As we celebrate Women’s History Month, Living Lutheran is highlighting a few of the many programs and ministries that support women and promote gender justice. Visit these resources to explore how these programs bring awareness to, serve and equip women, and stay tuned throughout this month to learn more: Women of the ELCA, Justice for Women Resource Page, and 50 Years of Ordained Women.
Read MoreJoin the ELCA's Commission for a Renewed Lutheran Church (CRLC) for a critical listening session with the disability community on March 15th, 2024. Share your insights to help guide the ELCA's future, focusing on inclusivity and dismantling racism. Register now to contribute to a more equitable church, and read more at ELCA.org.
Read MoreIn this week's ELCA Faith Lens, Andrew Thompson shares a reflective piece on finding comfort and connection in assembling puzzles with family, drawing parallels to navigating the complex, interwoven stories of our world and scripture. The article, set against the backdrop of an increasingly digital and overwhelming news landscape, encourages taking a more focused and intimate approach to engaging with the vast "puzzle" of human stories and God’s unfolding narrative.
Read MoreThe ELCA Foundation's latest edition of "Insights" brings opportunities and tools for supporters to enhance their contributions to the church's vibrant ministries. Highlighting the rise in charitable gift annuity rates, the introduction of a new estate-planning resource, and inspiring stories of legacy, the newsletter underscores the impact of thoughtful giving.
Read MoreThe 2024 Synod Assembly nominating committee is calling for nominations for synod council members, committee positions, and Churchwide Assembly voting members. Embrace this opportunity to serve and lead within the Grand Canyon Synod by submitting your nominations by April 22, 2024. Your participation is crucial in shaping the future of our church. View our nominations page for full info.
Read MoreIn the latest ELCA Young Adult Ministry Updates newsletter, March is bustling with opportunities for young adults in the ELCA! Apply for the Horizon Apprenticeship, share your thoughts with the Commission for a Renewed Lutheran Church, dive into next year's YAGM cohort, and don't miss registering for the 2024 Young Adult Gathering. Plus, a unique internship at Grace House in Atlanta offers a year of discovery and ministry.
Read MoreSeize a transformative summer with the ELCA's Horizon Apprenticeship Program. Designed for young adults of color or those whose primary language is not English, this initiative offers an enriching blend of internships, mentorship, and online learning from June 2 to July 28, 2024. Apply by March 12 to embark on a journey of growth, leadership, and deepened faith engagement.
Read MoreThe ELCA Advocacy blog post by William Milner and Alex Parker explores the profound significance of election engagement from a faith-based perspective. Highlighting the enthusiasm for the democratic process and the sacred calling to steward democracy, the authors encourage active civic participation as an act of service to neighbors and a commitment to justice.
Read MoreLooking for fresh inspiration of ways to care for your body – through movement, nutrition, or meditation? Portico reminds us that Burnalong’s daily calendar links to a different short online course each day. March features fun recipes and kitchen tips, just in time for National Nutrition Month.
Read MoreJust as every Sunday is a “little Easter,” every night offers a chance to take a “little sabbath” and restore your body through healing rest. If you have trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or feeling like you’re getting a good night’s sleep, Portico members with ELCA-Primary health coverage have a wealth of resources to help. Since March is National Sleep Awareness month, why not check out Learn to Live’s course on insomnia (use the access PORTICO to register), or the Being Academy’s course on sleep.
Read MoreTwo helpful tax guides are now available for church personnel. Portico provides rostered ministers and congregations participating in the ELCA benefit program with access to no-cost tax guides available on myPortico and EmployerLink.
The Clergy Tax Return Preparation Guide by Richard R. Hammar gives special attention to tax-related topics most relevant to ministers. Federal Reporting Requirements for Churches helps congregations understand their federal tax-reporting requirements.
Read MoreDiakonia recently hosted a webinar on Christian Nationalism in America at Peace Lutheran Church, which is available for viewing here. The event, structured in three informative sessions, explored its definition, history, theological aspects, and practical responses. Experts guided attendees through understanding this phenomenon in the context of faith and national identity.
Read MoreWe are deeply troubled by the actions of the Texas attorney general's office against Annunciation House, a volunteer-run faith-based organization that has been a pillar of welcome and hospitality in El Paso for more than 40 years. Annunciation House has been singled out by the attorney general's office over potential legal violations for the social services it provides to immigrants in Texas. We recognize Annunciation House's exemplary way of faith—by way of humanitarian works in close partnership with the federal government and other nonprofits in the region—that ensures migrants are treated with dignity and respect.
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 MoreJoin us as an exhibitor at the 2024 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly! Engage with assembly participants through interactive displays that highlight the vital work of your ministry. Register by May 20, 2024, to secure your spot and be a part of our mission-driven community.
Read MoreThe 2024 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly is now accepting resolutions from members. Ensure your voice is heard by submitting your resolutions in line with the required guidelines by April 22, 2024.
Read MoreWeek 3 of “Following the Way of Jesus: A Lenten Holy Land Journey” is: Week 3: Belovedness in the Wilderness with Rev. Fursan Zu'mot.
Sumud is the ELCA’s new name for our church’s engagement in accompaniment, awareness-building and advocacy for justice in Palestine and Israel. Sign up for updates about Sumud and upcoming events at: https://www.bit.ly/SumudSubscribe You can also learn more at https://www.ELCA.org/sumud.
Read MoreJoin the Lutheran Faith Community Nurse Association's event on March 14, 2024, for an insightful session on "How Loneliness Influences Health and What Nurses Can Do to Help," led by Dr. Laurie Theeke. Learn about loneliness as a unique health stressor and explore interventions to support those feeling isolated within our communities. View this PDF for more info or visit their website.
Read MoreYour insights can help shape the future of the ELCA. Participate in the Commission for a Renewed Lutheran Church survey by March 15, 2024, and contribute to our church's mission of renewal and commitment to justice.
Don't miss your chance to contribute to this significant moment in the ELCA's history. The deadline for survey participation is March 15, 2024. For more details and to complete the survey, visit the official CRLC page: ELCA CRLC Survey. Questions and further inquiries can be directed to crlc@elca.org.
Read MoreOn Aug. 8, 2023, multiple wildfires broke out on Maui. Exacerbated by strong winds, they destroyed homes, businesses, and lines of communication. The town of Lahaina was the most impacted, although there was also damage from smaller fires near Kihei and Kula.
Lutheran Disaster Response is supporting the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement (CNHA). The grant will assist their continuing work with fire survivors through the Kākoʻo Maui Relief & Aid Services Center, the resource center CNHA opened within weeks of the fire at the Maui Mall.
Read More