In this Bold Café reflection, Karris Golden explores what it means to choose happiness even in life’s most difficult seasons. Drawing on personal experience, Scripture, and daily practices of gratitude, she reframes happiness not as a destination, but as a way of living rooted in faith. With thoughtful questions and a closing prayer, this piece invites readers to reflect deeply on joy, resilience, and God’s abiding peace. Read more at Bold Café.
Read MoreFor peace and reconciliation among the nations, especially in Iran, Lebanon, Gaza, Mali, South Sudan, Ukraine, and Venezuela…
For all immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers…
For those exposed to gun violence at the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner, and for an end to political violence…
For stabbing victims in north London, and for an end to antisemitism…
For flotilla personnel detained by Israeli forces…
For communities in Oklahoma and Texas in the wake of tornado damage…
For all who live with mental illness, and for all those who support them…
For those who work or live in our prisons, jails, and courts, and for an end to capital punishment…
For synods of the ELCA as they gather in their assemblies, that the Spirit would enliven and guide them…
In honor of Arab American Heritage Month, ELCA Racial Justice Ministries lifts up a powerful reflection by Grace El-Yateem on the enduring impact of Arab American Christians in shaping Lutheran life in the United States. Tracing roots from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land to congregations across the U.S., the article highlights a legacy of service, education, and interfaith connection that continues to enrich the church today.
This reflection invites us to recognize how diverse voices strengthen the body of Christ and deepen our shared witness. Read more to explore this important story and its connection to our life together as church.
Read MoreIn this week’s Faith Lens, reflecting on John 14:1–14, Jesus offers words of comfort to anxious disciples facing an uncertain future: “Do not let your hearts be troubled.” As today’s world continues to wrestle with violence and fear, this reflection invites us to consider where true safety is found—not in circumstances, but in Christ’s enduring promise to prepare a place for us.
Grounded in Lutheran hope, this resource encourages conversation, reflection, and faithful action—reminding us that even in times of uncertainty, we are called to trust in God’s promise and to become safe, welcoming places for our neighbors.
Read MoreYoung adults are invited to a special Women of the ELCA webinar on Wednesday, May 6 at 4:30 p.m. (AZ/NV time). Hear from three young leaders—Naomi Mbise, Rebeca Amaro Trevino, and Bliss Tungnung—who have launched ministries supporting women and girls around the world through Seed Grants.
Learn how they discerned their call, started their work, and how you can make a difference in the church and world. Register now to join this inspiring conversation.
Read MoreThe Church Property Resource Hub is a new ELCA initiative offering tools, training, and shared wisdom to help congregations steward buildings and land faithfully. Designed in response to real needs across the church, CPRH equips leaders to reimagine property as a resource for mission. Learn more about CPRH.
Read MoreMay 5, 2026 is the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Relatives (MMIWGR). The ELCA invites congregations and leaders to participate by wearing red, sharing resources, and engaging in prayer, learning, and advocacy. A new toolkit provides practical ways to take part and extend awareness beyond a single day.
Rooted in our call to justice and solidarity, this is an opportunity for the Grand Canyon Synod to stand with Indigenous communities, honor those who are missing, and support ongoing efforts for healing and change.
Read MoreThe Lutheran Faith Community Nurse Association invites you to its 5th Annual Valborg Tollefsrud Educational Event, Holy Transitions: Spirituality, Aging, and the Work of Accompaniment, on May 7 (5–7 pm MT via Zoom). Led by Rev. Dr. Lorraine Leist, this two-hour session explores aging as a deeply spiritual journey shaped by loss, meaning, resilience, and hope.
Open to Faith Community Nurses, clergy, lay leaders, and all who care for others, this event offers theological reflection and practical insight into accompanying people with dignity in later life. Register today.
Read MoreThe 2026 Rostered Ministers Gathering will take place July 6–9 in Indianapolis, inviting pastors, deacons, bishops, and candidates for call into a time of renewal, connection, and reflection under the theme “Woven Together.” Registration is open through June 5, with early and regular pricing available.
Featuring worship, workshops, keynote speakers, and opportunities for fellowship, the gathering offers space to reconnect with colleagues and be renewed for ministry. Participants may also contribute to a shared fabric art project, symbolizing the diverse stories woven together across the ELCA.
Read MoreThe April Advocacy Connections update outlines major federal policy issues, including hunger provisions in the Farm Bill, voting access concerns, climate policy changes, and global conflicts. ELCA advocacy continues to engage lawmakers and mobilize faith-based action on issues affecting vulnerable communities.
Action alerts and ongoing advocacy efforts invite Lutherans to speak out on hunger, immigration accountability, and voting rights. Read more and take action through ELCA Advocacy.
Read MoreRecent climate disasters and escalating conflicts across multiple regions have displaced millions and increased urgent humanitarian needs worldwide. From flooding in Africa and South America to ongoing conflict in the Middle East and beyond, the scale of crisis continues to grow.
Lutheran Disaster Response is accompanying affected communities through relief, recovery, and long-term resilience efforts. Read more about the global situation and how to support this work.
Read MoreA new seven-part film series, Caring for the Earth: Stories From Faith Communities, premieres April 25 as part of the National Faith + Climate Forum. Featuring ELCA leaders alongside interfaith partners, the series explores how faith shapes commitment to creation care, with free study guides for congregational use.
The forum gathers over 2,000 participants across 80+ locations, offering resources and conversation tools for faith-based climate action. Read more and access the series and resources.
Read MoreAt its April 16 meeting, the ELCA Church Council elected Rachel Wind as executive for administration and took action on a wide range of priorities, including climate justice commitments, ministry strategies, and governance updates. Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry emphasized building a more connected and sustainable church through 2028.
The council also addressed policy updates, affirmed global and ecumenical commitments, and continued work on major churchwide initiatives. Read more about the council’s actions and priorities.
Read MoreThe ELCA Church Council has elected Rachel Wind as executive for administration, with her term aligned with the presiding bishop. Wind, who has served in multiple development and philanthropy roles within the ELCA, will begin her new position on Sept. 8.
She succeeds the Rev. Wyvetta Bullock, who has served the churchwide organization for more than 30 years. Read more about Wind’s background and this leadership transition.
Read MoreFor peace and reconciliation among the nations, especially in Iran, Lebanon, Gaza, South Sudan, Ukraine, and Venezuela…
For all immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers…
For an end to gun violence, and for all victims of gun violence, especially in the communities of Shreveport, Louisiana and Winston-Salem, North Carolina, as well as tourists visiting the Teotihuacán site near Mexico City…
For healing, resilience, and rebuilding in Midwestern communities recovering from tornadoes, and for all living in areas facing wildfires and wildfire risk…
For the wellbeing of our planet as we celebrate Earth Week, and for human hearts, minds, and wills to work for its health…
For Christian unity as we celebrate the season Easter, and for an end to interreligious conflict and religious persecution…
For farmers and farm workers, and for all who work with the land to provide food…
LAMA is highlighting an ELCA Action Alert urging action by April 24 against a proposed federal rule that would severely restrict work permits for people seeking asylum. The ELCA is calling on Lutherans to submit a public comment and contact members of Congress in support of protecting asylum seekers’ ability to work and meet their needs safely in our communities. Read the full post for background, theological grounding, and links to take action.
Read MoreThe April 26 Faith Lens reflection, Awe and Belonging, explores Acts of the Apostles 2:42–47 and the early Christian community where “no one was in need.” Rather than beginning with rules or expectations, this community was formed through awe at God’s presence—an awe that led to deep sharing, trust, and belonging. The reflection challenges common assumptions about faith, inviting us to see that authentic Christian community is rooted not in human effort, but in encountering Christ already at work among us.
Read MoreIn a pastoral message for Child Abuse Prevention Month, Presiding Bishop Rev. Yehiel Curry calls the church to protect children, support survivors, and confront the realities of abuse with honesty and faith. Grounded in resurrection hope, the message invites congregations to review policies, strengthen practices, and embody Christ’s care for the most vulnerable. Read the full message and explore how your congregation can respond.
Read MoreOur April 2026 Mission Support memo takes us back to Palm Sunday where this year many palm waving processions continued into the afternoon with journeys through downtown areas, around state buildings, in amphitheaters and in parking lots, as we and our denominational partners cried out for justice, peace and love, during the Palm Sunday Path. Our story focuses on activites in Wisconsin and specifically Northwest Synod of Wisconsin ~ learn about the day with dance, prayer, and calls to action. Also check out how to participate in the May 18 in the evening for a webinar on The Stewardship of AI: Benefits and Concerns.
Read MoreYoung adults are invited to a special Women of the ELCA webinar on Wednesday, May 6 at 4:30 p.m. (AZ/NV time). Hear from three young leaders—Naomi Mbise, Rebeca Amaro Trevino, and Bliss Tungnung—who have launched ministries supporting women and girls around the world through Seed Grants.
Learn how they discerned their call, started their work, and how you can make a difference in the church and world. Register now to join this inspiring conversation.
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