What’s New from ELEA This January: BRAVE Resources, Legal Updates, and Member-Only Tools

The January ELEA newsletter is full of resources to help Lutheran educators start the year strong. Highlights include the Lutheran Schools Week 2026 “BRAVE” toolkit, grounded in John 13:34–35; a call for workshop proposals for the 2026 Biennial Conference in Los Angeles (due January 16); member-only Community conversations; and timely employment law updates through Zywave.

The issue also features a School Spotlight on Peace Lutheran Preschool, upcoming events, and reminders about ELEA membership benefits. Read the full newsletter for links, tools, and opportunities to connect with educators across the church.

ELCABrian FlatgardJanuary 22, 2026Youth and Young Adult, Evangelical Lutheran Education Association (ELEA)Comment

Finding Joy in the Long Days: Desert Cross Lutheran's Holiday Breakfast Playdates

At Desert Cross Lutheran Church, holiday mornings have become ministry moments. What began as simple breakfast playdates in the park for young families has grown into an intergenerational tradition of fellowship, outreach, and joy. These gatherings remind us that church happens not only in sanctuaries but wherever God’s people meet in community.

Seeds of Faith: How ELCA Schools Are Shaping Tomorrow's Church

The Grand Canyon Synod has joined the Evangelical Lutheran Education Association (ELEA), strengthening Christian education across Arizona. With 20 schools and learning centers serving 1,800 students, Lutheran preschools like Children of Hope and New Covenant are planting seeds of faith and building bridges between church and community. Learn more about ELEA schools at elcaschools.org.

Journey Together During Lutheran Schools Week This March

Lutheran Schools Week 2024, occurring from March 3-9, invites Lutheran communities to celebrate with the theme "On the Road," inspired by Luke 24:13-35. It's a call to witness God's presence in our journeys, providing resources for congregations and schools, including bulletin inserts, social media posts, classroom activities, chapel services, and more. Engage with these life-changing ministries and support lifelong faith formation through elcaschools.org.

Faith Lutheran Preschool: 40 Years of Heartfelt Education in Phoenix

Faith Lutheran Preschool celebrated its 40th anniversary, highlighting its legacy of exceptional preschool education in central Phoenix. The community gathered to honor its founders, leaders, and the bond that ties the school and the congregation.

Lynn Hockenberger: ELEA's Early Childhood Director of the Year

Join us as we celebrate Lynn Hockenberger, the Early Childhood Director of the Year recognized by the Evangelical Lutheran Education Association (ELEA). Serving as the director of Children of Hope Development Center at Esperanza Lutheran Church in Phoenix, Lynn exemplifies administrative excellence and a deep commitment to integrating faith and education.

Embracing the Journey: ELEA's 2023-2024 Devotion Guide

Download and discover the Evangelical Lutheran Education Association's (ELEA) 2023-2024 Devotion Guide titled "On the Road / En La Carretera." The guide, compiled by educators, leaders, and bishops, serves as a powerful resource for parents, staff, and those involved in our schools and centers. Join others on this journey of faith and education which follows the lectionary each week.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardAugust 4, 2023Evangelical Lutheran Education Association (ELEA)Comment

March 5-11 is Lutheran Schools Week

Celebrate this vital ministry and mission of the ELCA ! The Evangelical Lutheran Education Association (ELEA) is a recognized ministry of the ELCA. For more info, view elcaschools.org, read Bishop Eaton's message, and find ELCA schools by clicking here.

Rise and Shine / Levántate y Brilla Devotional Guide available for 2022/2023 school year

Rise and Shine / Levántate y Brilla, a devotional guide for the 2022/2023 school year, is available from the Evangelical Lutheran Education Association (ELEA). Download the guide in English or Spanish.

ELCA, News, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardAugust 24, 2022Evangelical Lutheran Education Association (ELEA)Comment

ELEA shares devotional guide

Each year the Evangelical Lutheran Education Association (ELEA) publishes a Devotional Guide. View/download as PDF here.

The weekly devotions follow the lectionary beginning in August. The devotions are for professional educators, pastors, and ALL who work with children and youth and their families in any capacity.

News, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardAugust 11, 2021Evangelical Lutheran Education Association (ELEA)Comment

ELCA Schools and Learning Centers Survey

The Evangelical Lutheran Education Association (ELEA) is collecting information from all ELCA Schools and Learning Centers that will become a powerful resource tool. Through this survey, ELEA will gather accurate student, administration and staff demographics, budgetary and general information. Take the survey here.

ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardJuly 7, 2021Evangelical Lutheran Education Association (ELEA)Comment

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