In the first decades of the 20th century, African Americans faced grinding poverty and harsh racial restrictions. Many African American leaders fought against these evils and worked to bring justice to their communities.
One such leader was Rosa Young of Alabama, whose drive and determination enabled her to spearhead the development of Black Lutheranism in the South.
Read More“We’re good at talking about this, and good at doing small, one-time acts of service toward climate justice. There are awesome folks who want to push the church but they’re hesitant to take bold risks. We should be challenging our synods to be carbon neutral.”
Read MoreKnowing the numbers for hunger and poverty can go a long way to helping us talk about the issues accurately and craft effective, forward-looking responses. For those who share with their congregation information about hunger and poverty, these numbers can also be helpful in putting together presentations or workshops.
Read MoreHere’s updates shared from submissions of the Lutheran Office for World Community and state public policy offices. As the new year begins, these state public policy offices (SPPO) share their annual policy priorities. Find a map and full list of ELCA affiliated SPPOs using our state office map. Learn more about Lutheran advocacy using our new resource, Advocacy 101 For Young Adults.
Read MoreAs the COVID-19 pandemic continues to cause uncertainty within the United States and across the globe, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) has decided to cancel sending Young Adults in Global Mission (YAGM) volunteers for its 2021-22 program year.
Read MoreIn her weekly message, ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton notes how a fresh snowfall and sunshine reminds her of God's work in creation.
Read MorePresident Biden’s decision to re-join the Paris Agreement cannot be overstated in its importance for the United States and internationally. The detrimental effects of climate change resulting from global warming impact every corner of the world, impacting all sectors, putting a strain on existing social, environmental, health and economic systems, and negatively impacting sustainable development in every country.
Read MoreKristin Engstrom brings us the January 2021 Newsletter which includes an update on my life as an ELCA global missionary, an update on COVID in Senegal, and stories from two Young Adults in Global Mission (YAGM) Senegal alumni of when they experienced God enfleshed during their YAGM year in Senegal.
Read MoreForm A & C Parochial Reports, which are due February 15, 2021, are available on the ELCA.org Office of the Secretary resource page. These reports, as well as many types of other resources, can be found on the page.
If your congregation did not receive your password from ELCA Churchwide, or if you have any questions, please contact Theresa Thornburgh in the synod office.
Read MoreHave you or your worshipping community ever encountered a tough problem and found yourselves unable to come up with a solution? Then design thinking might be able to help! Design thinking is being used every day by global companies, top universities and people around the world to help solve big challenges.
Read MoreWe all know the hymn Amazing Grace, but do you know the history behind the hymn? Join Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton as she discusses the history of Amazing Grace and how we continue to live out this grace in our everyday lives.
Read MoreWith the start of the 117th Congress and a new administration, and as the devastating COVID-19 pandemic influences our lives and shapes our concerns, we face pressing need for national policy action. Yet even with changes, as Christians in the world our engagement is consistently shaped by our love of one another as God loves us.
Read MoreIn her January/February column for Living Lutheran, Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton reflects on the past year and looks toward 2021. The pandemic has taught us a lot about our church and about ourselves. We are connected. We are generous. We are freed to serve. Read her column in English at https://bit.ly/38FNErx and in Spanish at https://bit.ly/2N4Lcm9.
Read MoreAs congregations and worship leaders prepare for Ash Wednesday in this most challenging year, the ELCA Worship team offers this set of reflections by those serving the church as scholars, pastors, and bishops. Our hope is that their perspectives will provide thinking points as you reflect and prepare worship in your context.
Read MoreThe Weekly Online Gathering for ELCA Leaders continues Wednesday, 1/27/2021, 12pm MST, 11am PST. Links to the meeting at elcacoaching.org, as well as archives. Join Zoom meeting here.
This week is a showing of the Welcome Strangers documentary, with a Q&A with Sarah Jackson (Casa de Paz) and others.
Read MoreWe invite you to study, pray, reflect and give with us during ELCA World Hunger’s 40 Days of Giving — for our families, our neighbors and communities around the world.
Order or download a week-by-week guide for congregational leaders to make it easier to engage your congregation in ELCA World Hunger’s 40 Days of Giving.
Read MorePaul as described in Acts 21 arrived in Jerusalem to some strong responses. Buoyed by a crowd incensed by rumors that he was encouraging Jews to no longer observe Jewish law, a Roman tribune arrested and interrogated Paul to determine his crime.
We’ve heard a lot of rhetoric about our laws recently – from politicians, from pulpits, and most recently, from angry mobs of people rallying around a cry to hold fast as a country to tradition or law and order.
Read MoreIn this webinar for ELCA rostered ministers, Presiding Bishop Elizabeth A. Eaton — along with the Rev. Philip Hirsch, executive director of Domestic Mission, and Mikka McCracken, executive for Innovation ― explains: • What is Future Church? • What specific hopes do we have for our ministries? • What are our next steps?
Read MoreThe Weekly Online Gathering for ELCA Leaders continues this Wednesday, 1/20/2021,, 12pm MST, 11am PST. Links to the meeting at elcacoaching.org, as well as archives. Join Zoom meeting here.
Join us this Wednesday as we gather together and unpack our reactions to all that has taken place since January 6, as well as to what may take place through and beyond the inauguration. What does it mean for us to Be Church in a time such as this?
Read MoreBishop Eaton spoke ahead of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day about the importance of recognizing and addressing systemic inequalities before healing and unity can begin.
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