The ELCA is introducing several updates to the Annual Congregation Report process for 2024. Starting in mid-January, congregations will receive a letter with their ID and password but no printed resources; all instructions and materials will be posted online. A new reporting platform will also launch, offering streamlined tools and embedded instructions. Congregations must file 2023 reports by December 20, as the system will shut down afterward.
Read MoreJoin Mount of Olives in Phoenix for Wednesday Evening Jazz Vespers through Advent, featuring live jazz performances, contemplative worship, and fellowship. Free and open to all, each evening begins at 5:30 p.m. with refreshments following. Donations support the church’s Food Pantry, helping over 150 families weekly.
Read MoreAs Advent deepens, join us this Monday, December 16, at 12:00 PM AZ/MST for the third session of Restore Our Hope: Advent Centering Prayer. This week, we reflect on how God brings life from places we often consider dead and hopeless. Experience 30 minutes of meditation, prayer, and renewal as we wait in hope for Christ’s coming. Register here to receive the Zoom link.
Read MoreIn the latest Pivot podcast, discover how Beer Church and Trail Church redefine spiritual community in everyday spaces with Bryan Wilkom of Jesus Fit.
This Advent, we explore the power of familiar stories to meet us in new ways. John the Baptist’s words in Luke 3 echo Isaiah’s ancient prophecy, connecting the human condition across generations. As we prepare the way for the Lord, we are reminded that faith, like art, is enriched by reinterpretation. What spiritual stories or art sustain you this season?
Reflect on your Advent journey and take the Faith Lens survey to help guide the future of this resource!
Read MoreÚnase al Taller de Competencia en el Ministerio Latino este diciembre para profundizar las habilidades de alcance cultural y comunitario de su ministerio. Este evento virtual de tres días, organizado por el CTLM del Seminario Teológico de Wartburg, ofrece a los líderes de la ELCA estrategias prácticas y modelos de ministerio inspiradores de expertos en ministerio latino. Las sesiones se llevarán a cabo del 12 al 14 de diciembre, con un enfoque en el fortalecimiento de comunidades de adoración multiétnicas y bilingües. La inscripción está abierta en wartburgseminary.edu/CTLM, con opciones para individuos y congregaciones. Descargue o vea el PDF aquí.
Join the Latine Ministry Competency Workshop this December to deepen your ministry’s cultural and community outreach skills. This three-day virtual event, hosted by Wartburg Theological Seminary’s CTLM, offers ELCA leaders practical strategies and inspiring ministry models from experts in Latine ministry. Sessions will be held December 12-14, with a focus on strengthening multi-ethnic and bilingual worshipping communities. Registration is open at wartburgseminary.edu/CTLM, with options for individuals and congregations. Download or view PDF here.
Read MoreSpirit offers an Advent-specific daily devotion via email beginning Sunday, December 1 and ending on Christmas Day. If you would like to receive a special devotional reflection by Pr. Steve Holm in your inbox each day during Advent, register here.
Read MoreThis Monday, December 9, at 12:00 PM AZ/MST, Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center invites you to the second session of Restore Our Hope: Advent Centering Prayer. This week’s theme focuses on slowing down in a world consumed by busyness and productivity. Through guided meditation and communal centering prayer, rediscover stillness and trust in God’s abundant grace. Register now to join this time of prayerful waiting.
Read MoreAdvent begins with a promise: God breaking into our world, transforming chaos into hope. This season also marks the renewal of Faith Lens, now offering concise devotions linking Scripture and current events. From Notre Dame’s restoration to the struggles of Gaza and Haiti, God’s presence reminds us that endings signal new beginnings. Explore more and share your feedback to shape the future of Faith Lens.
Read MoreIn this episode of the Pivot Podcast, Rev. Dr. Steve Thomason shares how to simplify Advent with art, stillness, and meaningful spiritual practices.
Read MoreAdvent is here! Join Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center this Monday, December 2, at 12:00 PM AZ/MST for Restore Our Hope: Advent Centering Prayer. This week, we reflect on a world marked by isolation, comparison, and fear, as we pray for connection, compassion, and liberation. Begin the season with 30 minutes of song, prayer, and quiet reflection. Register here to receive the Zoom link.
Read MoreDiscover the Grand Canyon Synod’s 2024 Advent and Christmas hub! This special section of our site gathers worship resources, event calendars, and inspiring stories to guide you through this holy season. Visit gcsynod.org/2024-advent-christmas to explore and share your own events or reflections with the synod. Let’s prepare our hearts together for the coming of Christ!
Read MoreNew resources are now available from ELCA World Hunger to enrich the life of your congregation in Advent 2024 and Lent 2025. As congregations across the ELCA creatively find new ways to lean into the future, we are eager to equip leaders with ELCA World Hunger resources for the important church seasons of Advent and Lent.
Read MoreFacing transitions and challenges in ministry? ELCA Coaching offers free individual coaching sessions and Supportive Spaces, a six-week support group for church leaders. These programs provide a safe space to reflect, process grief, and find renewal with the help of certified coaches. Next Supportive Spaces cohort begins December 5. Sign up today to invest in your well-being and leadership.
Read MoreDiscover how to move beyond quick fixes and embrace a deeper transformation in your church with Dr. Michael Goheen. Listen to the latest Pivot podcast from faith+lead here.
Read MoreThe latest Seeds Monthly is here, featuring: Advent resources from ELCA World Hunger; Living Lutheran School pickup prayers; Holiday shopping with ELCA Good Gifts; "Woven Together Post-Election Message from Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton; upcoming events; "God With Us" Advent Devotional; ELCA.org refresh; and bulletin blurbs.
Read MoreThis Advent, join Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center for Restore Our Hope: Advent Centering Prayer, a free online program led by Sheri Brown. Every Monday in December, spend 30 minutes in song, guided meditation, and communal prayer as we prepare our hearts for Christ’s coming. Sessions are at 12:00 PM AZ/MST. Register now at Spirit in the Desert’s website.
Read MoreThis month’s ELCA Worship updates include exciting tools for Advent and Christmas, insights from the recent Pastoral Care survey, and new features like the NRSVue Bible on SundaysandSeasons.com. Discover Ordinary Blessings by Meta Herrick Carlson, join Lutheran Summer Music’s Advent Calendar, and dive into hymn stories with Living Lutheran. Read more for resources to support your ministry this season.
Read MoreWhat does Reign of Christ Sunday mean for us today? Established less than a century ago in response to rising nationalism, this celebration reminds us that Christ’s authority transcends all worldly powers. Discover how this modern festival calls us to place our ultimate allegiance not in rulers, but in the One who reigns through sacrificial love.
Read MoreRegistration for the 2025 Festival of Homiletics is open! Join us in Atlanta or online from May 12-15 for a journey of healing and unity through the power of preaching. This year’s theme, Preaching to Heal the Divide, responds to the pressing need for reconciliation in our polarized world. Early bird rates are available until November 30—don’t miss this chance to be part of the conversation!
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