In the face of life’s uncertainty, Jesus calls us not to over-prepare or defend ourselves, but to trust that he will give us the words and wisdom we need. This devotion invites readers to release their fears into Christ’s care and remember that God’s promise of presence endures, even when all else seems to fall apart.
Read MoreFor an end to war and conflict, and for places of political unrest or contention, especially Gaza, South Sudan, Myanmar, Ukraine, and Pakistan/Afghanistan…
For all affected by the the eruption of the Semeru volcano in Indonesia…
For safety, dignity, and justice for immigrants…
For the health of the earth and for those working to mitigate environmental destruction…
For victims of abuse and trafficking…
For ELCA indigenous ministries and tribal relations, and for the work of truth and healing…
For all who await the reign of Christ to break into our world and our hearts…
The ELCA Church Council has approved major revisions to the roster manual, with updates now in effect across the church. Changes include new policies on on-leave and retired status, interim and supply ministry, expanded exceptions to the three-year congregational service bylaw, and a new 10-hour minimum for part-time calls. View and download as PDF here.
A webinar explaining these updates will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 2, 1–2 p.m. Central. Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85159197176. Leaders are encouraged to discard old versions of the roster manual and direct questions to Keith.Fry@ELCA.org.
Read MoreLiving Lutheran profiles Zander Hine, a high school senior and lifelong member of St. John Lutheran, Hagerstown, Md., whose faith has led him into deep engagement with food insecurity, environmental advocacy, and community service. From overseeing Micah’s Backpack and serving on local nonprofit boards to conducting research on food waste and hunger in his school district, Zander lives his baptismal call by “living grace through action.”
Be inspired by his story of service, leadership, and hope by reading the full “I’m a Lutheran” feature on Living Lutheran.
Read MoreMeeting electronically on Nov. 12, 2025, the ELCA Church Council adopted “Child Protection” as an official social message of our church and advanced several significant initiatives. Actions included beginning work on study resources addressing white supremacy, supporting educational debt relief for rostered ministers—especially women and people from historically under-represented groups—and revising spending authorization and benefits policies for 2026.
For a full overview of these actions and what they mean for the ELCA’s life and mission, read the complete news release from ELCA News.
Read MoreWhen migrants and other neighbors are labeled “invasion,” “animals,” or “illegals,” our faith compels us to respond. This AMMPARO reflection names dehumanization as sin and calls Lutherans to “faithful resistance” in our words, actions, and hearts, grounded in Scripture’s witness that every person bears the image of God.
Read how this resistance takes shape in daily life—through language, advocacy, and humble service rooted in Micah 6:8—by reading the full article from AMMPARO.
Read MoreAfter a 43-day shutdown, the federal government reopened on Nov. 13, 2025. In response, the ELCA shared a message of gratitude with federal elected leaders while urging them to prioritize good governance, affordable healthcare, and strong support for programs that address hunger, poverty, and illness. The statement lifts up our Lutheran conviction that government is called to serve the common good and protect human dignity.
Learn more about this message, including specific policy priorities and ways congregations can engage, by reading the full statement from ELCA Advocacy.
Read MoreIn a new pastoral message, ELCA Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry reflects on ministry during a historic government shutdown and the church’s call to serve neighbors amid division, disruption, and fear. He lifts up ELCA ministries feeding the hungry, accompanying immigrants, responding to disasters, and advocating for justice when government fails to protect the vulnerable.
Read the full message: A Pastoral Message for These Troubled Days.
Read MorePortico Benefit Services has announced that the Rev. Yehiel Curry, ELCA presiding bishop, has been appointed as an advisory member of its board of trustees. Curry’s leadership will help guide Portico’s strategic priorities, strengthening its support for the retirement, health, and financial wellness of more than 55,000 ELCA leaders and employees.
Read the full announcement: Presiding Bishop Curry Joins Portico Board or visit Portico’s detailed release: Yehiel Curry Joins Portico Board.
Read MoreOn Nov. 1, the Rev. Kevin T. Shock was elected bishop of the Allegheny Synod during its assembly in Altoona, Pa., receiving 118 votes on the fifth ballot. Shock—currently serving as assistant to the bishop—will take office Feb. 1, 2026, with an installation service on Feb. 7 at Mount Calvary Lutheran Church in Johnstown, Pa. Read the full ELCA News release: Kevin Shock Elected Bishop of the Allegheny Synod.
Read MoreFor Native American Heritage Month, ELCA Indigenous Ministries and Tribal Relations invites us to mark the National Day of Mourning on Nov. 27 in Patuxet (Plymouth, Mass.). ELCA leaders, partners, and members will gather on Cole’s Hill to honor Indigenous voices, lament ongoing oppression, and deepen our commitment to truth, healing, and justice. Read the full cross-posted article from Living Lutheran: Observing Native American Heritage Month.
Read MoreOn the island of Nias in western Indonesia, the Rev. Agusiang Zebua, a newly ordained pastor, shares how a Lutheran World Federation women’s empowerment course deepened her sense of call as a female leader in the church. Through theological education, clinical pastoral support, and connection with other women, she experienced how God’s gifts in women can transform families, congregations, and communities. Read the full story on the ELCA World Hunger blog: Women Empowerment on the Island of Nias!.
Read MoreFrom Florida to Wisconsin, ELCA-affiliated state public policy offices are lifting a strong faith voice in the public square. Highlights include Florida Faith Advocacy Days in Tallahassee, Kansas Interfaith Action’s voter engagement and immigration advocacy, new interfaith coalitions in New Jersey, bold public witness in Pennsylvania, gun violence prevention and hunger work through Texas Impact, and renewed advocacy in Wisconsin around hunger, clean water, and care for homeless youth. Read the full article on the ELCA Advocacy blog: Fall Updates: State Edition.
Read MoreFor an end to war and conflict, and for places of political unrest or contention, especially Gaza, South Sudan, Myanmar, Ukraine, and Pakistan/Afghanistan…
For all in the path of Typhoon Fung-wong…
For UN climate talks and for safety amidst protests…
For national tragedies around the world including a Turkish military plane crash, a bridge collapse in south-west China, a bus crash in Peru, and a car explosion attack in India…
For feeding ministries and all hunger relief organizations…
For all federal employees…
For care and safety for immigrants…
For all loving marriages and partnerships…
For the beauty of God’s creation, especially sightings of the Northern Lights this week…
This week’s Faith Lens reflection, “My Greatest Fear… Realized” by Pastor Bob Chell, explores Luke 21:5–19—Jesus’ teaching that speaks directly to our fears, doubts, and insecurities. As the disciples marvel at the temple’s beauty, Jesus warns of destruction, betrayal, and suffering—but also offers an astonishing promise: “Not a hair of your head will perish.”
In the face of life’s uncertainty, Jesus calls us not to over-prepare or defend ourselves, but to trust that he will give us the words and wisdom we need. This devotion invites readers to release their fears into Christ’s care and remember that God’s promise of presence endures, even when all else seems to fall apart.
Read MoreIn this month’s Living Lutheran reflection, pastor and writer Kimberly Knowle-Zeller reminds us of the quiet holiness of being seen. When her son’s rough morning led to a classmate’s simple empathy—“I have mornings like that”—it became a lesson in bearing one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2). Families are invited to notice and pray for neighbors in need, send caring notes, and practice intercessory prayer as ways to live out God’s love in daily life. Read more at Living Lutheran.
Read MoreFrom Maine to Texas, congregations across the ELCA joined in acts of compassion during this year’s “God’s work. Our hands.” Sunday on September 7. Volunteers packed food kits, cleaned parks, visited seniors, and supported those in need—embodying service as worship. Some gathered in solidarity with immigrants and social service agencies facing budget cuts. “Being baptized into Christ’s life,” one volunteer reflected, “creates a whole new world of relationships … characterized by loving, liberated service.” Read more at Living Lutheran.
Read MoreIn Point Roberts, Washington—a U.S. enclave accessible only through Canada—Trinity Community Lutheran Church embodies faith without borders. Founded in 1913 by Icelandic immigrants, the congregation now includes U.S. and Canadian members who gather for music, potlucks, and interfaith worship. Through Jazz Vespers, shared holidays, and rotating clergy, Trinity continues to live out the message that “all are welcome,” even amid changing politics and border challenges. Read more at Living Lutheran.
Read MoreJoin the Women of the ELCA for the annual Blue Christmas Service on Sunday, December 21, 2025, the Winter Solstice—the longest night of the year. This virtual Zoom service at 6 PM (Arizona/Utah) / 5 PM (Nevada) offers a peaceful space with music, readings, and prayer for all who seek comfort and hope during the holiday season. Register to attend here.
Read MoreEach month, ELCA Worship highlights resources and upcoming events from Lutheran and ecumenical partners supporting worship leaders, musicians, and congregations. This month’s roundup includes the Lutheran Summer Music Musical Advent Calendar (Nov. 30–Dec. 24); registration for the Institute of Liturgical Studies (Apr. 13–15, 2026); the ALCM 2026 Conference at St. Olaf College; training opportunities from Music That Makes Community; and a newly redesigned site from Journey to Baptismal Living.
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