New opportunities for climate action are unfolding across the ELCA—from the launch of a global Decade of Climate Justice to hosting the 2026 National Faith + Climate Forum and preparing for Earth Day. This month’s Good Green Newshighlights upcoming events, funding opportunities, and practical resources for congregations ready to lead in creation care.
Read MoreThe ELCA has adopted a groundbreaking social message on “Child Protection,” offering both theological grounding and practical guidance for congregations responding to abuse and neglect. The message emphasizes that protecting children is central to the church’s calling—rooted in Jesus’ care for the vulnerable—and establishes clear expectations, including mandatory reporting of suspected abuse by all church leaders, regardless of state law.
Alongside its theological framework, the message provides concrete policy recommendations, training resources, and tools to help congregations create safer environments. It marks a historic step for the church, equipping leaders to move from uncertainty to faithful action. Read more from Living Lutheran.
Read MoreThis Lent, individuals and congregations across ELCA Region 2, including the Grand Canyon Synod, are invited to participate in the “Lord, When Did We See You?” Lenten Challenge, a set of simple daily practices rooted in Matthew 25. The toolkit offers intergenerational activities that connect prayer, worship, advocacy, and daily acts of compassion.
Participants are also encouraged to support ELCA World Hunger using Appeal Code R2LENT2026, or donate to ELCA World Hunger here. Explore the toolkit and join the challenge: lentenchallenge.org/toolkit.
Read MoreAt its March meeting in Itasca, Illinois, the ELCA Conference of Bishops elected the Rev. Deborah Hutterer, bishop of the Grand Canyon Synod, as chair, with the Rev. Greg Busboom elected vice chair. Their terms begin July 1, 2026, and will serve the conference of 65 synod bishops along with the presiding bishop and secretary.
During the meeting, bishops also discussed the future of theological education, updates to the ELCA candidacy process, and financial challenges facing the churchwide organization. Bishop Hutterer reflected on the gathering as a reminder that the ministry of bishops is deeply relational, strengthened through worship, prayer, and shared listening. Read the full ELCA news release.
Read MoreThe March 2026 issue of Administration Matters includes key resources for ELCA congregations and leaders, including registration information for the 2026 Rostered Ministers Gathering (July 6–9 in Indianapolis) and updated clergy tax guides available through Portico Benefit Services. The issue also highlights guidance for navigating church staff transitions, recognizing nonprofit financial scams, and responding when fraud occurs in congregational settings.
These practical resources are designed to help congregations faithfully steward their ministries and administrative responsibilities. Read the full issue and explore the articles.
Read MoreThis week’s Faith Lens reflection for Lent explores how Scripture challenges our assumptions about what we think we see. Drawing on 1 Samuel 16 and John 9, the study reminds us that while people often judge by outward appearances, God looks at the heart. Through discussion questions, activities, and reflection, participants are invited to consider where spiritual blindness may shape our views of others and how Christ can reshape our vision.
The reflection also invites readers to think about how we remember public figures—such as the late Rev. Jesse L. Jackson Sr.—and how easily complex lives are reduced to headlines or quick judgments. Faith Lens encourages individuals and groups to seek deeper understanding, seeing others and themselves through the grace and mercy of God.
Read MoreThe “Making Room” Lenten series invites Christians to rethink the traditional focus on giving something up for Lent. For the week of March 8, the focus is making room for imperfection—releasing unrealistic expectations and remembering that God’s grace, not perfection, is what sustains us.
Grounded in 2 Corinthians 12:9, this week’s practice encourages journaling about one expectation you can release and reflecting on how God’s grace allows space for growth and compassion toward ourselves. Read the full reflection and explore the prayer and practice in the Living Lutheran article.
Read MoreIn a reflection marking International Women’s Day (March 8), ELCA advocacy intern Ashley Chepkorir shares her journey from Kenya to global policy studies and advocacy work in Washington, D.C. Her story highlights the power of education, mentorship, and faith communities in helping girls imagine futures that once seemed impossible.
Drawing on the ELCA’s teaching that every person is created with dignity and gifted to contribute to society, Chepkorir invites faith communities to consider how they can encourage and support girls and young women today. Read the full reflection on the ELCA Advocacy Blog.
Read MoreEach month, ELCA Worship highlights resources and events from Lutheran and ecumenical partner organizations that support worship leaders, musicians, and planners across the church. The latest update includes upcoming conferences, training opportunities, and awards related to church music, liturgy, and worship leadership.
Featured opportunities include the Association of Lutheran Church Musicians Conference (June 2026 at St. Olaf College), the Institute of Liturgical Studies at Valparaiso University (April 13–15), the Hymn Society Annual Conference (July 19–22), and programs supporting young musicians and student composers. Explore the full list of resources and events on the ELCA Worship Blog.
Read MoreThe ELCA has launched a newly redesigned ELCA.org, created after more than a year of collaboration among Churchwide communications, IT, and innovation teams. The updated site features modern design, improved accessibility, and a new enhanced search tool that integrates resources from across the ELCA, including the resource library, congregation profiles, and Living Lutheran articles.
The new platform aims to help members, congregations, and those exploring faith more easily connect with the ELCA’s ministries and resources. Leaders and members across the Grand Canyon Synod are encouraged to explore the updated site and its new features.
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 MoreThe Grand Canyon Women of the ELCA are offering four scholarships to attend the Women of the ELCA Triennial Gathering, July 16–19, 2026, in Des Moines, Iowa. Each scholarship covers registration plus $500 toward travel and lodging.
Applications are due April 1, 2026, with notifications sent by April 15. Congregations are encouraged to share this opportunity widely. Learn more about the Gathering and how to apply today.
Read MoreCongress is currently debating the 2026 Farm Bill, one of the most significant pieces of legislation affecting agriculture, hunger programs, rural communities, and conservation in the United States and around the world. In a recent update, ELCA Advocacy outlines both encouraging provisions and ongoing concerns, urging lawmakers to adopt policies that reflect our shared faith commitments to feed hungry neighbors, support farmers and rural communities, and care for God’s creation.
The ELCA continues to call for stronger protections for programs like SNAP, international food aid, and conservation initiatives that promote soil health and sustainable agriculture. Learn more about the current status of the Farm Bill and how Lutherans can engage in advocacy by reading the full update. Read more at ELCA.org.
Read MoreAs part of the AMMPARO global migration strategy, the Iglesia Luterana Mexicana (ILM) provides a critical lifeline to those forced to flee their homes. This video highlights the ministry’s essential work in Mexico City's largest shelter, Casa Tochan, and showcases the amazing resilience of migrants seeking safety, dignity, and a better future. Download at bit.ly/4kWQ7RQ or view on YouTube.
Read MoreIn this video, leaders from across the AMMPARO network share their experiences moving into ministry with migrants toward building deep, life-changing relationships with refugees, asylum seekers, and undocumented neighbors. Through stories of uncertainty into transformation, we see how congregations are being re-energized by seeing the face of Christ in everyone they accompany. Download at bit.ly/4rwuCcV and view on YouTube.
Read MoreIn a March 4 pastoral statement, ELCA Presiding Bishop Rev. Yehiel Curry calls the church to prayer, advocacy, and renewed commitment to peace as war involving the United States, Israel, and Iran intensifies. Grounded in Scripture and Lutheran social teaching, Curry laments the loss of life—including Iranian schoolchildren and U.S. service members—and raises concern about the lack of congressional authorization prior to U.S. military engagement.
The bishop urges Lutherans to pray for peace, support diplomatic and humanitarian efforts, and stand in solidarity with companions in the Middle East, including the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land. Read the full statement from the ELCA Presiding Bishop.
Read MoreIn a new ELCA Advocacy devotional, Daniella Garber reflects on Jesus’ image of a “city on a hill that cannot be hidden” and what it means for Christians to remain steady and visible in their advocacy for neighbors and God’s creation. Drawing on childhood memories of mountains that never move, Garber reminds readers that faithful advocacy is often slow and unseen—but our calling is to remain present, hopeful, and unhidden in the world.
This reflection invites us to consider where we find steady presence in our lives and how the church can remain a visible witness to God’s justice and compassion. Read the full devotional.
Read MoreIn this week’s Faith Lens reflection, Liz Dinkins explores John 4:5–42, where Jesus crosses deep social and cultural barriers to speak with the Samaritan woman at the well. Their conversation moves from physical thirst to spiritual belonging, revealing a powerful truth: in Christ, we are fully known and still welcomed. Rather than condemning the woman’s complicated story, Jesus offers “living water” and invites her into deeper relationship.
The encounter transforms her from someone arriving alone at the well into the first person in John’s Gospel to share the good news with her community. This reflection invites readers to consider how Christ’s grace creates space for honesty, belonging, and witness—and how we might make room at the well in our own lives for others who are seeking belonging.
Read MoreELCA Schools and Learning Centers has released its latest newsletter highlighting Lutheran Schools Week (March 1–7), ministry resources like Coins for Lent, leadership opportunities on the ELEA board, and a new School Spotlightcelebrating Lutheran early childhood ministry. The update also includes member resources, discounts, and upcoming events supporting Lutheran educators nationwide. Explore the resources and learn more about Lutheran education ministries at elcaschools.org.
Read MoreAs the United States has begun military combat operations in Iran, the church is called to pray for peace and for all who suffer in times of war. The ELCA Worship team has shared prayers, hymns, and liturgical resources to support congregations in worship and personal devotion during this moment of global conflict.
These resources include prayers from the Prayer Book for the Armed Services, hymn suggestions for lament and peace, and references in Evangelical Lutheran Worship and All Creation Sings. Congregations are invited to use these materials as they gather in prayer for peace in the world, compassion for those affected by war, and wisdom for leaders. Read the full resource at elca.org and access the prayers.
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