Equipping Worship Leaders: New Resources & Events for February
At the heart of our Lutheran tradition is a commitment to vibrant and meaningful worship. Whether through music, liturgical renewal, or the formation of worship leaders, our partners in ministry offer rich resources for deepening our communal life of faith. This month, ELCA Worship highlights opportunities from Lutheran and ecumenical organizations supporting worship planners, musicians, and leaders across our church. Find full details at ELCA Worship’s blog.
Music That Makes Community
Music That Makes Community (MMC) strengthens our ability to connect through song, offering workshops and retreats that bring people together in communal singing. Upcoming opportunities include:
• Feb. 4-5: One-day Workshop and Community Sing in Waco, Texas
• Feb. 10-12: Three-day Retreat in Albuquerque, N.M.
• Additional events in Kansas City, Detroit, Lexington (KY), Raleigh (NC), and Atlanta are on the horizon—stay tuned!
MMC also continues its Monday Morning Grounding sessions, a space for song, silence, and reflection every Monday at 7 a.m. Pacific / 10 a.m. Eastern through April 7.
Institute of Liturgical Studies: Rites of Passage
The 2025 Institute of Liturgical Studies (April 28-30, Valparaiso, IN) will explore how baptisms, weddings, and funerals can be moments of profound ministry in a changing religious landscape. With declining church attendance but continued reliance on faith communities for key life moments, this conference will examine how we can better serve people during these transitions. Registration is now open!
Lutheran Summer Music Academy & Festival
For young musicians in grades 8-12, Lutheran Summer Music Academy & Festival provides an immersive experience in faith and music. Held at Valparaiso University, this program nurtures musical gifts in a community of faith. The Standard Enrollment deadline is March 1, so now is the perfect time to nominate students. Nominate a young musician today at LSMacademy.org/nominate.
Association of Lutheran Church Musicians (ALCM) Symposium & Conference
• Composers Symposium: “Where Do We Go from Here” – A conversation on composing for worship, hosted by Bob Hobby and Trinity English Lutheran Church. Register before Jan. 14 for the best rate.
• ALCM Conference 2025 (Aug. 4-8, Raleigh-Durham, NC): An opportunity for church musicians of all levels to deepen their understanding and passion for sacred music.
Additional Worship & Music Resources
• The Hymn Society & The Center for Congregational Song offers resources for strengthening congregational singing.
• Journey to Baptismal Living provides guidance for those walking alongside seekers exploring faith.
• Augsburg Fortress Publications has new worship resources, including Life Renewed: Devotions for Lent 2025 and Preparing the Assembly’s Worship.
These resources and events equip our synod’s leaders—both rostered and lay—for faithful service in worship and community life. Find full details at ELCA Worship’s blog.