Stories of God’s people putting their faith into tangible action in their communities.
In 2018, three small congregations within a 10-mile radius of downtown Oklahoma City—Ascension, St. Mark and Redeemer—were struggling financially to maintain their buildings and meet associated expenses. After Brian Campbell…
On Sept. 11, ELCA congregations across the country joined together for “God’s work. Our hands.” Sunday. This annual dedicated day of service builds on the work ELCA members do every…
My email inbox isn’t usually an exciting read. But you don’t miss an email from the White House social secretary. Over the past 18 months, ELCA staff, along with faith-based…
After operating a guesthouse for homeless men for more than a decade, St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church in Dubuque, Iowa, recently switched its ministry to single fathers who are caring…
Some people say Paradise, Calif., ceased to exist on Nov. 8, 2018. That was the day the Camp Fire—the most destructive wildfire in California history—sparked about 10 miles north of…
A new school year has begun. New teachers, new schedules, new routines and rhythms. This is an exciting time, but it can be difficult, and not just for students. All…
Gathering under the theme “Embody the Word,” more than 800 voting members met Aug. 8-12 at the Greater Columbus (Ohio) Convention Center for the 16th ELCA Churchwide Assembly. In her…
Focal verse “Therefore encourage one another and build up each other, as indeed you are doing” (1 Thessalonians 5:11). Reflection As I write this note, my daughter will begin second…
When Paula L. Schmitt, bishop of the Allegheny Synod, was praying to discern her call, three words kept coming up: rebuild, reunite and revive. “My hope for the Allegheny Synod…
John Baumgartner woke up the morning of Aug. 28, 2014, to a series of text messages from friends and family, each saying a version of the same thing: “The church…
Let’s be honest: transitions are difficult. As summer comes to a close, families might despair at returning to a school schedule. Yet children, teens and adults thrive on structure. Does…
Celebrating its 25th anniversary, the ELCA Fund for Leaders will award 375 scholarships to students attending the seven seminaries of the ELCA for the 2022-2023 academic year. This year the…
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