Only 15 spaces remain for Executive Skills for Church Leaders, Jan. 4–8, 2027, at Spirit in the Desert in Carefree, with arrival Jan. 3. New faculty member the Rev. Dr. Jia Starr Brown joins sessions on reconciliation, finances, human resources and leadership, alongside time for rest and connection. Grand Canyon Synod leaders qualify for a $200 Region 2 discount. Learn more and register.
Read MoreHow can our concern for creation become shared action at church? Lutherans Restoring Creation’s 2026 strategic plan identifies three priorities: strengthening relationships, equipping congregations for action and holding the church accountable to its commitments. Rooted in our call to love our neighbors and care for God’s creation, the plan invites us to consider our part. Read the plan and imagine your congregation’s next step.
Read MoreOur October 2026 Mission Support Memo explores the story of Living Stones Prison Ministry in our Southwestern Washington Synod. A ministry where every Thursday as they gather for planning, band practice and worship, all are reminded to “have grace with one another,” to know we are the kingdom of God, no matter where we are.
Make sure to find out more about the new free stewardship webinar coming November 16th “Making a Helpful Ask for Sustainability”.
Read MoreGrounded in our Lutheran call to love and serve our neighbors, the ELCA’s Oct. 28 advocacy update covers SNAP funding changes, proposed census restrictions, energy permitting reform, threats to global health funding and violence against Palestinians in the West Bank. Public comments on the census proposal are due Nov. 2, 2026. Explore the church’s perspectives and next steps: Read the ELCA advocacy update.
Read MorePreparing youth for the 2027 ELCA Youth Gathering? Watch the recorded morning worship webinar with your adult leadership team, then begin a conversation with youth about worshiping together. Find the video and links to upcoming Gathering webinars on our blog.
Read MoreFind encouragement and a practical next step with ELCA Coaching’s Wayfinding in the Commons on Wednesday, November 4, at noon Arizona/Mountain time or 11 a.m. Pacific. This approximately 45-minute gathering welcomes rostered ministers, lay leaders and anyone seeking community, shared discernment and support. Join on Zoom.
Read MoreAs we remember loved ones on All Saints Sunday, November 1, ELCA’s Faith Lens reminds us that we belong to the community of saints here and now. Drawing on the Beatitudes and 1 John, Bishop Becca Middeke-Conlin explores our identity as children of God and our calling to support one another in faith. Discussion questions, a blessing activity and a closing blessing offer resources for youth groups and congregational conversations. Read “Blessed Are You, Saint.”
Read MorePrepare for Advent with four ELCA Sumud and Young Adults devotions available November 22. The latest Sumud newsletter also features the five-part “Stolen Stories” video series, Ambassador network updates, Bishop Imad’s visit and a Chicago-based program director opening. Read the full newsletter and explore ways to learn, pray and participate.
Read MoreAs Election Day approaches, ELCA Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry invites Lutherans to practice healthy patriotism through prayer, civic participation and service to the common good. Drawing on Fannie Lou Hamer’s voting rights witness and Martin Luther’s reflections on Mary’s Magnificat, he calls us to hold leaders accountable and help every voice be heard—with our hope grounded in God’s steadfast love.
Read Bishop Curry’s full message on faithful citizenship and healthy patriotism.
Read MoreWhat hymn brings you comfort, recalls someone you love, or inspires you to serve? As Reformation Day approaches, Living Lutheran shares readers’ reflections on beloved hymns and the ways singing together nurtures faith, expresses God’s grace, and connects generations. Read their stories and reflect on your own favorite hymn.
Read MoreWhat holds the church together amid deep disagreement? This 23-minute Learn and Discern episode explores the roots of differing convictions and our shared grounding in Christ’s Gospel, offering encouragement for honest conversation about the ELCA’s sexuality social statement.
Read MoreHow can an investment support ministry beyond your congregation? Watch and share MIF’s “Together, We Build More” video to see how investments help fund loans for worship spaces, schools, camps, affordable housing and more.
Read MoreSix ELCA Hunger Advocacy Fellows have begun their 2026–2027 placements, advancing state and national public policy and promoting peace and human rights at the United Nations. Their year of service puts love of neighbor into action through advocacy. Meet the fellows and read about their work.
Read MoreHow is God calling the church to keep reforming? ELCA’s Faith Lens for October 25, Reformation Sunday, invites us to remember our history honestly while discerning where the Holy Spirit is leading. Grounded in Jeremiah 31:31–34 and John 8:31–36, the resource offers discussion questions, an interactive activity, and prayer for youth groups and congregational learning. Read “Looking Back and Looking Forward.”
Read MoreHear Palestinian Christians tell their own stories in Stolen Stories, a five-part educational video series from ELCA Sumud. Pastors, bishops and scholars explore Palestinian history from before 1948 to today, offering lived experience and theological context for congregational learning. The series invites us to listen to our siblings in Christ and pray for justice, reconciliation and peace for all in the Holy Land. Watch on YouTube or download the series.
Read MoreWhat does “bound conscience” mean, and why does it matter to the ELCA’s reconsideration of its sexuality statement? In this 31-minute episode, Professor Tim Wengert explores its Lutheran roots and pastoral significance, inviting careful listening across deeply held convictions.
Read MoreWhat do charitable giving trends mean for your ministry? Join the ELCA Foundation’s November 11 webinar, 11 a.m.–noon Arizona/Utah time or 10–11 a.m. Nevada time, for insights from Giving USA 2026 and practical fundraising guidance. Pastors, stewardship teams, and ministry leaders are encouraged to register.
Read MorePresiding Bishop Yehiel Curry reaffirms the ELCA’s opposition to the death penalty, calling for healing, reconciliation, and dignity for every person. His October 16 statement invites congregations to pray, study, and advocate for abolition while accompanying all affected by violent crime. Read Bishop Curry’s full statement.
Read MoreFor all those affected by war and armed conflict around the world, especially in Iran, Gaza, Ethiopia, Syria, South Sudan, The Democratic Republic of Congo, Ukraine, and Myanmar…
For midterm elections and for democratic elections around the world…
For ongoing student protests in France, Albania, and India…
For Christa Pike and all those impacted by the death penalty…
For victims of a school roof collapse in Pakistan…
For Pope Leo XIV and his cancer diagnosis…
For those in the path of Hurricane Simon and all those affected by natural disasters…
For all those affected by gun violence, sexual violence, and race-based violence…
For the ongoing courage and renewal of the church, led by the Holy Spirit…
Support your congregation’s song with fall choir webinars beginning October 23, Lutheran Summer Music 2027 enrollment—with a $100 discount through December 1—and church music gatherings and shared-singing resources. Read ELCA Worship’s full October partner roundup and share these opportunities with worship leaders, musicians, and families.
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