Women of the ELCA welcomed 1,000 registered participants to the “I Am Worthy” Triennial Gathering, July 16-19 in Des Moines, following the Thirteenth Triennial Convention. Explore highlights and photos from the gathering—and look ahead to the 2029 Triennial Gathering in Louisville, Kentucky, with pre-registration savings available through September 1.
Read MoreWith declining membership and limited finances, Trinity Lutheran Church of Manhattan didn’t have abundant resources—but it did have space and a willingness to take a leap of faith. Twenty years ago, the congregation began sheltering LGBTQIA+ young adults experiencing homelessness. Today, Trinity Place remains open every night, offering shelter, community and a path toward greater stability.
In Living Lutheran, the story becomes an invitation for congregations to consider how underused buildings and land might serve their neighbors. The article also introduces the ELCA Church Property Resource Hub, which helps congregations explore faithful and creative possibilities for their property. Read “From Scarcity to Sanctuary” in Living Lutheran.
Read MoreWhat do Lutheran pastors, community organizing and the Pennsylvania Lottery have in common? In Living Lutheran, retired ELCA pastor P. Richard Grove recalls how Lutheran leaders helped organize older adults around affordable public transportation in the early 1970s—and how that advocacy contributed to a system that has since provided billions of dollars in benefits for Pennsylvania’s older adults.
Part of Living Lutheran’s America 250 series, the firsthand account offers a fascinating glimpse into Lutheran engagement in civic life and the lasting consequences of community organizing. Read “A Big Deal” in Living Lutheran.
Read MoreThe Mission Investment Fund’s 2025 Annual Report shares how congregations, individuals and ministry partners are putting financial resources to work in service of the church and their communities. In 2025, MIF reported $615 million in active loans supporting 700 ELCA ministries and $551.5 million in investments from individuals, congregations and organizations.
Beyond the numbers, the report shares stories of ministries expanding essential services, establishing permanent homes and aligning financial stewardship with service, justice and care for the neighbor. Explore the 2025 MIF Annual Report.
Read MoreOur July 2026 Mission Support Memo highlights a story created by our Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod, about a community-centered ministry in West Lawn, Pa., called InsideOut.
Also, reconnect or connect with ELCA's The Generosity Project through a new webpage available in partnership with Kindling Faith. Finally, take the time to read a farewell from a beloved colleague, Victoria Flood.
Read MoreELCA Worship’s August roundup offers several opportunities for church musicians and worship leaders: more than 40 Lutheran Summer Music performances available on demand, fall webinars from the Association of Lutheran Church Musicians, October’s Vi Messerli Memorial Lectures in Church Music, and a formation opportunity for early-career church musicians through the Church Music Institute.
Several opportunities have fall deadlines or registration dates, making this a useful roundup to share with your congregation’s musicians and worship leaders. Explore all partner resources and events.
Read MoreELCA Worship highlights several resources from Augsburg Fortress for congregations and worship leaders, including the 2027 Sundays and Seasons calendar featuring the art of Kelly Latimore, a children’s introduction to the church year, ELW Occasional Services for the Assembly, and a large-print edition of Evangelical Lutheran Worship designed to make worship more accessible. Explore the August worship resources.
Read MoreThe July issue of ELCA Administration Matters offers practical guidance for congregational leaders on three significant financial risks: secure ACH approval practices, church embezzlement and fraudulent donor scams. The issue also highlights Portico Benefit Services’ 2025 Community Impact Report. Explore the July Administration Matters resources.
Read MoreThe ELCA mourns the death of the Rev. Patricia Ann Curtis Davenport, 70, the first African American woman elected a bishop in the ELCA. Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry remembers Davenport for urging the church, especially in difficult moments, to “pause, pray and listen for the Holy Spirit” so that we might respond rather than react. Read the ELCA remembrance.
Read MoreELCA Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry reflects on religious diversity, Christian faith and the church’s calling to a “ministry of reconciliation.” Drawing on the ELCA’s interreligious commitments, Curry encourages Lutherans to build relationships across religious differences while resisting efforts to identify the nation or government with a single faith. Read Presiding Bishop Curry’s full message.
Read MoreJoin ELCA Director of Misconduct Prevention Kendra Stea on Tuesday, August 18, at 10 a.m. Arizona/PDT for practical guidance on mandatory reporting, involving the bishop, sex offenders in congregations, behavior agreements, Safe Church policies, and resources for protecting children and vulnerable adults.
Read MoreAs the United States approaches the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry invites Lutherans to hold both gratitude and humility. In the latest installment of his All Together in One Place series, Curry reflects on the nation’s aspirations, its failures to live fully into those ideals, and the Christian call to repentance, justice, and service rooted in Christ’s resurrection.
Drawing on Scripture and the ELCA’s social teaching, Curry encourages the church to remember its baptismal unity, name sin honestly, and work for the common good while trusting in God’s ever-unfolding grace. Read Presiding Bishop Curry’s full reflection.
Read MoreFocus groups for the ELCA’s Rooted + Rising storytelling initiative begin June 26, and organizers are seeking participants now. The project is especially interested in hearing from people who are not currently connected to a church but are willing to share their experiences of faith, spirituality, belonging, or Christianity. Selected participants will receive a $100 stipend for a two-hour virtual conversation.
Read MoreMission Investment Fund is offering updated online and mobile tools that help congregations and individuals manage savings while supporting ministry across the ELCA. Demand Investments currently earn up to 2.50% APY, while Fixed-Rate Term Investments offer returns up to 4.10% APY. Learn how your financial stewardship can help fund ministry-focused loans throughout the church.
Read MoreThe presentations shared by Rev. Tim Brown at the 2026 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly are now available to view and download. Explore his keynote on generosity and discipleship, Bible study on stewardship in Scripture, and ELCA churchwide report highlighting the impact of our connected ministry together.
Download PDF and PowerPoint versions, revisit key insights, and share these resources with your congregation.
Read MoreThe latest Good Green News from Lutherans Restoring Creation includes an upcoming webinar on renewable energy and Lutheran ethics, an update on climate justice resolutions across ELCA synods, a new Faith + Climate Film Series, advocacy opportunities, and upcoming educational events. Read the full newsletter for registration links, resources, and ways your congregation can engage in faithful creation care and climate justice ministry.
Read MoreIn this Juneteenth reflection, historian and Lutheran scholar Dr. Denise Rector explores the history of emancipation and the enduring significance of freedom. Drawing on both historical truth and Lutheran theology, she reflects on how the delayed announcement of freedom to enslaved people in Texas echoes the importance of proclaiming truth and justice today.
Rooted in the promise of justification by grace through faith, the article reminds Christians that freedom in Christ is real—and calls us to love our neighbors, speak truth, and serve a world God loves. Read Dr. Rector’s full reflection on Juneteenth.
Read MoreAs the world observes World Refugee Day on June 20, Lutheran Disaster Response invites Lutherans to renew their commitment to refugees and migrants through learning, advocacy, and generosity. With global displacement at record levels, this reflection highlights our shared calling to accompany neighbors seeking safety, dignity, and hope.
Grounded in faith and solidarity, the article offers practical ways to respond through ELCA resources, advocacy opportunities, and support for Lutheran Disaster Response ministries serving displaced communities around the world. Read the full reflection from Lutheran Disaster Response.
Read MoreFor peace and reconciliation among the nations, especially in Iran, Lebanon, Gaza, Mali, South Sudan, Ukraine, and Venezuela…
For medical professionals, researchers, and all navigating the Ebola outbreak in central Africa…
For a spirit of camaraderie and community during major global sporting events…
For awareness, advocacy, and an end to human trafficking…
For the G7 summit, global politics, and the interconnectedness of people and nations..
For the families of those killed in airplane crashes in Texas, California, and Missouri…
For all impacted by the 6.7 magnitude earthquake in Indonesia…
For those affected by storms and severe weather…
For those evacuated and those fighting wildfires in eastern Washington…
For justice, compassion, and human rights for immigrants, refugees, those who are detained, and all who travel…
For fathers, caregivers, and those for whom parental relationships are strained…
On the 11th anniversary of the murder of the Emanuel Nine at Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, former South Carolina Bishop Herman Yoos reflects on grief, forgiveness, repentance, and the ongoing work of confronting racism and white supremacy. His personal essay recalls how the tragedy reshaped his ministry and understanding of racial justice.
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