Download Kingsfold, a new set of theme-and-variations for solo instrument and keyboard by Anne Krentz Organ. The third offering in the LSM Hymn Tune Project, Kingsfold is based on the beloved English folk tune associated with a wide range of hymn texts. Available for a variety of solo instruments and keyboard, the work may be performed in its entirety or as individual movements.
Preview and download for free at LSMacademy.org/lsmpress.
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.
Read MoreRegistration is now open for the Growing in Faith/Diakonia Foundation Year, beginning August 25 with Christianity in the Lutheran Key. Join others from across the synod for online learning, spiritual growth, and deeper engagement with faith in everyday life. View PDF here.
Read MoreFaith+Lead’s August roundup offers new opportunities for rostered ministers, lay leaders, and congregations to learn and grow, including courses on purpose and money, a new Christian communities incubator, Susan Beaumont’s supervision training beginning August 18, and the fall School for Lay Ministry cohort.
The roundup also includes free resources for The Bible in a Year and the Narrative Lectionary’s upcoming Year of Matthew. Read the August 2026 Faith+Lead Monthly Roundup.
Read MoreIn this episode, Johnny Sertin and Meg Fry talk with hosts Dwight Zscheile and Alicia Granholm about what it takes to build trust in a neighborhood before ever bringing up faith.
Read MoreIn the latest Pivot podcast, Dwight Zscheile and Alicia Granholm talk with Joey Sherrard about what changed when he started reading Augustine as a pastor for pastors.
Read MoreELCA Worship’s August roundup offers several opportunities for church musicians and worship leaders: more than 40 Lutheran Summer Music performances available on demand, fall webinars from the Association of Lutheran Church Musicians, October’s Vi Messerli Memorial Lectures in Church Music, and a formation opportunity for early-career church musicians through the Church Music Institute.
Several opportunities have fall deadlines or registration dates, making this a useful roundup to share with your congregation’s musicians and worship leaders. Explore all partner resources and events.
Read MoreELCA Worship highlights several resources from Augsburg Fortress for congregations and worship leaders, including the 2027 Sundays and Seasons calendar featuring the art of Kelly Latimore, a children’s introduction to the church year, ELW Occasional Services for the Assembly, and a large-print edition of Evangelical Lutheran Worship designed to make worship more accessible. Explore the August worship resources.
Read MoreThe July issue of ELCA Administration Matters offers practical guidance for congregational leaders on three significant financial risks: secure ACH approval practices, church embezzlement and fraudulent donor scams. The issue also highlights Portico Benefit Services’ 2025 Community Impact Report. Explore the July Administration Matters resources.
Read MoreJoin ELCA Director of Misconduct Prevention Kendra Stea on Tuesday, August 18, at 10 a.m. Arizona/PDT for practical guidance on mandatory reporting, involving the bishop, sex offenders in congregations, behavior agreements, Safe Church policies, and resources for protecting children and vulnerable adults.
Read MoreRegistration is now open for the Growing in Faith/Diakonia Foundation Year, beginning August 25 with Christianity in the Lutheran Key. Join others from across the synod for online learning, spiritual growth, and deeper engagement with faith in everyday life. View PDF here.
Read MorePacific Lutheran Theological Seminary is launching a new Certificate in Church Leadership in Fall 2026 for lay leaders, those pursuing SAM status, and current SAMs. Flexible 8-week online courses allow participants to enroll in individual classes or complete a 3-course or 6-course certificate focused on practical ministry leadership and Lutheran foundations.
Read MorePLTS is continuing its Racial Justice and Faith Certificate this fall with two six-week online courses: Artistic Practice for Leaders (September–October) and Intersectionality & Social Justice (November–December). Open to clergy, lay leaders, and all interested learners, the program explores faithful responses to racial injustice through an accessible online format.
Read MoreA new book by Lutheran author and technology leader Bill Kalaf offers practical guidance for congregations seeking to strengthen discipleship, outreach, communication, and stewardship through thoughtful use of technology. Beyond Our Church Walls is written for pastors, church leaders, and members—not technology experts—and emphasizes mission-focused, sustainable ministry practices.
Kalaf is also offering his experience and consultation free of charge to Lutheran congregations across the Grand Canyon Synod. Learn more about the book and how your congregation can connect with him for support.
Read MoreELCA congregations and ministries may already qualify for free or deeply discounted technology through platforms like Goodstack, Google for Nonprofits, and TechSoup. Learn how to access tools like Canva Pro, Google Workspace, Zoom, Microsoft 365, email marketing discounts, and even grant opportunities—while stretching your ministry budget and strengthening communication.
Read MoreFaith+Lead’s Stepping Up to Supervision cohort (Aug. 18–Sept. 1, 2026) equips pastors, ministry staff, and lay leaders with practical and theological tools for supervising staff faithfully. Through three live Zoom workshops and a year of access to resources, participants will explore how to balance grace, accountability, and effective leadership in ministry settings.
Read MoreJoin the Growing in Faith/Diakonia community on Saturday, June 27 at St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church in Phoenix as five graduates are celebrated for their commitment to faith formation and service. Through learning, discernment, and spiritual growth, these graduates reflect how God continues to equip leaders for ministry across the synod. View as PDF here.
Read MoreWondering what gifts God has placed within you? The Growing in Faith/Diakonia Program’s Exploring Your Spiritual Gifts Retreat this July offers a welcoming space for discernment, reflection, and discovery. Join online over three Saturdays and explore how God may be calling you to serve. View invite as PDF here.
Read MoreCould God be calling you to serve in new ways? Growing in Faith/Diakonia invites lay leaders, discerners, and curious learners into a two-year journey of spiritual growth and service. Join an upcoming Zoom information session and explore where God may be leading next.
Read MoreThe ELCA Worship Office has released new worship resources for the U.S. semiquincentennial in July 2026, offering liturgical texts, preaching helps, music guidance, and civic vocation resources for congregations marking the nation’s 250th anniversary. Designed to both celebrate and lament the nation’s history, the materials center worship around Christ’s call to justice, humility, mercy, and beloved community.
Resources are available now in PDF, DOC, and through SundaysandSeasons.com.
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