The 2026 Lutheran Summer Music Academy & Festival is now accepting applications for students in grades 8–12. Hosted at St. Olaf College, LSM offers young musicians a formative experience of musical growth, performance, and worship in a supportive Lutheran community.
The Standard Enrollment deadline is March 1, and spaces are filling quickly. Nominate a student at LSMacademy.org/nominate or encourage them to submit a free application at LSMacademy.org/apply.
Read MoreThe 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.
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 MoreAs the New Year begins, Deacon Laura Book reflects on faith, family, and the gift of time. Wrestling with modern challenges like screen use, parenting, and busy schedules, her family has embraced January as a sacred “reset”—a chance to reassess rhythms and begin again together.
Rooted in Scripture and Lutheran theology, this reflection reminds us that our resolutions need not be perfect to be faithful. In baptismal grace, we are free to try, fail, forgive, and start anew—trusting that God meets us in every season with mercy and love.
Read MoreRegistration is open for Camp ALOMA’s Annual New Year’s Retreat for Jr High and High School youth, running December 29, 2025 (3:00 pm) through January 1, 2026 (2:00 pm) in Prescott, AZ. This relaxed, faith-centered retreat blends worship, devotions, campfires, and classic camp fun as youth ring in the new year together.
The cost is $110 per camper, and youth are encouraged to invite friends. Learn more and register today at campaloma.com or through the registration link.
Read MoreNow is the time to nominate students for LSM 2026. Enrollment for next summer is filling quickly, and we expect most remaining spots to be filled by the March 1 Standard Enrollment deadline. At LSM, students connect advanced musical study with worship and the joy of Lutheran church music traditions. We welcome musicians on all instruments—brass, woodwinds, strings, percussion, piano, organ, voice, and harp—to study with nationally recognized faculty in a welcoming and supportive community.
LSM 2026 takes place at St. Olaf College from June 21–July 19. Know a young musician (grades 8–12) who would thrive at LSM? Nominate them today at LSMacademy.org/nominate. Questions? admissions@lutheransummermusic.org.
Read MoreWeek 2 of TENx10’s Advent journey focuses on immigrant children who spend long stretches in shelters or temporary placements while their families navigate vetting and reunification processes. Sign up for the Advent series and learn more about TENx10’s work supporting young people nationwide.
Read MoreWeek 1 of TENx10’s Advent journey focuses on hunger, inviting us to see Christ in every child standing in a WIC clinic or pantry line. Daily readings (Nov 30–Dec 6) and a weekly prayer guide our reflection on Christ’s presence among families facing uncertain tables. Sign up for the Advent series and learn more about TENx10’s work supporting young people nationwide.
Read MoreThe Youth Night of Connection planned for October 26, 2025, at Love of Christ Lutheran Church, Mesa, has been canceled. Organizers thank all who showed interest and hope to reschedule at a later date.
Read MoreAre you wondering if seminary might be right for you? Consider joining Signs Along the Way at PLTS in Berkeley, California to connect with others in discernment, get to know PLTS faculty, and explore what it’s like to be an online student in the MDiv, MA in Spirituality and Social Change, or Lutheran Year programs.
PLTS is transitioning to only offer online study with in-person intensives, so this weekend is designed for those interested in online learning. PLTS covers lodging and meals during the event and can offer travel assistance for those who need it. Visit plts.edu/signs to learn more and sign up.
Read MoreYou’re invited to nominate a student for LSM 2026! Lutheran Summer Music (LSM) is a faith-based residential music academy for high school students (grades 8-12) who come together from all over the country to immerse themselves in musical excellence and build an intentional, supportive, and FUN community. LSM 2026 takes place at St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN from June 21-July 19 (Full Session) or June 21-July 3 (Half Session). Priority Enrollment is open now through December 1.
Read MoreThe Synod Youth Advisory Team (SYAT) met Oct 10–11 at Camp Pinerock, Prescott to review first-year goals, plan budgets and collaboration, welcome Pr. Amy Janssen (Tucson), and pray together for the work ahead. In the coming weeks and months, SYAT expects to announce scholarships and new resources for children’s, youth, and young adult ministry and will reach out to every congregation to learn more about local needs.
Read MoreLutheran seminary student Grant Brockhouse is serving a year-long internship with Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Chandler and the Grand Canyon Synod, focusing on outreach and community-building in Casa Grande. His efforts included leading Tapping into Theology at A Latte Vino, where people from all backgrounds gather to discuss faith and life in a welcoming setting. Brockhouse also plans several events—from a Christmas concert to community service projects—aimed at creating connections and growing faith in the Casa Grande area.
To read the full article from Pinal Central’s Casa Grande Dispatch, click here.
Read MoreJoin over 500 leaders from across denominations at the TENx10 Summit in Atlanta, October 8–10, 2025. This unique gathering invites passionate changemakers to reimagine how the Church forms faith in young people. Earlybird registration ends August 26. Learn more at tenx10summit.org.
Read MoreThe Youth Night of Connection planned for October 26, 2025, at Love of Christ Lutheran Church, Mesa, has been canceled. Organizers thank all who showed interest and hope to reschedule at a later date. Updates will be shared at a later date.
Read MoreAshlyn Rhyne, a recent Young Adults in Global Mission alumna, shares her experiences walking alongside Lutheran Hope Cambodia Organization and helping bring their story to life in Intersections, the upcoming ELCA World Hunger documentary. From filming and translation to daily moments of joy and love, Ashlyn offers a powerful glimpse into accompaniment as lived ministry. Read her interview on ELCA.org »
Read MoreAre you wondering if seminary might be right for you? Consider joining Signs Along the Way at PLTS in Berkeley, California to connect with others in discernment, get to know PLTS faculty, and explore what it’s like to be an online student in the MDiv, MA in Spirituality and Social Change, or Lutheran Year programs.
PLTS is transitioning to only offer online study with in-person intensives, so this weekend is designed for those interested in online learning. PLTS covers lodging and meals during the event and can offer travel assistance for those who need it. Visit plts.edu/signs to learn more and sign up.
Read MoreEnrollment is now open for Lutheran Summer Music (LSM) 2026 at St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN! LSM is a faith-based residential music academy for high school students who come together to immerse themselves in musical excellence and build a supportive and fun community. Musical experiences include large ensembles (band, choir, orchestra), chamber music, private lessons, and electives like handbells, jazz, musical theatre, composition, conducting, church music, and more.
Priority enrollment deadline: December 1, 2025. Standard enrollment deadline: March 1, 2026. Learn more at LSMacademy.org/program.
Read MoreAt 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.
Read MoreThe 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.
Read More
