The ELCA has received a $1.2 million grant from Lilly Endowment to strengthen the work of Lutheran Disaster Response, particularly in emotional and spiritual care and long-term recovery. The funding will support regionally based care teams and deepen accompaniment of communities long after disasters occur. Read the full ELCA story.
Read MoreIn a new monthly series titled All Together in One Place, Presiding Bishop Rev. Yehiel Curry reflects on faith, division, justice, and Christian unity in a complex time. Rooted in Pentecost and Lutheran theology, the series aims to offer a pastoral word grounded in Scripture, deep listening, and shared life in Christ. Read Bishop Curry’s message.
Read MoreThe ELCA Coaching Ministry has released its first-ever 2025 Impact Report, highlighting a record-setting year of accompaniment, discernment, and leadership support across the church. With 6,889 coaching hours and more than 1,500 coaching relationships in 2025, the report shares how coaching is helping leaders, congregations, and communities grow in clarity, courage, and connection through faithful listening and Spirit-led discernment.
Read MoreThe ELCA Advocacy office’s May update highlights several major national developments, including voting rights, Farm Bill negotiations, endangered species protections, immigration policy, Cuba, and Middle East peace advocacy. The update also explores why these issues matter through the lens of Lutheran faith and public witness.
For congregational leaders and members seeking to connect faith with civic engagement, this month’s Advocacy Connections offers helpful context and opportunities for action. Read the Update.
Read MoreMore than a year after a devastating earthquake struck Myanmar, communities are rebuilding through clean water access, repaired homes, renewed livelihoods, and safe spaces for children. A new story from Lutheran Disaster Response highlights how local communities, supported by trusted partners, are finding hope amid hardship.
These stories offer a powerful reminder of resilience, dignity, and the church’s shared calling to accompany neighbors in crisis. Read more at ELCA.org.
Read MoreCongress is debating the 2026 Farm Bill, legislation that shapes food assistance, agriculture, conservation, and rural life. ELCA Advocacy is urging lawmakers to support policies that care for hungry neighbors, strengthen rural communities, and protect creation for future generations.
With Senate action expected soon, the ELCA is encouraging Lutherans to stay informed and engaged through advocacy and action alerts. Read the Farm Bill Update.
Read MoreELCA congregations are being encouraged to observe “Creation in Christ” (or “Feast of Creation”) beginning September 1 or the Sunday following. Rooted in ecumenical collaboration and ancient Christian tradition, the observance celebrates Christ’s role in creation while inviting deeper care for the world God has made.
Worship resources, lectionary texts, and planning guidance are beginning to emerge as congregations discern how this observance may fit in their local context. Read More About “Creation in Christ.”
Read MorePlanning for the 2027 ELCA Youth Gathering is already underway. A recent webinar from Gathering leadership helps congregations discern whether MYLE (Multicultural Youth Leadership Event) or the tAble may be the right fit for young people in their group, offering guidance, context, and practical next steps.
Whether you missed the live webinar or want to revisit the conversation, the recording offers helpful insight for leaders preparing youth for a meaningful and welcoming Gathering experience. Watch the webinar.
Read MoreLooking for hope, clarity, or connection in uncertain times? Wayfinding in the Commons begins Wednesday, March 4, 2026, from 1:00–2:00 p.m. (Arizona/Pacific Time) on Zoom, offering monthly gatherings for community, leadership learning, reflection, and practical next steps.
Open to anyone seeking encouragement, connection, or companionship in ministry and life, this online space invites participants to discover together why “hope is a group project.” Learn more and register.
Read MoreThe Rev. Emily Heitzman reflects on the pressures youth and adults face from negative messages about worth and belonging. Drawing on Scripture, she reminds readers that we are beloved children of God—fearfully and wonderfully made, worthy of love. Read the reflection.
Read MoreIn this Bold Café reflection, the Rev. Dr. Ralen M. Robinson writes about harsh feedback, shame and the baptismal promise that our worth is not achieved but given by God. Her reflection offers encouragement for leaders and communities seeking to build one another up in love. Read the reflection.
Read MoreOur May 2026 Mission Support memo immerses us in the story of Concordia Lutheran Church in Worcester, Mass. Founded to serve the needs of non-English-speaking immigrant families, the church has come full circle today, once again serving a diverse neighborhood of immigrants and refugees. This congregation is deeply committed to remaining an inner-city ministry that accompanies the community as it changes. Read the memo to learn about their journey and discover their incredible ministry for kids and teens.
You will also find registration information for the Stewardship Kaleidoscope Conference, taking place September 21–23 in Baltimore, MD. Download the memo as a pdf here.
Read MoreLutheran Disaster Response, Catholic Charities of Eastern Oklahoma and local partners have completed recovery work for households affected by severe storms and flooding in May 2022. The project is a reminder that long-term disaster response restores not only homes, but dignity, stability and hope. Read the full story.
Read MoreThrough ELCA World Hunger support, Lutheran Hope Cambodia Organization is helping an agricultural cooperative in western Cambodia create jobs, strengthen local markets and support women’s entrepreneurship. Rom Chan Oun’s work driving the cooperative tuktuk has helped improve her family’s income and expand her role in the community. Read the World Hunger story.
Read MoreELCA Advocacy and ELCA AMMPARO have released a new resource, “You Shall Also Love the Stranger,” offering history, Bible study, reflection questions and action steps related to for-profit immigration detention. A related webinar will be held Wednesday, June 24, from 1-1:30 p.m. Eastern, with optional Q&A. Read more and find the resource.
Read MoreELCA Advocacy’s spring state update includes Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona, a ministry of the Grand Canyon Synod, highlighting work around food insecurity, voting, health care, housing, immigration and public witness at the Arizona Capitol. Read the full advocacy roundup.
Read MoreThe Rev. Joy Mortensen-Wiebe was reelected May 16 to a second six-year term as bishop of the ELCA South-Central Synod of Wisconsin. Her ministry includes more than 30 years of pastoral and synod leadership. Read the ELCA release.
Read MoreThe Rev. Justin Grimm was elected May 16 to serve a six-year term as bishop of the ELCA Saint Paul Area Synod. He will be installed Sept. 13 at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church in Apple Valley, Minnesota. Read the ELCA release.
Read MoreThe Rev. Amy Current was reelected May 15 to a second six-year term as bishop of the ELCA Southeastern Iowa Synod, receiving 240 votes on the first ballot. Read the ELCA release.
Read MoreFollowing the deadly shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego, ELCA Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry has issued a pastoral response condemning Islamophobia, grieving with Muslim neighbors and calling Lutherans to visible solidarity, relationship-building, advocacy and courage in the face of hatred. Grounded in Lutheran teaching and resurrection hope, Bishop Curry reminds the church that “hate will not have the final word.”
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