The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) has announced a new initiative entitled Total Inclusion!: Widening the Welcome at ELCA Outdoor Ministries.
The new program is designed to equip and empower outdoor ministry organizations as they move toward more intentional welcome of people who historically have been marginalized in the church — especially people of color, people with disabilities and people who identify as LGBTQIA+.
Read MoreThese petitions are offered as guides to prayer for the global, social and outreach ministries of the ELCA, as well as for the needs and circumstances of our neighbors, communities and world. Thank you for your continued prayers for the life and mission of this church. Download a Word doc, or PDF for letter size printout or legal size printout, or view the ELCA resource page.
Read MoreLooking ahead, 2020 is likely to be an eventful year. In the midst of societal shifts and opportunities, ELCA Advocacy has identified areas of priority for our work together on the federal level. “These priorities reflect ELCA Advocacy commitments for faithful and timely attention to pressing concerns that affect our neighbor’s well-being and the wholeness of creation,” says the Rev. Amy E. Reumann, Director of ELCA Advocacy.
Read MoreHurry — applications for the ELCA’s Young Adults in Global Mission (YAGM) program are about to close! This is your chance to invite young adults to apply before the Feb. 15 deadline.
If you know young adults aged 21 to 29, reach out and encourage them to apply for this yearlong journey abroad.
Read MoreIn October of 2019, the Multicultural Youth Leadership Event leadership team, including youth, young adults and adults, gathered at Luther Seminary to discern a theme for MYLE 2021. Before we began our conversations as a group, we took the time to learn about and understand the history of the land. This was led by an effort from Healing Minnesota Stories, to bring healing between people of faith and the Native American people who call Minnesota home.
Read MoreWe all know that heroes rule the box office, but did you know they now rule the internet? Throughout 2019, Google analytics data showed a global increase in searches centering around “heroes.” Google even aired a YouTube video on New Years featuring a montage of all the “everyday heroes” videos that circulated the internet during 2019.
Read MoreLooking to learn about Portico Benefit Services and the practicalities of managing the benefits for pastors and church employees? Invite your treasurer or financial administrator to view these educational videos: Managing Benefits 101, Employer Link Tour, Understanding Your Bill.
Read MoreHerbert W. Chilstrom, 88, the first presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), died Jan. 19 at his home in Green Valley, Ariz.
There will be two services. At both services, clergy and all rostered leaders of the ELCA, together with clergy of all ecumenical partners, are invited to robe and process, and asked to RSVP to Desert Hills at jhoward@dhlc.org and to Christ Chapel at this online form. The Minnesota service will be live-streamed.
Thursday, February 13, 2:00 pm: Desert Hills Lutheran Church, Green Valley, Arizona
ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton will bring a greeting, Bishop Deborah Hutterer will preach, and Pastor Martin Overson will preside. Reception to follow.
Saturday, February 15, 1:00 pm: Christ Chapel, Gustavus Adolphus College, St. Peter, MN
ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton will preside and bring a greeting, Presiding Bishop Emeritus Mark Hanson will preach, and Bishop Jon Anderson will bring a greeting. Reception to follow. View live-stream.
A November 2019 article represents a collaboration between The Atlantic and Reveal from the Center for Investigative Reporting. It tells a handful of different stories of Amazon Warehouse employees being injured, and in one case even killed, on the job. It blames Amazon’s “obsession with speed” for having “turned its warehouses into injury mills.”
Read MoreIn October of 2019, the Multicultural Youth Leadership Event leadership team, including youth, young adults and adults, gathered at Luther Seminary to discern a theme for MYLE 2021. Before we began our conversations as a group, we took the time to learn about and understand the history of the land. This was led by an effort from Healing Minnesota Stories, to bring healing between people of faith and the Native American people who call Minnesota home.
Read MoreFollowing are updates shared from submissions of the Lutheran Office for World Community and state public policy offices. This January 2020 edition particularly emphasizes priorities in the new year.
U.N. | California | Colorado | Delaware | Kansas | Minnesota | Ohio | Pennsylvania | Washington | Wisconsin
Read MoreMembers with ELCA-Primary health benefits can earn up to $200 wellness dollars to help pay for eligible out-of-pocket expenses. Earn $100 wellness dollars each when you complete a physical health assessment or biometric screening, and when you have a conversation with a Portico Financial Planner. If your spouse is covered by ELCA-Primary benefits they can earn $200 as well. Sign in to myPortico to learn more.
Read MoreDear Church,
With sadness I bring you the news that Presiding Bishop Emeritus Herbert W. Chilstrom died at home early this morning. His wife, Pastor Corinne Chilstrom; his son, Chris Holt; and family were with him.
Read MoreHerbert W. Chilstrom, 88, the first presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), died Jan. 19 at his home in Green Valley, Ariz. He was born in Litchfield, Minn., on Oct. 18, 1931.
Read MoreIf you have ELCA-Primary health benefits, a suite of new online offerings provides convenient access to care at your fingertips, whether on the go, in your office, or and in the privacy of your own home. Find support to strengthen your emotional resilience, learn new skills, and save on costs.
Being is a holistic, faith-based, educational platform. Learn to Live is a self-directed online mental health support program. Text-Based Primary Care is available through a convenient app.
Read MoreThe current crisis between the United States and Iran is worrisome for many of us in our church, in our nation and in the world. Our country and Iran need urgently to find ways to resolve our differences through a de-escalation of the current crisis, using diplomacy and other peaceful means. Our social statement, "For Peace in God's World," offers guidance.
Read MoreThe Lucas family lost their son and gained a cause. When 18 year old Jonah died, his grieving family decided to start a program inspired by his caring relationships with people experiencing homelessness. They now collect coats and other clothing items for distribution to those in need KUTV in Salt Lake City, Utah featured this story under the heading “Pay It Forward.”
Read MoreThe ELCA Youth Gathering offers a great way for congregations to be a part of the larger church. The Gathering can be quite a financial and faith commitment on the part of the congregation as well as the family, but I strongly believe this event belongs on the timeline of each person’s faith journey. With a solid plan in place, collecting the funding for this experience can be both faith-filled and joyful.
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