As March Madness crowns champions of skill and wealth, Palm Sunday offers a counter-narrative: a humble entry by an unlikely hero. This week’s reflection invites us to reconsider how we identify greatness—not through power or prestige, but through compassion, sacrifice, and love. As Holy Week begins, we remember Jesus not as the expected victor, but as the savior who rides in on a donkey, cheered by those in need of hope.
Read More107 rostered ministers have already submitted their annual Report to the Bishop—thank you! If you haven’t submitted yours yet, there’s still time. Bishop Hutterer personally reads and responds to each report, offering a chance to share your journey, joys, and challenges in ministry. Visit gcsynod.org/rostered-minister-report to get started.
Read MoreStill need to submit your 2024 ELCA Congregation Report? The deadline is April 11. This year’s new reporting platform has caused challenges for many, but help is available through FAQs and temporary workarounds. Learn more and access the system before it closes.
Read MoreDr. Jennifer Wojciechowski joins the Pivot Podcast to explore how ancient traditions speak to contemporary spiritual needs.
Read MoreExplore this month’s highlighted worship resources from Augsburg Fortress, including reflections on the Three Days, Bonhoeffer’s take on the Psalms, and how baptism shapes congregational life. Plus, sign up for summer music clinics with top clinicians. Read the full monthly resource on ELCA.
Read MoreLutheran Quarterly is now fully open access—free to read online through Johns Hopkins University Press. This respected journal explores Lutheran theology, history, and public witness, offering valuable insight for pastors, lay leaders, and curious minds alike. Browse articles and deepen your understanding of our shared faith.
Read MoreMany ministry leaders today are experiencing profound exhaustion—and you’re not imagining it. In this March update from Thriving Leadership Formation, Director Desta Goehner invites us to reimagine ministry as an ecosystem that requires care, connection, and rest. Explore upcoming Enneagram workshops, join a crisis communications webinar, and discover how to build stronger ministry teams with real tools and real support. Read the full newsletter here.
Read MoreHow can congregations prepare for possible immigration raids? A new ELCA AMMPARO guide outlines practical steps—like hosting Know Your Rights sessions, connecting with local migrant organizations, and training ministry teams—to equip congregations for faithful response. Rooted in Lutheran theology and updated in response to recent policy changes, this guide offers a path forward rooted in justice, compassion, and love for neighbor. Read the full article at ELCA.org.
¿Cómo pueden prepararse las congregaciones para posibles redadas migratorias? Una nueva guía de AMMPARO ofrece pasos prácticos como organizar sesiones de Conozca Sus Derechos, conectar con organizaciones locales y capacitar a voluntarios para responder con justicia y compasión. Esta guía está arraigada en la fe luterana y actualizada frente a recientes cambios de política migratoria. Leer el artículo completo.
Read MoreAs Lent nears its end, this season reminds us that even in long, sorrowful journeys—whether personal or global—there is space for joy. Just as a woman anointed Jesus in love on his road to the cross, we too are invited to celebrate sacred moments, even in hardship. This reflection calls us to live intentionally, walk with those who suffer, and embrace joy as resistance and renewal during life’s most difficult seasons.
Read MoreJoin Women of the ELCA for the 2025 Leadership Event on Saturday, April 5, from 11:00 am – 3:00 pm MST/PDT(12:00–4:00 pm MDT), held on Zoom. Centered on the theme “Yes! What’s Next?” this virtual gathering invites servant leaders to reflect on calling and mission with dynamic speakers, small group discussion, and a digital toolbox. Registration is open—come be inspired, challenged, and renewed.
Read MoreJoin Women of the ELCA for the 2025 Leadership Event on Saturday, April 5, from 11:00 am – 3:00 pm MST/PDT(12:00–4:00 pm MDT), held on Zoom. Centered on the theme “Yes! What’s Next?” this virtual gathering invites servant leaders to reflect on calling and mission with dynamic speakers, small group discussion, and a digital toolbox. Registration is open—come be inspired, challenged, and renewed.
Read MoreAfter a nine-month journey in space, astronauts returned to Earth to great celebration—an image that parallels the surprising welcome of the prodigal son in this week’s Gospel. As Lent nears its close, we reflect on the radical grace of God, who welcomes us home with joy, no matter how far we’ve strayed.
Read MoreDr. Jennifer Wojciechowski joins the Pivot Podcast to explore how ancient traditions speak to contemporary spiritual needs.
Read MoreJoin the ELCA Seminaries for a virtual Fireside Chat on Thursday, April 10, as Deacon Krista Anderson and Deacon Beth Anderson explore the ministry of Word and Service in the ELCA. This engaging conversation will offer insight into the call to diaconal ministry and is perfect for those discerning a call or seeking to understand this unique role in the life of the church.
Read MoreHow can clergy navigate mental health challenges while serving in ministry? Join Rev. Seth Perry for a free one-hour webinar on March 26, 2025 (12:00-1:00 PM CT), as he shares his journey of pastoring with a dual diagnosis. Hosted by the Center of Addiction & Faith, this conversation will address stigma, strengths, and faith-filled recovery. Register here.
Read MoreThe March 2025 Mission Support Memo from ELCA Mission Support connects us as partners in relationship. Hear about how the South-Central Synod of Wisconsin welcomed lay and rostered leaders across the synod to the Grove, providing a beautiful space to wonder, learn, connect, collaborate, and explore how vital ministry can happen in the name of Christ.
This memo also asks to connect with you to get your important feedback about the memo through a short survey seeking to improve this work we do together. We are so grateful to be in partners in relationship across our ELCA synods and congregations.
Read MoreThe March 2025 issue of Administration Matters covers key updates for ELCA leaders, including the 2025 ELCA Churchwide Assembly in Phoenix, new clergy tax guides, insurance trends, and best practices for church administration. Learn about managing employee time, navigating clergy tax status, and strengthening your church’s digital presence. Read the full update here: ELCA Administration Matters – March 2025.
Read MoreJoin the Lutheran Faith Community Nurse Association on March 25, 2025, for This Isn’t Kansas, Toto: Living in the New Digital World, a special Zoom session with Dr. Patricia Fosarelli, MD, DMin. Explore how to navigate online misinformation, protect vulnerable individuals, and apply digital tools to ministry. Open to all, including non-nurses. Earn 2.0 nursing contact hours. View a PDF flyer here. Register now: LFCNA Event Page.
Read MoreHow can your congregation collaborate with local organizations to make a lasting impact? Neighbors Together: Partners for Innovation is a free, two-part workshop designed to guide churches through the process of forming community partnerships. Learn how to identify potential partners, start meaningful conversations, and launch a neighborhood project that benefits all. Sessions are on March 25 and April 1, 2025 (choose 10 AM or 4 PM Pacific Time). Register today at www.livingtheresurrection.com.
Read MoreIn the latest Pivot podcast, Rev. Dr. Christian Selvaratnam shares insights on church planting, leading from the middle, and fostering a 'mixed ecology' of new and legacy churches.
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