ELCA World Hunger is making strides against global hunger by addressing its root causes in collaboration with global partners. Supporting over 60 countries, this initiative leverages local knowledge and church networks to implement sustainable solutions in healthcare, income generation, and more, demonstrating the power of our collective contributions.
Read MoreThe ELCA Domestic Hunger Grants support transformative projects across the U.S. and Caribbean to combat the root causes of hunger and poverty. This initiative, part of ELCA World Hunger, empowers communities with resources to create sustainable change and ensure food security, reflecting our commitment to justice and Lutheran values of accompaniment and advocacy.
Read MoreEven if you’re not old enough to vote, I’m sure you’ve heard people talking about “the growing political divide in America.” Maybe you’ve seen evidence of it yourself on the news, in your church, or even in your own family. It seems like everywhere we turn we can find more and more evidence that people are less and less able to listen to each other, especially about politics. Sometimes it feels like the only thing anyone can agree on is how impossible it would be for us to agree. It can be pretty stressful to watch.
But what if our political divide isn’t as huge or even as real as it seems? A recent article in Time Magazine paints a very different story of our country. It explains that while a small number of people on both political sides are very divided, most average Americans actually agree a lot more than we disagree. Like, a lot more. Their survey discovered what they called “stunning agreement” on almost every single issue they asked about.
Read MoreMany ELCA synods, congregations and ELCA-affiliated state public policy offices are involved in advancing the important aim of addressing polarization in our communities. In a blog post from ELCA Advocacy, these ideas from the “Faith in Elections Playbook” of Interfaith America are reprinted by permission to resource additional ways we can individually and collectively reduce polarization and care for our communities.
Read MoreJoin us on September 10 for a special regional conversation with Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton on “God’s Love Made Real.” This live Zoom event, hosted by Bishop Brenda Bos, will explore how we can embody God’s grace and love in our communities. Registration is encouraged but not required.
Read MoreChristopher (Chris) Johnson has been appointed president and chief executive officer of Portico Benefit Services, a separately incorporated ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). He will join Portico on Oct. 7.
Johnson brings a proven 30-year track record of scaling businesses for growth, along with extensive leadership experience, an innovative approach and a strong connection to the church, making him uniquely qualified to advance Portico's vision for the future.
Read MoreDiscover the latest updates from ELCA Worship, including highlights from the 2024 Youth Gathering, new hymn suggestions for fall worship, and resources for “God’s work. Our hands.” Sunday. Don’t miss the chance to plan ahead for the 2025 Lutheran Musicians’ Summer Conference. Read the full newsletter for more details and inspiration.
Read MoreThe August 2024 of ELCA’s Seeds Monthly is out, featuring: Living Lutheran: “Greetings From the Heart”; ELCA World Hunger: Generation Zero-Hunger; Gathering Remix; calendar items; featured resources, and bulletin blurbs.
Read MoreJoin the ELCA’s Virtual Discernment Event on Sunday, September 15th, 2024, to explore your call to ministry. Representatives from all seven ELCA seminaries will guide you through discerning your next steps. Register today to take part in this unique opportunity!
Read MoreLutherans Restoring Creation announces the extension of Gabrielle’s fellowship through 2024 and begins a Strategic Planning process to shape its role in the ELCA. Join us in celebrating Pr. Nick Utphall’s walk on the Ice Age Trail and participate in upcoming events like “God’s Work, Our Hands” Sunday and our August Connection Call on the Season of Creation. Read the news in full in their August 2024 Great Green News.
Read MoreThe 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering in New Orleans was a tremendous success, with nearly 17,000 participants raising close to $100,000 for Generation Zero-Hunger. As we celebrate 50 years of ELCA World Hunger, we reflect on our church’s deep commitment to addressing the root causes of hunger and poverty. Explore the resources available for this milestone and consider joining an upcoming immersion trip to Colombia. Learn more about these events and how you can get involved in the August 2024 issue of ELCA World Hunger's Go and Do News.
Read MoreThe Lutheran Men in Mission 2024 Summer Ambassador-Gram is available by clicking here. You can also view the LMM page where Ambassador-Grams (including this one) are archived.
Their summer Foundations newsletter is also available via PDF and contains valuable info, including their cover story, Fighting Human Trafficking One Mile and One Meal at a Time: “Cyclists in Iowa rode 200 miles to raise over $2 million to combat human trafficking, supported by Lutheran Men in Mission and congregations like Emanuel St. John’s in Lytton. Their journey reflects the bold and daring challenge of living out faith through action.”
Read MoreIn the August 2024 LECA Mission Support Memo, we hear about how the ELCA Youth Gathering is both a place of faith formation and empowering each of us to share faith and inclusion in our church. You also have a great opportunity to attend Stewardship Kaleidoscope in September, even online so check out the memo to find out more. Find the memo here in Living Lutheran too!
Read MoreOn Sunday, Sept. 8, congregations of the ELCA will join together for our annual day of service, “God’s work. Our hands.” This day continues to be an opportunity to celebrate who we are as the ELCA — one church, freed in Christ to serve and love our neighbor.
This year we also celebrate 50 years of ELCA World Hunger. In commemoration of this milestone, consider including ministries focused on alleviating hunger and poverty in your plans for “God’s work. Our hands.” Or make it a season of service! Expand your volunteer opportunities, advocacy efforts or food drives until World Food Day on Oct. 16.
Read MoreThis week’s Synod Spotlight highlights Lutheran Services in America, a national network of 300 faith-based organizations that serve over 6 million people annually across the United States—one of every 50 Americans. In Arizona and Nevada, their impact is felt through member organizations that provide critical care and support to more than 64,000 people each year. View their fact sheets for Arizona and Nevada.
Read MoreFor those caught in the midst of warfare and conflict, especially in Gaza, Israel, Lebanon, Iran, Iraq, Myanmar, Haiti, Russia, Ukraine, Burkina Faso, Sudan, and South Sudan…
For those attending or participating in the Democratic National Convention, and for all leaders in government…
For any countries experiencing political unrest and turmoil, especially Bangladesh…
For the care, safety, and well-being of women and girls around the world…
For those in the path of Hurricane Ernesto…
For the northeastern United States in the midst of record flooding…
For healing and protection in the wake of a new COVID variant and the Mpox virus…
For those experiencing extreme heat throughout different regions…
When Jesus’ teachings become difficult to understand, many of his followers leave. But Simon Peter stays, proclaiming, “Lord, to whom can we go? You have the words of eternal life.” In this week's Faith Lens, we explore the importance of trusting in Jesus, even when faith is challenging. Discover how, like Peter, we can find life in Christ, even in the face of difficult teachings.
Read MoreSave the date for World Food Day—Celebrating 50 Years of ELCA World Hunger—a Zoom webinar on Tuesday, 10/15/2024, 5 pm MST/PDT, 6pm MDT. Register here.
This special online event will be hosted by the Rev. Amy Current, bishop of the Southeastern Iowa Synod, and Imran Siddiqui, vice president of the ELCA.
Read MoreJoin the ELCA’s online workshop series through October to delve into how our faith informs our actions and voting on critical social issues. August’s focus is Corporate Social Responsibility with Rev. Kaari Reierson. View a PDF flyer and register now to engage deeply with our social teachings and lead community discussions.
Read MoreThis week’s Synod Spotlight celebrates the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), highlighting its formation in 1988, its three-part structure of congregations, synods, and churchwide organization, and its significant role in the global church through partnerships and advocacy. The ELCA continues to unite Lutherans in worship, service, and community, shaping our shared mission locally and globally.
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