2022 marks two decades of full communion between the ELCA and The Episcopal Church—a pioneering decision for Christians in the United States that now bears fruit in about two hundred ministry sites including combined church plants, shared facilities, joint camping ministries and governmental advocacy, food pantries, campus ministries, archival work, very regular exchange of pastoral care and preaching, and collaboration in educational initiatives.
Read MoreI’ve lived in both cities and in the country–and in a few different states. There are commonalities among people everywhere I’ve lived. Most people want the best for themselves, their families, and the world. But we disagree on what that looks like and how we can bring it about.
Read MoreOn Reformation Day and in this video from Bishop Eaton, we celebrate the five hundred and fifth anniversary of the Reformation! Over five hundred years later, the Lutheran movement is alive and well, as the good news is proclaimed in languages and places Martin Luther never knew existed.
Read MoreCommitted to womanist theology, Trinity Lutheran Seminary and the ELCA’s Quality of Call Initiative for Women in Ministry have appointed Denise Rector as the seminary’s first joint doctoral scholar-in-residence (DSIR).
Read MoreFounded as Chautauqua Lake Sunday School Assembly, the community was originally an educational experiment in vacation learning for Sunday school teachers. Fifteen denominations are represented at the institution—12 of which have houses on the grounds, including the Lutheran House.
Read MoreWe recognize the wisdom of Ecclesiastes when it comes to the life cycles of all living beings. As individuals, we know our lives will end someday. But it’s often more difficult to accept the reality that all human organizations, including our congregations, have life spans as well.
A 2021 study by the Center for Analytics, Research & Development and Data, affiliated with the United Church of Christ, found that, during the previous decade, between 3,850 and 7,700 U.S. congregations closed each year, or 75 to 150 per week. Some who study church trends believe the pace will quicken in the wake of the pandemic.
Read MoreFor me, this awareness month/s isn’t about simply learning what spina bifida is or saying how “inspiring” disabled people are. (Just don’t say that…seriously. We’re human. Just as faulted, sinful, loving, and capable as you.) It’s about making we who follow Christ aware of the beauty in this diverse community.
Read MoreViolent conflict is one of the most significant drivers of hunger around the world. From wars between nations to ethnic and tribal violence, conflicts affect farms, markets, jobs, housing, trade and more. In this webinar, we will hear from ELCA staff from around the world, who will help us dive more deeply into the tragic and significant ways violent conflict impacts hunger. Click here to register for “Conflict and Hunger,” Thursday, 11/3/2022, 11am MST/PDT, noon MDT.
Read MoreThe October, 2022 edition of Seeds Monthly is available, featuring: 500 Years of God’s Word in Common Language; Public response period for social message on climate care; Young Adults in Global Mission resumes; Pursuing justice and food security in Brazil; and featured events and resources.
Read MoreFor those grieving in the aftermath of the shooting at Central Visual and Performing Arts High School in St. Louis, Missouri…
For all affected by school shootings and acts of violence…
For the leaders of nations and all diplomats and peacemakers…
For our upcoming national and local elections and election judges who will serve at the polls…
For the victims of human trafficking…
For relief and peaceful resolution to the ongoing violence in Haiti…
For an end to the continued war in Ukraine and all places of war and conflict…
The ELCA Fund for Leaders supports students of tremendous promise attending ELCA seminaries to become pastors and deacons in our church. This year, 375 students are receiving over $3.5 million in scholarship support. In this video, a few of them would like to express their thanks to you for making their scholarships possible. Learn more at ELCA.org/FundForLeaders.
Read MoreI am in awe of the Muslim women involved in protests surrounding the wearing of the hijab. They are heroes who are showing strength and resilience in the midst of persistent pushback.
One of the things that has struck me is that there is no one, universal stance. Women are asking for the power to choose how to live out their faith. There are women in Iran who refuse to be forced to wear a hijab. And at the same time there are women in India who wear their hijabs despite being banned from doing so.
Read MoreELCA Advocacy shares updates from submissions of the Lutheran Office for World Community and state public policy offices (sppos) in the ELCA Advocacy Network this month: U.N. | California | Colorado | Florida | Minnesota | Ohio | Pennsylvania | Washington.
Read MoreWe share the October 2022 update:from the ELCA advocacy office in Washington, D.C. – the Rev. Amy E. Reumann, Senior Director. Partial expanded content from Advocacy Connections: October 2022.
Read MoreThe European Union is a world leader when it comes to replacing fossil fuels with renewable energy. But that won’t be enough to keep Europe warm this winter, as a fuel crisis the likes of which hasn’t been seen since World War II grips the continent.
Read MoreRegister now for this Upcoming Connections Calls: Doctrine of Discovery's Roots in Climate Injustice, Tuesday, October 25th, 2022, 5pm MST/PDT, 6pm MDT.
They will watch Are We There Yet? together. We are fortunate to screen the 30-minute film and hear directly from its creators. Don't miss this - it will not be recorded. See trailer and register here.
Read MoreJoin ELCA Coaching every Wednesday at 11am MST/PDT, noon MDT, as we practice Courageous Leadership. Log in info is on the ELCA Coaching website.
Join us next week on Wednesday, October 26, 2022 as we hear from Rev. Becca Ehrlich. Minimalism is a focus on the aspects of life that matter most and intentionally removing everything else. There is a direct connection between minimalism and the Christian life.
Read MoreJoin ELCA World Hunger for this special World Food Day event hosted by Rick Steves to learn something new about the complex food crisis our world faces and see your generosity in action, funding creative and sustainable solutions in the work to end hunger. Learn more and give today by visiting: ELCA.org/WorldFoodDay
Read MoreThe pandemic is not over, and we encourage you to get vaccinated and boosted (and to encourage your neighbors to do the same), not just for you, but for your family, your community, and your faith.
Read MoreLutheran Disaster Response (LDR) is coordinating a response with the Florida-Bahamas Synod. The synod is providing small relief grants to impacted families and will continue to offer relief as additional needs are identified. LDR is sending a group of pastors to impacted areas to offer respite and emotional and spiritual care.
Read More
