In part two of the Pivot podcast conversation with Andy Root, we explore a radically different approach to sharing faith that moves beyond happiness-hunting strategies to embrace God's presence in brokenness.
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We’ve released the 50 mosaic-style images created for the 2025 Synod Assembly after many of you asked how they were made. Using Midjourney, an AI tool that turns text into art, we created visuals inspired by handcrafted tilework and the desert tones of our synod. These images are now available for all congregations and ministries to use. View and download the collection in this blog post.
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A new report from ELCA Disability Ministries highlights how congregations across the country are expanding access and welcome to people with disabilities—and where challenges remain. Drawing on in-depth interviews with 10 churches, the report outlines successes, barriers, and recommendations for a more inclusive church. This is a vital read for leaders seeking to reflect God’s radical welcome in real, practical ways. Click here for more.
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In a major ecumenical step, a provisional update to the Revised Common Lectionary (RCL) has been approved to address anti-Jewish interpretations in Christian worship. The changes, which will be tested over a three-year period beginning Advent 2025, reconsider how Passion narratives and Easter readings are proclaimed—emphasizing readings from the Hebrew Scriptures and delaying Acts readings until after Pentecost. The ELCA encourages congregations to engage these updates thoughtfully and offer feedback. To read the full announcement and access resources, click here.
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The ELCA Disability Ministries team has released new worship resources for individuals who are blind, visually impaired, or print-disabled. Free tools such as refreshable Braille eReaders, talking-book players, and access to the Evangelical Lutheran Worship in electronic Braille and large-print formats are now available. Listen to an insightful interview with Braille proofreader Terry Gorman, and explore accessible editions of the Bible and Martin Luther’s Small Catechism. Click here to read the full article and access the full list of resources.
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Applications are now open for the ELCA Disability Ministry Grants, with up to $35,000 in total funding available for 2025. Individual ministries may apply for grants up to $10,000 through July 31. Projects must demonstrate active engagement with people with disabilities and align with one or more core goals of the Disability Ministry. To learn more and access the application, click here.
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In the latest Pivot podcast, Dr. Andy Root shows us how to evangelize through what he calls "a theology of consolation" - being present with people in their sadness and brokenness, because that's where Jesus shows up.
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Join Luther Seminary’s 2025 Aus Memorial Lecture on June 17 with Bishop Will Willimon as he explores what it means to share Jesus meaningfully in today’s world. Offered both in-person and online, this free event equips pastors and leaders to engage culture with authentic Christian witness. Register now to attend live or receive the recording: faithlead.org/2025-aus-evangelism-salon.
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Free ELCA Coaching opportunities are available throughout June, including sessions on healing, Indigenous truth-telling, and systems change. Advance registration is required for some trainings. A new coach training program also begins June 30. Learn more and register at elcacoaching.org.
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Join the Pray Without Ceasing movement—a Spirit-led call to prayer spreading across the ELCA. Weekly Zoom gatherings on Thursdays at 1:00 p.m. Central connect prayer leaders and participants from around the country. Pray for peace, for renewal, and for your neighbors. Learn more and receive the Zoom link to join in: pray-without-ceasing.org
If you have created a group, or would like more information, please contact the Director for Evangelical Mission, Pr. David Pavesic at david.pavesic@elca.org.
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From prayer-writing guides to music planning tools and flexible Bible study resources, Augsburg Fortress continues to offer vital worship materials to support congregational leaders. New this month: a Musician’s Guide to Evangelical Lutheran Worship, Praying for the Whole World: A Handbook for Intercessors, and Together by Grace: Bible Conversations.
Also featured are customizable bulletin and lectionary insert options and registration details for this summer’s music clinics in five U.S. cities. Click here to explore the full list of resources from ELCA Worship and Augsburg Fortress.
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Do you know someone whose leadership makes a difference in their community? The ELCA’s Building Resilient Communities team is seeking nominations for its inaugural Building Resilient Leadership cohort—a yearlong program focused on public leadership, justice-centered projects, and peer mentorship. Nominations are open through June 16, with applications due July 7.
Nominees must be adults (18+) ready to commit to monthly workshops, a community project, and national networking. Participants will receive seed money, hands-on support, and training from ELCA ministries like World Hunger, AMMPARO, and Lutheran Disaster Response. Click here to learn more or nominate a leader today.
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With Pastor Marcos Canales and Nina Lau Branson, discover how being church in a community crisis goes far beyond emergency preparedness in the latest Pivot podcast.
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A seven-week Zoom course—Renewal and Resilience: A Depth Psychology Approach for Clergy—offers active clergy a space to explore burnout, internalized pressure, and hidden congregational dynamics. Led by Rev. Richard Mallory, the program runs Tuesdays from Sept. 9–Oct. 28. Limited to 8 participants.
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In this insightful episode of the Pivot Podcast, we talk with Dwight Zscheile about the concept of "one church multiple models" through what he calls a "mixed ecology" approach.
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Join Lutheran pastors, deacons, musicians, and scholars August 13–15 in Minneapolis for the inaugural Seminar on Lutheran Liturgy. Centered on the theme “Let It Be With Me According To Your Word: From Praying to Knowing to Doing,” the event features top liturgical voices and musicians across the ELCA. Registration is now open at www.seminarliturgy.org.
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Navigating church governance can be complex, but a new resource from Pastor David Brandfass and Pastor Dan Potaznick clarifies the role of bylaws and continuing resolutions in ELCA congregations. This How-To Guide helps church leaders align their governing documents with ELCA best practices while maintaining flexibility for ministry needs. Available now at www.gcsynod.org/congregations, this resource is essential for congregational councils and leadership teams.
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The May 2025 issue of Administration Matters is now live. Find key updates on online Bible studies for the 2025 Churchwide Assembly, mental health resources for leaders, health benefit changes coming in 2026, and practical financial and safety tools for congregations. Don’t miss this valuable resource for leaders across the Grand Canyon Synod. Read the full issue.
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In the latest Pivot podcast, discover biblical improvisation with Dr. Mark Glanville—where jazz meets Old Testament insight to craft sermons that resonate in today’s post-Christian world.
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The 2025 School for Lay Ministry launches May 17! This 12-month program equips lay leaders with theological grounding, spiritual depth, and practical skills—from preaching and pastoral care to worship planning and administration. Download the info sheet and learn how to enroll or seek support from your congregation. Tuition is $600 with scholarships available. Learn more at faithlead.org/school-for-lay.
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