By the Rev. Justin Eller, Assistant to the Bishop for Care and Community with the Southeastern Synod

If advocacy means loving our neighbors and working for justice with the “least of these” (all who are hungry, thirsty, newly arriving, vulnerable, sick or imprisoned – Matthew 25:40) then advocacy can be both general and particular.

The Southeastern Synod of the ELCA consists of congregations and faith communities across four states: Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, and Tennessee. Each state has their own unique particularities and priorities, state legislative session dates and rhythms, and contextual challenges and opportunities. Instead of being a single ELCA-affiliated state public policy office (SPPO), we strive, as a four-state synod, to journey with residents, congregations and leaders as we navigate a wide variety of challenges.

OUR APPROACH TO ADVOCACY

In lieu of attempting to respond to every particular state legislative item, our Southeastern Synod’s advocacy work usually focuses on broader issues impacting our entire synod territory. Whether it’s marriage equality, food and medical insecurity, or supporting immigrant and refugee communities, our approach to advocacy, loving our neighbors, and working for justice, is to engage, equip, and empower.

Engage: We work with our congregations and leaders to engage in advocacy action and understand how advocacy is part of our baptismal growth in Christian faith and life, “to care for others and the world God made, and to work for justice and peace” (ELW, p.228).

Equip: We work to equip our congregations and leaders with quality information and training on advocacy-related issues as well as how to advocate at the local, state, and federal level. We have an Advocacy Policy Committee with representatives from our four states who help us put into motion ways we can advocate across our synod.

Empower: We work to empower our congregations and leaders to be active advocates in their context, to contact their elected officials and to speak with communities who are vulnerable and not speak for them.

The Southeastern Synod grounds our advocacy work in:

1. Scripture that calls people of faith to care for the most vulnerable;
2. Values of Accompaniment in the ELCA: mutuality, inclusivity, vulnerability, empowerment and sustainability; and
3. ELCA’s MERGE Justice foci: Migration justice, Economic justice, Racial justice, Gender justice and Environmental justice.

WHAT DOES THIS LOOK LIKE IN ACTION?

So what does this style of advocacy look like?

• It looks like working with congregations and communities in our four states in emergency/disaster preparedness, whether from a hurricane, tornado or immigration enforcement action.
• It looks like the Southeastern Synod being the lead plaintiff in a lawsuit against the state of Tennessee over a new law that could put rostered ministers and congregations at risk for providing food, shelter or resources to undocumented immigrants.
• It looks like hosting virtual Lunch-and-Learn events, “Know Your Rights” and “Support Your Community” workshops and trainings to address root causes of systemic injustices.
• It looks like creating a network of congregations who have Matthew 25-like community-engaged ministries (such as ministries of feeding, clothing and shelter).
• It looks like participating as speakers at public witness events like the “Witness for Creation” event organized by Creation Justice Ministries

THE EXPERIENCE OF ADVOCACY

As we have experienced it, advocacy can be big and bold and as simple as showing up, listening to an adversely impacted community, and committing to walk with them in solidarity and love as they address their challenges. Advocacy can be expressions of social action and practices of faith.

Yet, in all of this faithful work, advocacy is what we get to do together and is our grateful response to God’s grace in Jesus Christ to love and serve our neighbor.

The U.S. government could run out of funding on Oct. 1, 2025, if Congress does not pass new legislation to fund its operations. A government shutdown would occur at midnight on Sep. 30, the end of the 2025 fiscal year, if no agreement is reached. On Sep. 24 the ELCA advocacy staff advanced the following message to members of Congress and The White House Faith Office.

September 24, 2025

ELCA Urges Immediate Return to Negotiating Table

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), a denomination of 2.7 million members who span the ideological and partisan spectrum, strongly urges the members of Congress and President Trump to return to the negotiating table now and work in a bipartisan manner to fund the government.

Actions by this country’s elected officials jeopardize good government and the well-being of all that good governance facilitates. These actions include:

• • recurring government shutdown fights,
  • continual deepening of our nation’s unsustainably high debt, and
  • replacing normal bipartisan appropriations with unilateral reconciliation or rescissions.

This church understands government as a gift from God intended to promote the common good. This gift is a vital piece of God’s provision for the world God so loves (John 3:16) and especially for the hungry, sick, and poor with whom Christ identifies himself (Mathew 25:40).

Our government must do better. Failure to negotiate with one another and with the president will lead to a government shutdown that will hurt all Americans and harm the most vulnerable members of society first and worst of all. Likewise, failure to address healthcare premiums will result in over twenty million Americans facing dramatic increases in their healthcare costs starting in January 2026. Neither of these outcomes is acceptable.

We are deeply concerned by the breakdown of bipartisan governance, and we strongly urge the leaders and members of both major parties to govern for all their constituents, not just their supporters.

The Rev. Amy Reumann
Senior Director, Witness in Society
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

TERMS: More about reconciliation is available from Congress.gov. The Bipartisan Policy Center offers a “Rescissions 101” with more information.

Prepare (This section is preparation for the leader, not content meant for the whole group.)

Narrative context helps shed light on this parable. In the short passage between last week’s parable and this one, we learn that the Pharisees are among Jesus’ primary audience (Luke 16:14). The problem Jesus addresses here is the love of money.

In the larger narrative, Jesus has been telling stories about great reversals. In chapter 14, he teaches that when throwing a party, we should not invite those who can repay the favor. Then in chapter 15, we hear three parables about how, against all odds, the lost are found. Finally in chapter 16, we encounter the tangled story of a shrewd manager who is seemingly praised for his dishonest use of money and power. Today’s parable belongs in that same category of great reversals.

Some readers may feel discomfort with the portrayal of heaven and hell in this story. It is important, however, not to resolve that discomfort too quickly. As Lutherans, we may be tempted to jump immediately to the reminder that we are saved by grace and not by works. This parable does not challenge that central belief. But it does urge readers to pause, remember the witness of Scripture—“Moses and the prophets”—and to “listen to them” (Luke 16:29).

Finally, the use of the name “Lazarus” is significant. He is the only character Jesus ever names in a parable. This is not the same Lazarus whom Jesus raised from the dead. Since this parable is not referring to an actual person, there must be a reason Jesus chose the name. Lazarus is the Greek version of the Hebrew name Eliezer, which means “God has helped” or “God is my help.” Your group might consider whether this name is fitting or ironic. 

Opening Exercise:  

Think of a time when you encountered someone asking for money, help, or who was clearly in need. How did you respond? How did you feel about your response afterward? What might you do differently next time? Is there something you wish you could have done, but couldn’t?

Text Read Aloud:

Luke 16:19-31 

Living as the Rich Man’s Brothers

A common way to approach a parable is to try to identify who represents whom in the story. For

example, readers often look for the God figure or the hero on one side, and someone opposing God as

Lazarus waits on the margins. And so do we his siblings.

a kind of foil on the other. This approach can help peel back the densely packed layers of Jesus’ teachings—but it can also lead us astray, like when we mistakenly identify a cruel king or landowner as the God figure.

The story of the rich man and Lazarus offers multiple points of entry for readers. Some might identify with the rich man, while others might identify with Lazarus. These two perspectives lead to very different reactions. Those who see themselves in the rich man may feel indicted, fearful, or guilty. Those who identify with Lazarus may feel comforted or justified. Yet, these are not the only options. There is a third character we might see ourselves in: the rich man’s brothers (Luke 16:28).

The brothers represent many of us, or at least many in our churches. Consider how many people know the teachings of Moses, the prophets (Luke 16:29), and Jesus, but do not follow them. How many people know what is being asked of them in order to be faithful but are not willing to do it? Or how many know that they are not going the right way but refuse to turn around and repent? And how many of us are looking at one of the brothers when we look in the mirror? 

This raises a deeper question: what would it take for us to truly repent? Are the teachings of Jesus alone not enough? What if someone returned from heaven or hell to warn us? Would we change then? What about a mountain-top experience, a mission trip, or a close call? Would any of these experiences transform our hearts for good? What does your own faith story reveal?

This story is not meant to leave us feeling hopeless, as if repentance or salvation is impossible. Rather, it calls us to recognize that we already have what we need to live a holy life based on Scripture. The unspoken truth, however, is that we cannot guilt or hustle ourselves into perfect righteousness. We will always need Jesus in order to be made right with God and our neighbors. And this trust in God does not come from being intellectually “convinced” (Luke 16:31); it is a gift, freely given.

Reflection Questions  

• Who are the key characters in this parable, and what does each one do or experience?
• Why do you think Jesus chose to name Lazarus and not the rich man? What does this detail reveal about God’s care or justice, if anything?
• What is the significance of the brothers in the story? How might they represent people in our communities today?
• Consider your own faith journey: how might this parable challenge you to notice where you are acting like the rich man, Lazarus, or the brothers—and what might you do differently as a result?

Closing Activity

Two options for this week!

1. One-Word Reflection: Invite each participant to share one word that captures what they are taking away from the story of the rich man, Lazarus, and the brothers. After everyone shares, briefly reflect as a group on patterns or themes that emerged. This helps reinforce the main idea and gives everyone a chance to articulate their personal response in a concise, meaningful way.

2. Guided Breath Prayer: Lead the group in a short breath prayer focused on repentance and trust in God. Guide the group by saying, “breathe in” and “breathe out”. Invite them to follow this pattern:

Inhale slowly, silently saying: “Create in me a clean heart”

Exhale slowly, silently saying: “Renew my spirit, O God”

Repeat for 5–7 breaths. Encourage participants to notice where they feel tension, guilt, or longing, and offer these up to God in the rhythm of their breath. 

Afterward, allow a few moments for silent reflection or journaling on how God might be calling them to repent or to share the teachings of Jesus with those who need to hear them.

Final Blessing  

Read this blessing, written by Kate Bowler*. It helps us name what is broken, reflect on what is ours to restore, and ask God to guide our actions with courage and hope. As you end your time together, invite the group to breathe, reflect, and here this prayer:

“Oh God, I am done with broken systems
that break the very people
they are meant to serve.

Harness this anger.
Channel it into worthy action and show me
what is mine to fix and what boundaries to patrol
to keep goodness in and evil out.

Blessed are we who are appalled
that brute ignorance can so easily dominate
over decency, honesty, and integrity.

Blessed are we, who choose not to look away
from systems that dehumanize, deceive, defame, and distort.
We who recognize that thoughts and prayers are not enough.

We who stand with truth over expediency,
principle over politics,
community over competition.

Oh God, how blessed are we who cry out to you:
empower us to see and name what is broken,
what is ours to restore,
guide us to find coherent and beautiful alternatives
that foster life, hope, and peace.

Help us use our gifts with one another in unity.
Blessed are we who choose to live in anticipation,
our eyes scanning the horizon,
for signs of your kingdom—
heaven-come-down—
as we wait in hope
and act with courage.”

*Bowler, Kate. A Blessing for When You’re Tired of Broken Systems. Kate Bowler, 2023. https://katebowler.com/blessings/a-blessing-for-when-youre-tired-of-broken-systems-2/

Bio of author 

Sami Johnson is a pastor in the ELCA and has been ordained for 11 years. She is also a military spouse to a Navy Chaplain and currently on leave from call, caring for her family while her spouse is stationed in Key West, FL. Sami loves practicing hand embroidery, especially making ridiculously detailed felt applique Christmas stockings for her whole family.

On September 22nd, 2025, ELCA World Hunger will officially release our short educational documentary, “Intersections: Justice Ministry with ELCA Partners,” for free on YouTube and Vimeo. You can watch a trailer for the film at the link here. “Intersections” explores stories from three ELCA companion ministries, responding to the overlapping root causes of hunger in the United States and around the world.

This an interview with Mikayla Irle, who was the editing producer of “Intersections,” is an experienced documentary filmmaker. She was the primary creative professional supporting the development of this project.

Thank you for taking time to share more about your work, expertise, and professional story. I’m looking forward to this conversation.

First, tell us a little bit about yourself and your work. How do you understand your work as a documentary producer?

Mikayla Irle (pictured here) is a documentary filmmaker and the producing editor of “Intersections.”

“Producing” can mean a lot of things on a documentary, from managing the shoot to providing funding, but my role was focused on “writing” the story based on the footage we had and putting in the legwork to creatively fill any gaps. So, I watched all the interviews, put them in order to convey the information clearly, and gave it a beginning, middle and end. I also searched online for music and archival footage to help the stories come alive and wrote any text that appears onscreen. Of course, the team at ELCA World Hunger helped me along the way!

I am a freelance editor, who is, weirdly and happily, living on a Christmas tree farm in Washington State. For about a decade, I worked in New York on bigger-budget films, but I have happily transitioned to working more deliberately on documentary stories that excite me. Anyone who’s got a story to tell about how they’re finding solutions to big struggles in our world…that’s what I love to work on!

What is one of the most lasting lessons you learned–either about yourself or the work of the ELCA and its partners–while producing and editing Intersections that you did not know before?

I’m most proud of the scope of this short film! We covered stories from a rural farming community in Cambodia, an urban US city, and several countries in Central America. We touched on the themes of climate change, political and economic history, racial and gender disparity. While each story could have been a documentary unto itself, I think we managed to tell a short version of each and still connect them to the big theme of hunger.

What are some of the challenges you had to overcome while working on Intersections?

What made me most proud of this documentary is also what made it most challenging: the scope of world hunger is huge! The causes of and solutions to hunger in each story were so different, it was challenging to focus each story so it still connected clearly to the mission of ELCA World Hunger’s work. It wasn’t clear when we began how we would actually connect the stories, but we wanted the audience to learn about each place as a unique example and still get educated on the ELCA philosophical framework. Ultimately, our solution was to have Angela [Galbraith], an advocate, explain the framework between stories and use a graphic of the Earth rotating from location to location to transition us between stories.

If folks are looking for a documentary producer or editor, how can they get ahold of you?

The easiest way to contact me is directly through email! You’re also welcome to check out my work at my website.

mikayla.irle@gmail.com
https://mikaylairle.wixsite.com/editingresume

About the Author

Mikayla Irle is a documentary editor and producer working in the Seattle area. She loves working on big stories about people doing their piece to make the world a better place. Her background is in feature and episodic documentaries that have appeared on HBO, AppleTV, independent cinema screens and more.  

Prepare (This section is preparation for the leader, not content meant for the whole group.)

Our gospel reading for this week is not an easy one. Taking some time to remember the narrative context and who Jesus is speaking to is helpful as we try to untangle—or at least loosen—this knotted parable. 

Back in chapter 14, Jesus had dinner with some Pharisees, where he healed a man on the Sabbath and told a parable on hospitality. He continues telling parables and teaching on hospitality and discipleship as he journeys toward Jerusalem. If there is a through line for all the parables and lessons, it is that the kingdom of God is a great reversal of the ways of the world: the humble are exalted and the proud are humbled (Luke 14:7-14); the lost are found and the found are lost (Luke 15:4-7, 11-32); the ones who suffer are comforted and the comfortable suffer (Luke 16:19-31).

It’s not only the Pharisees who hear these teachings of Jesus, though. Along the way, there are also tax collectors and sinners (Luke 15:1), large crowds, and his disciples (Luke 16:1). It is worth considering how each group would have received these teachings.

Our gospel reading for today is a particularly difficult parable because we cannot easily identify a God character, a hero, or an enemy, as we might be tempted to do with other parables. And it seems that Jesus is praising dishonesty in one place and condemning it in another. The work of interpretation here is not straightforward, but our attempts to pull apart the tangled threads are well worth the effort, and your guidance through this process will be a worthy exercise for your group. Challenge yourself to resist the desire to tie it all up in a perfect bow at the end.

Opening Exercise:

Think about a time when you had the choice to do what was right, even though it might cost you. Or the option to do something questionable or rule-breaking that would benefit you. How did you decide what to do? Did you get caught? If you had it to do over again, what would you do?  

Text Read Aloud:

Luke 16:1-13

Article

A compass can only point in one direction, just as we can only place our trust in one thing. As Luther reminds us in the Large Catechism: Whatever you set your heart on and put your trust in—that is truly your god.

On September 10th, the answer to the question, “Who is the wealthiest person in the world?” briefly changed from Elon Musk to Larry Ellison, co-founder of Oracle, a software company that focuses on cloud computing and database technology. You can learn more about how that happened and who Ellison is in this article.

We, especially as Americans, have a fascination with superlatives and wealth. Put them together, and we want to know it all: How did they get so wealthy? What can I learn from them? Can I do what they did, if even on a smaller scale?

Since the fascination is almost universal, it’s no surprise that many news outlets offered takes on Ellison’s wealth and how he earned it. They point to his business and how it compares to competitors. They make connections between Ellison and Musk, President Trump, and Oracle’s competitors and contract partners.

Even as Christians, we cannot deny that wealth—or the lack of it—has a grip on us. We are taught to trust in God over all else and build up treasure in heaven, but the security wealth provides is difficult to set aside. It keeps us chasing bigger, better, and more.

It seems the manager in our parable was trying to obtain his own slice of wealth and security, even though it did not belong to him. He was afraid that when he lost his job he would be left in poverty with no prospects. So he took things into his own hands. He chose to exploit what he did have—his fleeting power and influence—to make friends for himself, hoping they would feel obligated to help him after he was fired.

We expect the master (the same word as Lord in the language of the New Testament) to speak for Jesus and scold the manager’s shrewdness, warning his audience of Pharisees, sinners, tax collectors, disciples, and ultimately us, not to do the same. But that’s not what happens. Instead, the manager is “commended” (Luke 16:8) for his shrewdness. Even more, the master almost seems to chastise “children of the light” for not being so shrewd.

But the story does not end there. Jesus concludes by saying, “You cannot serve God and wealth” (Luke 16:13). This is more of what we expect, but it does not fit perfectly with the lesson of the parable, does it?

In a series of teachings and parables highlighting the reversal of the kingdom of God compared with the ways of the world, this story prompts questions about how we faithfully live in a world driven by wealth and the pursuit of it. Perhaps we will find it equally comforting and discouraging that this tension has persisted for so long.

Reflective Questions

• What drives the dishonest manager to try to curry favor—that is, gain the approval or support—of the people who owed money to his master? 
• Who is lifted up as the example, the “children of this age” or the “children of the light? Is it one or the other or do we have something to learn from both?  
• What does it mean or look like to serve wealth? 
• How can you determine if a certain choice would serve God rather than feeding the pursuit of wealth?

Closing Activity

• Give your group members a few moments to reflect on what gives them a sense of security outside of God. You can invite them to close their eyes and picture what comes to mind. Or make a list on a small piece of paper—whatever you have available. 
• After a few moments, invite them to either physically crumple the paper in their fist. If they made the list in their mind, to clench their hands into fists as if holding it. Then, invite them to silently ask God to help them let go of those things, dropping the paper in the garbage or simply releasing their hands. 
• Encourage them to pause for a few seconds with their hands released to appreciate the feeling of relaxation.

Final Prayer

God our Provider,  

You made us and you sustain us every day of our lives. Show us your way and lead us to follow it, even when we’re scared, even when we are tempted, even when we are caught up in comparison and feelings of not being or having enough. Yours is the only way to true freedom. In your holy name we pray, Amen. 

Bio

Sami Johnson is a pastor in the ELCA and has been ordained for 11 years. She is also a military spouse to a Navy Chaplain and currently on leave from call, caring for her family while her spouse is stationed in Key West, FL. Sami loves practicing hand embroidery, especially making ridiculously detailed felt applique Christmas stockings for her whole family. 

On September 22nd, 2025, ELCA World Hunger will officially release our short educational documentary, “Intersections: Justice Ministry with ELCA Partners,” for free on YouTube and Vimeo. You can watch a trailer for the film at the link here. “Intersections” explores stories from three ELCA companion ministries, responding to the overlapping root causes of hunger in the United States and around the world.

This an interview with Ashlyn Rhyne, a recent alumna of the Young Adults in Global Mission (YAGM) program, who served in Cambodia. Rhyne worked primarily with the Lutheran Hope Cambodia Organization (LHCO), who features in the first part of “Intersections.” In addition, she played a key role supporting the production of the film on the ground, coordinating videography, translation, and interviews. This interview was conducted while she was still working in Cambodia.

Thank you for taking time to tell us your story of work alongside our partners in Cambodia, Ashlyn. I’m looking forward to this conversation.

While in Cambodia you’ve spent much of your time accompanying Lutheran Hope Cambodia Organization (LHCO). Can you tell us a little bit about LHCO’s work and what you appreciate most about it?

Ashlyn Rhyne, photo provided by author

Lutheran Hope Cambodia Organization (LHCO) is an NGO that serves vulnerable communities in Cambodia through development programs that prioritize human dignity. The main office is in Phnom Penh, and others are in various provinces.

What I appreciate most about LHCO’s work are the people. This year, I have mainly worked in the Phnom Penh office but have also gotten the opportunity to visit other offices. Through these times of accompaniment, I can tell that those who work for LHCO are doing it because they deeply care about the communities they are walking alongside. They are passionate about implementing impactful programs, leading relevant training, finding appropriate funding, and simply completing their everyday work. The positive energy they put into the work then trickles into those they help.

I am continually inspired by the work of LHCO, and I am thankful for the opportunity to learn from them.

Speaking of accompaniment—the ELCA theology of walking with communities as partners in the gospel—could you speak about how you understand “accompaniment”? How have you seen it in person since you began your ministry in Cambodia?

To me, accompaniment is walking alongside my siblings in Christ as we learn from each other, love, yet challenge one another and most importantly, embrace the joy that surrounds us.

Before my YAGM year, I thought of accompaniment on a much larger scale, seeing it more as a series of grand gestures. However, in Cambodia, I have realized that while it can be seen in grand gestures, accompaniment is an everyday act. I feel it when my co-workers step in to translate a conversation from Khmer to English for me. I notice it when strangers help each other cross the busy city streets. My cohort members and I walk hand-in-hand as we journey through our year of service together. I feel it each time I am offered food to try or taught a new Khmer word. I experienced it each day during a week-long holiday, Khmer New Year, when a friend invited me to travel with her family. Accompaniment finds us in the smallest of things. May we continue to find it too, as we learn, love and grow together.

As you know, ELCA World Hunger is preparing to release a short documentary about intersectional justice called Intersections: Justice Ministry with ELCA Partners that, in part, features LHCO’s ministry. You had a large role in bringing that film to audiences in the ELCA network. Could you tell us what your part in the project was?

I worked alongside Mr. Yu, who specializes in IT and communications at LHCO. Prior to filming, I assisted Mr. Yu in creating questions for each interview. We then traveled to two sites in one of the provinces where LHCO has an office. At each site Mr. Yu filmed drone footage, while I captured footage on my camera. During each interview, I listened and watched the camera to make sure the audio and framing stayed consistent, while Mr. Yu asked the questions. Following the filming and interviewing process, Mr. Yu translated the questions and answers from Khmer to English. After Mr. Yu translated the script, I assisted with grammar and spelling corrections. I am honored with the opportunity to share these stories alongside Mr. Yu and I am thankful for how our relationship grew in trust and teamwork.

Finally, to take a phrase from my colleague Regina Banks in the ELCA’s advocacy team (and host of the ELCA Advocacy podcast, “Here I Pod”), where have you seen the Gospel lately?

During my time with LHCO, I have assisted with a new project – Fullness of Life for Children and Youth of the City (FLUCY). As I near the end of my YAGM year, and my time with LHCO, I recently attended the last two FLUCY events before I leave. The youth know little English, and I know little Khmer. This limits our conversations, but, this is how I have learned that connection overrides any language barrier. Through these youth I have learned that one does not need language to communicate. It is a beautiful thing really – to feel so much love and joy from people who you have not had a full conversation with.

I see the Gospel through these youth. I feel it in our interactions during games, when we share meals, or simply take photos. I see the Gospel through their leaders, teachers and guardians. One of the main activities each youth group coordinates is a service project in their own communities. They are constantly learning through FLUCY and then choose to share what they are learning. The youth share their love, care and joy with me, and those around them.

Thank you, again, for your ministry, Ashlyn. It has been a pleasure to learn from you and to celebrate the ministry of LHCO through “Intersections.”

About the Author

Ashlyn Rhyne served as a Young Adults in Global Mission (YAGM) volunteer in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, volunteering with Lutheran Hope Cambodia Organization (LHCO). She grew up in Lincolnton, NC and graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill in May of 2024 with a bachelor’s degree in media and journalism. Following YAGM, she plans to serve as a short-term recruiter for the program.

Issue 101 of Administration Matters

Living Lutheran is back in print!

Guidance on Updated DHS Federal Nonprofit Grant Program Terms & Conditions

Portico announces 2026 benefit changes and new health options

Webinar: “Creating Accessible Spaces on a Budget” Monday, Nov. 17, 7-8 p.m. Central time

A guide to cybersecurity best practices for digital giving

Meetings make a difference

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.

Association of Lutheran Church Musicians

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

Lutheran Summer Music Academy & Festival

Transforming and connecting lives through faith and music since 1981.

New FREE Arrangement from Lutheran Summer Music by Anne Krentz Organ

Download a new free arrangement from Lutheran Summer Music 2025 by Anne Krentz Organ: Beach Spring for solo instrument with keyboard accompaniment. Based on the well-known shape-note hymn tune, this versatile work is this year’s installment in the LSM Hymn Tune Project and can be performed either in full or as individual movements. Listen and download for free at LSMacademy.org/lsmpress.

Vi Messerli Memorial Lectures in Church Music

For All the Saints
October 19-21
Concordia University Chicago
River Forest, Illinois

Join us for another exciting year of celebrating the Church’s song at the Vi Messerli Memorial Lectures in Church Music. This year’s presenters include: John D. Witvliet, founding director of the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship at Calvin University in Grand Rapids, MI, and currently professor of theology and worship at Belmont University; noted organist and composer John Behnke, a Festival of Hymns by David W. Rogner, presented by Concordia-Chicago’s Kapelle, and the choirs of Grace Lutheran Church and First Saint Paul’s Lutheran Church, and organist and composer Brenda Portman.  Register today for this and much more!

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.

• 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
• October 12: Three-day Retreat in Albuquerque, N.M.
• November 7-9: Workshop in Waco, Texas
• February 6-8, 2026: Two-Day Retreat in Raleigh, N.C.
  Details and more in-person events are being planned. Please stay tuned!

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.

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.

You are invited to visit the re-designed website to learn more about who we are and how to can assist you with resources, training, and other information about how we may work with you to connect through your commitment to the movement of faith through the sacrament of baptismal living as disciples of Christ.

Prepare (This section is preparation for the leader, not content meant for the whole group.)

The heart of this passage is the pair of parables about the lost sheep and the lost coin. Yet the two sentences before them provide essential context for understanding the stories Jesus tells. Crowds continue to follow him, but this particular group receives special mention: tax collectors and sinners. It’s worth unpacking the baggage these titles carry. Tax collectors were seen as corrupt, wealthy collaborators with Rome, collecting what Rome demanded—and often a little extra for themselves. “Sinners” is a broader term used throughout the New Testament to describe anyone with a reputation for wrongdoing and an unwillingness to repent. In short, these are society’s outcasts. And it is precisely these people with whom Jesus chooses to share his meals.

This is not new in Luke. A major theme of the gospel is table fellowship. Meals are never just meals; they are moments of revelation, teaching, reversal, and inclusion. Luke uses shared meals to reveal whom Jesus welcomes, challenges, and brings into God’s kingdom. This is why Jesus is accused of being “a glutton and a drunkard” (Luke 7:34): he eats with anyone and everyone.

What follows from the religious leaders’ complaint—that Jesus welcomes and eats with those he shouldn’t—is Jesus’ explanation of why he does so, told in story form. The parables highlight the extravagant welcome and relentless pursuit of outsiders. In an agrarian society like Jesus’, no shepherd would realistically leave ninety-nine sheep to search for one; the cost of losing more would be too great. Likewise, the woman’s persistence is underscored by the painstaking tasks she undertakes to ensure her coin is found. In both cases, the conclusion is the same: celebration. Each throws a party that seems excessive. And yet that is exactly what God’s welcome, love, and grace in Jesus are—extravagant, relentless, excessive.

Opening Exercise

Watch this news segment on a special lunch served in Denver, CO. After watching the video, participants get in pairs or groups of three and talk about a meal they shared that was meaningful to them and why?

Read Aloud

Luke 15:1-10

Longer Tables for the Lost and Found

Mile Long Table in Denver – Credit: Longer Tables

In late July over 3,400 people ate at the longest table in the United States. People from all over joined together for a meal. The event was put on by Longer Tables, a nonprofit whose mission is to “bring people from all walks of life together to create connection and belonging through shared meals.” Tom Jones, the founder, calls the table “the most powerful connector.”

He’s right. Longer Tables wants all people—no matter their story, background, or identity—to connect, be seen, and feel like they belong. In a time of deep polarization, rising loneliness, and widespread isolation, this work is vital.

But here’s the thing: as beautiful as that vision is, it’s not new. The church has known and practiced this for nearly two millennia. And perhaps no one knew it better than Jesus.

Luke tells us again and again that Jesus shared meals with people. So much so that he earned a reputation for being a glutton (Luke 7:34). And it wasn’t just that he ate with his closest friends—he ate with all sorts of people. Poor fishermen. Women. Massive crowds. High-ranking religious leaders. And yes, tax collectors and sinners; the ones society saw as corrupt, immoral, or beyond redemption. These were the very people Jesus welcomed at his table. And that made the religious leaders grumble.

That’s where our passage in Luke 15 picks up. When accused of eating with the wrong people, Jesus explains why through two parables: the lost sheep and the lost coin. Both stories showcase God’s relentless pursuit of those who have wandered off or been pushed aside. No shepherd would risk ninety-nine sheep for one. No woman would throw a party over finding a single coin. Yet Jesus insists this is exactly how God works—going to ridiculous lengths to seek, welcome, and celebrate the lost.

In that light, Jesus is doing something even more radical than Longer Tables. He made sure that the very people no one wanted at the table—the outcasts, the ones with the wrong reputation, the ones everyone else avoided—were not only invited but present. And when they were found and welcomed, heaven itself rejoiced.

That raises a hard but important question for us: Who is sitting at your table? Who isn’t? Who should be? With school in full swing, this is the perfect time to pause and ask: Who have we left out? Who needs to hear, through us, a word of welcome and belonging?

Maybe it’s the person with whom you disagree politically. Perhaps it’s someone who has hurt you or carries a reputation you’d rather avoid. Or it’s the neighbor who feels forgotten. Whoever comes to mind, remember: these are the very people Jesus sought out and welcomed.

That welcome is still the model for us today. It’s the kind of connection the world is starving for. And when it happens—when the lost are found, when the table is extended, when grace is shared—it’s always worth celebrating.

Reflection Questions

• What is the mission of Longer Tables, and how does it connect people?
• How does Jesus’ practice of table fellowship go even further than what Longer Tables is doing?
• Of all the characters in the passage (Jesus, tax collector, sinner, Pharisee, lost sheep, etc), with whom do you identify in the passage and why?
• If Jesus welcomed those society avoided, who are we be called to welcome to our own tables today?

Closing Activity

Try this guided meditation with your group:

Find a quiet, comfortable space and close your eyes. Imagine a table in front of you—it could be your kitchen table, where you eat lunch at school, or even the longest table you can dream of.

1. First, picture the people who normally sit at your table. Family, friends, the ones you know and love. Give thanks for them. (Pause)
   
2. Now, imagine the people Jesus often welcomed—the ones who were overlooked, avoided, or judged. Who comes to mind for you? Hold them in prayer. (Pause)
   
3. Finally, picture Jesus at the table. See him smiling, passing food, making space, and reminding you that there is room for everyone—including you. (Pause)

Take a deep breath in. Hold it briefly. Breathe all the way out. Open your eyes.

Final Prayer

Jesus, help us to make room at our tables the way you make room at yours. Amen

Bio

Cogan Blackmon is a pastor who believes the church is at its best when it listens closely to the stories people carry. As Associate Pastor of Cross of Grace Lutheran Church in New Palestine, Indiana, and editor of Faith Lens, he explores the intersection of scripture, culture, and everyday life, sharing reflections that help readers see faith in fresh ways. Outside of ministry and editing, you’ll likely find him with a cup of coffee in hand, exploring local food and beverage venues with his family, or listening to folk and Americana music.

For five days, hundreds of ELCA Lutherans descended on Phoenix, AZ, for the 2025 ELCA Churchwide Assembly. This gathering is set to do the business of the church: to receive reports from the churchwide officers, leaders, and units, to consider proposals from synod assemblies, elect officers and board members, establish ELCA churchwide policy, and to adopt a budget. The business is grounded in opportunities to worship together, to network with ELCA partners, and to live into our calling as the church for the sake of the world.

Whenever you put that many Lutherans in a room, one can expect worship will be holy and moving, and that is exactly what each worship experience was. From dynamic preaching to moving songs, each service had something for everyone. A highlight of worship was to see the diversity of leadership, including leaders with disabilities. While there were many times accessibility came into play, the worship space was laid out in a way that wheelchairs and walkers were not forced to be in the back. Extra space throughout gave room for those who found the small chairs constricting, and a ramp on one side of the stage was something that wasn’t an afterthought or just used by those who need it.

One of the major things that the assembly was tasked with was the election of both a Presiding Bishop and a Secretary. Giving thanks for Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton and Secretary Deacon Sue Rothmeyer, we began to look towards what the next six years might look like under new leadership. From the very beginning, it was clear that our next leaders need to be bold in their proclamation of the gospel, bold in their service to the church, and ready for an ever-changing church. As the voting process continued, those who advanced were clear in their commitment to uplifting lay leaders, developing new ways of inviting more folks to the table and doubling down on our identity as beloved children of God. In the end, Bishop Yehiel Curry of the Metro Chicago Synod was elected as our Presiding Bishop, and Pastor CeeCee Mills from the North Carolina Synod was elected as Secretary. Both of these elections are a first for the ELCA, not only did we elect two BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, Person of Color) leaders, but all three of the top elected positions for the ELCA are held by diverse individuals.

Throughout the rest of the business of the church, a few things happened quietly that are important to note. The following memorials, resolutions sent from synod assemblies to the Churchwide Assembly were passed en bloc but could have an impact on our communities:

• A5: Youth Gathering Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility
  • Giving thanks to the Minneapolis Area Synod, the churchwide assembly requests that the ELCA Youth Gathering team explore ways to implement a racial equity audit for the Youth Gathering to address barriers for participation with the goal of increasing and strengthening the leadership of youth participants with persons of color and intersecting identities.
• B4: Child and Vulnerable Adult Protection
  • Giving thanks to the Minneapolis Area Synod and the St. Paul Area Synod, the churchwide assembly urges synods to include the protection of children and vulnerable adults in their trainings for rostered ministers and other leaders in their synod and to adopt policies to ensure that all leaders who are working with children and vulnerable adults are protected, like ensuring training is done and background checks have been completed.

While neither of these memorials speaks directly to people with disabilities, they do speak to an urge in the church to be more aware of how our identities are played out and to provide resources to better live into them. Having served on the tAble planning team the last two cycles, I am excited to see how the ELCA Youth Gathering teams take to heart not only addressing barriers to individuals of color but also to youth with disabilities. What would it look like to see better representation throughout the entire Youth Gathering that reminds us that we are not just included be belong there?

As a church, we have done a good job of including people with disabilities; we have added ramps to stages and ensured accessible bathrooms are available, but we have only begun the work that is needed to move from being included to belonging. As an observer, I witnessed the inaccessibility of events like this, from the long hallways of a convention center to the assumptions made by others, frustrations for some ran high. The desire to be a more inclusive church is there, but we have failed in many ways. With the election of new leadership, it is our time to hold our elected officers accountable for the things they say and do. One of the things that continued to be a theme throughout the week together was our calling to be the church for the sake of the world, our calling to live boldly in service to a world longing for healing, justice, and hope. There were many missed opportunities to make this assembly more accessible. There were moments of changing direction after folks spoke up, but we have to do better, and I hope that we can move from inclusion to belonging.

Pastor Mack Patrick (he/they) is currently serving as Assistant to the Bishop in the Northern Illinois synod, where he oversees communications, stewardship, and youth ministry and is one of the newest members of the ELCA Disability Ministries advisory team.