Posts in ELCA
From Lego Art to Dance Parties: Creative Expressions at ELCA’s Youth Gathering

Day 2 of the 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering in New Orleans was a vibrant celebration of faith, identity, and community. Participants at MYLE created a Lego art installation reflecting their unique selves, while those at the tAble prepared disaster relief kits and enjoyed a spirited masquerade dance. Highlighting the day were workshops and worship sessions that emphasized the Lutheran values of inclusivity and personal expression, empowering our youth to shine brightly in their diverse identities. Join us in celebrating these inspiring stories of young Lutherans living their faith out loud in the heart of New Orleans.

Read More
Day One Highlights: Celebrating Wholeness and Grace at the ELCA Youth Gathering

Day 2 of the 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering in New Orleans was a vibrant celebration of faith, identity, and community. Participants at MYLE created a Lego art installation reflecting their unique selves, while those at the tAble prepared disaster relief kits and enjoyed a spirited masquerade dance. Highlighting the day were workshops and worship sessions that emphasized the Lutheran values of inclusivity and personal expression, empowering our youth to shine brightly in their diverse identities. Join us in celebrating these inspiring stories of young Lutherans living their faith out loud in the heart of New Orleans.

Read More
July 2024 Mission Support Memo: Treasures Abound

In the July 2024 ELCA Mission Support Memo (view PDF here), Prince of Peace Evangelical August Lutheran Church in Bangor, Pa reminds us all that with dedicated leaders and faith, any congregation can reach out and meet community needs. Their POP's Treasures Thrift Boutique offers folks a place to share their treasures, shares these with those in need, opens a way to volunteer, plus donates profits to commuity needs. Treasures Abound! Don't miss out on participating in a free Grantwriting for Congregations webinar on August 19th - check it out in the memo. Finally, we share our deep gratitude for God's mighty creation. Find the memo online here too! 

Read More
Practicing acts of micro-kindness

From Denise Rector’s writings for Living Lutheran: “For better or worse, during my studies of Lutheran history—while earning a Master of Divinity degree from Wartburg Theological Seminary and a Master of Theology degree from the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago—I longed for resonance with the situation of the generations of Lutherans who had come to faith before me. But I didn’t feel it. There was a yawning gap between what I understood as the history of African American life and the history and growth of Lutheranism in the United States. And it was a gap that my God-given embodiment couldn’t ignore. Maybe you have had a similar experience.” Read the full article at Living Lutheran here.

Read More
Keep the focus on the Lutheran witness

Bryan Penman sees the biggest challenge facing the ELCA as its greatest opportunity: offering a new, more resilient way of being church as congregations emerge from the post-pandemic era. “The older institutional structures of our church are hindering our mission,” he said. “The church that is emerging now will let our faith shine in everything we do.” Read the full article in Living Lutheran.

Read More
Grand Canyon Synod Youth and Young Adults Journey to the ELCA National Youth Gathering

This July, over a dozen congregations from the Grand Canyon Synod are sending their youth and young adults to the ELCA Youth Gathering in New Orleans. Joining 16,000 others, they will participate in a week of faith formation through interactive learning and fellowship. Events include MYLE and the tAble, focusing on youth of color and those with disabilities. Our community prays for their safe and enriching journey as they grow in faith and leadership.

Read More
The magic of the Crescent City is waiting at the ELCA Youth Gathering

“Friends, it’s here. Our teams have started to arrive, and the city is ready for us. I can’t wait for each of you to experience all that the bayou has to offer while being affirmed that you were created to be — you. Safe travels, dear ones. Let’s have a Gathering!” — Deacon Tammy Jones West, Director of the 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering

Read the latest email gNews from the 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering here.

Read More
For What Shall We Pray?
  • For justice and peace among nations where war and violence rage, especially Palestine and Israel, Iran, Myanmar, Iraq, Haiti, Russia and Ukraine, Burkina Faso, Sudan, and South Sudan…

  • For children, the elderly, the disabled, all the vulnerable who suffer most in the midst of violence and conflict…

  • For all communities impacted Hurricane Beryl, especially in Texas; for the families of those killed in the storm…

  • For prophets, preachers, advocates, and all who have the courage to speak difficult truths in the face of opposition…

  • For stability and healing of creation in the midst of climate crisis; for people and ecosystems whose safety is threatened by increasingly severe heatwaves…

  • For restoration and renewal for all who are enjoying recreation and vacation time; for just policies that ensure all people a rest from their labors…

Read More
Celebrate Lutheran Heritage with Summer Music, Worship, and Educational Clinics

This July, the ELCA Worship blog highlights a diverse lineup of events and resources aimed at enriching Lutheran worship practices. From the Lutheran Summer Music Academy’s 30+ livestream events to Augsburg Fortress’ free summer music clinics across the U.S., these offerings are designed to support worship leaders and musicians in deepening their practice and faith. Special features include educational resources and transformative music workshops. Dive into these opportunities to enhance your ministry and personal faith journey by visiting LSMacademy.org/2024 and registering for upcoming clinics and workshops.

Read More
Explore Lutheran Values in Election Year: Join the Social Teachings Series

Join the ELCA’s online workshop series through 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 More
ELCA Strengthens Commitment to Gender Justice Through Enhanced Leave Policies

The ELCA has recently updated its parental and family leave policies, endorsing up to twelve weeks of paid leave to support rostered ministers and church staff in their caregiving roles. This policy revision, part of the ELCA’s commitment to gender justice and equitable treatment, was approved with overwhelming support at the Churchwide Assembly.

The Quality of Call Initiative has assembled a report examining how synod compensation guidelines recommend parental and family leave policies and practices for rostered ministers providing care. View the report and synod maps.

Read More
Seeds Monthly: Celebrating Diversity and Strengthening Faith: Key Updates from the ELCA

In the latest Seeds Monthly, we find this summer is full of opportunities for growth and fellowship within the ELCA community. Join us in celebrating Pride Month through engaging stories from our LGBTQIA+ members, participate in the massive ELCA Youth Gathering in New Orleans from July 16-20, and learn about new initiatives in family leave policies for our ministers.

Read More
For What Shall We Pray?
  • For justice and peace among nations where war and violence rage, especially Palestine and Israel, Iran, Myanmar, Iraq, Haiti, Russia and Ukraine, Burkina Faso, Sudan, and South Sudan…

  • For all in the path of hurricanes, especially in the Caribbean…

  • For areas impacted by ongoing floods, droughts, wildfires, and landslides…

  • For all who live with disabilities, especially those who struggle to access adequate healthcare, and those whose contributions to the world are continually undervalued

  • For the peaceful and respectful transition of power during a season of elections around the world, especially in Iran, France, the UK, Rwanda, and Syria…

  • For the family and friends of those killed in the stampede at a religious event in India, as well as all who were injured…

  • For inventors and innovators like Nikola Tesla and all the ways God invites us into the work of creation and discovery…

Read More
Lutheran Advocacy: A Global and Local Update for June/July 2024

In the June and July 2024 updates from the Lutheran Office for World Community and state public policy offices, significant advocacy efforts were highlighted from the UN Civil Society Conference in Nairobi to state-level legislative actions in the U.S. Key issues include global reforms, electoral measures in Colorado, advocacy in Pennsylvania, and ongoing legislative concerns in Texas and Wisconsin. These updates showcase the Lutheran commitment to shaping public policies and advocating for justice both globally and locally.

Read More
Empowering Civic Participation: Introducing the ELCA Election Activator Network

Join the #ELCAElectionActivator network to support and equip ELCA members for nonpartisan participation in the electoral process through monthly virtual gatherings and regular updates. Participate in activities that foster civic engagement. Sign up now to join the next meeting on July 23, 2024 and contribute to a just and peaceful society. Sign up here.

Read More