In Episode 2 of Here I Pod, ELCA Advocacy explores how Lutherans can take action on climate care and clean energy policy. Featuring ELCA leaders and theologians, this 24-minute episode offers practical ways congregations and individuals can advocate for environmental justice. Tune in for insight, inspiration, and tools for faithful action.
Read MoreSince 1953, the Navajo Evangelical Lutheran Mission (NELM) has served Rock Point, Arizona, offering food, education, worship, and clean water to residents of the Navajo Nation. Now under its first all-Navajo leadership, NELM continues to deepen its mission of community-rooted service through its food bank, school, House of Prayer, and café. As the recipient of this year’s Grand Canyon Synod Lenten Challenge, NELM’s work reflects Christ’s call to serve with compassion and humility. Click here to read the full article on the LAMA site, and support NELM through this year’s Lenten Challenge.
Read MoreThe U.S. Department of State has issued a stop-work order cutting funding for refugee resettlement services, directly affecting thousands of resettled families. Global Refuge (formerly LIRS) continues its mission, calling on faith communities to respond. In their 2025 annual report, learn how you and your congregation can give, advocate, and welcome the stranger through Lutheran-rooted action.
Read MoreArizona Faith Network is now hiring and recruiting volunteers for its 2025 Heat Respite and Relief Program, providing cooling centers for vulnerable neighbors in Glendale, Phoenix, and Tempe. Paid and volunteer roles—including Site Leads, Assistants, Safety Specialists, and volunteers—are open now and vital to the safety and dignity of those at risk during Arizona’s extreme summer heat. Apply or share today: www.arizonafaithnetwork.org/positions.
Read MorePalestinian Christians living under military occupation in the Holy Land face immense challenges—separation from family, lack of work, and rising emigration. Through the Sumud initiative, the ELCA stands in steadfast accompaniment with our partners in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land (ELCJHL), advocating for dignity, justice, and peace. Sumud means “steadfastness,” and this initiative invites us to listen, learn, and act in faithful support. Click here to read more at Living Lutheran.
Read MoreHow can congregations prepare for possible immigration raids? A new ELCA AMMPARO guide outlines practical steps—like hosting Know Your Rights sessions, connecting with local migrant organizations, and training ministry teams—to equip congregations for faithful response. Rooted in Lutheran theology and updated in response to recent policy changes, this guide offers a path forward rooted in justice, compassion, and love for neighbor. Read the full article at ELCA.org.
¿Cómo pueden prepararse las congregaciones para posibles redadas migratorias? Una nueva guía de AMMPARO ofrece pasos prácticos como organizar sesiones de Conozca Sus Derechos, conectar con organizaciones locales y capacitar a voluntarios para responder con justicia y compasión. Esta guía está arraigada en la fe luterana y actualizada frente a recientes cambios de política migratoria. Leer el artículo completo.
Read MoreThis week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Adele Resmer, who celebrates 38 years on April 5.
Rev. Lowell Nelson, who celebrates 14 years on April 10.
The Rev. Christine Stoxen, pastor of Holy Trinity in Chandler, has been named the 2025 recipient of the Bedenbaugh Award by Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary. She will be honored during Alumni Day at LTSS on May 1. Pastor Stoxen, a 2000 LTSS graduate, will offer remarks via video during a forum with Bishop Elizabeth Eaton.
Read MoreJoin PLTS on Wednesday, April 9 at 10 AM (Pacific) for the 2025 Luther Lecture featuring Dr. Marcela K. Perett. Her lecture, “Teaching Certainty,” offers a fresh perspective on Martin Luther’s early catechisms and how they helped believers move from despair to confidence in God’s forgiveness. Available via Zoom or in person. Register here.
Read MoreFor the 10th year, St. John Lutheran Church in Victor, NY, is celebrating Lint for Lent, a tradition of collecting discarded household items—like dryer lint and candle stubs—to create fire bricks used to light Easter worship. This creative ritual reminds us how God transforms what we cast aside into warmth, light, and purpose.
Read the full story of this fiery and faithful practice—click here to explore the article in Living Lutheran.
Read MoreFrom picture books that walk children through Holy Week to sharp theological insights on race, care, and church life, these seven new titles offer something for every ministry context. Featuring ELCA voices like Bishop Brenda Bos, Pastor Angela Denker, and Pastor Yolanda Denson-Byers, this spring’s must-reads can deepen discipleship, enrich congregational conversations, and offer rest to the weary.
Explore all the recommended titles and how they might shape your ministry—click here for the full article in Living Lutheran.
Read MoreHannah Limbong, a public health major and lifelong Lutheran, shares how her faith journey—from youth leadership in the ELCA to climate advocacy and nonprofit mentorship—shapes every aspect of her life. A member of Christ Lutheran in Jeffersontown, KY, Hannah lives out her call through music, policymaking, and care for creation.
Read how this emerging leader combines service, justice, and joy in her walk with Christ—click here for the full article in Living Lutheran.
Read MoreAs Lent nears its end, this season reminds us that even in long, sorrowful journeys—whether personal or global—there is space for joy. Just as a woman anointed Jesus in love on his road to the cross, we too are invited to celebrate sacred moments, even in hardship. This reflection calls us to live intentionally, walk with those who suffer, and embrace joy as resistance and renewal during life’s most difficult seasons.
Read MoreThanks to the Bishop’s Leadership Fund, congregations can now register one youth or young adult voting member for free for the 2025 Synod Assembly, June 12–13 in Las Vegas. Just use the code YOUTH2025 at checkout to waive the fee for one confirmed youth (up to age 17) or young adult (age 18–30). One free registration per congregation. Let’s raise up the next generation of leaders in our synod!
Read MoreELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton has issued a video message for Transgender Day of Visibility. In the video, Eaton speaks out against the inhumane actions by legislatures and executive orders while also speaking directly to the transgender and nonbinary community.
Read MoreWhy battle the noise and crowds of the Vegas Strip when you can experience a professionally produced, high-energy concert right at Synod Assembly? On Thursday, June 12 at 7 PM, our host congregation, Community Lutheran in Las Vegas, is delivering a stunning musical performance that promises to inspire and uplift. Make plans now to stay on-site—this is one show you don’t want to miss!
Read MoreCentral Lutheran in Arizona City is seeking 100 used cranberry ELW hymnals and is willing to purchase them. Winter visitor Bob Gross is coordinating the request. If your congregation has extra copies, this is a great chance to share resources within our synod. Contact Bob at 435-640-9316 or by email to assist.
Read MoreMountain View Lutheran Church is celebrating 50 years of ministry with a special anniversary weekend on April 5-6! Join the Anniversary Dinner and Worship Service on Saturday (tickets available through this weekend), followed by a special 9:00 AM worship service on Sunday, presided over by Bishop Deborah K. Hutterer. After worship, enjoy Sunday Funday with bounce houses, food trucks, games, and more! Visit www.mvlutheran.org/mvlc50th for full details.
Read MoreJoin Mountain View Lutheran Church on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at Bear Creek Golf Course in Chandler for a 50th Anniversary Golf Fundraiser supporting MVLC’s Mission & Outreach! Registration is $145 per player and includes golf, a banquet, contests, and more. Sponsorship opportunities are available for businesses and individuals. View a PDF flyer here. Sign up today at MVLC’s event page!
Read MoreOn Sunday, Sept. 7, ELCA congregations will come together for “God’s work. Our hands.” Sunday, an annual day of service celebrating our call to love and serve our neighbors. Whether through food drives, community clean-ups, or acts of care, this is an opportunity to put faith into action. If your congregation can’t participate on Sept. 7, choose another date—service is ongoing! Visit ELCA.org/DayOfService for resources and inspiration. Mark your calendar and join us in serving our communities!
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