As the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), we assure our Muslim neighbors of our love and respect and reaffirm our commitment to working together in our shared communities for the common good.
As people who know that we live by the grace and in the sight of the one, almighty, and merciful God, we have confidence that our engagement will result in mutual learning, growth, and enrichment. Read the full declaration here.
Read MoreAs you plan for new activities and events this summer for youth, we invite you to join us in ELCA World Hunger’s Global Farm Challenge, a youth-focused, whole-church campaign to accompany our neighbors who are facing threats of hunger and poverty around the world.
Visit ELCA.org/globalfarmchallenge for more information, to order resources when they become available, and to begin planning your youth group’s participation and fundraising.
Read MoreThe Church Council of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) met March 31–April 2. The council, which serves as the ELCA's board of directors, took action on a variety of matters before this church. Among them were preparations for the 2022 ELCA Churchwide Assembly, to be held Aug. 8-12 in Columbus, Ohio.
Read MoreIn this episode of Portico’s Being Here podcast, Pastor Melissa Pohlman and Bishop Kevin Strickland reflect on what's meaningful about our time-honored traditions and how to reconcile our new practices with what we've left behind. They'll discuss ways to approach modern challenges with creativity and innovate in our work. Listen here.
Read MoreThe Texas-Louisiana Gulf Coast Synod, with support from Lutheran Disaster Response, is addressing immediate needs for those impacted by the storms. In Arabi, Gethsemane Lutheran Church-Chalmette is coordinating with other organizations to distribute food supplies and expects the need for its own food pantry to grow.
Read MoreWriter Tracy Williams is seeking a unique food pantry ministry, health and wellness ministry, or disability ministry to profile for Living Lutheran.
With a degree in nutrition and dietetics, Williams is an advocate for diversity and inclusion, especially for those living with disabilities. Tracy is also available for consultation in disability advocacy or nutrition education. Connect with Tracy at tracysplate.com.
Read MoreSince the start of the Evangelical Lutheran Church (ELCA) in 1988, New Orleans has hosted the ELCA Youth Gathering and pre-events three different times. The city has a unique blend of history, culture and beautiful venues that are within walking distance of one another— making it a prime location for the 2024 Gathering.
Read MoreMark your calendar for Sunday, Sept. 11, when congregations of the ELCA will join together for “God’s work. Our hands.” Sunday, our annual day of service. Be sure to save the date and visit ELCA.org/DayofService for updates to resources.
Read MoreThere are so many ways to be engaged in Spirit and Action for Earth Day! Lutherans Restoring Creation provides ideas and resources to celebrate as an individual, youth group, Bible study or whole congregation.
Read MoreNews headlines have been particularly dire this spring, and the investment markets have responded with nerve-rattling volatility. A newly-updated page on myPortico gives context for the short- and long-term effects. And a new blog post by Portico Chief Investment Officer David Quello addresses how Portico is responding to Russian aggression in Ukraine.
Read MoreFor the victims of violence in Bucha, Ukraine, and for all witnesses of the atrocities of war…
For the victims and survivors of the mass shooting in Sacramento, CA…
For our Muslim neighbors observing the holy month of Ramadan and for our Jewish neighbors preparing for Passover…
For all areas suffering damage, injury, or loss of life in spring storms…
With thanksgiving for the gifts of people with autism and for all who offer care and support to them…
The Courageous Leadership Series with ELCA Coaching is weekly on Wednesdays, 11am MST/PDT, noon MDT. Click here for log-in information.
On Wednesday, April 13, we welcome Deacon Tammy Devine. Join us for a rare opportunity -- permission -- to pause, listen to self, one another, and God. You will be invited to consider what might be getting in the way of Being Present to the PRESENCE.
Read MoreThe Installation service for Pastor John Maroni will be on Saturday, 5/14/2022 at 10am MST at Shepherd of the Desert in Sun City. Clergy are invited to vest, and the color of the day is white. Rev. Pat Reed will be preaching.
Read MoreThis week we celebrate the ordination anniversary of Rev. Lowell Nelson, who was ordained ten years ago on April 10.
Read MoreAlong with updates from the team, in this update we share photos from Bishop Hutterer’s visit to preach at Emmanuel Sudanese in Glendale, where she recognized Solomon Kuch as the congregation leader.
Read MoreAn online worship service for Earth Day (4/24/2022) is being finalized by Lutherans Restoring Creation and they are excited to share it with all. If you want to integrate it into your worship service be sure to register now as private/preview links will be sent soon. Click here to register.
They are honored to have the Rev. Dr. Carmelo Santos sharing the message of the day according to the Readings for April 24th. The service — in English, Spanish, and ASL — will be available to all via YouTube and Facebook starting Friday April 22, 2022.
Read MorePhLY (Phoenix Lutheran Youth High School Ministry) invites all Grand Canyon Synod High School Youth (current 8th - 12th graders) to join us July 16-22, 2022, as we participate in Group Week of Hope mission trip to San Diego, CA.
Group has a week of intentional mission work in local communities planned as time at the beaches. For more info on the trip or joining the PhLY community, email phlyministry@gmail.com.
Read MoreA new cohort of Stewardship for All Seasons begins May 21, 2022. This year’s program is subsidized significantly by the last year of our Lilly 3E grant and other donors. For more info, view our web page or PDF.
We highly recommend that congregations that participated in Beginning a Culture of Generosity consider signing up for this last cohort of SAS. Scholarships are also be available for second year SAS congregations. If you have questions or want to sign up, please contact Pr. Miguel Gomez-Acosta.
Read MoreAs I approach the end of my Lenten journey, I see the Grand Canyon Synod has many places of holy ground. I have experienced holy ground when in conversation with candidates hoping to enter seminary and with candidates near graduation, waiting to interview with a congregation.
I am on holy ground when I visit our various congregations to preach, preside, meet church leaders, and participate in conversations in special congregation meetings.
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