In Matthew 20:1–16, Jesus’ vineyard parable invites us to wrestle with fairness, grace, and our need for one another. This week’s ELCA Faith Lens reflection considers how congregations and groups can welcome new people, navigate conflict, and work together for the good of the whole community.
Read “Laboring Together,” by Pastor Adrianne Meier, for discussion questions, a group activity, and prayer resources. Read the full Faith Lens reflection.
Read MoreThe recording of the ELCA Racial Justice Ministries webinar “Dismantle: Using the Devotional in Congregational Life” is now available. Explore practical, faith-rooted tools for engaging the Dismantle devotional and advancing justice, accountability, and beloved community.
Upcoming webinars are November 10, 2026, and January 12, 2027. Watch the recording and register for the remaining sessions.
Read MoreThe Grand Canyon Synod is launching a series highlighting the ELCA Church Property Resource Hub. Begin with a no-cost Zoom webinar, “Land Back as Property Stewardship Ethic,” on Thursday, September 24, at 6 p.m. Central Time. Indigenous leaders and ELCA partners will explore land return, the Doctrine of Discovery, and faithful property stewardship. Register today.
Read MoreLay and rostered leaders are invited to Faithful Listening, Bold Proclamation, three interactive Zoom workshops with ELCA pastor and Womanist theologian Rev. Sharei Green on Sept. 24, Oct. 1, and Oct. 8 at 4 p.m. Arizona/Pacific Time. Explore Community, Gospel, and Kin-dom while strengthening practices of listening and proclamation. Attend one session or all three.
Read MoreOn the 25th anniversary of Sept. 11, this Living Lutheran reflection revisits the witness of New York Lutherans who accompanied neighbors through unimaginable grief. Their stories remind us that God is present not apart from suffering, but in faithful listening, lament, mercy, and hope. Read the full reflection.
Read MoreELCA Worship shares new resources for musicians, worship planners, and congregational leaders, including fall webinars from the Association of Lutheran Church Musicians, the Oct. 18–20 Vi Messerli Memorial Lectures in Church Music, free sheet music from Lutheran Summer Music, and tools for community singing. Early registration for the Vi Messerli lectures ends Sept. 15. Explore the resources and events.
Read MoreIn this guest reflection for ELCA Racial Justice Ministries, Rev. Terrance A. Jacob recounts how faith-based organizing, grassroots leadership, and a meeting with then-Sen. Barack Obama helped advance support for a Lutheran AIDS ministry in Soweto. It is a personal story of persistence, partnership, and the power of mutual respect across borders. Read Rev. Jacob’s full reflection.
Read MoreReflecting on Romans 14 and the 25th anniversary of 9/11, this ELCA Faith Lens explores how Christians can hold firm convictions without judging or excluding others. Because Christ alone is Lord, we are called to meet religious and cultural differences with humility—loving, listening to, defending and welcoming our neighbors.
Read MoreTransitions can leave us between what was and what will be—a disorienting “liminal space” of waiting and uncertainty. Drawing on a difficult mountain hike, Joseph’s years of waiting and the Christian hope of God’s “already, but not yet” reign, the Rev. Becca Ehrlich reminds us that in-between time is not a time for inaction.
Even without a clear view of what lies ahead, we can listen for God, love our neighbors and become guiding lights for one another. Read the full reflection in Café.
Read MoreLife 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.
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