“Is This Not the Fast I Chose?” (Isaiah 58:6) inspires the 2025 Lenten Series from Sumud and Bethlehem Bible College. Centered on the theme, “Our Christian Call to Disrupt Injustice,” this series invites reflection and action rooted in our faith. Lenten resources will be available in March at Sumud’s webpage: elca.org/sumud.
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Proposed Medicaid cuts in Congress could significantly impact low-income families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities—many of whom are served by Lutheran ministries. As people of faith, we are called to protect healthcare access for the most vulnerable. The ELCA is mobilizing action through advocacy alerts, a webinar on March 6, and direct outreach to legislators. Now is the time to act—contact your representatives, sign coalition letters, and learn how your congregation can engage. Click here to read more and take action.
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ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton calls on Lutherans to take action following an executive order rolling back immigration protections in places of worship, schools, and hospitals. In a video message, she urges congregations to raise their voices and stand with the most vulnerable. While the ELCA cannot be a plaintiff in lawsuits challenging this policy, affected congregations may have legal standing. Watch the full message here and learn how we can respond as church together.
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We often struggle with the idea of self-love, yet Scripture reminds us of a deeper truth: we are already God’s beloved. Bishop Kristen Kuempel reflects on the mystery of this love—one that doesn’t rely on our perfection but instead finds joy in who we truly are. In baptism, we are claimed as God’s children, and no flaw, failure, or self-doubt can change that. Read more in her powerful reflection on the Women of the ELCA’s Café blog. Click here to read.
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Jesus calls us to love—our friends, our neighbors, and even our enemies. But what does that look like in practice? In Faith Reflections: The Labor of Love, Rev. Meghan Johnston Aelabouni explores love as a verb, a call to action rather than mere emotion. Reflecting on the parable of the Good Samaritan, she reminds us that loving others doesn’t always mean feeling affection—it means working for their well-being, even through prayer. Click here to read the full reflection on Boldcafe.
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The U.S. refugee resettlement program is at a standstill, leaving thousands stranded and vital services in limbo. As Lutherans, we are called to act. The ELCA, in partnership with the Interfaith Immigration Coalition, has drafted a faith-based letter urging the administration to reinstate refugee resettlement. Faith leaders and organizations can sign on today to stand in solidarity with those seeking safety. Read the letter and add your name today.
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Proposed Medicaid cuts in Congress threaten millions of low-income children, seniors, and people with disabilities—including many served by Lutheran ministries. As Lutherans, our faith calls us to protect the vulnerable and advocate for just policies. Learn about the proposed changes, why they matter, and how you can take action through advocacy alerts, upcoming webinars, and direct engagement with lawmakers. Read more and find ways to get involved at ELCA.org.
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In a time of division, how do we live out our faith together? Drawing from Paul’s letter to the Corinthians, this ELCA Hunger Advocacy Fellows devotional reminds us that our differences—political, ideological, or personal—are not barriers but strengths. Through advocacy and listening, we can build a society that reflects God’s love for all.
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Is your congregation prepared for a crisis? A Seattle church recently experienced a disruption during worship, underscoring the importance of having a crisis communications plan in place before it’s needed. The ELCA Strategic Communications team has released best practices and planning guides to help congregations prepare for emergencies, ensure clear communication, and work with local partners. Read more and download the full crisis planning resources to protect your congregation.
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Join ELCA Coaching’s third-Wednesday gatherings through 2025 to cultivate connection, courage, and care in faith. Facilitated by Jen Kunka and Rev. Carlton Rodgers, these unrecorded sessions provide a sacred space for healing and reflection. Whether you see yourself as a leader or simply seek community, all are welcome. Lean into the risk of belonging—nobody journeys alone. For more details and additional weekly sessions, visit ELCA Coaching.
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Our February 2025 Mission Support Memo takes us to a place in the ELCA where you can build community, deepen faith, expand minds, and inspire service with over 11,000 young adults. Learn about our amazing 176 local campus ministry agencies and cooperating congregations, where the lives of college students and campus communities are transformed through God's abundant grace.
Our memo also encourages congregations to begin planning for a Narrative Spending plan in 2025. All the tips and tricks are found in this video you can use anytime, anywhere, with anyone. As well we ask for your feedback about the memo through a short survey seeking to improve this work we do together.
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Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest (LSS-SW) is facing a severe funding crisis following President Trump’s executive order halting refugee resettlement aid. The abrupt loss of federal funds has forced LSS-SW to lay off staff and scale back critical services for newly arrived refugees in Arizona. Despite the challenges, LSS-SW remains committed to supporting displaced families through private donations and community support. Read more about the impact and how you can help at lamaz.org.
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Pastor Kristin Engstrom has completed her first year serving as an ELCA Global Missionary in Madagascar, working alongside the Malagasy Lutheran Church, one of the fastest-growing Lutheran churches in the world. Read about her ministry, the challenges facing Madagascar’s faith communities, and how the ELCA continues to support vital programs, including healthcare and education. Check out her February 2025 Newsletter for stories and photos.
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Jesus didn’t lead from above—he stood among the people, teaching on a level place and challenging societal norms about blessings and woes (Luke 6:17-26). His model of leadership, reflected in the Civil Rights Movement, calls us to walk alongside the marginalized, not from positions of privilege. As we reflect on Black History Month, how can we follow Christ’s example and prepare for God’s reign where all share in His blessings?
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For areas of the world impacted by ongoing war, conflict, or political instability, especially Ukraine, Gaza, and Bangladesh…
For Israeli and Palestinian hostages…
For all organizations whose mission and work centers on migrants, elders, those living in poverty, those seeking behavioral health services, foster care and adoption services, employment assistance, hunger relief, and other ministries of societal care…
For our nation, all who govern, and all leaders tasked with attending to the common good…
For healthcare workers and health research…
For those affected by flu, COVID, RSV, norovirus, and other heightened illnesses…
For global neighbors, especially Canada and Mexico…
For ongoing earthquakes on the Greek island of Santorini…
For victims of the Guatemalan bus crash and their families…
Faith and advocacy go hand in hand. As Rev. Kelly Bayer Derrick of the ELCA Virginia Synod reminds us in this ELCA blog post, engaging in civic life is a way to live out our faith and seek abundant life for all. Across the country, ELCA-affiliated public policy offices are hosting advocacy days to help Lutherans and faith-based advocates voice their concerns on issues like housing, hunger, migration, and environmental justice. Want to get involved? Find an upcoming event near you or contact your local synod office to learn how you can participate in shaping just policies in your community.
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When life’s challenges feel like an uphill climb, how do we press on in faith? Drawing inspiration from children joyfully tackling a snowy obstacle, Living Lutheran reminds us that perseverance, prayer, and community help us move forward even when life feels stuck. This reflection from Philippians 3:14 encourages us to trust God’s presence, embrace the work of faith, and find joy in both the struggles and the triumphs. Read more at Living Lutheran.
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John Christensen, a young-adult and disability advocate, is shaping the future of Lutheran leadership through global advocacy and intergenerational dialogue. After serving in Young Adults in Global Mission (YAGM), he joined the ELCA’s Young Adult Vocational Fellowship and now works with the World Council of Churches on disability and mental health advocacy. His journey highlights how young leaders can stay engaged in ministry and address crucial issues within the church. Read more about his inspiring work at Living Lutheran.
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February brings a wealth of opportunities for worship leaders, musicians, and faith communities. From Music That Makes Community’s singing workshops to the Institute of Liturgical Studies’ conference on rites of passage, these events offer learning and inspiration. The Lutheran Summer Music Academy seeks young musicians, while the Association of Lutheran Church Musicians provides training and networking for church musicians. Looking ahead to Lent, Augsburg Fortress has released Life Renewed: Devotions for Lent 2025. Discover more about these events and resources in this month’s ELCA Worship update: Read more here.
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We live in challenging times—division, climate crisis, conflict—but what if, like Esther, we were born for this moment? In her latest reflection, Elise Seyfried reminds us that meeting the moment with courage is not a solitary act. Just as God strengthened Esther, David, and Moses, we too are equipped to bring hope and change. Read more on how faith empowers us to stand firm in times of uncertainty. Read more in Living Lutheran.
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