Congress is debating the 2026 Farm Bill, legislation that shapes food assistance, agriculture, conservation, and rural life. ELCA Advocacy is urging lawmakers to support policies that care for hungry neighbors, strengthen rural communities, and protect creation for future generations.
With Senate action expected soon, the ELCA is encouraging Lutherans to stay informed and engaged through advocacy and action alerts. Read the Farm Bill Update.
Read MorePlanning for the 2027 ELCA Youth Gathering is already underway. A recent webinar from Gathering leadership helps congregations discern whether MYLE (Multicultural Youth Leadership Event) or the tAble may be the right fit for young people in their group, offering guidance, context, and practical next steps.
Whether you missed the live webinar or want to revisit the conversation, the recording offers helpful insight for leaders preparing youth for a meaningful and welcoming Gathering experience. Watch the webinar.
Read MoreLooking for hope, clarity, or connection in uncertain times? Wayfinding in the Commons begins Wednesday, March 4, 2026, from 1:00–2:00 p.m. (Arizona/Pacific Time) on Zoom, offering monthly gatherings for community, leadership learning, reflection, and practical next steps.
Open to anyone seeking encouragement, connection, or companionship in ministry and life, this online space invites participants to discover together why “hope is a group project.” Learn more and register.
Read MoreThe ELCA Worship Office has released new worship resources for the U.S. semiquincentennial in July 2026, offering liturgical texts, preaching helps, music guidance, and civic vocation resources for congregations marking the nation’s 250th anniversary. Designed to both celebrate and lament the nation’s history, the materials center worship around Christ’s call to justice, humility, mercy, and beloved community.
Resources are available now in PDF, DOC, and through SundaysandSeasons.com.
Read MoreJoin ELCA’s Kendra Stea, Director, Misconduct Prevention, on Tuesday, August 18 at 10:00 a.m. Arizona/PDT for a Zoom conversation on safeguarding worshiping communities. This 90-minute session will explore mandated reporting, misconduct response, healthy boundaries, congregational policies, and best practices for navigating difficult situations with care and accountability.
Registration is required. Bring your questions and learn practical tools to help your congregation foster safer, healthier ministry settings. Register here.
Read MoreThe Rev. Emily Heitzman reflects on the pressures youth and adults face from negative messages about worth and belonging. Drawing on Scripture, she reminds readers that we are beloved children of God—fearfully and wonderfully made, worthy of love. Read the reflection.
Read MoreIn this Bold Café reflection, the Rev. Dr. Ralen M. Robinson writes about harsh feedback, shame and the baptismal promise that our worth is not achieved but given by God. Her reflection offers encouragement for leaders and communities seeking to build one another up in love. Read the reflection.
Read MoreOur May 2026 Mission Support memo immerses us in the story of Concordia Lutheran Church in Worcester, Mass. Founded to serve the needs of non-English-speaking immigrant families, the church has come full circle today, once again serving a diverse neighborhood of immigrants and refugees. This congregation is deeply committed to remaining an inner-city ministry that accompanies the community as it changes. Read the memo to learn about their journey and discover their incredible ministry for kids and teens.
You will also find registration information for the Stewardship Kaleidoscope Conference, taking place September 21–23 in Baltimore, MD. Download the memo as a pdf here.
Read MoreLutheran Disaster Response, Catholic Charities of Eastern Oklahoma and local partners have completed recovery work for households affected by severe storms and flooding in May 2022. The project is a reminder that long-term disaster response restores not only homes, but dignity, stability and hope. Read the full story.
Read MoreThrough ELCA World Hunger support, Lutheran Hope Cambodia Organization is helping an agricultural cooperative in western Cambodia create jobs, strengthen local markets and support women’s entrepreneurship. Rom Chan Oun’s work driving the cooperative tuktuk has helped improve her family’s income and expand her role in the community. Read the World Hunger story.
Read MoreELCA Advocacy and ELCA AMMPARO have released a new resource, “You Shall Also Love the Stranger,” offering history, Bible study, reflection questions and action steps related to for-profit immigration detention. A related webinar will be held Wednesday, June 24, from 1-1:30 p.m. Eastern, with optional Q&A. Read more and find the resource.
Read MoreELCA Advocacy’s spring state update includes Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona, a ministry of the Grand Canyon Synod, highlighting work around food insecurity, voting, health care, housing, immigration and public witness at the Arizona Capitol. Read the full advocacy roundup.
Read MoreThe Rev. Joy Mortensen-Wiebe was reelected May 16 to a second six-year term as bishop of the ELCA South-Central Synod of Wisconsin. Her ministry includes more than 30 years of pastoral and synod leadership. Read the ELCA release.
Read MoreThe Rev. Justin Grimm was elected May 16 to serve a six-year term as bishop of the ELCA Saint Paul Area Synod. He will be installed Sept. 13 at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church in Apple Valley, Minnesota. Read the ELCA release.
Read MoreThe Rev. Amy Current was reelected May 15 to a second six-year term as bishop of the ELCA Southeastern Iowa Synod, receiving 240 votes on the first ballot. Read the ELCA release.
Read MoreFollowing the deadly shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego, ELCA Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry has issued a pastoral response condemning Islamophobia, grieving with Muslim neighbors and calling Lutherans to visible solidarity, relationship-building, advocacy and courage in the face of hatred. Grounded in Lutheran teaching and resurrection hope, Bishop Curry reminds the church that “hate will not have the final word.”
Read MoreThe ELCA’s Truth-Seeking and Truth-Telling Initiative is expanding nationwide in 2026, inviting clergy and lay leaders to research and confront Lutheran involvement in Indian boarding schools. This growing effort focuses on uncovering historical records, educating the church, and supporting truth-telling and healing for Native communities impacted by this legacy.
Participants can contribute through research, education, and quarterly gatherings. All are welcome to get involved. Learn more and sign up at tstti.org.
Read MoreRegistration is now open for the 2026 Western States Youth Gathering, happening June 28–July 1, 2026, at California Lutheran University in Southern California. Youth graduating 8th–12th grade and their adult leaders are invited to gather for worship, service, learning, and connection in this faith-forming regional event.
Held the summer before the ELCA Youth Gathering, WSYG 2026 offers a meaningful opportunity for congregations to invest in youth ministry and prepare young people for a larger churchwide experience. Registration includes housing, meals, and programming. Learn more and register at westernstatesyg.org.
Read MoreRegistration is now open for the NAES/ELEA Biennial Conference 2026, happening November 18–20 in Los Angeles. Centered on Psalm 46:10, this national gathering offers keynote speaker Dr. Lisa Miller, worship with Presiding Bishop Sean W. Rowe, 60+ workshops, and service opportunities—all designed to renew and equip faith-based education leaders.
Read More
