Prayer is more than spoken words—it’s relationship with God. In this Café article, Sarah Carson explores varied approaches to prayer, from silent meditation to journaling, from walking in nature to creative expression. Each practice offers new ways to listen, respond, and rest in God’s presence. Prayer is less about performance and more about authenticity. Read more in Café →
Read MorePrayer doesn’t always require words. In A Prayer without End, Sarah Carson explores how prayer can flow through music, art, daily habits, and even silence. Drawing on Scripture and Lutheran teaching, she reminds us that prayer changes us—helping us see God in all things. Could our actions, creativity, and relationships also be forms of ceaseless prayer? Read more in Café →
Read MoreThe ELCA’s social statements are not political add-ons, but expressions of Lutheran faith lived in the world. Kristin Johnston Largen explores the statement The Church and Criminal Justice: Hearing the Cries, highlighting its call for dignity, equity, and a transformed mindset. As Lutherans, we are invited to move beyond vengeance and violence, embodying God’s mercy in criminal justice and in all relationships. Largen, who is also one of the featured speakers at our 2025 Bishop’s Fall Gathering, brings these insights into conversation with our synod life. Read more in Living Lutheran →
Read MoreFrom the ocean depths to the farthest galaxies, creation invites us to marvel at mysteries we cannot solve. Writer Elise Seyfried reflects on faith, humility, and wonder in an age of scientific discovery. She reminds us that while our striving for knowledge is good, God also calls us to rest in questions that remain unanswered. We are cradled, like children, in the vast love of the Creator who holds both ocean and sky. Read more in Living Lutheran →
Read MorePastors are often pulled in many directions, juggling meetings, preaching, teaching, and community care. But what if the most essential task of ministry is prayer itself? Pastor Mindy Roll reflects on the biblical story of Mary and Martha, the neuroscience of prayer, and her own renewal through contemplative practice. She invites congregations to support their leaders in rhythms of prayer—so that ministry flows not from busyness, but from Jesus’ presence. Read more in Living Lutheran →
Read MoreELCA Disability Ministries has released its Fall 2025 updates, including a free Nov. 17 webinar on creating accessible church spaces on a budget. You’ll also find a recap from the Churchwide Assembly, reflections on mental health and disability, new teaching tools, and upcoming awareness events. Learn how your congregation can take faithful, practical steps toward greater inclusion and hospitality. Read the full newsletter here.
Read MoreThe ELCA is urging Congress and the White House to return to bipartisan negotiations immediately as the U.S. faces a potential government shutdown on October 1, 2025. In a statement released Sept. 24, the ELCA stressed that government is a gift from God meant to serve the common good—especially the hungry, sick, and poor—and warned that both a shutdown and rising healthcare costs will harm the most vulnerable first and worst. Read the full statement from the ELCA’s Witness in Society team by clicking here.
Read MoreCelebrate the 500th anniversary of Luther’s marriage with a free three-part ELCA webinar series, Blessed to Be, exploring gender, marriage, and sexuality from a Lutheran theological perspective. Join Sept. 30, Oct. 1, and Oct. 2 at 10–11 a.m. Arizona time Register here.
Read MoreThe Grand Canyon Synod is offering a simplified and time-saving process to help congregations update their governing documents to the 2025 ELCA Model Constitution. With support from an experienced synod consultant, congregations can ensure compliance, avoid common errors, and streamline the process. Download the guide and access official ELCA resources to begin your update today.
Read MoreWe give thanks for Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton and the twelve years she spent leading the ELCA. Take a look back on these fun and meaningful moments from her ministry. Download at https://bit.ly/47JSnaw or watch on YouTube.
Read More“Intersections: Justice Ministry with ELCA Partners” is a short documentary presented by ELCA World Hunger. Intersections explores stories from three ELCA companion ministries in Cambodia, Mexico and Milwaukee, Wisconsin, responding to the overlapping root causes of hunger in the United States and around the world. Download the video here or view on YouTube.
Go behind the scenes of Intersections: Justice Ministry with ELCA Partners, the new short documentary from ELCA World Hunger releasing September 22. In this interview, editing producer Mikayla Irle reflects on the creative process of shaping global stories of hunger, justice, and partnership into one cohesive narrative. Learn how she worked with the ELCA team to bring a global vision to life. Read the full interview on ELCA.org »
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 MoreThe September 2025 issue of Administration Matters features important updates for congregational leaders, including Living Lutheran’s return to print, Portico’s 2026 benefit changes, and guidance on DHS nonprofit grant terms. Also included: cybersecurity tips, a free Nov. 17 webinar on low-cost accessibility, and practical insights on hosting effective meetings. Explore the full issue on ELCA.org »
Read MoreFor an end to war and conflict, especially in Gaza, South Sudan, Myanmar, and Ukraine…
For all victims of gun violence, especially in Minneapolis, MN…
For government transitions in Nepal and Malawi…
For the plight of all migrants who seek safety, security, and opportunity…
For all who live under oppression, threat, and fear…
For Jewish neighbors preparing for Rosh Hashanah, and for all gifts of newness, self-reflection, and repentance…
This 4-part video course from ELCA World Hunger introduces the role of a “Hunger Leader”—a person who builds bridges between need and abundance in our communities. Open to everyone, this module offers inspiration and practical steps to step deeper into anti-poverty ministry rooted in Jesus’ call to love and serve. Click here to take the course.
Read MoreThis week’s gospel reading (Luke 16:1-13) brings us the parable of the dishonest manager—one of Jesus’ most puzzling stories. At first, it seems the manager’s dishonesty is praised, but the parable ends with a clear reminder: “You cannot serve God and wealth.” The tension between trust in God and the security wealth offers is as real for us today as it was for Pharisees, tax collectors, disciples, and crowds listening to Jesus. Faith invites us to ask where we place our trust and how our choices reflect God’s kingdom rather than the world’s pursuit of wealth.
Read MoreRev. Stanley Norris Olson, former ELCA bishop, seminary president, and servant leader, died on September 12, 2025, at the age of 79. His ministry spanned parish, seminary, and national leadership, always marked by grace and a deep trust in God’s promises. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 20 at 1 p.m. at Central Lutheran Church in Minneapolis. Read the full obituary here.
Read MoreThe September 2025 Mission Support Memo shares Mary’s journey as a Young Adult in Global Mission in Mexico City, where she moved from accompaniment to advocacy, guided by values of mutuality, inclusivity, and empowerment. Her story highlights how YAGM shapes young adults to serve, learn, and work for justice.
This month’s memo also introduces the new ELCA Church Property Resource Hub, created to help synod and congregational leaders navigate opportunities and challenges with land and buildings in service of the church’s mission. We invite you to read, share, and engage with this resource.
Read MoreAt the U.S.-Mexico border, the Border Church brings people together for worship on both sides of the wall. Rooted in prayer, accompaniment, and a ministry of presence, the congregation serves migrants and asylum-seekers while witnessing to Christ’s call for peace and justice. Despite barriers and fear, this community testifies to unity in Christ and hope for a world without walls. Click here to read the full story at Living Lutheran.
Read MoreAn Ohio congregation has transformed a farmland bequest into an ongoing ministry that feeds both local and global communities. Since 2001, St. Mark Lutheran in Van Wert has dedicated all proceeds from its 100 acres to hunger ministries, raising tens of thousands each year to support food banks, shelters, ELCA World Hunger, and more. Rooted in the stewardship of Lutheran farmers, this model continues to multiply gifts for those in need. Click here to read the full story at Living Lutheran.
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