Assisting congregants up to the communion rail may seem like a small task, but it has brought unexpected blessings and a deeper sense of faith and fellowship. Through these weekly encounters, I’ve come to understand the beauty of shared vulnerability and compassion. Our journey together reveals resilience, humor, and connection that reinforce our faith and bring me closer to my church community. Read more in Living Lutheran.
Read MoreIn the quiet moments of waiting—whether in the school pickup line, at a red light, or as coffee brews—we can turn to prayer, finding peace and connection in these small pauses. This November, let’s embrace gratitude and prayer in our daily routines, teaching ourselves and our families to recognize God’s presence throughout our busy days. Explore daily prayer ideas and ways to serve as a family, making room for God even in our most ordinary moments. Read more in Living Lutheran.
Read MoreIn See Me, Believe Me: A Guide to Deepen Allyship With Congregational Leaders of Color, Pastor Yolanda Denson-Byers calls the ELCA community to step into true allyship. Through powerful stories and practical steps, this new book addresses the unique challenges BIPOC leaders face in predominantly white congregations and invites white allies to engage in courageous, anti-racist action. Denson-Byers’s reflections challenge us to go beyond performative support and commit to the “soul work” of allyship. Discover how See Me, Believe Me can be a transformative resource for congregations in Living Lutheran.
Read MoreWhen we think of the Reformation, we often picture Luther and his 95 Theses. But behind this movement were everyday people—like Argula von Grumbach, a Bavarian noblewoman who boldly defended the Reformation—and lesser-known reformers who shaped our faith tradition in profound ways. This Living Lutheran exploration of “a people’s history” of the Reformation reveals the courage of ordinary believers, the impact on laywomen and laborers, and the rich diversity that remains central to our Lutheran heritage.
Read MoreWhen Maria K. Miller’s shoes began falling apart one Sunday morning at church, she faced the embarrassment of leaving a trail of black rubber behind her.
But a fellow volunteer’s selfless offer of her own shoes turned a small moment into a profound experience of community and grace. This act of kindness reminded Maria—and all of us—of the strength we find in each other through faith, and how even the smallest gestures can reveal God’s love and compassion. Read the story of soles and souls in Living Lutheran.
Read MoreThe 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering in New Orleans inspired young Lutherans like Hayden Gruenberg to consider careers dedicated to service. Through partnerships with organizations like Let’s Be BIGGER and Roots of Music, attendees formed lasting connections that transcend geography, enriching their faith and deepening their commitment to social justice.
These stories show how the Gathering continues to shape lives, building community and fostering a sense of shared purpose across the ELCA. Read the full story in Living Lutheran.
Read MoreNate Engle’s journey with faith is woven into his family life, work, and commitment to service at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Lansing, Michigan. As he lives out Lutheran values through both his career and personal life, Nate embodies the transformative power of grace, finding God’s presence in small moments and tough decisions alike. Reflecting Martin Luther’s teachings, he shares that “God’s got this,” a simple yet powerful reminder of faith’s assurance in every step. Read more in Living Lutheran.
Read MoreStarr Edwards’ path from addiction and incarceration to healing and hope has been supported by Friends of Guest House (FoGH) and Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. As Edwards prepares to graduate from the reentry program on October 26, this partnership celebrates the ELCA’s commitment to restorative justice. Congregants at Good Shepherd provide ongoing support, embodying the Lutheran call to serve. Read the full story in Living Lutheran.
Read MoreThe ELCA Ministry with Children Grants program is helping congregations revitalize their children’s ministries and outreach efforts. Grants awarded in 2023 have transformed spaces and expanded programs, from repurposing a school in Wisconsin to supporting foster youth in Colorado. Learn how these congregations are using their grants to reach children with God’s love at Living Lutheran.
Read MoreThe important contributions of African American leaders to the story of Lutheranism in the United States has a regrettably under-documented history. James R. Thomas’ new book A Rumor of Black Lutherans: The Formation of Black Leadership in Early American Lutheranism (Fortress Press) aims to change that.
By tracing the stories of 10 leaders of African descent whose ministry and service shaped the Lutheran church, Thomas allows Lutherans and general students of U.S. religious history to have, in his words, “a more expansive understanding of Lutheran history.” Unfortunately, many of the painful experiences of the leaders Thomas profiles will feel familiar to African American Lutherans who continue to lead our predominantly white church at all levels today. Read the full story in Living Lutheran.
Read MoreHope for a warming world begins with us. In Tanzania, Beth Elness-Hanson’s work shows how the church can lead in creation care through a gospel-centered approach. By combining biblical teachings, traditional knowledge, and climate science, congregations can make small changes that, together, will transform our communities and care for God’s creation. Discover how faith in action can inspire hope in the face of climate change. Read more in Living Lutheran.
Read MoreGirl Scouts Gold Award recipient Eleanor Jerbi is breaking barriers in disability justice and inclusion within the church. Through her project, she developed tools and trainings to make youth groups and congregations more accessible for neurodivergent individuals. Discover how this Seattle Maritime Academy student is using her Lutheran faith to create inclusive spaces, both on land and at sea in this article in Living Lutheran.
Read MoreDiscover how Lutheran summer camps like Rainbow Trail foster leadership and lasting faith in campers, connecting them to family and congregational life. Research from the Rhythms of Faith Project shows that camps play a vital role in influencing spiritual practices at home, offering innovative strategies to help parents and churches continue faith development long after the camp week ends. Explore the impactful partnerships between camps, families, and congregations in shaping the next generation’s faith. Read more at Living Lutheran.
Read MoreLiving Lutheran features a video interview with Amy Beitelschees-Albers, pastor of come2goministries in Fort Wayne, Ind., discussing her food truck ministry with So Much More Ministries. Each week, Beitelschees-Albers and her team of volunteers make and distribute free meals for members of the Fort Wayne community, building relationships and offering hospitality and prayer.
Read MoreELCA bishops in Pennsylvania are leading a movement for peace in the face of growing political tension, sparked by a violent incident at a rally. Working with Lutheran Advocacy Ministry in Pennsylvania (LAMPa), they issued a joint statement calling for dialogue and dignity. The statement has garnered over 380 signatures from faith leaders and remains open for more to join. Read the original article at Living Lutheran.
Read MoreAs some congregations face the difficult decision to close, new opportunities for community and ministry emerge. This article in Living Lutheran explores the emotional and practical aspects of church closures and highlights how congregations can offer support to new members during these transitions. By honoring the past and welcoming the future, both closing and receiving congregations can continue to share God’s love with the world.
Read MoreFor José David Rodríguez, what began as a doctoral dissertation is now the first academic history of the Lutheran church by a Puerto Rican.
Rodríguez’s new book, Caribbean Lutherans: The History of the Church in Puerto Rico (Fortress Press, 2024), first took shape through a Ph.D. program in the Department of History at the University of the West Indies in Mona, Jamaica. An ELCA pastor and professor, Rodríguez had long hoped to put together a history of how the Lutheran mission in Puerto Rico began and evolved. But when he visited the Archivo General de Puerto Rico (General Archive of Puerto Rico) to begin his research, he found no information. Read the full story in Living Lutheran.
Read MoreTimothy Graham didn’t plan on becoming a bishop. “I knew my name would be lifted up, but I didn’t have any expectations,” said Graham, who serves as a pastor of Messiah Lutheran Church in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Read the original article at Living Lutheran.
Although he knew he was under consideration for bishop of the Indiana-Kentucky Synod, Graham didn’t fill out his biographical information for this year’s assembly ahead of time. “Well, if the Holy Spirit wants it to happen, [it will],” he thought. “I could not have planned it.”
Read MoreWhat does a team do when they cannot meet in person because the work spans the globe? If you are part of the Service and Justice home area of the ELCA, you hold a weeklong gathering to talk about the evolving landscape of the church, the mission abroad, and themes of love, gratitude and adaptive change. The event featured discussions on the church’s future in the landscape of an ever-increasing secularization in the United States, the continued importance of global work, and the need to embrace new forms of ministry to serve God’s call. Read the original article at Living Lutheran.
Read MoreMeet Bishop-elect Nathan Pipho, who has clear priorities for the New England Synod: proclaiming Jesus, building community, and pursuing racial justice. With over 20 years of ministry experience and a master’s from Harvard, Pipho is prepared to lead. His term begins August 1, with installation on September 7. Discover his vision and commitment to embodying God’s healing and love in the world in this Living Lutheran article.
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