Life transitions can stir physical sensations, powerful emotions and spiritual questions—even when the change is welcome. The Rev. Dr. Becca Ehrlich introduces somatic awareness as a way to listen to our bodies, practice self-compassion and remain present with God amid change.
Discover how embodied practices can deepen prayer and expand our capacity to love and serve others. Read the full reflection from Café, a publication of Women of the ELCA.
Read MoreThe Season of Creation, observed September 1 through October 4, invites congregations to give thanks for water and examine the environmental justice questions surrounding it. The Rev. Nancy Wright connects baptism, Jesus’ promise of living water and the watersheds that sustain every community.
Explore ideas for water-centered worship, education and action—especially relevant to the desert, rural and tribal communities of the Grand Canyon Synod. Read the full article at Living Lutheran.
Read MoreFamilies affected by disability often carry unseen burdens and may quietly leave congregational life when they must advocate for inclusion alone. Reflecting on the friends who carried a paralyzed man to Jesus in Mark 2, Chris G. Neeley challenges churches to become friends willing to share the load.
Discover how practical support, caregiver respite and a Lutheran understanding of grace can help build communities where every person belongs. Read the full reflection at Living Lutheran.
Read MoreELCA Worship’s September roundup features new resources from Augsburg Fortress for musicians, worship planners, rostered ministers, and lay leaders—including a new Sundays and Seasons Music Leader Module, music for occasions outside the lectionary, pastoral care resources, and a handbook for presiding ministers. Explore what’s new and find resources to support worship and ministry in your congregation.
Read MoreA substantive reconsideration of the 1990 “Homelessness: A Renewal of Commitment” social message is underway. Churchwide input is encouraged. The feedback period is open until November 30, 2026. Please comment!
Read MoreELCA Sumud’s latest Stolen Stories video, “Daily Life 2005–2023,” centers Palestinian Christian voices and lived experiences in Palestine and Israel. Watch this fourth episode in the five-part series and explore what faithful accompaniment and steadfast hope can mean for the church. Watch Episode 4.
Read MoreAre you discerning intentional interim ministry—or looking for stronger skills to lead a congregation through change? The Lutheran Transitional Ministry Association’s Basic Education in Transitions begins online October 1, followed by an April 2027 residential week in San Antonio.
The training equips pastors and ministry leaders to navigate congregational dynamics, conflict, grief and adaptive change while discerning the future God is inviting communities to discover. Registration is now open.
Read MoreOur August 2026 Mission Support Memo spotlights a story by First Lutheran Church in St. Peter, Minn. of our Southwestern Minnesota Synod strategically using The Generosity Project to build a culture of intergenerational giving and gratitude that eventually allowed them to retire their mortgage - they call it a "Mortgage Miracle". Speaking of stewardship, learn about how your congregation can participate in the Fall “Cultivating Generous Congregations” cohort at a great deal. Finally, hear about how the Congregation and Synod Support Team is adapting to new staffing and structure.
Read MoreJoin ELCA Coaching for Wayfinding in the Commons on Wednesday, September 2, at 11 a.m. Pacific/noon Mountain. This 45-minute online gathering offers community, leadership learning, coach-facilitated conversation and space to discern where the Spirit may be leading—and to leave with an actionable next step.
Read More“God’s work. Our hands.” Sunday is Sept. 13, 2026. Watch ELCA Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry’s invitation and begin planning how your congregation can join Lutherans across the church in serving neighbors and putting our faith into action.
Read MorePlanning for the 2027 ELCA Youth Gathering? Watch the new webinar introducing SERVE, an all-day experience combining hands-on service in the Twin Cities with reflection, Lutheran accompaniment and planning for continued service back home. SERVE space is limited, and priority Gathering registration opens Oct. 21.
Read MoreEpisode 3 of ELCA Sumud’s five-part “Stolen Stories” series explores the Intifadas and Oslo Accords through Palestinian Christian voices. Hear pastors, bishops, and scholars offer historical and theological context while sharing the lived experiences of Palestinians in their own words.
Read MoreThe Evangelical Lutheran Education Association (ELEA / ELCA Schools & Learning Centers) is seeking a part-time, fully remote Membership Director to help support approximately 1,200 Lutheran schools and early learning centers nationwide. The position is approximately 20–25 hours per week with a flexible schedule and is open until filled.
Candidates with administrative or membership-development experience, particularly within an ELCA congregation, synod or organization, are encouraged to apply.
Read MoreELCA Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry calls Lutherans to be “faithful, informed and engaged” this election season—and to serve as trusted messengers in a time when misinformation can undermine trust and participation. Grounding civic engagement in our baptismal calling, love of neighbor and the commandment not to bear false witness, Bishop Curry encourages congregations and individuals to seek accurate information, participate thoughtfully and help strengthen their communities.
His Aug. 19 message also highlights new ELCA election resources, including the ELCA Election Engagement Toolkitand a Sept. 3 toolkit launch webinar. Read Bishop Curry’s full message and explore the resources →
Read MoreELCA Sumud’s five-part Stolen Stories video series centers Palestinian Christian pastors, bishops and scholars as they tell their history in their own words. Watch the first two episodes, “Nakba” and “Naksa,” and listen to the lived experiences and theological witness of our Palestinian siblings in Christ.
Read MoreWatch the first two webinars in ELCA Racial Justice Ministries’ series equipping the church to dismantle white supremacy—including “Freedom of a Christian,” featuring Rev. Dr. Carmelo Santos, PhD, our 2026 Fall Gathering speaker. Meet Dr. Santos through this timely exploration of Lutheran freedom, justice and our calling to serve our neighbors.
Read MoreWatch the ELCA-supported restoration of the landmark 1966 Lutheran documentary A Time for Burning—a challenging examination of race, faith and the church that remains strikingly relevant nearly 60 years later.
Read MoreTwo recorded ELCA webinars offer practical help for congregations preparing for the 2027 ELCA Youth Gathering, including guidance for volunteers and leaders using the Gathering’s Getting Ready materials.
Read MoreAs the United States marks its 250th anniversary, Living Lutheran explores President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s “Four Freedoms”—freedom of speech and worship, and freedom from want and fear—through a distinctly Lutheran lens.
Leah Taber connects these enduring ideals with unity in Christ, reconciliation, community, grace and faith, asking what it would mean for Lutherans to embody these commitments in our congregations, communities and civic life. Read the full reflection in Living Lutheran.
Read MoreResources are now available from our August 18 conversation with Kendra Stea, ELCA Director, Misconduct Prevention, on safeguarding worshiping communities. Explore or download Kendra’s presentation covering mandatory reporting, Safe Church policies, misconduct, sex offender covenants, behavior agreements, and resources for protecting children and vulnerable adults.
Congregational leaders are encouraged to use and share these materials—and to contact the synod when questions or concerns arise.
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