In a time marked by fear, violence, and division, Women of the ELCA calls the church to peace rooted in prayer, lament, and faithful engagement. Reflecting on recent deaths, detentions, and rising fear in communities, this message invites Lutherans to resist dehumanization and choose a deeper trust in God—through two upcoming online conversations focused on truth, prayer, and faithful response.
Read MoreIn the January 2026 Deeper Understandings column from Living Lutheran, theologian Krista E. Hughes explores what it means for Lutherans to bear faithful witness in a time of deep social fracture, political polarization, and widespread misinformation. Drawing on Martin Luther’s theology of the cross and contemporary voices like Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Hughes calls the church to resist false and “single” stories that diminish our neighbors and instead to name sin and injustice honestly while recognizing the full humanity of every person.
Bearing true witness, Hughes writes, begins with seeing clearly, continues with speaking truthfully—even when uncomfortable—and culminates in embodied, courageous action rooted in God’s grace. As we move into 2026, this reflection offers a timely Lutheran framework for faithful living and public discipleship: get curious, speak truthfully, and act boldly. Read the full column on Living Lutheran →
Read MoreWomen of the ELCA invites Lutherans into a timely Zoom conversation on truth, misinformation, and faithful discernment. Drawing on Scripture, Luther, and Augustine, this January 29 session explores how Christians can navigate skepticism, conspiracy theories, and disagreement with wisdom, clarity, and love.
Read MorePresiding Bishop Yehiel Curry and Minnesota ELCA synod bishops have released a joint pastoral video condemning aggressive immigration activity and addressing the fear and uncertainty experienced by many communities. Grounded in Christ’s promises, the bishops call the church to faithful lament, moral clarity, and continued witness rooted in human dignity.
Watch and share the video message as an act of prayerful solidarity and hope.
Read MoreOn Saturday, April 25, 2026, faith communities nationwide will gather for the National Faith + Climate Forum, a free, live-streamed event focused on climate justice and care for creation. Participants can join from home or host local watch parties, with host sites eligible for up to $500 in support funding.
Featuring national leaders like Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson, this year’s theme—The Future We Choose: Faith in Action for a Thriving Tomorrow—calls people of faith to lead with hope, courage, and action. No prior climate experience is needed. Register free today at nationalfaithandclimateforum.org.
Read MoreAll Saints Lutheran Church in Phoenix will host a regional Stephen Ministries 50th Anniversary Celebration and Learning Event on Saturday, February 21, from 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. Part of a nationwide tour, the event features teaching on grief, empathy, caregiving, congregational care, and responding to the mental health crisis, with speakers including founder Dr. Kenneth C. Haugk.
Open to the public and cross-denominational, the event costs $15 per person (optional lunch $12). Registration is required and space is limited. Learn more and register at stephenministries.org/celebratePHX.
Read MoreWomen of the ELCA is expanding its intergenerational work through the Campus Ambassador Program, connecting with women on 10 college campuses this year. Grounded in inclusivity, anti-racism, and shared leadership, the initiative intentionally invites girls and women under 40 into new forms of participation while honoring the wisdom and gifts of long-time leaders. Learn more about intergenerational programs and how to get involved.
Read MoreIn seasons of weariness or restlessness, passion can feel distant—or suddenly awaken us. Using the story of Queen Esther, Pastor Lee Ann Pomrenke reflects on how identity, timing, relationships, and self-interest converge to call God’s people into courageous action. This reflection invites readers to consider where the Holy Spirit may be stirring them to act for such a time as this. Read the full reflection, prayer, and discussion questions at Boldcafe.
Read MoreWhat happens when passion doesn’t emerge gently—but arrives suddenly, insistently, or even painfully? In this deeply personal reflection, the Rev. Angela T. !Khabeb explores vocation as something that often chooses us, shaped by life’s joys, griefs, and unexpected turns. Drawing on Scripture, ministry experience, and profound personal loss, she invites readers to reflect on how the Holy Spirit continues to ignite calling across seasons of life. Read the full reflection and discussion questions at Boldcafe.
Read MoreThe February 2026 Blessed Tomorrow Newsletter offers timely encouragement and concrete opportunities for faith-based climate leadership amid ongoing global and local challenges. Highlights include registration for the 2026 National Faith + Climate Forum (April 25), the American Climate Leadership Awards (April 16), new local action tools from ecoAmerica, and inspiring stories from Climate Ambassadors making a difference on the ground.
Designed to equip congregations and leaders, the newsletter centers on visible faith, local action, and hope for a thriving future. Read the full newsletter for events, resources, and practical ways to lead on climate where you are.
Read MoreArtificial intelligence is reshaping daily life—and raising urgent ethical and theological questions. On Wednesday, February 25, 2026 (8:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m. PST), Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary will host a Disputatio on Artificial Intelligence, online and in Berkeley, inviting leaders into faithful, rigorous inquiry grounded in Lutheran tradition.
The day includes worship, lunch, expert-led conversations, and the Elizabeth and Harvey Mohrenweiser Lecture on ethical decision-making at the intersection of faith, science, and medicine. Learn more and register at admissions.callutheran.edu/register/AIDisputatio.
Read MoreWomen of the ELCA invites Lutherans into a timely Zoom conversation on truth, misinformation, and faithful discernment. Drawing on Scripture, Luther, and Augustine, this January 29 session explores how Christians can navigate skepticism, conspiracy theories, and disagreement with wisdom, clarity, and love.
Read MoreImmigrant and refugee communities are increasingly facing fear as immigration enforcement enters churches and other sacred spaces. The Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty is calling on Congress to hold ICE accountable and pass the Protecting Sensitive Locations Act to safeguard places of worship, schools, and healthcare facilities.
People of faith are urged to contact their members of Congress and take action now.
Read MoreLent is soon upon us (Ash Wednesday February 18). Once again, we are invited into a holy season of prayer, repentance, and renewed love of neighbor. If you’ve participated in the Region 2 Lenten Challenge before, you already know how powerfully God can work through simple, daily steps: a Scripture-based reflection, a faithful action, a moment of courage, a practice of compassion. This year’s challenge is ready for you at lentenchallenge.org—and your place in it matters.
Read MoreThis week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Janice Von Rappard, who celebrates 21 years on January 30.
Rev. Jose Valenzuela, Community of Grace, Peoria, who celebrates 17 years on January 31.
Rev. Katie Langston, New Promise, St. George, who celebrates 4 years on February 4.
Rev. Shari Bernau, Living Water, Scottsdale, who celebrates 21 years on February 5.
Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Sun City West, Arizona, is offering free hymnals and service books for local pickup. Available resources include 72 Gather hymnals, 24 Worship & Praise hymnals, and four well-used Service Book and Hymnal volumes. Congregations or ministries in need of worship materials are encouraged to take advantage of this shared resource.
Read MoreELCA Coaching is offering a full month of free January opportunities for ministry leaders, including gatherings, workshops, formation offerings, and racial justice and wellness training opportunities—most requiring advance registration. Additional subsidized leadership trainings begin in April. These resources support leaders across the ELCA, helping strengthen ministry, deepen resilience, and remind us that nobody journeys alone. Learn more at elcacoaching.org/events.
Read MoreRev. Tim Brown, Director for Congregational Stewardship Support in the Office of the Presiding Bishop, will serve as the churchwide representative for the 2026 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly, June 11–13, 2026, at Love of Christ Lutheran Church in Mesa, Arizona.
Gathering under the theme “Rooted in God’s Story,” and inspired by Psalm 78, the assembly will invite the synod to reflect on God’s enduring work among us. Additional assembly details and registration information will be shared in the weeks ahead.
Read MoreSecurity planning is not about fear—it is a ministry of care. In 2026, the Grand Canyon Synod is launching a year-long series on congregational security, grounded in theology, stewardship, and practical wisdom.
This opening reflection frames security as an expression of faithful welcome and invites congregations to explore the synod’s new Congregational Security & Preparedness Resources page as we move through the year together.
Read MorePastor Kristin Engstrom, ELCA global missionary, shares an update on her expanding call as ELCA Regional Representative for Madagascar and English-speaking West Africa. Her January 2026 newsletter highlights recent travels, companion church ministries, and how Lutheran mission is rooted in relationship and accompaniment.
Read the full newsletter, view additional photos and stories, and watch Pastor Kristin’s new ELCA video reflecting on global mission—all pointing to God’s faithfulness in changing times and our shared call to walk together in Christ.
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