated with leisure activities. This article from Living Lutheran invites us to remember the true meaning of Memorial Day—reflecting on the sacrifices made in wars and the personal losses that many families endure. The church stands as a sanctuary where the grief and pain of such losses can still be openly acknowledged and mourned, urging us to hold true to the day’s original purpose of solemn remembrance.
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 MoreMay’s update from the ELCA Advocacy office details the latest on the Farm Bill, introduces new federal environmental rules, and addresses national security supplemental funding and the response to conditions in Haiti. Advocacy efforts focus on ensuring food security, environmental protection, and international humanitarian assistance align with the ELCA’s mission for a just world.
Read MoreAs the 2024 Farm Bill is debated on Capitol Hill, the ELCA encourages advocacy for a bill that supports feeding the hungry, sustainable farming, and inclusive community development. The blog provides updates on the legislative process, highlights action alerts, and offers resources to engage ELCA members in advocacy for a just and effective Farm Bill.
Read MoreIn her heartfelt letter to youth leaders, Bobbi Cyr acknowledges the daunting yet rewarding journey of leading a youth group to the ELCA Gathering in New Orleans. She offers encouragement, practical advice on leadership, flexibility, and self-care, emphasizing the profound impact these leaders have on young lives through their dedication and bravery.
Read MoreThis week’s Faith Lens explores the profound implications of the Holy Trinity on personal relationships, especially in the context of today’s social challenges. Dave Delaney discusses the increasing isolation among teenagers and the essential nature of meaningful relationships that reflect the interconnectedness of the Holy Trinity. The session emphasizes the transformative power of relationships modeled after the divine fellowship of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Read MoreGathering leadership shares some updates for the 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering, MYLE and the tAble this summer. To learn more about the Gathering, visit elca.org/Gathering.
Read MoreFor justice and peace among nations where war and violence rage, especially Palestine and Israel, Iran, Myanmar, Iraq, Haiti, Russia and Ukraine, Burkina Faso, and South Sudan…
For synods of the ELCA as they gather in their assemblies, that the Spirit would enliven and guide them…
For all countries whose national life is marked by destabilizing events, especially Slovakia and Iran…
For areas of Texas and the Midwest in the midst of severe storms…
For safety for all who serve in our nation’s armed forces, and for families who remember loved ones this Memorial Day…
For all who live with mental illness, that they receive the support they need…
For gardeners, landscapers, farmers and farm laborers, and all who tend our land…
In her message addressing mental health, Bishop Eaton stresses that “telling someone they aren’t doing enough to be happy creates a stigma that they are not living correctly… it’s important that we, as the body of Christ, provide compassionate support for those in our families and in our communities who are living with mental illness. God loves us all; no matter how we are coping, we are not alone, God is with us.”
Read MoreJoin ELCA coaching on May 22 for a transformative Zoom session on lament with Rev. Brenda Smith and Deacon Tammy Devine, part of the ELCA Coaching's Courageous Leadership series. Explore personal and corporate lament and learn how to integrate it into your ministry. Discover how faith communities can lead in promoting care and respect amidst societal challenges. Register now to participate in this enriching conversation.
Read MoreWorship Resources for the Commemoration of the Emanuel Nine (June 17) (PDF and Word formats) and Juneteenth (June 19) resources
All Creation Sings resources for Day of Pentecost, Holy Trinity, and summer
Additional product and resource suggestions from the publishing ministry of the ELCA are available on the ELCA Worship blog.
The May, 2024 issue of Seeds Monthly highlights Living Lutheran’s insightful interview with Michael Osterholm, a Lutheran epidemiologist, discussing his public health journey and faith. The Spanish-language study guide for Faith, Sexism, and Justice is now available, offering flexible sessions for discussions on gender justice. Join the Generation Zero-Hunger fundraising challenge at the ELCA Youth Gathering to double your impact in ending hunger. Plan your legacy with the ELCA Foundation to support the church's mission. Mark your calendars for key events and opportunities within the ELCA, including the ecoAmerica survey and the Domestic Hunger Grants deadline.
Read MoreIssue 93 of Administration Matters, the bimonthly e-newsletter for ELCA congregational and synodical leaders features:
Billions of federal dollars available for churches and nonprofits to go green.
The warning signs of a mental health issue and ELCA mental health benefits and support programs.
As Pentecost approaches, our community is called to reflect on the Holy Spirit's lessons of unity and inclusion. Inspired by scriptural insights and recent ministry experiences at the US-Mexico border, we are encouraged to view every human being as part of God’s diverse family. Join us in embracing the Spirit's power to transcend all barriers, fostering a more inclusive and compassionate community. Let's celebrate this Pentecost by welcoming all, just as the Spirit does.
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