Advocacy is more than policy—it’s a faithful response to God’s grace. The Southeastern Synod models a Lutheran approach grounded in Scripture and accompaniment: engaging congregations in justice work, equipping them with tools to act, and empowering leaders to advocate for the vulnerable. Their work embodies the call to love our neighbors through advocacy rooted in baptismal vocation. Read the full story at LAMA.
Read MorePsalm 121 has long been a song for those on the move—pilgrims, travelers, and anyone facing life’s uphill climbs. In this week’s Faith Lens reflection, Pastor Lindsay Batesmith explores how this psalm teaches us to lift our eyes to God for help and assurance, trusting that God keeps us in our “going out and coming in.” Whether through song, prayer, or quiet courage, we are reminded that God’s presence remains with us through every fear and uncertainty, turning today’s steep hills into tomorrow’s stories of grace.
Read MoreFleeing abuse and seeking safety, Magali Sanchez-Hall found healing and purpose through Trinity Lutheran Church in Brooklyn and the guidance of Pastor Hector Carrasquillo. His steadfast support helped her rebuild her life, pursue education, and become a powerful advocate for justice. Today, her journey from survivor to community leader shines as a testimony to the light of faith and the church’s call to see every person as beloved and capable. Read the full story on Living Lutheran.
Read MoreBorn to Honduran parents in Waukegan, Illinois, Carlos Ferrera found strength and belonging through Sagrado Corazon Lutheran Church. After facing isolation abroad and hardship at home, Ferrera returned to his faith community—and to himself—through mentorship from Pastor Hector Carrasquillo. Now leading youth ministry, Ferrera brings joy and connection to young people, showing how faith can turn adversity into purpose.
👉 Read the full story on Living Lutheran.
Read MoreAs the 2024 Farm Bill expires, critical hunger and rural support programs face uncertainty. ELCA Advocacy urges lawmakers to pass a new bill that strengthens food security, supports farmers, and upholds faith-based commitments to caring for creation. From SNAP benefits to global food aid, the Farm Bill affects ministries that serve vulnerable communities daily. Learn how Lutheran voices are advocating for policies that ensure all are fed—in body and spirit.
Read the full article on ELCA Advocacy.
Read MoreSee how the ELCA Foundation is partnering with Resurrection Lutheran Church in Oro Valley and the Grand Canyon Synod to nurture a spirit of generosity that will last for generations. Watch the video Grounded in Grace, Growing in Generosity, featuring Pastor Tim Nybroten, Rev. Dan Potaznick, and ELCA Foundation planner Lisa Marie Higginbotham, and learn how faithful giving strengthens the future of the church.
Read MoreEach month, ELCA Worship shares highlights from Lutheran and ecumenical partner organizations that enrich worship life across the church. This month’s updates include open enrollment for Lutheran Summer Music 2026 at St. Olaf College (priority deadline: December 1), details for the Association of Lutheran Church Musicians 2026 Conference, and an invitation to the Vi Messerli Memorial Lectures in Church Music (October 19–21 at Concordia University Chicago).
Other featured events include The Feast of Creation liturgical conference at Valparaiso University (April 13–15, 2026), Music That Makes Community workshops in Texas and North Carolina, and new resources from Journey to Baptismal Living. Read more about these worship partner events and opportunities on the ELCA Worship blog »
Read MoreAt its October 2–3 meeting in Minneapolis, the ELCA Church Council welcomed 19 new members elected at the 2025 Churchwide Assembly and took significant actions on several memorials. These included authorizing work on a social policy resolution related to abortion, reviewing a proposal for a social message on rural and tribal communities, and reaffirming the church’s commitment to justice for Palestinians and Israelis.
The council also conferred the title presiding bishop emerita on the Rev. Elizabeth Eaton, appointed the Rev. Wyvetta Bullock as interim executive for administration, and approved an issue paper on artificial intelligence. Read the full summary from ELCA News & Events at elca.org/news-and-events/elca-church-council-welcomes-new-members »
Read MoreAt Calvary Lutheran Church in Richland Hills, Texas, children are learning what it means to lead and serve through their own “Little Lutherans” congregational meetings. The gatherings teach stewardship, worship, and service while giving kids a sense of ownership in church life—complete with budget discussions, art projects, and joyful learning. Read more at Living Lutheran ».
Read MoreAcross the wide plains of North Dakota, eight ELCA congregations have joined together in an innovative shared ministry called Christians in Action. By pooling resources, training lay leaders, and supporting one another in worship and mission, these rural congregations are expanding their reach and deepening their connections in Christ. Read the full story at Living Lutheran ».
Read MoreThe Evangelical Lutheran Church in America celebrated the installation of Bishop Yehiel Curry as its new presiding bishop on October 5, 2025, at Central Lutheran Church in Minneapolis. The service—led by former Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton—featured a diverse assembly of leaders, choirs, and guests from across the ELCA and beyond. Rooted in joy and call, the celebration emphasized God’s invitation to serve in every context. Curry, formerly bishop of the Metropolitan Chicago Synod, succeeds Bishop Eaton in a six-year term.
Read the full story and watch highlights of the installation on Living Lutheran: Answering the Call.
Read MoreFor an end to war and conflict, especially in Gaza, South Sudan, Myanmar, and Ukraine…
For lasting peace forged by shared commitment to the common good…
For an end to psychological warfare, torture, and genodice…
For safety and rescue for hikers stranded by severe snowstorms in western China and Nepal…
For victims of the Yom Kippur attack in Manchester, UK…
For federal workers facing uncertainty…
For safety and protection for all immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers…
For access to affordable and reliable health care…
For ongoing advances in scientific and medical research…
For the health and wholeness of LGBTQIA+ individuals and communities…
For the flourishing of indigenous nations and communities…
Even in exile, God calls us to thrive. In Jeremiah 29:1, 4–7, the Israelites longed for deliverance, but God’s message through Jeremiah urged them to build homes, plant gardens, and seek the good of the city where they lived. This same call echoes today in communities facing exclusion and oppression, including the LGBTQIA+ community during Pride and National Coming Out Day. Thriving in difficult times is not surrender—it is faithful resistance, rooted in trust that God’s promises endure beyond empire and circumstance.
Read MoreOn October 1, 2025, Rev. Yehiel Curry began his term as the fifth Presiding Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, following his service as Bishop of the Metropolitan Chicago Synod. Watch this brief introductory video to meet Bishop Curry and hear more about his faith and leadership vision. Watch on YouTube »
Read MoreThe Association of Latino Ministries of the ELCA invites all to celebrate Latino Heritage Month (Sept. 15–Oct. 15) as a time to honor the diversity of Latino identity and culture across the church. This reflection reminds us that while Latino communities face challenges and discrimination, they continue to walk in faith, unity, and love under God’s grace. Read the full reflection at ELCA Racial Justice Blog ».
Read MoreOctober is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and the Women of the ELCA call on faith communities to take action against abuse. Learn how your congregation can help create safety and healing, and find 24/7 confidential support through the National Domestic Violence Hotline (800-799-7233 or text BEGIN to 88788). Read more and explore ways to respond faithfully at womenoftheelca.org.
Read MoreWomen of the ELCA invites you to live your faith through generosity, prayer, and connection this fall. Your SALT Appeal donation will be doubled through a $50,000 matching gift, and new initiatives like the Campus Ambassador Program and Pray Without Ceasing prayer groups are building vibrant communities of faith. Don’t miss opportunities to join the Boldcafe B.Y.O.D. on October 16, attend the 2025 Thankoffering Service on November 9, and prepare for the 2026 Triennial Gathering in Des Moines. Find links to these stories and more at womenoftheelca.org.
Read MoreThe video of the installation of Rev. Yehiel Curry as Presiding Bishop of the ELCA—held on October 4, 2025, at Central Lutheran Church in Minneapolis—is now available to watch online. The service celebrates Bishop Curry’s leadership and the ELCA’s shared mission to proclaim Christ in the world. Watch the installation service on YouTube.
Read MoreOn October 4, Rev. Yehiel Curry was installed as presiding bishop of the ELCA at Central Lutheran Church in Minneapolis—the first Black leader to serve in this role. As we celebrate this historic moment, we look back at the installations of past ELCA presiding bishops available on ELCA’s YouTube and give thanks for the Spirit’s continued guidance of our church.
Read MoreThe Evangelical Lutheran Church in America has issued a statement condemning the deadly attacks at a synagogue in Manchester, England, on Yom Kippur. The ELCA extends condolences to victims and their families and stands in solidarity with Jewish communities worldwide. Reaffirming its 1994 “Declaration to the Jewish Community,” the ELCA denounces anti-Semitism as “a contradiction and an affront to the Gospel” and calls all Christians to act as ambassadors of peace and justice. Read the full ELCA statement at ELCA.org.
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