Matthew 25 in Action: Take the 2026 Lenten Challenge with ELCA World Hunger
This Lent, the Grand Canyon Synod is invited to join congregations and individuals across ELCA Region 2 in a shared commitment to faith, learning, generosity, and action. The 2026 Lenten Challenge supports ELCA World Hunger, a ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America working toward a just world where all are fed.
Together, the five Region 2 synods—Sierra Pacific, Southwest California, Pacifica, Grand Canyon, and Rocky Mountain—are aiming to raise $100,000 during Lent 2026, while deepening our shared Lenten practice through Scripture, reflection, and service.
What Is the Lenten Challenge?
When you sign up, you commit to participating in three of four spiritual practices during Lent:
Devotions
Learning
Action
Donation
Participants are encouraged to use the Matthew 25 Lenten Challenge Toolkit, which centers our Lenten journey on Jesus’ words in Matthew 25:37–40—calling us to see Christ in the hungry, the stranger, the sick, and those who are imprisoned.
“Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did it to me.”
— Matthew 25:40
Who Can Participate?
Everyone is welcome. Individuals, families, congregations, and organizations from across ELCA Region 2 are invited to take part. Our shared goal is at least one participant from 50 congregations in each synod.
And yes—there’s a friendly competitive twist. The synod with the most individual participants “wins” the challenge, earning bragging rights in the spirit of joy, encouragement, and collective impact.
Why It Matters
Hunger is not an abstract issue—it is a daily reality for millions of our neighbors. Through this Lenten Challenge, we are invited to embody a core Lutheran conviction: that faith is lived out in love for the neighbor. As we pray, learn, give, and act together, we witness to God’s abundance and God’s call to justice.
Ready to Take Action?
Sign up now, invite others from your congregation or community, and make this Lent a season of deepened discipleship and shared purpose. Together, we can live Matthew 25—not just in word, but in deed.
