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One blustery Ash Wednesday, some pastor colleagues and I went downtown to distribute “ashes on the go.” We spread on sidewalks that ran along towering office buildings and bustling restaurants, dressed in clergy wear…
The timbre of my voice rumbles at the back of my throat, and my mouth opens as a roar of laughter fills the space. Laughter is good for the soul….
You are dust and to dust you shall return (Genesis 3:19). Atoms in our bodies trace to the remnants of exploded stars. We are stardust. We are alive in the universe. And the…
My mother had the most sumptuous deep dark chocolate skin, full lips, large African nose and big beautiful eyes. She had a unique sense of style and a calming way…
Do you have an idea for Living Lutheran’s next great story? Let me show you another new feature on livinglutheran.org. Scroll all the way to the bottom of the website…
Joe Davis sat down with Living Lutheran to share how the work he does as an artist shows up in healing spaces. Watch for part 2 of “Art as a…
Walking into the 2023 Rostered Ministers Gathering in the middle of a sweltering summer in Phoenix, Jealaine Marple wasn’t quite sure what to expect. “I was hemming and hawing about…
Focal verse “Little children, let us love not in word or speech but in deed and truth” (1 John 3:18). Reflection There’s an unwritten rule in rural America—at least in…
With the trend in lay ministry only expected to grow, the ELCA’s synod-authorized minister (SAM) program is quickly becoming more important to congregations. A SAM is a layperson who isn’t ordained…
In this video, Judith Roberts, ELCA senior director for diversity, equity and inclusion, reflects on how the National Day of Racial Healing, launched by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, calls us…
Editor’s note: Presented by the ELCA in partnership with Augsburg Fortress, the 2026 National Day of Racial Healing observance, “Just Us Narratives: A Night of Centering Multiracial Voices Across the…
This special episode of ELCA Advocacy’s Here I Pod is a conversation between Amy E. Reumann, senior director of ELCA Witness in Society, and Laurie Larson Caesar, bishop of the…
Faith actors have a critical role to play in grounding global action in ethics, justice and the lived realities of vulnerable communities, particularly those that are most affected by environmental…
On a bright, mild January day in the Old City of Jerusalem, with the sounds of Christmas carols leading the parade, the spirit of joy echoed through the narrow corridors…
In a Feb. 9 letter to the U.S. Congress, ELCA Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry, along with other faith leaders, shared requests as Congress faces a Feb. 13 deadline to determine…
Dive into the 2027 ELCA Youth Gathering theme, “Imagine More.” Based on Ephesians 3:20, the Gathering will be a space for young people to imagine more love, welcome, joy, courage…
In January 2025, Los Angeles County experienced one of the most destructive wildfire events in California history. The fast-moving blazes of the Eaton Fire destroyed more than 16,000 structures and…
Yehiel Curry, presiding bishop of the ELCA, and the synod bishops from Minnesota offer a joint pastoral video message addressing immigration activity. The bishops acknowledge the uncertainty being experienced by…
Each month, Living Lutheran will share history and fun facts behind some hymns beloved by Lutherans. This month’s hymn is Be Thou My Vision.
All of creation has embodied experiences and revelations of God—they are our greatest source for knowing God. Human beings, along with all of God’s created, participate in theopoiesis—making and being…
Series editor’s note: The 2026 theme for “Deeper understandings” is faithful witness in challenging times. This year, various authors will explore what it means for the ELCA, and each of us…
Each month, Living Lutheran will share history and fun facts behind some hymns beloved by Lutherans. This month’s hymn is Come to the Table. Text and tune by Jennifer Baker-Trinity Copyright © 2011…
We don’t usually put the words “shrewd” and “grace” together. They aren’t compatible. Rather, they are opposed in character, each carrying its own connotations that divide them into separate categories….
Series editor’s note: This article kicks off the 2026 theme for “Deeper understandings”: faithful witness in challenging times. In the coming year, various authors will explore what it means for…
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20 Largest ELCA congregations in 2012
Hope, West Des Moines, Iowa 9,539 Mount Olivet, Minneapolis 6,000 Santa Maria de Guadalupe, Irving, Texas 4,500 Hope, Fargo, N.D. 3,258 St. Philip the Deacon, Plymouth, Minn. 1,968 Shepherd of…
Prayer ventures: Sept. 25
Every day, Living Lutheran offers a prayer from the ELCA resource Prayer ventures, which can be downloaded here. These daily petitions are offered as a guide for your own prayer life…
Thoughts for Thursday: August is here
Today we are sharing a few prompts to encourage you during your personal spiritual time. We hope this collection will inspire you to be loving to yourself and others as…
Voices of Faith
Stories, reflections and perspectives from a diverse range of voices across the ELCA.
Living Faithfully
Stories of God’s people putting their faith into tangible action in their communities.
Mission & Ministry
Stories about the ways in which the mission and ministries of the ELCA and its partner churches are lived out.
Theology & Beliefs
Articles that reflect and examine ELCA Lutheran theology, beliefs and history.
