The ELCA Worship team is seeking feedback on ELW Pastoral Care and Occasional Services resources through a survey open until October 7, 2024. Your participation will help shape future worship materials. Click here to complete the survey today!
Read MoreLutheran Disaster Response has strong relationships in the region and is already at work on the ground. Working alongside synods and other partners, Lutheran Disaster Response is prepared to expand to all impacted areas. We anticipate that our greatest impact will be reaching those in underserved and rural areas.
By giving to Lutheran Disaster Response, you enable the ELCA to act quickly after disasters such as Hurricane Helene and to remain for as long as the recovery takes. Will you help Lutheran Disaster Response care for those in need?
Read MoreFor peace in our world, especially in Gaza and Israel, Ukraine and Russia, Syria, Sudan, Myanmar, Lebanon, and all areas of conflict…
For renewed efforts for peace at the anniversary of the current violence in the Middle East on October 7…
For communities devastated by hurricane and flooding, especially in Florida, Tennessee, and North Carolina…
For extreme heat in California and for all suffering negative effects of climate change…
For grieving families following a school bus fire in Thailand…
For renewed commitment to compassion and the common good…
On September 30, the National Day of Remembrance for Indian Boarding Schools invites us to honor Indigenous survivors and their families. Wearing orange is a powerful symbol of solidarity with those affected by the trauma of forced assimilation. Learn how you can participate and engage with the ELCA’s ongoing Truth and Healing initiatives in this post from Wanda K. Frenchman, vicar for Native American Urban Ministry in Phoenix.
Read MoreELCA Advocacy is pushing for critical actions on the Farm Bill, environmental justice, and humanitarian aid in Sudan. As hunger impacts nearly 47.4 million Americans and the environment faces budget cuts, the ELCA calls for urgent action. Read how our advocacy continues to make a difference and learn how you can take part in the latest update.
Read MoreAs we approach the anniversary of Oct. 7, 2023, we remember a day of heartbreaking grief for the people of Israel and Palestine, devastated by Hamas attacks on civilians and by the bombardment of Gaza. Mindful that the people of the Holy Land are still living in anguish and in war one year later, congregations may consider incorporating prayers and laments in worship on Sunday, October 6 or at other times near the anniversary, in public worship or for devotional use at home or in other settings.
Read MoreWe, the members of the Conference of Bishops of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, speak with one voice to condemn the hateful, deceptive, violent speech that has too readily found a place in our national discourse. We lament the ways this language has led to hate-fueled action.
We refuse to accept the ongoing normalization of lies and deceit.
Read MoreThe recent national spotlight on Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio, clearly has fanned flames of hate and stoked threats of violence. The rhetoric has created discord and mistrust of people who have already suffered civil unrest in their nation and been granted legal protection in the United States. History shows us that this kind of hatred often carries negative national and global consequences. Our church teaches that immigrants are children of God, made in God's image and worthy of respect and lives of dignity. God calls us to witness boldly to this truth when people tell dehumanizing lies that perpetuate racist tropes and support white supremacist narratives.
Read MoreJesus said, “Let the children come to me.” Are we doing the same in our congregations? In this week's Faith Lens, we explore how we can better listen to and empower children’s voices in faith, drawing from research on Gen Alpha. Learn how creating space for kids to share their perspectives can deepen their spiritual engagement—and ours. How will you welcome the youngest among us?
Read MoreIn observance of the one-year anniversary of the start of the current conflict in the Holy Land, Bishop Eaton offers prayers for peace, healing and justice for all people in Israel and Palestine, and the regions where the war has escalated. “We grieve this violence and loss of life with all people of the Holy Land — and with the Palestinian community of the ELCA, our Jewish and Muslim neighbors, and all who live in fear, pain and anguish. We believe the presence and love of God in Jesus Christ can always be found in the places of the cross. Wherever violence, injustice and death seem to have the last word, God is there and has not abandoned the people.”
Read MoreWatch a Zoom webinar from ELCA's Truth Seeking and Truth Telling Initiative on Indian Boarding Schools, available on YouTube.
Read MoreIn anticipation of Election Day in the United States, Bishop Eaton reminds us that “civic engagement through political and nonpolitical processes is how we live into our baptism and share Christ’s love as we work to make a difference in our communities and strive for justice and peace across the globe.”
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 MoreThe ELCA has released a comprehensive set of worship resources for the upcoming national elections, including scripture readings, prayers, and assembly song suggestions. These materials are designed to support congregations during prayer vigils, weekly worship, or personal devotions. Download the free resource to help guide your community through this important time.
Read MoreThe ELCA invites members to engage with a draft social statement on civic life and faith, reflecting our relationship with government as individuals and a church body. This statement, currently under review, offers guidance on church teaching and policies, serving as a vital tool for discernment on civic issues. Members can contribute feedback through an online survey or synod hearings until September 30, 2024. Post-feedback, the statement will be considered for official adoption at the 2025 ELCA Churchwide Assembly, potentially shaping the church's stance on civic engagement.
Read MoreThis week’s Faith Lens from Mark 9:30-37 reminds us that true greatness is found in humility and service, not in competition or status. Jesus redefines success by challenging us to care for those often ignored. How can we embody this greatness in our own communities? Explore ways to serve and appreciate the “greatest” in God’s eyes.⬤
Read MoreELCA bishops in Pennsylvania are leading a movement for peace in the face of growing political tension, sparked by a violent incident at a rally. Working with Lutheran Advocacy Ministry in Pennsylvania (LAMPa), they issued a joint statement calling for dialogue and dignity. The statement has garnered over 380 signatures from faith leaders and remains open for more to join. Read the original article at Living Lutheran.
Read MoreLutherans Restoring Creation share their latest Good Green News, noting that over 600 ELCA congregations have shared insights into their creation care efforts. Join them on September 24th for a virtual celebration with One Home One Future and make your voice heard by advocating for the protection of old-growth forests. Discover the full survey results, register for events, and learn more about upcoming opportunities to care for creation.
Read MoreELCA Coaching offers personalized support to church leaders, helping them grow in their roles and strengthen their ministries. Explore how coaching can empower your leadership and ministry by visiting ELCA Coaching’s website, and don't miss their weekly Wednesday noon Zoom events.
Read MoreFor peace in our world, especially in Gaza and Israel, Ukraine and Russia, Syria, Sudan, Myanmar, and all areas of conflict…
For Shanghai and all in the path of Typhoon Bebinca…
For those affected by the Houston pipleline explosion…
For the safety of political leaders amidst threats of violence…
For the Haitian community of Springfield, OH; for Wittenberg University and all schools and institutions under threat…
For those affected by flooding in Central Europe and in the mid-Atlantic region of the United States…
