Preparing for the 2027 ELCA Youth Gathering in Minneapolis? Share this video with youth, families and adult leaders for a glimpse of ENGAGE, the Gathering’s new program experience. Watch the ENGAGE preview.
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Explore affordable student housing, a “How to Rent Well” resource, and collective purchasing opportunities in the latest ELCA Church Property Resource Hub newsletter. Plus, find November webinars on disaster preparation (Nov. 5) and sustainable generosity (Nov. 16). Read the full issue for resources and event links to share with your congregation’s leaders.
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Explore Advent through the stories of five women in Jesus’ family tree. Preparing the Way: A Herstory of Hope offers congregations worship materials, Bible studies, activities, and a December 1–January 1 devotional. Discover this St. Olaf College resource and share it with your congregation’s worship and faith formation leaders.
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Learn practical ways to support people affected by intergenerational trauma at LFCNA’s Oct. 13 session with Jamie Aten, PhD. Nurses, rostered ministers and lay leaders are welcome. 4–6 p.m. in most of Arizona and southern Nevada; 5–7 p.m. in Utah and the Navajo Nation. Cost: $30 for members/$50 for nonmembers; 2.0 nursing contact hours available with full attendance and a completed evaluation. Learn more and register.
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Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry invites the ELCA to recognize diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility as expressions of our baptismal call to serve all people and seek justice. His Sept. 28 message encourages congregations to build trusting relationships and honor the distinct gifts each person brings to the body of Christ. Read Bishop Curry’s message.
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Grace Lao and Hope Lutheran churches in El Sobrante, Calif., celebrated a new ministry partnership with multilingual Pentecost worship in May. Sharing space and resources while honoring each community’s identity, they are exploring how collaboration can strengthen ministry. Their emerging partnership offers Grand Canyon Synod leaders a glimpse of the Spirit’s work through patient listening, shared mission and worship across languages. Read their story in Living Lutheran.
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The ELCA’s Asian and Pacific Islander Ministries has developed a five-year vision for leadership, cultural belonging and justice that invites the whole church to participate. Grounded in listening sessions and our baptismal call, the plan calls for confronting anti-Asian racism, strengthening mentorship and reforming leadership pathways, with initial reforms expected by September 2027. Read the full story in Living Lutheran.
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ELCA congregations and eligible ministries with existing feeding programs may apply for a $500 Daily Bread Grant beginning Oct. 1. Applications close Oct. 21 at midnight Central Time. These grants support local ministries responding faithfully and practically to hunger and poverty. Review eligibility and application details.
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The ELCA’s Sept. 25 advocacy update examines nutrition assistance and the Farm Bill, religious liberty and military chaplaincy, federal funding, global humanitarian aid, and free speech concerns in immigration proceedings. Grounded in Lutheran commitments to our neighbors’ well-being, it also points readers toward an action alert urging senators to protect nutrition assistance and support farmers. Read the update and explore opportunities for action.
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Explore stories of climate hope on September 29, renewable energy planning for congregations on October 20, and free creation care resources in Lutherans Restoring Creation’s September Good Green News. The issue also includes film screenings, nature-based spiritual leadership training, civic engagement tools, and a new retirement-investment explainer. Read the full newsletter for details and registration links.
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Drawing on his experience growing up with cerebral palsy, the Rev. Brian Krause reflects on how everyday words and church language can deepen exclusion. He calls congregations to examine their language as an expression of Jesus’ welcome and the worth of people with disabilities. Read his reflection on why language matters.
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For peace and reconciliation among the nations, especially in Iran, Gaza, Ethiopia, Yemen, South Sudan, The Democratic Republic of Congo, Ukraine, and Myanmar…
For an end to genocide across the world…
For flooding in southwestern Ohio and all those affected by natural disasters…
For Luther Seminary and all seminaries navigating reimagination or relocation…
For the United Nations General Assembly and for all agencies working for peace…
For victims of gun violence, especially in Ontario, Canada and Durban, South Africa…
For immigrants and all marginalized populations who live in fear of violence…
For those in the path of Tropical Storm Nolo…
For all in need of access to affordable healthcare…
What makes someone trustworthy? ELCA’s Faith Lens explores Matthew 21:23–32, connecting Jesus’ parable of two sons with the trustworthiness God reveals in Christ. Reflection questions, group activities, and prayer help youth consider how their actions reflect their words. Smaller-church leaders will also find an invitation to share their experiences through a listening project survey. Explore this week’s Faith Lens.
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As September 30’s National Day of Remembrance for Indian Boarding Schools approaches, the ELCA invites congregations into year-round truth telling, learning, and repair that acknowledge Lutheran involvement. Discover worship and learning resources, the nationwide expansion of the Truth Seeking & Truth Telling Initiative, and how Phoenix’s Native American Urban Ministry supports Indigenous community and cultural restoration. Read the full article and explore ways to participate.
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What do charitable giving trends mean for your ministry? Join the ELCA Foundation’s November 11 webinar, 11 a.m.–noon Arizona/Utah time or 10–11 a.m. Nevada time, for insights from Giving USA 2026 and practical fundraising guidance. Pastors, stewardship teams, and ministry leaders are encouraged to register.
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The ELCA has released “Conscience and Conversation,” a new study resource to support churchwide discernment during the reconsideration of Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust. Congregations, small groups, and individuals are invited to participate and share feedback with the task force.
The accompanying survey is open through September 30, 2026, and responses will help shape a draft statement for churchwide review. Ministry leaders are encouraged to prayerfully engage the study and ensure their voices are part of the conversation.
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Wondering whether God may be calling you toward ministry, theological education, or church leadership? Join representatives from all seven ELCA seminaries online Sunday, September 27, from 2–4 p.m. in Arizona, the Navajo Nation, and Utah—or 1–3 p.m. in Southern Nevada. Learn about programs, ask questions, and take a faithful next step in discernment.
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Portico Social Purpose Funds offer ELCA Retirement Plan members a way to consider investments through the lens of Lutheran social teaching, screening for practices that conflict with church values while supporting positive social impact.
Explore your options, review the fund descriptions and consider whether your retirement selections match your mission.
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Women of the ELCA offers a full September calendar of opportunities for worship, fellowship, study, retirement planning, and racial justice advocacy. Join the September 17 Boldcafe dinner, WELCA Reads beginning September 21, the September 24 Indian boarding schools presentation, and the Thankoffering Service livestream on October 15.
Explore the resources, register where needed, and share these opportunities with your congregation or women’s group.
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On the 25th anniversary of 9/11, 75 people gathered at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Plainview, N.Y., to remember those lost, honor first responders, share stories, and worship the wounded Savior. The service named both enduring grief—including losses from 9/11-related illness—and the hope found when communities care for one another.
This Living Lutheran story reflects on remembrance as a call to healing, kindness, and renewed community. Read the original Living Lutheran story.
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