Information for all congregations, SAWCs, and new starts about annual congregation report

Each year the ELCA asks congregations to provide information about their people and activities. Though each congregation is much more than these numbers, the information contributes to a greater knowledge of overall trends in the ELCA.

Your congregation may wish to begin compiling information for the annual congregation report before you receive the packet through the mail. You can access electronic versions of the forms and instructions here.

Read More
ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardComment
Faith Lens: With honor and gentleness

Just before midnight on November 19, 2022, a gunman entered Club Q, an LGBTQ nightclub in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and opened fire. Five people died and at least 18 were injured. .

As a queer person who began coming out  just before the 2016 mass shooting at Pulse, an LGBTQ nightclub in Florida, I am inspired by the bravery of the people at Club Q who confronted the gunman and almost certainly saved lives in the process.

Read More
ELCA Receives Lilly Grant to Support Compelling Preaching Initiative

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) has received a $1 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. to help establish the ELCA Compelling Preaching: Transformed Listeners Initiative.

The goal of the initiative is to cultivate persuasive preaching by inviting ELCA ministry leaders to review research findings about current preaching settings; propose innovative ways to apply those learnings in their individual ministry contexts; participate in funded cohort learning initiatives; and produce successful preaching foundations for all lay leaders and rostered ministers seeking to transform lives through the gospel.

Read More
The Christmas Story, read by Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton

Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton reads the Christmas story from Luke 2:1-20. Merry Christmas and a blessed Advent! This is a season of preparation. As we prepare for family gatherings, homecooked meals, and Christ’s birth, let us take a moment to relax, breathe, and receive the Christmas story. Merry Christmas, dear church!

Read More
Ordination of Pastor Dan Weichart at Emmanuel Lutheran in Granbury, Texas

Pastor Dan Weichart will be ordained at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Granbury, Texas, on Saturday, 12/10/2022 at 1pm MST, 2pm PST. He served his internship with the Grand Canyon Synod. View this post for Zoom log-in to join remotely. You can read Pastor Dan’s story here: Former software developer follows calling to Acton church.

Read More