“For what shall we pray?” is a weekly post inviting individuals, groups, and congregations to lift up our world in prayer. This resource is prepared by a variety of leaders in the ELCA and includes prayer prompts, upcoming events and observances, and prayer suggestions from existing denominational worship materials. You are encouraged to use these resources as a starting point, and to adapt and add other concerns from your local context. More information about this resource can be found here.
 

Prayer prompts:
For an end to war, violence, and genocide across the world, especially in Ukraine, Gaza, Iran, Israel, Haiti, Sudan, Myanmar, Yemen, India, and Pakistan…
For the ongoing work of first responders and relief organizations, including Lutheran Disaster Response in Kerr County, Texas, and in all places affected by natural disasters…
For those experiencing or anticipating storms and floods in the Northeast US and in the Gulf region…
For the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada who has elected the Rev. Dr. Larry Kochendorfer to serve as its fifth National Bishop and in thanksgiving for the ministry of outgoing National Bishop Susan Johnson…
For our own church and the discernment of voting members who will soon elect a new Presiding Bishop and Secretary of the ELCA…
For those affected by recent ICE raids in Camarillo, California, including those injured and killed…
For all victims of sexual abuse and assault…
For those killed and injured in a recent fire at an assisted living facility in Fall River, Massachusetts…

Events and observances:
July Observances: Disability Pride Month, National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, National Bereaved Parents Awareness Month

Mary Magdalene, Apostle (July 22)
Birgitta of Sweden, renewer of the church, died 1373 (July 23)
James, Apostle (July 25)

Prayers from ELCA resources:
A prayer for refugees, migrants, and immigrants (ACS p. 51)
Holy God, as you have accompanied your people through times of captivity, wilderness, and exile, shelter and sustain all those who flee persecution, oppression, warfare, violence, hunger, and poverty. Open our hearts and homes, our gates and doors, so that they find safety, peace, and welcome—a place to live in freedom and without fear; through Jesus Christ, our refuge and our hope. Amen.

A prayer for times of conflict, crisis, or disaster (ELW p. 76)
O God, where hearts are fearful and constricted, grant courage and hope. Where anxiety is infectious and widening, grant peace and reassurance. Where impossibilities close every door and window, grant imagination and resistance. Where distrust twists our thinking, grant healing and illumination. Where spirits are daunted and weakened, grant soaring wings and strengthened dreams. All these things we ask in the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

The following topical resources are available from resources.elca.org for use in public worship and personal devotion:
Worship resources and prayers in response to wildfires
Worship resources for the crisis in the Holy Land
Worship resources for the Eastern Europe Crisis
Worship resources for and following national elections

—

ELW = Evangelical Lutheran Worship
ACS = All Creation Sings: Evangelical Lutheran Worship Supplement

Additional topical prayers are found in Evangelical Lutheran Worship (pp. 72–87) and All Creation Sings (pp. 46–55), as well as in other resources provided in print and online at sundaysandseasons.com.

Crafted intercessions for every Sunday and festival are provided in the Sundays and Seasons worship planning guide published in-print and online by Augsburg Fortress. Further assistance for composing prayers of intercession can be found here: Resources for Crafting Prayers of Intercession

Prayer Ventures, a daily prayer resource, is a guide to prayer for the global, social and outreach ministries of the ELCA, as well as for the needs and circumstances of our neighbors, communities and world.

Ms. Ritu Rishidev (shown in the picture above), 18, a +2 student from the Rishidev community in Arjundhara Rural Municipality-7, Bangari Rishidev Tole, Jhapa, Nepal, is emerging as a young community activist and a passionate advocate for the rights of the Musahar community. Living in a society where domestic violence, gender-based violence (SGBV), discrimination, and child protection issues are prevalent, Ritu has faced numerous socio-economic challenges. Despite these obstacles, she is determined to stand up for her community and work towards ending gender-based violence, domestic abuse, and social inequality.

Recently, Ritu had the opportunity to participate in a two-day orientation on “UPR & CEDAW Reporting Process, ESCR, Climate Justice Rights, Evidence-Based Policy Advocacy, and Disability Inclusion.” The orientation, organized by the Lutheran Community Welfare Society (LCWS) in partnership with the Lutheran World Federation Nepal and funded by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), was a transformative experience for her. It marked the first time Ritu was introduced to national and international human rights laws, including those protecting the rights of women and children.

During the orientation, Ritu learned about the foundational concepts of UPR and CEDAW—two crucial international mechanisms for safeguarding human rights. She also gained valuable knowledge on advocacy techniques and tools to push for social justice. Armed with this new understanding, Ritu has become an active voice in her community, committed to raising awareness and advocating for change, particularly in combatting domestic violence and child protection issues.

Reflecting on her experience, Ritu shared, “This is the first time I’ve had the chance to learn about UPR and CEDAW. Wherever I go in the future, I am committed to working for my community.”

While Ritu’s ultimate goal is to become a soldier—a symbol of her desire to protect her country—she also envisions herself as a protector of her community’s rights. With her newfound knowledge and determination, Ritu Rishidev is a rising force for justice, aiming to uplift the Rishidev community and eradicate all forms of social discrimination and violence.

[Musahar = classified within the Madheshi Dalit group, it is one of the most marginalized and impoverished ethnic groups in the country. They face significant challenges in areas like education, healthcare, and economic opportunities.]

 

Issue 100 of Administration Matters

Online hearings – 2025 ELCA Churchwide Assembly

The 2025 Churchwide Assembly hearings will be held on Microsoft Teams in the weeks prior to the assembly. These informative, nonlegislative sessions provide an opportunity to hear certain proposals scheduled for action at the 2025 Churchwide Assembly. In accordance with ELCA Constitution 12.31.A25., voting members, advisory members, resource members and people who fall under other categories approved by the Church Council may attend with voice. Others may watch the hearing yet shall not have voice. Hearings will take place 6-7 p.m. Central time on the following dates:
Tuesday, July 15: Memorials concerning Palestine and Israel.
Thursday, July 17: Recommended proposed edits to the social statement Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust (2009).
Monday, July 21: Recommended proposed social statement “Faith and Civic Life.”
Tuesday, July 22: 2026-2028 budget proposal.
Thursday, July 24: General memorials session.
The presentation portion of each hearing will be recorded for later viewing. More information about registering for the hearings will be posted in the “Pre-Events” section on the Churchwide Assembly web page.

Meet Gathering Expedition: A fresh kind of retreat experience

This fall we are rolling out Gathering Expedition, a regional weekend getaway designed for eighth- to 12th-grade youth and their adult leaders. We hope it will be meaningful and uncomplicated and will generate momentum — because faith isn’t just for the big moments every few years. It lives in the everyday too!
Throughout the weekend, your group will worship, wrestle with big questions, serve others and grow deeper connections with those in your community. It’s a space for young people to explore how God might be working in their lives. Whether you are new to ELCA events or an ELCA Youth Gathering veteran, the Gathering Expedition will give you a powerful space in which to pause, listen, grow and move. Faith is on the move. Let’s go! We can’t wait to see you on the road. Be on the lookout because registration will open very soon!
Upcoming stops:
Cross Roads (Port Murray, N.J.) — Sept. 26-28
Lutherhill (La Grange, Texas) — Oct. 3-5
Lutherdale (Elkhorn, Wis.) — Oct. 31– Nov 2

Together in Service: Portico Benefit Services’ 2024 Community Impact Report

Portico’s 2024 Community Impact Report highlights notable accomplishments in caring for our rostered ministers and lay employees. This year’s report shares stories of resilience, growth in financial well-being and health care access, and insights that strengthen ministry and reflect the power of community. View the 2024 Community Impact Report.

Microsoft licensing changes

On July 1, Microsoft stopped offering donated licenses for its Microsoft 365 Business Premium and Office 365 E1 plans. If you have either of these license types, you will soon need to move to a different Microsoft Cloud plan or find an alternative productivity solution. You can learn more and explore your options here: Microsoft to Discontinue Select Donated Microsoft 365 and Office 365 Plans.

Maintaining a parish register

Parish registers are vital for understanding your congregation’s population dynamics, family structures and social trends, providing detailed, longitudinal data on births, marriages and deaths over time. They also serve practical purposes such as documenting sacramental participation and facilitating connection within a parish community. These guidelines will assist pastors and other congregational leaders in keeping a parish register. >More

Risk control technologies

Every year ELCA congregations are impacted by water- and smoke-related losses to their property that severely impact their ability to conduct their various ministries. See the following for important free sensor and alarm alert technologies from our endorsed insurance partner, Church Mutual, that can help prevent such losses. >More

“For what shall we pray?” is a weekly post inviting individuals, groups, and congregations to lift up our world in prayer. This resource is prepared by a variety of leaders in the ELCA and includes prayer prompts, upcoming events and observances, and prayer suggestions from existing denominational worship materials. You are encouraged to use these resources as a starting point, and to adapt and add other concerns from your local context. More information about this resource can be found here.
 

Prayer prompts:
For an end to war, violence, and genocide across the world, especially in Ukraine, Gaza, Iran, Israel, Haiti, Sudan, Myanmar, Yemen, India, and Pakistan…
For those affected by Tropical Storm Chantal in South Carolina, North Carolina, and Virginia, and the threat of flooding…
For those grieving loss of life in the aftermath of severe flooding in Texas, and for the work of first responders and relief agencies…
For all victims of gun violence, including those affected by recent shootings in Albany (NY), Philadelphia, and Chicago over the holiday weekend…
For those who are uninsured and who do not have access to healthcare, and those who are at risk of losing health insurance…
For our neighbors and community members who depend on food assistance programs and other social services whose future funding is uncertain…
For the safety of families and individuals who travel this summer…
For all who are in the final stages of planning for the ELCA Churchwide Assembly beginning later this month…

Events and observances:
July Observances: Disability Pride Month, National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, National Bereaved Parents Awareness Month

Benedict of Nursia, Abbot of Monte Cassino, died around 540 (July 11)
Nathan Söderblom, Bishop of Uppsala, died 1931 (July 12)
Bartolomé de Las Casas, missionary to the Indies, died 1566 (July 17)

Prayers from ELCA resources:
A prayer for those affected by flooding (ACS p.49)
Save us, O God, for the waters are rising, and there is no firm place to stand. Life as we know it has been swept away. Draw near to us in this time of need and be our protection. Support us as we rebuild what has been ruined. Do not let us drown in our sorrow, but raise us to new life in your promise of rebirth, already claimed for us in Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

A prayer for the renewal of mind and body (ELW p.80)
O God, we thank you for times of refreshment and peace in the course of this busy life. Grant that we may so use our leisure for the renewal of our bodies and minds that our spirits may be opened to the goodness of your creation; through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

The following topical resources are available from resources.elca.org for use in public worship and personal devotion:
Worship resources and prayers in response to wildfires
Worship resources for the crisis in the Holy Land
Worship resources for the Eastern Europe Crisis
Worship resources for and following national elections

—

ELW = Evangelical Lutheran Worship
ACS = All Creation Sings: Evangelical Lutheran Worship Supplement

Additional topical prayers are found in Evangelical Lutheran Worship (pp. 72–87) and All Creation Sings (pp. 46–55), as well as in other resources provided in print and online at sundaysandseasons.com.

Crafted intercessions for every Sunday and festival are provided in the Sundays and Seasons worship planning guide published in-print and online by Augsburg Fortress. Further assistance for composing prayers of intercession can be found here: Resources for Crafting Prayers of Intercession

Prayer Ventures, a daily prayer resource, is a guide to prayer for the global, social and outreach ministries of the ELCA, as well as for the needs and circumstances of our neighbors, communities and world.

Click here to read Sumud’s 2025 Summer newsletter.

Each month ELCA Worship highlights resources and events from other organizations and institutions. These Lutheran and ecumenical partner organizations work alongside the ELCA to support worship leaders, worship planners, musicians, and all who care about the worship of the church. ELCA Worship also features resources from Augsburg Fortress Publishers in a monthly blog post.

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Lutheran Summer Music Academy & Festival

Transforming and connecting lives through faith and music since 1981.

Lutheran Summer Music 2025
Valparaiso University, Valparaiso, Ind.
June 22–July 20

Experience Live from LSM this July!

Join Lutheran Summer Music for our 43rd season at Valparaiso University, June 22–July 20! Can’t attend in person? Experience over 30 inspiring concerts, recitals, and worship services online through Live from LSM.

Highlights include the beloved Bach Cantata Eucharist, the Festival of Hymns, the debut Faculty Organ Recital, and Festival Week performances by the Festival Band, Orchestra, and Choir.

Explore the full schedule and tune in at LSMacademy.org/2025. All events are free and available to stream live or on demand. Don’t miss this transformative celebration of music, faith, and community!

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Association of Lutheran Church Musicians

ALCM nurtures and equips musicians to serve and lead the church’s song.

ALCM Conference 2025
Aug. 4-8
Raleigh-Durham, N.C.

There is still time to register for the August conference in Raleigh-Durham. Here are just a few of the highlights:

• Worship at Duke University Chapel as well as a concert there by Grammy-nominated vocal ensemble VOCES8
• A hymn festival at Holy Name of Jesus Cathedral led by composer, conductor, organist, preacher, and teacher Tom Trenney
• A concert by internationally acclaimed, advanced community handbell chir Raleigh Ringers
• 25 workshops covering a wide range of topics as well as plenary presentations
• Reading sessions from six publishers
• 15 different exhibitors
• A choice of three post-conference seminars
• Numerous opportunities for fellowship and relaxation

We look forward to seeing you in Raleigh!

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Music that Makes Community

Rooted in Christian contemplative and activist traditions, Music That Makes Community envisions a liberative culture that empowers individuals and communities to claim and use the power of singing to heal our spirits, nurture our common lives, and work for justice.

 

Introductory Spaces – Meet Music that Makes Community at these events and conferences.

• The Hymn Society Conference at Wayne State, Detroit, MI: On July 15, Executive Director Conie Borchardt and Organizer Doe Hoyer from the Coalition to Dismantle the Doctrine of Discovery will offer a Sectional on “Reckoning with the Doctrine of Discovery: How Our Sacred Songs Can Move Us Toward Indigenous Solidarity”.
• Sacred Lands SING at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, Detroit, Mich: On July 17, Conie and Doe will share more songs from the Sacred Lands Playlist Collection. 7-9 p.m.
• ALCM Conference at Raleigh, North Carolina, August 4-8.
• CMP Converging 2025 in Columbus, Ohio, October 16-18.

Training Events — Join us at the following events for continuing education, community building, professional development, and celebrating this practice of paperless communal song-sharing.

• October 3-5: Workshop in Madison, Wisconsin (coming soon!)
• October 12: Three-day Retreat in Albuquerque, N.M.
• November 7-9: Workshop in Waco, Texas (coming soon!)
• February 6-8, 2026: Two-Day Retreat in Raleigh, North Carolina (coming soon!)
• More in-person events are being planned. Please stay tuned!

Online Spaces —
Monday Morning Grounding — This weekly online touchstone continues to offer song, silence, sacred text and community connection, Mondays at 10 a.m. Eastern / 7 a.m. Pacific until July 28. Register for the Zoom link here.

Resources – Read the MMC blog for articles on a variety of topics.  The latest presents Songs for Justice.

Job Postings on Music That Makes Community website.

Sign up for Monthly Newsletter for regular updates on resources and events.  Read recent issues here.

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Let It Be With Me According to Your Word

Seminar on Lutheran Liturgy
Minneapolis, Minn., August 13-15

Register at www.seminarliturgy.org.

 

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 Vi Messerli Memorial Lectures in Church Music: For All the Saints

October 19-21
Concordia University Chicago
River Forest, Illinois

Presenters include: John Witvliet, plenary; Brenda Portman, organ concert; Hymn Festival: Hymns of David Rogner

Workshops: John Behnke, Stephen Starke, Barry Bobb, Benjamin Kolodziej, Matthew Janssen, Sam and Lois Eatherton, Lisa Clark, Jim Rindelaub

Registration information will be available in mid-July.

Check the website for updates.

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Journey to Baptismal Living: North American Associate for the Catechumenate

An ecumenical Christian community seeking to support seekers, whether baptized or not,  and those who accompany them on their journey of faith through the catechumenal process.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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“For what shall we pray?” is a weekly post inviting individuals, groups, and congregations to lift up our world in prayer. This resource is prepared by a variety of leaders in the ELCA and includes prayer prompts, upcoming events and observances, and prayer suggestions from existing denominational worship materials. You are encouraged to use these resources as a starting point, and to adapt and add other concerns from your local context. More information about this resource can be found here.
 

Prayer prompts:
For an end to war, violence, and genocide across the world, especially in Ukraine, Gaza, Iran, Israel, Haiti, Sudan, Myanmar, Yemen, India, and Pakistan…
For the victims of the most recent attack on a waterfront cafe in Gaza City, and for a lasting peace in Palestine and Israel…
For all victims of gun violence, especially in Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho and Chicago, Illinois…
For the victims of a fire at a pharmaceutical factory in Southern India…
For those grieving the loss of life after the crash of Air India flight AI171…
For the safety of those traveling, gathering with family and friends, and celebrating this holiday weekend…
For veterans of war and all who suffer from PTSD…
For those with limited or threatened access to healthcare…
For an end to racism, poverty, and hatred…

Events and observances:
July Observances: Disability Pride Month, National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, National Bereaved Parents Awareness Month

Thomas, Apostle (July 3)
Independence Day (July 4)
Jan Hus, martyr, died 1415 (July 6)
Benedict of Nursia, Abbot of Monte Cassino, died around 540 (July 11)
Nathan Söderblom, Bishop of Uppsala, died 1931 (July 12)

Prayers from ELCA resources:
A prayer for physical, mental, and emotional wounds (Prayer Book for the Armed Services, p. 51)
Giver of all grace, we pray your peace, which surpasses all understanding, for those who live with physical, mental, and emotional wounds. Sustain them always with your compassion and strength. Grant that we, together with the whole church, may honor their gifts and welcome their contributions. Use their perspectives to help shape the society in which we live, that it may more fully reflect your promised future. We ask this in the name of the one who brings wholeness and comfort to people in body, mind, and spirit, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

A prayer for the nation (ELW, p. 77)
Holy Trinity, one God, you show us the splendor of diversity and the beauty of unity in your own divine life. Make us, who came from many nations with many languages, a united people that delights in our many different gifts. Defend our liberties, and give those whom we have entrusted with authority the spirit of wisdom, that there might be justice and peace in our land. We pray in the name of Jesus Christ, our sovereign and our Savior. Amen.

The following topical resources are available from resources.elca.org for use in public worship and personal devotion:
Worship resources and prayers in response to wildfires
Worship resources for the crisis in the Holy Land
Worship resources for the Eastern Europe Crisis
Worship resources for and following national elections

—

ELW = Evangelical Lutheran Worship
ACS = All Creation Sings: Evangelical Lutheran Worship Supplement

Additional topical prayers are found in Evangelical Lutheran Worship (pp. 72–87) and All Creation Sings (pp. 46–55), as well as in other resources provided in print and online at sundaysandseasons.com.

Crafted intercessions for every Sunday and festival are provided in the Sundays and Seasons worship planning guide published in-print and online by Augsburg Fortress. Further assistance for composing prayers of intercession can be found here: Resources for Crafting Prayers of Intercession

Prayer Ventures, a daily prayer resource, is a guide to prayer for the global, social and outreach ministries of the ELCA, as well as for the needs and circumstances of our neighbors, communities and world.

Augsburg Fortress is the publishing ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

Each month ELCA Worship highlights resources from Augsburg Fortress Publishers that support worship leaders, worship planners, musicians, and all who care about the worship of the church. ELCA Worship also features resources from other partners in a monthly blog post.

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Share your All Creation Sings experience

As we approach the 5-year anniversary of the release of All Creation Sings, we are interested in the impact that this resource has made in your congregation and community.

Share a photo of a copy of All Creation Sings where you use it, or in the hands of the people who use, it along with a 1-4 sentence testimonial about your ministry’s experience with this liturgy and song supplement in the Evangelical Lutheran Worship family. Please be sure to identify yourself or your congregation in the testimonial (ex: Pr. Jane Doe, First Lutheran Church, Chicago, IL). Send it to reply@augsburgfortress.org by August 15. Responders will be entered into a drawing for a $150 gift card to Augsburg Fortress Publishers (good for use at augsburgfortress.org or wearesparkhouse.org). These submissions may be shared in our general marketing surrounding the 5-year anniversary and beyond. If you cannot share both a photo and testimonial, we would be happy to receive either one. Thank you!

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Lectionary for Worship NRSVue Study Edition Year A

This study edition of the Lectionary for Worship contains the Year A Revised Common Lectionary using NRSV Updated Edition Scripture texts. Pronunciation aids and convenient summaries help lectors prepare with confidence. The lectionary includes a helpful introduction with several charts. Artwork from Evangelical Lutheran Worship introduces each liturgical season and a Scriptural Index is included. A hidden treasure essential for worship planning and reader preparation. Keep a copy in your church office and sacristy and gift to a recent seminary graduate!

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ReEngaging ELCA Social Teaching on Faith, Sexism, and Justice

ReEngaging ELCA Social Teaching on Faith, Sexism, and Justice calls us to think together about the ELCA’s 2019 statement on faith, sexism, and justice. What does it mean to embody Lutheran convictions to resist patriarchy and sexism, embrace multidimensional sex and gender, and envision a world that is life-giving for all humans? It delivers a clarion call to action. Social and religious systems of patriarchy are sinful. God intends for God’s diverse creation to flourish. We are called, therefore, to resist all barriers to lives of flourishing and abundance for everyone.

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In Sure and Certain Hope: A Funeral Sourcebook

In Sure and Certain Hope: A Funeral Sourcebook is a comprehensive guide for planning, presiding, and preaching at funerals. An in-depth look at the funeral rite and sermon demonstrates how the funeral connects to baptism, proclaims the resurrection of Christ and promise of new life, and points to the communion of all the saints. Tools for discussing and planning a funeral with the family include a planning worksheet, suggestions for scripture texts and hymns, and essays on cremation, the use of a columbarium, natural or green burial, military ceremonies, and more. Includes printable resources.

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Soli Deo Gloria: Choir Devotions for Year A

Soli Deo Gloria is a collection of devotions for the choir, choir director, and music lovers. The collection features brief meditations based on the texts given in the Revised Common Lectionary, emphasizing the choir’s leadership role in worship. The ministry of choral music requires preparation of both heart and voice. These devotionals, used at either rehearsal or before worship, will provide a spiritual element much as vocal warm-ups provide the musical element. Also included with each devotional is a hymn text appropriate for the day and rehearsal planning pages.

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Summer Music Clinics

Join us this summer for our annual music clinics. This year’s phenomenal clinicians are Jennaya Robison (choral) and Jan Kraybill (organ). Check out our website to read more about these talented practitioners, explore the daily schedule, and register for a clinic in your area!

• July 18–19, Columbia, S.C.
• July 21–22, Columbus, Ohio
• July 24–25, Philadelphia, Pa.
• August 11–12, Twin Cities, Minn.
• August 14–15, Chicago, Ill.

 

By Deacon Nick Bates, Director, Hunger Network in Ohio

In a given week, most of us don’t think about all the effects different public investments and state budget policies have on our daily life.

• Think about your standard Sunday. You probably drive on roads and highways, and maybe you drive past a park and fire station. Does your congregation volunteer at a food pantry or shelter that day? Maybe you’ll run some errands and stop in at your local library or visit a loved one at an assisted living center. That evening, if you’re a parent you may help kids get ready for school the next day…

The list goes on and on about the ways state public policy impacts all of our lives. All of these everyday experiences are – in part – supported by state budgets in each of our states.

As people of faith, we are called to be in relationship with our neighbor. As part of our social covenant as neighbors, we must be good stewards of our shared resources (like tax dollars) and ensure they are used effectively and efficiently to serve and strengthen our communities.

 

The Budget Process

Creating a state budget follows a similar process in most states. In Ohio, the governor begins by giving directions to their cabinet level agencies to draft their proposals a full year before the governor expects to sign the final product. The governor compiles the advice from all the different state agencies and submits priorities to the Ohio General Assembly in early February. Then it travels through months of state House and Senate hearings and before a ”Conference Committee” to reconcile all the different versions before a version is sent back to the governor for their signature and line-item vetoes.

This year, the Hunger Network in Ohio (HNO) coordinated faith and secular communities to be strong advocates on the state budget in an extremely difficult policy climate. Term limits in Ohio have removed skilled legislative leaders from both political parties. This leaves new policymakers, without the knowledge and relationships on the variety of issues in the state budget, trying to catch up and making many mistakes along the way.

Our state budget advocacy illustrates the different strategies needed for any effective advocacy campaign. Over the course of this budget, HNO:

• Participated in six advocacy meetings in 2024 with members of the governor’s administration to discuss priorities in the budget they would propose.
• Coordinated dozens of advocacy partners for a ‘budget boiler room’ to read and review the governor’s proposal for quick response.
• Led meetings with caucus legislative staff to lift up shared priorities.
• Met with more than a dozen key legislative leaders.
• Hosted a “Budget is a Moral Document Advocacy Day” that brought more than 75 faith leaders to Columbus to meet with over 50 legislative leaders.
• Hosted a Faith and Legislative Leader Luncheon with over 100 faith leaders and dozens of legislative leaders.
• Coordinated a rally to lift up our issues for the Conference Committee.
• Encouraged hundreds of emails and phone calls to legislative leaders.
• Offered legislative testimony in seven separate budget committees.

Faith-based advocacy helps to bridge policy experts and lived experiences, professional lobbyists and community advocates, concerns in our community and potential long-term solutions. We do this work by:

 

Developing Clear Messages: Budgets Are Moral Documents

Yes, our issues are complex and interconnected. Based on HNO experience, these practices helped faith-based advocates communicate effectively to congregations, community members and legislative leaders. Advocacy efforts should break down issues into bite-sized pieces that are easy to understand. Remember the value of our witness is not in repeating academic research, but in connecting the research to our communities and stories. We are the experts of our own story.

Helpful Tip: During legislative advocacy meetings, we train participants to engage in conversation with their elected officials and staff. Encourage the people you talk to in an advocacy meeting to ask questions. If they ask a question and you don’t know the answer, that’s good! It creates an opportunity for meaningful follow-up and invites you into another conversation and that will deepen relationships.

 

Building Positive Relationships

Advocacy ministry is a ministry of relationships. Legislative leaders are extremely busy during budget season. By forming relationships with your representatives before the budget drops, following up regularly and being a trusted messenger, you can help you break through the noise.

Helpful Tip: Think about who you need to be in relationship with to be effective advocates – like business leaders, legislative staff, faith communities, policy researchers and advocates, labor leaders, etc. At HNO, we not only participate in coalitions to bring faith leaders alongside others, we help lead secular coalitions in bringing in the diverse relationships that we have built through conversation as well. Through these coalitions, HNO has been able to expand our reach with advocacy meetings and shape the messaging and policy work of other organizations.

 

Try New Things

The reality is that many advocates in Ohio are burned out. Drawing attention to people impacted by issues we prioritize keeps getting more difficult. There isn’t a magical fix, or a one-size-fits all approach. Try new things to reenergize. This year HNO added two successful advocacy strategies to our mix.

The first new strategy we tried was a faith-led press conference on the House version of the state budget during our advocacy day. This press conference generated a lot of media hits on public radio, local news and print media.

HNO also encouraged faith communities to write out their prayers on paper plates (recognizing the need to prioritize food security in Ohio) for the state budget. We then strung these paper plates together and carried them with us to rallies and advocacy events as a symbol that we are carrying the prayers of many with us as we enter the Statehouse. We have well over 200 paper plates attached for our prayer chains.

 

Impact in Ohio

We hope and pray that our budget advocacy will produce positive results in both the short- and long-term. We have successfully advocated to stop multiple bad provisions from making their way into the final bill and held off further budget cuts to important programs in our advocacy that sees the budget as a moral document. While it appears that the state will be passing their 14th tax cut for the wealthiest Ohioans in 20 years, our objections – grounded in faith – have educated the media, advocates, and community and legislative leaders that we can do great things in Ohio when we come together as community.

Hopefully, our faith-based advocacy has had a role in preparing for more just and equitable budget policies in the future.

“For what shall we pray?” is a weekly post inviting individuals, groups, and congregations to lift up our world in prayer. This resource is prepared by a variety of leaders in the ELCA and includes prayer prompts, upcoming events and observances, and prayer suggestions from existing denominational worship materials. You are encouraged to use these resources as a starting point, and to adapt and add other concerns from your local context. More information about this resource can be found here.
 

Prayer prompts:
For an end to war, violence, and genocide across the world, especially in Ukraine, Gaza, Iran, Israel, Haiti, Sudan, Myanmar, Yemen, India, and Pakistan…
For lasting ceasefire between Israel and Iran…
For an end to anti-Semitism and anti-Arab hatred, aggression, and violence…
For those recovering from the damage and grieving the loss of life in the aftermath of Hurricane Erick in Oaxaca, Mexico…
For de-escalation of violence amidst protests in Kenya…
For those threatened by wildfires in Greece…
For victims of a Central African Republic school stampede…
For communities across the country experiencing extreme heat and storms…
For medical researchers and practitioners, and especially global health workers…

Events and observances:
June Observances: LGBTQIA+ Pride Month, Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, Gun Violence Awareness Month, PTSD Awareness Month

July Observances: Disability Pride Month, National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, National Bereaved Parents Awareness Month

John the Baptist (June 24)
Presentation of the Augsburg Confession, 1530 (June 25)
Philipp Melanchthon, renewer of the church, died 1560 (June 25)
Cyril, Bishop of Alexandria, died 444 (June 27)
Irenaeus, Bishop of Lyons, died around 202 (June 28)
Peter and Paul, Apostles (June 29)
Catherine Winkworth, died 1878; John Mason Neale, died 1866; hymn translators (July 1)
Thomas, Apostle (July 3)
Independence Day (July 4)

Prayers from ELCA resources:
A prayer for peace (ACS p.48)
Holy God, out of your great love for the world, your Word became flesh to live among us and to reconcile us to you and to one another. Rekindle among us the gift of your Spirit so that we seek to live in unity with all people, breaking down the walls that divide, ending the hostility among us, and proclaiming peace to those who are near and to those who are far away; through Christ Jesus, in whom we all have access in the one Spirit to you, both now and forever. Amen.

A prayer for the nation (ELW p.77)
Almighty God, you have given us this good land as our heritage. Make us always remember your generosity and constantly do your will. Bless our land with honesty in the workplace, truth in education, and honor in daily life. Save us from violence, discord, and confusion; from pride and arrogance; and from every evil course of action. When times are prosperous, let our hearts be thankful; and, in troubled times, do not let our trust in you fail. We pray in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The following topical resources are available from resources.elca.org for use in public worship and personal devotion:
Worship resources and prayers in response to wildfires
Worship resources for the crisis in the Holy Land
Worship resources for the Eastern Europe Crisis
Worship resources for and following national elections

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ELW = Evangelical Lutheran Worship
ACS = All Creation Sings: Evangelical Lutheran Worship Supplement

Additional topical prayers are found in Evangelical Lutheran Worship (pp. 72–87) and All Creation Sings (pp. 46–55), as well as in other resources provided in print and online at sundaysandseasons.com.

Crafted intercessions for every Sunday and festival are provided in the Sundays and Seasons worship planning guide published in-print and online by Augsburg Fortress. Further assistance for composing prayers of intercession can be found here: Resources for Crafting Prayers of Intercession

Prayer Ventures, a daily prayer resource, is a guide to prayer for the global, social and outreach ministries of the ELCA, as well as for the needs and circumstances of our neighbors, communities and world.