Mindy Makant shares a poignant narrative in Living Lutheran about her son's traumatic car accident and the transformative power of remembering through a theology of the cross. She illustrates how a simple act of kindness—a firefighter giving her son a teddy bear—helped shift his memory of the event from trauma to gratitude, embodying the Lutheran belief that Christ is present in suffering, offering hope and transformation.
Read MoreIn their May/June 2024 Global Links update, ELCA Global Mission highlights its enduring commitment to addressing global hunger and poverty through initiatives like AMMPARO, which supports migrants and refugees worldwide. The program, alongside other ELCA efforts such as advocacy for a ceasefire in Gaza and the deployment of missionaries globally, reflects the church's proactive engagement in fostering justice and peace across nations.
Read MoreExplore the impact of bias and ableism in our communities with Janelle Scales during an ELCA Coaching Zoom session on May 8, 11 am. This discussion will delve into the role of intersectionality and systemic power in shaping access and accommodations, central to our collective liberation and care.
Read MoreIn her assembly letter (English, Spanish), Bishop Eaton a emphasizes the transformative power of God’s love and grace, resonating deeply with our assembly theme, "Embody the Word." Bishop Eaton reflects on how inviting others into our faith communities and engaging them in service and worship allows them to experience God's profound love. This call to share and embody God's grace in daily actions highlights our collective mission to foster healing, peace, and justice within our communities.
Read MoreELCA World Hunger's Domestic Hunger Grants are opening for applications starting May 1, 2024. This year, the application process remains the same as last year, with extended timeframes for applicants and reviewers based on feedback. An informational webinar was held on May 2, 2024, to assist potential applicants, video recording available. Additionally, Daily Bread Matching Grants will prioritize ministries in certain states to supplement food-based ministries. For more information or to apply, visit ELCA World Hunger's Domestic Hunger Grants.
Read MoreThe ELCA is encouraging congregations and individuals to learn more about the issue of Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women (MMIW). Visit ELCA.org/MMIW for a full list of resources to educate yourself and your community and plan a recognition of May 5, MMIW day. We also share info from ELCA Racial Justice’s latest blog post.
Read MoreJoin the Generation Zero-Hunger movement with ELCA World Hunger and make a difference at the 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering. As part of a 50-year legacy, engage in a national fundraising challenge that aims to create sustainable change and end hunger. Be part of a generation committed to action and hope. Learn more at ELCA.org/GenZeroHunger.
Read MoreThe Rev. Timothy R. Oslovich, Vernon, Conn., was elected April 27 to serve a six-year term as bishop of the Alaska Synod. The bishop-elect has served as pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Vernon since 2003. From 1997 to 2003, he was pastor of Shishmaref Lutheran Church in Shishmaref, Alaska, and from 2009 until this year he was an adjunct professor at Bay Path University, Longmeadow, Mass.
Read MoreThe Rev. Meghan Johnston Aelabouni, Jerusalem, was elected April 27 to serve a six-year term as bishop of the Rocky Mountain Synod. The bishop-elect has served as pastor of Lutheran Church of the Redeemer in Jerusalem and as theologian in residence with the ELCA Middle East and North Africa Desk since 2021.
Read MoreIn this week's Faith Lens, Kris Litman-Koon discusses the importance of teaching independence and conflict resolution to children, drawing parallels with spiritual growth in the Christian faith. The reflection emphasizes how, like children learning to resolve their disputes, Christians are called to love and support each other based on the teachings of Jesus. The passage from John 15:9-17 serves as a reminder that love and community are central to our faith, urging us to bear fruit by abiding in Christ's love and extending it to others within and beyond the church.
Read MoreFor justice and peace among nations where war and violence rage, especially Palestine and Israel, Iran, Myanmar, Iraq, Haiti, Russia and Ukraine, and South Sudan…
For a ceasefire in Gaza, for hostages to be freed, and for strength and persistence among all who are engaging in diplomacy…
For compassion, safety, and productive discourse amidst campus protests…
For rescue and relief efforts amidst flooding in Kenya…
For casualties of a highway collapse in southern China and for continued recovery efforts…
For evacuees and all who are continue to be affected by the eruption of Mount Ruang in Indonesia…
For synods of the ELCA as they gather in their assemblies, that the Spirit would enliven and guide them…
For the community of Charlotte, North Carolina after the killing of 3 law enforcement officers and the shooting of 5 others…
For fair labor practices and economic justice for all workers…
For an end to interreligious hatred and strife, and for deepened interfaith friendships…
For scientists, activists, and policymakers as they study, build momentum, and craft regulation to slow climate change…
For farmers as they respond to bird flu, and for all sick animals…
April's updates from the Lutheran Office for World Community and various state public policy offices reveal significant advocacy efforts on critical issues like gender justice at the UN, environmental sustainability, and public health across the United States. Key activities included legislative engagements, advocacy training, and impactful community discussions aiming to influence policy at both state and national levels.
Read MoreApril's updates from the Lutheran Office for World Community and various state public policy offices reveal significant advocacy efforts on critical issues like gender justice at the UN, environmental sustainability, and public health across the United States. Key activities included legislative engagements, advocacy training, and impactful community discussions aiming to influence policy at both state and national levels.
Read MoreYou are invited to Servant Leader: Present, Equipped, Here—this year’s churchwide-sponsored leadership online event—Saturday, May 4 from 11am – 3:30pm PST/MDT. It’s open to all, whether involved in Women of the ELCA or not.
Including worship, Bible study, speakers and breakout sessions, this year’s leadership event will reintroduce the servant leader concept and its connection to relationships and community while acknowledging the many challenges facing organizations like ours in our current context.
Read MoreAs part of our Creating Space for Conversations series, we share this video from the ELCA’s "Study Curriculum on Civic Life and Faith." Watch the video as a standalone resource, or explore the full set of the curriculum, including leader’s guides.
Read MoreWe share the latest updates from the teams at the ELCA Youth Gathering. First up is a newsletter full of details now that registration is closed, and they also share a what to expect webinar video.
Read MoreWe pray for the Rocky Mountain Synod and the Alaska Synod of the ELCA, as they meet in assembly and elect their new bishops. We give thanks for the good and faithful work of Bishop Jim Gonia and Bishop Shelley Wickstrom.
Read MoreJoin ELCA World Hunger’s Generation Zero-Hunger initiative and contribute to ending global hunger. This youth-led fundraising challenge, which will see contributions matched dollar for dollar up to $250,000, invites congregations and individuals to support vital hunger relief efforts. Participants can bring their offerings to the upcoming ELCA Youth Gathering in New Orleans or engage through various fundraising activities, amplifying their impact on this global crisis. Read more on the Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona blog.
Read MoreFor justice and peace among nations where war and violence rage, especially Palestine and Israel, Iran, Myanmar, Iraq, Haiti, Russia and Ukraine, and South Sudan…
For safety, understanding, and productive resolution to student war protests at Columbia, Yale, and other institutions…
For evacuees and all who are affected by the eruption of Mount Ruang in Indonesia…
For a fair judicial system in our nation, and for all people serving in the court system…
For people to be provided for, for animals and plants to endure, and for rain to come amidst the drought in southern Africa…
For all who grieve and work for recovery after flooding in UAE and Oman…
For those who seek justice in the workplace…
For all who take risks and incur costs when taking a stand for the sake of their conscience…
In this week's Faith Lens, we explore how, like toddlers trying to read before they fully understand, we often emulate spiritual practices without full comprehension. The article reflects on Acts 8:26-40, emphasizing that God appreciates our earnest attempts to live faithfully, even when we falter. Through discussion questions and activities, we are encouraged to embrace our spiritual journey with humility and trust, much like a child learning to navigate the world, and to draw nearer to Jesus to bear fruit in our lives.
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