Lent is more than personal sacrifice—it’s an opportunity to refocus our attention on God and others. Inspired by Jesus’ time in the wilderness, fasting can be a practice that transforms not just our habits, but our relationships. This Lent, consider choosing a fast that serves others: share food, spend intentional time with loved ones, or give generously. Read more about how fasting can deepen your faith and community engagement in this week’s Faith Lens. Click here to read more.
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John Larson, chief operating officer of Niron Magnetics and longtime member of Bethel Lutheran in Northfield, Minn., shares how his faith shapes both his personal life and professional vocation. From leading high-tech sustainability efforts to nurturing a church community that raised his children, Larson reflects on the deep connection between his Lutheran identity and his work in building culture, innovation, and care for God’s creation. Read more at Living Lutheran.
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As we enter the solemn season of Lent, Reverend Deacon Mary Sanders reflects on the connection between the ashes of Ash Wednesday and the mud left behind after a flood. In both, we are reminded of our mortality—and of God’s presence in the physical world. The Kingdom of God is found not only in Heaven but in acts of service, in neighbor helping neighbor, in the messiness of disaster response. Click here to read her full reflection on how we become truly human when we step into the work of love, service, and community.
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What does innovation look like in the ELCA? It’s not about rebranding Jesus but about reimagining how we share the unchanging Gospel in a rapidly evolving world. From worship in coffee shops to community-driven ministries, the ELCA Innovation Lab explores new ways to make God’s love tangible and relevant. Read more at the ELCA Innovation Lab blog.
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United Lutheran Seminary (ULS) has transferred its $100 million endowment to the ELCA Foundation’s Ministry Growth Fund, aligning its financial resources with the church’s mission and socially responsible investment principles. This strategic move ensures long-term, stable support for theological education and leadership formation. The partnership empowers ULS to sustain and expand its mission while benefiting from the ELCA’s proven financial stewardship. Read more in this ELCA News Release.
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The ELCA joins church leaders in Jerusalem in a humanitarian plea for Gaza, standing against the proposed forced displacement of millions. Bishop Eaton calls on Lutherans to respond through prayer, advocacy, and learning, lifting up the voices of our Palestinian siblings in faith. Read more and take action: Click here.
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For areas of the world impacted by ongoing war, conflict, and violence, especially Ukraine, Palestine, Myanmar, and South Sudan…
For refugees, migrants, and detained peoples around the world, including the deportation of Uyghurs out of Thailand…
For Muslim neighbors preparing to begin observance of the holy month of Ramadan…
For access to healthcare and for all who rely on government programs to maintain that access…
For medical research and advances in public health…
For Pope Francis, during his continued hospitalization…
For congregations and their leaders, as they prepare for Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent…
For the body of Christ in all of its diversity…
For Jesus’s Transfiguration and for all who seek to be seen and loved for who they truly are…
Looking for a meaningful way to engage in Lent this year? The 2025 ELCA Sumud Lenten Series Resource Guide offers six weeks of devotions, prayers, and theological reflections from ELCJHL pastors, Bethlehem Bible College students, and an ELCA bishop. This collaborative resource invites you to journey through Lent with voices from the Holy Land, reflecting on themes of faith, justice, and steadfast hope. Download the guide today and share it with your congregation or study group. Read more.
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This week, a rare planetary alignment offers a striking reminder of a truth found in Luke 9:28-36—we cannot control Jesus, just as we cannot control the heavens. The Transfiguration reveals that Christ is beyond human containment, yet he shines for all. As you reflect on this celestial wonder, consider: How might it be a gift that God is beyond our control? Read more about this connection between the cosmos and Christ in the latest Faith Lens.
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Celebrate Bold Women’s Day on Sunday, March 2 and Women’s History Month with special events, worship, and reflections! Attend the Bold Women’s Day service on February 28 at Augsburg University (in-person or via Zoom), follow the Women of Faith blog series, and join the Boldcafe Monthly Dinner on March 6 to explore the theme of worthiness. Lent also begins March 5—check out Lenten resources, stewardship devotions, and Daily Grace reflections to guide your spiritual journey.
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Three years into the Russia-Ukraine war, Lutheran Disaster Response (LDR) continues to walk alongside refugees and those impacted by the conflict. From helping families find safety in Romania and Hungary to equipping Roma children in Ukraine with coding skills for a brighter future, LDR’s presence is making a difference. Read about the resilience of those receiving support and how ELCA congregations are part of this ongoing mission. Click here to read more in Living Lutheran.
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Faith-based advocacy is a powerful way ELCA members live out their calling to love God and neighbor. Former state public policy office (SPPO) directors share their insights, emphasizing the persistence, faith, and courage it takes to work for justice. Whether advocating for climate action, hunger relief, or racial equity, Lutherans across the country are making a difference—one conversation, prayer vigil, and legislative meeting at a time. Click here to read more in Living Lutheran.
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ELCA state public policy offices nationwide are actively advocating for justice, equity, and compassion. Recent highlights include Arizona's Lutheran Day at the Legislature, Minnesota's housing and environmental initiatives, New Mexico's broad social justice agenda, Pennsylvania's defense of vulnerable communities, Texas's robust advocacy teams, and Virginia's focus on healthcare and criminal justice reform. Explore how Lutherans across the U.S. continue to make a difference. Read the full update here.
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ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton speaks to the church about the need to check in on one another during this time of great anxiety and fear for so many members. "We may not know what tomorrow brings, but we have each other. And we have the promise of a God who meets us in our fear, who walks with us in our struggles, and who calls us to be bearers of hope.”
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New ELCA World Hunger resources for Lent offer ways to deepen faith and take action against hunger through study, prayer, and service. Living Lutheran returns to print with a quarterly edition, and Nuestro Casa para Todos in Puerto Rico opens its doors as a ministry of welcome. Bishop Eaton responds to misinformation, reaffirming the ELCA’s mission. In honor of Black History Month, we highlight the contributions of Black Lutherans in shaping our church. Read more about these stories and more in the latest Seeds Monthly.
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Mercy is more than a word—it’s a call to action. This Sunday’s Gospel reading (Luke 6:27-38) challenges us to love our enemies, give freely, and embody God’s mercy in a divided world. As Lutheran social ministries face funding challenges, we are reminded that mercy is at the core of our faith, not an optional extra. How will we answer Jesus’ call to mercy today?
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New ELCA Worship resources are now available, including liturgies for wildfires and hurricanes, newly released Arabic-language worship resources, and guidance on ethical music choices. Plus, explore upcoming Music That Makes Community events, new Lenten devotionals, and a worship planning handbook. Stay informed with the latest worship updates and resources—read the full newsletter here.
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In a world where the “common good” feels more elusive than ever, how do we navigate the tension between legality and morality, division and unity? Courtney Hall of the Lutheran Office of Public Policy – California reflects on faith as a guiding light in the midst of uncertainty, especially for those working in advocacy. Instead of placing blame in times of struggle, she encourages us to lean on each other and keep our eyes on the shared values of love, grace, and compassion. Click here to read more in this devotional from the New Year Devotional Series.
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For areas of the world impacted by ongoing war, conflict, or political instability, especially Ukraine, Gaza, and Bangladesh…
For safety for all travelers, especially air travel…
For health care workers, researchers, environmental workers, educators, and all professions affected by political changes…
For those who rely on medication for health and well-being…
For Pope Francis, during his hospitalization and treatment…
For flooding in Kansas and West Virginia…
For winter weather and those who live without home or shelter…
A recent funding freeze has halted U.S. foreign aid programs critical to global health, refugee resettlement, and disaster relief—programs already approved by Congress. As Lutherans, we are called to serve our neighbors in need. Contact your congressional representatives today to urge them to restore this lifesaving aid. Take action now: Click here.
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