Curious about chaplaincy in the ELCA? Join the Seminaries of the ELCA and the ELCA Chaplain Corps for a virtual Fireside Chat on Thursday, February 13, 2025. Explore what it means to serve as a chaplain and discover pathways to this vital ministry. The Zoom event begins at 7 pm CST. Register now to secure your spot.
Read MoreFalse claims about Lutheran organizations and federal funding circulated on X on February 1, prompting a strong response from ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton. In a video statement, Bishop Eaton reaffirmed the ELCA’s commitment to truth and its long-standing mission of serving the vulnerable. Lutheran organizations have responsibly used federal grants for 85 years, and the ELCA calls on political leaders to reject misinformation and uphold integrity. Watch Bishop Eaton’s full response in our blog post.
Read MoreWhat’s love got to do with it? Everything. Join Creating Beloved Community: Healing Together on Wednesday, February 5, at 12:00 PM Mountain / 1:00 PM Central, hosted by ELCA Coaching. This monthly gathering welcomes all—rostered ministers, lay leaders, and those seeking deeper spiritual connection. Together, we will explore love, faith, and healing in community. Learn more and join us on Zoom: ELCA Coaching Website.
Read More🚨 New Zoom Link! If you’re attending The Generosity of the Generosity Project on February 3, be sure to use the updated Zoom link to join the discussion. This event is for past users, those who have adapted the resource, and anyone curious about its potential. No registration is needed—just click and join the conversation! Monday, February 3, 6:00-7:30 p.m. Central Time. Click here to join.
Read MoreIn uncertain times, it is easy to feel overwhelmed by fear and division. Yet, Scripture reminds us of our call to community and mutual aid. Reflecting on Matthew 25, ELCA Hunger Advocacy Fellow Emily Ahern shares how faith can move us beyond isolation into active love and care for those in need. In a world that often feels unwelcoming, how can we create pockets of peace and solidarity? Read the full devotional and join in reflection on building communities of justice and care.
Read MoreIn the latest news from ELCA Congregational Stewardship, Rev. Tim Brown shares a letter, as well as upcoming events, stewardship resources, and stewardship in the text.
Read MoreSimeon and Anna saw something extraordinary in an ordinary moment at the temple: God’s presence in Jesus. Their story reminds us that God is still near, revealing the sacred through everyday things—clean water, fresh air, the beauty of creation. As we care for the world around us, we honor God’s gifts and ensure future generations can experience them. This week, take time to notice where God’s fingerprints appear in your daily life. Where do you see the extraordinary within the ordinary?
Read MoreFor areas of the world impacted by ongoing war, conflict, or political transition: Ukraine, Lebanon, Syria, Serbia…
For stampede victims at India’s Maha Kumbh festival…
For ceasefire in Gaza and for those returning home…
For happiness and many blessings for all celebrating Lunar New Year…
For immigrants, refugees, and all who work on their behalf…
For colleges and universities, students, research departments, and faculty/staff…
For all who experience discrimination, violence, or injustice due to race, class, gender, sexuality, religion, or other identity…
For the United States in this time of political tension and transition…
The Medicaid program, crucial for millions, is at risk of deep cuts by new Congressional leadership. Lutheran Services in America invites Lutherans to advocate for Medicaid’s protection. Learn how your voice can make a difference in preserving this vital program serving children, families, and seniors.
Read MorePresiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton has issued a statement expressing deep concern over recent immigration executive orders, highlighting their impact on families, faith communities, and service organizations. The ELCA reaffirms its long-standing commitment to welcoming immigrants and calls for prayer, learning, personal witness, and public advocacy. Resources, including a webinar on January 30, are available to equip Lutherans to respond faithfully. Read more on how the Grand Canyon Synod can stand in solidarity with immigrants and refugees in these critical times.
Read MoreWhat does it mean to be Lutheran? J. Paul Rajashekar’s new book, On Being Lutheran, explores this question by examining Lutheran theology, history, worship, and governance. Written for emerging leaders in the ELCA, the book offers a concise introduction to Lutheran identity while emphasizing the global impact of the Lutheran tradition. Learn more about this vital resource and how it’s shaping ministries across cultures and continents. Read the full article at Living Lutheran.
Read MoreIn his new book Ministry Matters: Pastors, Their Life and Work Today, author and scholar Michael Plekon explores the evolving role of pastors in shifting congregational landscapes. Drawing on over 40 years of ministry and contributions from renowned leaders like Pope Francis, Nadia Bolz-Weber, and Rowan Williams, Plekon highlights the call to prayer, discernment, and reconciliation in ministry. Read more about Plekon’s insights in Living Lutheran: What is the role of the pastor today?
Read MoreLa Asociación de Ministerios Latinos de la ELCA ha respondido a recientes órdenes ejecutivas que amenazan a comunidades inmigrantes y espacios sagrados. Basada en fe y justicia, su declaración llama a la unidad, acción y abogacía, ofreciendo recursos esenciales para poblaciones vulnerables. Lea más aquí.
The ELCA Latino Ministries Association has responded to recent executive orders threatening immigrant communities and sacred spaces. Rooted in faith and justice, their statement calls for unity, action, and advocacy while providing essential resources for vulnerable populations. Read more here.
Read MoreGood Trouble Church in Baltimore, Maryland, embodies the call of Micah 6:8, creating “A Way Out of No Way” for those navigating systemic oppression, poverty, and housing insecurity. Led by Rev. Elazar Zavaletta, this ELCA congregation is a beacon of resilience and community care, offering initiatives like a Farm to Stoop Free Market, harm-reduction housing, and leadership workshops. Rooted in Afro-Indigenous wisdom and a “theology of the block,” Good Trouble Church demonstrates how faith can drive grassroots justice and liberation.
Read MoreIn her pastoral message, Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton reflects on the recent executive orders and their impact on communities, emphasizing prayer, advocacy, and action grounded in faith. Highlighting Martin Luther’s teachings on daily bread and leadership, she calls on the ELCA to advocate for policies that uphold justice and protect the dignity of all people. Resources like the social message on “Government and Civic Engagement” and AMMPARO are commended as tools for action in these uncertain times. Read the full message to explore how our church can respond faithfully to these challenges.
Read MoreAmid heightened uncertainty, knowing your rights is vital for immigrants and their advocates. ELCA’s AMMPARO initiative and the Archdiocese of Dubuque offer multilingual tools like Red Cards, family safety plans, and legal support directories to help communities stay prepared. View these pages for a comprehensive list of resources and how to share them in your congregation.
Read MoreThe ELCA invites your feedback on proposed updates to Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust. These small editorial changes reflect shifts in marriage laws and family diversity while maintaining the statement’s theological core. Review the edits and share your thoughts by January 31, 2025 via an online survey or email. Resources are available at www.elca.org/reconsiderations in English, Spanish, and large print. Together, we can shape this important work of the church.
Read MoreNuestro Casa para Todos, a ministry near the University of Puerto Rico in Río Piedras, has transformed an empty church into a vibrant faith community for students and neighbors. Led by Pastor Ignacio Estrada, the ministry offers fellowship, meals, and worship while addressing the unique needs of the university population. With a focus on inclusion and service, Nuestro Casa provides a safe space where students can connect, learn, and grow in faith. Read more in Living Lutheran.
Read MoreDiscover why balance might not be the answer to modern life’s demands. Pastor Angela Denker shares a New Year’s reflection on embracing the grace of an unbalanced, purpose-driven life rooted in Jesus’ call to mission. In this post from Café, learn how to prioritize what truly matters and give yourself—and others—permission to let go of the illusion of balance.
Read MoreReflecting on her weight-loss journey, ELCA Pastor Angela T. !Khabeb shares a powerful testimony of hope and transformation through faith. While her efforts to change physically were met with challenges, she discovered the deeper need for spiritual and mental renewal. Drawing on Paul’s metaphor of clay and the potter, Pastor !Khabeb reminds us that our successes and failures are tools in God’s hands, shaping us into works of art still under construction. Her reflections inspire us to embrace transformation with courage, trust in God’s promises, and lean into the grace that sustains us. Read more on the Café blog.
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