In this inspiring profile from Living Lutheran, Brenna Holmes shares how her life of faith is rooted in community, service, and empowering the next generation. From leading children’s choirs at Epiphany Lutheran Church in Ohio to guiding high school students toward bright futures through her work with I Know I Can, Brenna embodies Lutheran values in every sphere of life. Her story reminds us how vocation and faith come together to form safe, welcoming spaces where others can grow.
Read MoreA new Pew Research Center study shows that Christianity in the U.S. has remained relatively stable between 2019 and 2024, prompting a mix of cautious hope and honest reflection among ELCA leaders. Lutheran scholar Christian Scharen and ELCA researcher Adam DeHoek unpack what the numbers mean for congregations navigating post-pandemic realities, generational shifts, and a spiritually curious—but often institution-wary—public. Click here to read the full article at Living Lutheran.
Read MoreAuthor and wellness coach Heidi Barr’s new poetry collection, Church of Shadow and Light, explores themes of personal and collective healing, spiritual connection, and the holy found in life’s everyday tensions. In this Living Lutheran interview, Barr reflects on how shadow and light shape her writing, her understanding of church, and the faithful path toward peace in uncertain times. Click here to read the full interview at Living Lutheran.
Read MoreThe Deaconess Community of the ELCA is hiring a Strategic Mission and Interpretation Manager to support its storytelling, outreach, and strategic goals. This flexible, benefits-eligible position may be part-time or full-time, remote or called. Learn more in this PDF and share the opportunity widely.
Read MoreListen in to Here I Pod from ELCA Advocacy, where we connect faith-based advocacy and current events that matter in our neighborhoods, worship communities, social service and lives. Each episode brings you insights on important advocacy topics and shows you how to get involved. You will hear from ELCA staff who share their knowledge and experience, helping you reflect on today's challenges. We bring together voices of faith-advocates caring for all people and creation. Tune in to learn, act, and be inspired!
Read MoreLooking for ways to deepen your worship life or equip your music and liturgy leaders? Each month, ELCA Worship highlights events and tools from partner organizations across the Lutheran and ecumenical landscape. Opportunities this summer include the Lutheran Summer Music Academy (June 22–July 20), the ALCM Conference (Aug. 4–8), and the “Let It Be With Me” liturgy seminar (Aug. 13–15), along with rich resources from Sundays and Seasons, Music That Makes Community, and more. Click here to explore the full May update of events, training, and worship resources from ELCA partners.
Read MoreAs we approach the 5th anniversary of George Floyd’s murder (May 25) and the 10th anniversary of the Emanuel Nine (June 17), the ELCA offers worship resources to support congregational prayer, remembrance, and action. These include special collects and petitions for use in services on the Sundays nearest each date.
We are invited to remember the lives lost, confess the church’s complicity in racism, and recommit to justice through our worship and witness. Click here to view the full article and download the prayers.
Read MoreThe Commission for a Renewed Lutheran Church has released its final report ahead of the 2025 Churchwide Assembly, outlining 13 recommendations for renewing the ELCA’s purpose, structure, and governance. Pastor Carla Christopher and Leon Schwartz have shared a presentation for our synod assembly, highlighting key calls to action on dismantling racism, increasing accountability, empowering lay leadership, and continuing the work through new task forces. View the full report as a PDF or as images in our blog post.
Read MorePresiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton shares a pastoral letter marking the historic election of Pope Leo XIV, the first U.S.-born and first Augustinian pope. She calls on Lutherans to join in prayer and continued dialogue, embracing our shared theological roots and our mutual calling to be bridge-builders in a world longing for peace and unity. Click here to read the full pastoral letter.
Read MoreHow does our Lutheran faith inform our understanding of work, justice, and human dignity? From the Haymarket strikes to today’s threats to workplace protections, Christians have long stood with laborers seeking fair treatment. Lutheran theology, rooted in Martin Luther’s expansive view of vocation, calls us to honor all forms of work and support the rights of workers—then and now. Click here to read the full article on the ELCA Advocacy blog.
Read MoreWhen Jesus declared his identity as the Messiah, some still refused to believe—not because he hadn’t made it clear, but because they couldn’t accept what that meant. This week’s Faith Lens reflects on mistaken identity, from the return of the dire wolf to the confrontation in John 10, and asks: when the truth is right in front of us, are we ready to see and hear it? Read more and reflect on how your own self-understanding is shaped by faith.
Read MoreNominate a leader by June 2 for the ELCA’s inaugural Building Resilient Leadership cohort—a 12-month program supporting justice-centered community projects. Participants receive seed funding, monthly training, and mentoring to grow their leadership and deepen their impact.
Read MoreJoin White Lutherans for Racial Justice and ELCA Racial Justice Ministries for a national online gathering on Thursday, May 15, from 4:30–6:00 p.m. Arizona / Pacific Time, to honor the Emanuel Nine through learning, reflection, and action. This 90-minute event offers inspiration and practical tools for deepening your congregation’s commitment to racial justice. Register here.
Read MoreFrom in-depth resources on the Revised Common Lectionary and church calendar to practical guides for worship planning, ELCA Worship highlights this month’s offerings from Augsburg Fortress. Explore new titles like A Three-Year Banquet, Using Evangelical Lutheran Worship Vol. 3: Keeping Time, and preorder the new Lutheran Study Bible(NRSVue). Plus, get ready for Sundays and Seasons: Year A and sign up for summer music clinics in five U.S. cities. To read the full list of resources and explore how they support worship leaders, planners, and musicians across the ELCA, click here.
Read MoreFaith-La Fe Evangelical Lutheran Church in Phoenix is hiring a part-time Bilingual Office Administrator. This key ministry role supports office operations, communication, and hospitality in a welcoming, multicultural congregation. To apply, send your resume and cover letter to pastoradelafe@faithalive.com.
Read MoreExplore this month’s free offerings from ELCA Coaching—vigils, trainings, and healing spaces centered on justice and faith. Events include a vigil for Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women, a gospel concert marking the 5th Angelversary of George Floyd, and the next round of Moving Toward Right Relations training. All are welcome.
Read MoreIn honor of Arab American Heritage Month, ELCA Racial Justice Ministries is uplifting voices from Arab and Middle Eastern descent within the church. In My Take: We Are Not Newcomers, Khader Khalilia shares a powerful reflection on the deep faith, hospitality, and history of Arab Christians—and calls us to move beyond celebration to true belonging. Let us not just observe a month; let us be transformed by the witness of Arab American Lutherans. Click here to read the full post at ELCA.org.
Read MoreThe 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.
Read MoreOn Sunday, Sept. 7, ELCA congregations will come together for “God’s work. Our hands.” Sunday, an annual day of service celebrating our call to love and serve our neighbors. Whether through food drives, community clean-ups, or acts of care, this is an opportunity to put faith into action. If your congregation can’t participate on Sept. 7, choose another date—service is ongoing! Visit ELCA.org/DayOfService for resources and inspiration. Mark your calendar and join us in serving our communities!
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