An expanded ELCA partnership brings Realm church management and Vanco Giving together, with exclusive pricing and implementation packages for ELCA congregations. The platform connects giving, member records, communications and other ministry tools. An informational webinar is Tuesday, Oct. 27, at 10 a.m. Arizona and Nevada time / 11 a.m. Utah and Navajo Nation time. Read the announcement and find webinar details.
Read MoreHow can we lead faithfully through disagreement? Augustana University President Stephanie Herseth Sandlin shares how a campus conflict became an opportunity for apology, listening and renewed relationships. Grounded in Lutheran commitments to community and mutual flourishing, her reflection invites us to practice reconciliation in our congregations, families and workplaces. Read her reflection in Living Lutheran.
Read MoreWhen the future feels uncertain, belonging to Christ gives us courage to keep going together. In Faith Lens for October 4, Pastor Ian McConnell reflects on Philippians 3:4b–14 and neighbors caring for one another in Minneapolis, connecting faith with practical love. Youth leaders will find discussion questions, activities, and a prayer to help young people imagine a future rooted in God’s love. Read the full Faith Lens reflection.
Read MoreFind community and a next step for life and ministry at ELCA Coaching’s Wayfinding in the Commons, Wednesday, October 7, on Zoom. This 45-minute gathering begins at 11 a.m. in most of Arizona and Nevada; noon in the Navajo Nation and St. George, Utah. Join fellow leaders and seekers for grounding, leadership learning, and coach-facilitated conversation—and leave with at least one actionable step.
Read MoreELCA Worship’s election resources now include an “Affirmation of Vocation in Civic Life,” recognizing our holy calling to serve neighbors through public life. Find readings, prayers, and song suggestions for congregational worship and home devotions, alongside resources for public witness, civic engagement, and ongoing community prayer. Read more on the ELCA Worship Blog.
Read MoreOur September 2026 Mission Support Memo celebrates the new ministry of Bethlehem Arabic Lutheran Church in our Pacifica Synod. This ministry is deeply grateful that God has brought together Palestinians, Iraqis, Syrians, Jordanians, Lebanese, plus many others, connecting various faiths and creating one community where everyone can find hope, belonging, and the grace of Jesus Christ
Read MoreIn Chiang Mai, Thailand, home visits and community gatherings supported through ELCA World Hunger are helping older adults reconnect and feel valued. Through the Church of Christ in Thailand’s community development ministry, this work has inspired church volunteer care teams and collaboration with local government—putting love of neighbor into practice through lasting relationships. Read “Seeds of Hope”.
Read MorePreparing for the 2027 ELCA Youth Gathering in Minneapolis? Share this video with youth, families and adult leaders for a glimpse of ENGAGE, the Gathering’s new program experience. Watch the ENGAGE preview.
Read MoreExplore affordable student housing, a “How to Rent Well” resource, and collective purchasing opportunities in the latest ELCA Church Property Resource Hub newsletter. Plus, find November webinars on disaster preparation (Nov. 5) and sustainable generosity (Nov. 16). Read the full issue for resources and event links to share with your congregation’s leaders.
Read MoreExplore Advent through the stories of five women in Jesus’ family tree. Preparing the Way: A Herstory of Hope offers congregations worship materials, Bible studies, activities, and a December 1–January 1 devotional. Discover this St. Olaf College resource and share it with your congregation’s worship and faith formation leaders.
Read MoreLearn practical ways to support people affected by intergenerational trauma at LFCNA’s Oct. 13 session with Jamie Aten, PhD. Nurses, rostered ministers and lay leaders are welcome. 4–6 p.m. in most of Arizona and southern Nevada; 5–7 p.m. in Utah and the Navajo Nation. Cost: $30 for members/$50 for nonmembers; 2.0 nursing contact hours available with full attendance and a completed evaluation. Learn more and register.
Read MorePresiding Bishop Yehiel Curry invites the ELCA to recognize diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility as expressions of our baptismal call to serve all people and seek justice. His Sept. 28 message encourages congregations to build trusting relationships and honor the distinct gifts each person brings to the body of Christ. Read Bishop Curry’s message.
Read MoreGrace Lao and Hope Lutheran churches in El Sobrante, Calif., celebrated a new ministry partnership with multilingual Pentecost worship in May. Sharing space and resources while honoring each community’s identity, they are exploring how collaboration can strengthen ministry. Their emerging partnership offers Grand Canyon Synod leaders a glimpse of the Spirit’s work through patient listening, shared mission and worship across languages. Read their story in Living Lutheran.
Read MoreThe ELCA’s Asian and Pacific Islander Ministries has developed a five-year vision for leadership, cultural belonging and justice that invites the whole church to participate. Grounded in listening sessions and our baptismal call, the plan calls for confronting anti-Asian racism, strengthening mentorship and reforming leadership pathways, with initial reforms expected by September 2027. Read the full story in Living Lutheran.
Read MoreELCA congregations and eligible ministries with existing feeding programs may apply for a $500 Daily Bread Grant beginning Oct. 1. Applications close Oct. 21 at midnight Central Time. These grants support local ministries responding faithfully and practically to hunger and poverty. Review eligibility and application details.
Read MoreThe ELCA’s Sept. 25 advocacy update examines nutrition assistance and the Farm Bill, religious liberty and military chaplaincy, federal funding, global humanitarian aid, and free speech concerns in immigration proceedings. Grounded in Lutheran commitments to our neighbors’ well-being, it also points readers toward an action alert urging senators to protect nutrition assistance and support farmers. Read the update and explore opportunities for action.
Read MoreExplore stories of climate hope on September 29, renewable energy planning for congregations on October 20, and free creation care resources in Lutherans Restoring Creation’s September Good Green News. The issue also includes film screenings, nature-based spiritual leadership training, civic engagement tools, and a new retirement-investment explainer. Read the full newsletter for details and registration links.
Read MoreDrawing on his experience growing up with cerebral palsy, the Rev. Brian Krause reflects on how everyday words and church language can deepen exclusion. He calls congregations to examine their language as an expression of Jesus’ welcome and the worth of people with disabilities. Read his reflection on why language matters.
Read MoreFor peace and reconciliation among the nations, especially in Iran, Gaza, Ethiopia, Yemen, South Sudan, The Democratic Republic of Congo, Ukraine, and Myanmar…
For an end to genocide across the world…
For flooding in southwestern Ohio and all those affected by natural disasters…
For Luther Seminary and all seminaries navigating reimagination or relocation…
For the United Nations General Assembly and for all agencies working for peace…
For victims of gun violence, especially in Ontario, Canada and Durban, South Africa…
For immigrants and all marginalized populations who live in fear of violence…
For those in the path of Tropical Storm Nolo…
For all in need of access to affordable healthcare…
What makes someone trustworthy? ELCA’s Faith Lens explores Matthew 21:23–32, connecting Jesus’ parable of two sons with the trustworthiness God reveals in Christ. Reflection questions, group activities, and prayer help youth consider how their actions reflect their words. Smaller-church leaders will also find an invitation to share their experiences through a listening project survey. Explore this week’s Faith Lens.
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