Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton shares a pastoral letter marking the historic election of Pope Leo XIV, the first U.S.-born and first Augustinian pope. She calls on Lutherans to join in prayer and continued dialogue, embracing our shared theological roots and our mutual calling to be bridge-builders in a world longing for peace and unity. Click here to read the full pastoral letter.
Read MoreHow does our Lutheran faith inform our understanding of work, justice, and human dignity? From the Haymarket strikes to today’s threats to workplace protections, Christians have long stood with laborers seeking fair treatment. Lutheran theology, rooted in Martin Luther’s expansive view of vocation, calls us to honor all forms of work and support the rights of workers—then and now. Click here to read the full article on the ELCA Advocacy blog.
Read MoreWhen Jesus declared his identity as the Messiah, some still refused to believe—not because he hadn’t made it clear, but because they couldn’t accept what that meant. This week’s Faith Lens reflects on mistaken identity, from the return of the dire wolf to the confrontation in John 10, and asks: when the truth is right in front of us, are we ready to see and hear it? Read more and reflect on how your own self-understanding is shaped by faith.
Read MoreNominate a leader by June 2 for the ELCA’s inaugural Building Resilient Leadership cohort—a 12-month program supporting justice-centered community projects. Participants receive seed funding, monthly training, and mentoring to grow their leadership and deepen their impact.
Read MoreJoin White Lutherans for Racial Justice and ELCA Racial Justice Ministries for a national online gathering on Thursday, May 15, from 4:30–6:00 p.m. Arizona / Pacific Time, to honor the Emanuel Nine through learning, reflection, and action. This 90-minute event offers inspiration and practical tools for deepening your congregation’s commitment to racial justice. Register here.
Read MoreFrom in-depth resources on the Revised Common Lectionary and church calendar to practical guides for worship planning, ELCA Worship highlights this month’s offerings from Augsburg Fortress. Explore new titles like A Three-Year Banquet, Using Evangelical Lutheran Worship Vol. 3: Keeping Time, and preorder the new Lutheran Study Bible(NRSVue). Plus, get ready for Sundays and Seasons: Year A and sign up for summer music clinics in five U.S. cities. To read the full list of resources and explore how they support worship leaders, planners, and musicians across the ELCA, click here.
Read MoreFaith-La Fe Evangelical Lutheran Church in Phoenix is hiring a part-time Bilingual Office Administrator. This key ministry role supports office operations, communication, and hospitality in a welcoming, multicultural congregation. To apply, send your resume and cover letter to pastoradelafe@faithalive.com.
Read MoreExplore this month’s free offerings from ELCA Coaching—vigils, trainings, and healing spaces centered on justice and faith. Events include a vigil for Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women, a gospel concert marking the 5th Angelversary of George Floyd, and the next round of Moving Toward Right Relations training. All are welcome.
Read MoreIn honor of Arab American Heritage Month, ELCA Racial Justice Ministries is uplifting voices from Arab and Middle Eastern descent within the church. In My Take: We Are Not Newcomers, Khader Khalilia shares a powerful reflection on the deep faith, hospitality, and history of Arab Christians—and calls us to move beyond celebration to true belonging. Let us not just observe a month; let us be transformed by the witness of Arab American Lutherans. Click here to read the full post at ELCA.org.
Read MoreThe ELCA invites public feedback on a new draft social message addressing child protection and maltreatment. Open through June 30, this document reflects Jesus’ call to welcome children and the church’s responsibility to safeguard their well-being. Read the draft and submit your comments at elca.org/childprotection.
Read MoreOn Sunday, Sept. 7, ELCA congregations will come together for “God’s work. Our hands.” Sunday, an annual day of service celebrating our call to love and serve our neighbors. Whether through food drives, community clean-ups, or acts of care, this is an opportunity to put faith into action. If your congregation can’t participate on Sept. 7, choose another date—service is ongoing! Visit ELCA.org/DayOfService for resources and inspiration. Mark your calendar and join us in serving our communities!
Read MoreWhat happens when a faithful few decide they’ve had enough of throwing away plastic foam? At University Lutheran Church in Norman, Oklahoma, an environmental ministry sparked by Sunday morning trash bags has grown into a unique and impactful recycling operation—complete with a “densifier” machine, student volunteers, and community partnerships. This one-of-a-kind program has now sold over 20,000 pounds of compressed foam logs for reuse, showing what’s possible when a congregation puts their faith into earth-friendly action. Click here to read the full story in Living Lutheran.
Read MoreA small Lutheran congregation in Indiana transformed an abandoned church into the Apple Tree Center, a vibrant ministry offering affordable childcare, community meals, and hope for families like Rachel Gallo’s. Guided by prayer and partnerships, this ministry lives out Christ’s call to serve. Click here to read more at Living Lutheran.
Read MoreA new study guide on The Common Statement on the Filioque is now available, helping Lutherans reflect on Trinitarian theology and deepen dialogue with Orthodox siblings. Authored by Rev. Dr. Jonathan Linman of Faith Lutheran in Phoenix, the guide marks a major ecumenical milestone on the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea. To learn more and access the study guide, click here.
Read MoreRachel’s Day, observed the first Sunday in May, invites congregations to mourn the loss of children to violence and to renew our commitment to hope and action. New resources for Rachel’s Day 2025 are available to help your congregation pray, mourn, and act against the forces of fear and violence in our communities. Join us in lifting up the promise of Jeremiah 31:15–17: there is hope for your future.
Read MoreJoin Women of the ELCA on Sunday, May 5, at 5:00 p.m. Arizona time for a Candlelight Vigil honoring Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women’s Day. Register to attend via Zoom, download the vigil liturgy, and learn how to get involved in raising awareness and seeking justice.
Read MoreJoin Rev. Dr. Eric H.F. Law on Thursday, May 8, for a free webinar that reimagines stewardship through storytelling. Learn how the simple act of writing “love letters to our church” can inspire natural generosity rooted in gratitude and connection. No registration needed—just join online from 4–5:30 p.m. AZ/NV or 5–6:30 p.m. UT/Navajo Nation.
Read MoreELCA’s April 2025 Mission Support Memo reflects on the Northwest Intermountain Synod Council Retreat at beautiful Lutherhaven Camp. Throughout the time together, council members and synod leaders meditated on our stories and sought to embody the stories that God has entrusted to each of one to hear, empower, and share. Explore the memo to find out ways we can connect with councils, leaders, and congregations. Also, learn about how you and others can join on May 8th in a online session to wonder about "Why People Give: Love Letters to Our Church”.
Read MoreMay 5 is National Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women’s (MMIW) Awareness Day—a time to honor the lives of Indigenous women, girls, and relatives who have gone missing or been murdered at alarmingly high rates. In line with the ELCA’s Declaration to American Indian and Alaska Native People, congregations are invited to wear red, host prayer vigils, include MMIWGR in worship, and build relationships with local Indigenous leaders and musicians. Click here to learn more and access resources from the ELCA.
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