In her Easter message, Bishop Eaton recalls the story of Mary anointing Jesus’ feet with a powerful, pungent substance used to offset the stench of death. But the substance also signified royalty. Eaton says we discover the promise of Easter in Mary’s act. “Instead of removing the stench of death, the substance anointed a royal king. Through the death and resurrection of Jesus, the usual cycle of life and death has been disrupted forever. Jesus' death and resurrection promises new life and brings us new life.”
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For nearly a century, St. Philip Evangelical Lutheran Church has served as a spiritual and community anchor in the Ville, a historically Black neighborhood in St. Louis. Through vibrant partnerships, public prayer, and outreach programs like Grill to Glory and Trunks Up, the congregation meets both the practical and spiritual needs of its neighbors—offering food, clothing, hygiene kits, and connection. Pastor Richard E. Ashley describes their ministry as grounded in community heritage and shaped by a commitment to meet people where they are. Click here to read the full story at Living Lutheran.
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Struggling to make sense of your federal student loans? Join a free webinar hosted by Portico and Resourceful Servants on Tuesday, April 29 at 11am Central with Kim Miller from LSS Financial Counseling. Learn about recent changes and get your questions answered. Registration is open now. A short video preview and 1:1 counseling options are also available.
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The ELCA Church Council met April 3–6 in Chicago to shape the agenda for the 2025 Churchwide Assembly, coming to Phoenix this July. The council received the final report from the Commission for a Renewed Lutheran Church and recommended major actions related to diversity, governance, finances, and the proposed social statement Faith and Civic Life: Seeking the Well-being of All.
To learn what actions may shape the future of the ELCA and how they impact congregations and synods like ours, click here.
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Early-bird registration is now open for the Seminar on Lutheran Liturgy, held August 13–15 in Minneapolis, with the theme “Let It Be With Me According To Your Word: From Praying to Knowing to Doing.” But that’s just one of many opportunities this season for worship leaders and musicians. Upcoming events also include the Lutheran Summer Music Academy in Indiana, a Music That Makes Community retreat in New Mexico, the ALCM Conference in North Carolina, and new catechumenate resources from Journey to Baptismal Living. Explore the full list of partner offerings on the ELCA worship blog.
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April 9 marks 80 years since the martyrdom of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, the German Lutheran pastor and theologian executed for resisting the Nazi regime. Lutheran Advocacy Ministry in Pennsylvania (LAMPa) has curated a powerful set of resources—including a congregational curriculum, prayer liturgy, podcast, and event recordings—to help us reflect on Bonhoeffer’s enduring question: Who is Christ for us today? Explore how Bonhoeffer’s life and theology continue to shape Lutheran faith, civic responsibility, and resistance to Christian nationalism.
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For justice and peace among nations where war and violence rage, especially Ukraine and Russia, Palestine and Israel, Haiti, Sudan, Myanmar, Yemen…
For rescue and recovery work in Myanmar and Thailand, and for all who mourn…
For victims of the nightclub roof collapse in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic…
For those affected by flooding and storms…
For aid workers in dangerous areas, and those who mourn aid workers killed in Gaza…
For all victims of gun violence, especially near Fredericksburg, Virginia…
For those whose livelihoods depend upon finance and trade, and for those who are most vulnerable amidst market downturns…
For all who raise their voice for justice in their communities…
For pastors, deacons, musicians, and lay leaders as they prepare worship for Holy Week…
How we read John’s Passion on Good Friday matters. We encourage congregations to consider the historical misuse of the phrase “the Jews” in this gospel and to include a contextual note provided by the Consultation on Common Texts. ELCA worship resources are available to guide preachers and worship planners in proclaiming the gospel with care, respect, and theological integrity.
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As March Madness crowns champions of skill and wealth, Palm Sunday offers a counter-narrative: a humble entry by an unlikely hero. This week’s reflection invites us to reconsider how we identify greatness—not through power or prestige, but through compassion, sacrifice, and love. As Holy Week begins, we remember Jesus not as the expected victor, but as the savior who rides in on a donkey, cheered by those in need of hope.
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Lent is often marked by solemnity and sacrifice, but Minister of Word and Service Mindy Holland invites us to approach the season differently—by choosing joy. Whether through dancing, handwritten notes, or praying the Psalms in multiple languages, her Lenten practices highlight joy as a spiritual discipline and a witness to the goodness of God, even in a world of pain. This reflection reminds us that joy is not frivolous—it’s faithful. Find inspiration for your own joyous Lenten intention. Click here to read the full article on Living Lutheran.
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Gather magazine is collecting stories of ELCA women, congregations, and ministries who create and sell handmade goods—like soap, candles, clothing, or cards—as a way to support ministry or express faith. Know someone in our synod who fits this description? Send their name, contact info, and a short description to gather@elca.org by Friday, April 11.
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Still need to submit your 2024 ELCA Congregation Report? The deadline is April 11. This year’s new reporting platform has caused challenges for many, but help is available through FAQs and temporary workarounds. Learn more and access the system before it closes.
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Explore this month’s highlighted worship resources from Augsburg Fortress, including reflections on the Three Days, Bonhoeffer’s take on the Psalms, and how baptism shapes congregational life. Plus, sign up for summer music clinics with top clinicians. Read the full monthly resource on ELCA.
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The ELCA invites public feedback on a new draft social message addressing child protection and maltreatment. Open through June 30, this document reflects Jesus’ call to welcome children and the church’s responsibility to safeguard their well-being. Read the draft and submit your comments at elca.org/childprotection.
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In Episode 2 of Here I Pod, ELCA Advocacy explores how Lutherans can take action on climate care and clean energy policy. Featuring ELCA leaders and theologians, this 24-minute episode offers practical ways congregations and individuals can advocate for environmental justice. Tune in for insight, inspiration, and tools for faithful action.
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Palestinian Christians living under military occupation in the Holy Land face immense challenges—separation from family, lack of work, and rising emigration. Through the Sumud initiative, the ELCA stands in steadfast accompaniment with our partners in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land (ELCJHL), advocating for dignity, justice, and peace. Sumud means “steadfastness,” and this initiative invites us to listen, learn, and act in faithful support. Click here to read more at Living Lutheran.
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How can congregations prepare for possible immigration raids? A new ELCA AMMPARO guide outlines practical steps—like hosting Know Your Rights sessions, connecting with local migrant organizations, and training ministry teams—to equip congregations for faithful response. Rooted in Lutheran theology and updated in response to recent policy changes, this guide offers a path forward rooted in justice, compassion, and love for neighbor. Read the full article at ELCA.org.
¿Cómo pueden prepararse las congregaciones para posibles redadas migratorias? Una nueva guía de AMMPARO ofrece pasos prácticos como organizar sesiones de Conozca Sus Derechos, conectar con organizaciones locales y capacitar a voluntarios para responder con justicia y compasión. Esta guía está arraigada en la fe luterana y actualizada frente a recientes cambios de política migratoria. Leer el artículo completo.
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For the 10th year, St. John Lutheran Church in Victor, NY, is celebrating Lint for Lent, a tradition of collecting discarded household items—like dryer lint and candle stubs—to create fire bricks used to light Easter worship. This creative ritual reminds us how God transforms what we cast aside into warmth, light, and purpose.
Read the full story of this fiery and faithful practice—click here to explore the article in Living Lutheran.
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From picture books that walk children through Holy Week to sharp theological insights on race, care, and church life, these seven new titles offer something for every ministry context. Featuring ELCA voices like Bishop Brenda Bos, Pastor Angela Denker, and Pastor Yolanda Denson-Byers, this spring’s must-reads can deepen discipleship, enrich congregational conversations, and offer rest to the weary.
Explore all the recommended titles and how they might shape your ministry—click here for the full article in Living Lutheran.
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Hannah Limbong, a public health major and lifelong Lutheran, shares how her faith journey—from youth leadership in the ELCA to climate advocacy and nonprofit mentorship—shapes every aspect of her life. A member of Christ Lutheran in Jeffersontown, KY, Hannah lives out her call through music, policymaking, and care for creation.
Read how this emerging leader combines service, justice, and joy in her walk with Christ—click here for the full article in Living Lutheran.
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