“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 and conflict, especially in Gaza, Thailand, Cambodia, Colombia, South Sudan, Myanmar, Ukraine, and Ethiopia…
For all victims of gun violence, especially in Minneapolis, MN…
For business owners and leaders, facing increased costs and challenges…
For victims of flooding and landslides in Vietnam and Thailand…
For police officers and military personnel…
For immigrants coming to the US to escape violence in their countries of origin…
For those without a home or secure housing and those who serve them…
For those seeking meaningful work and all who are unemployed, underemployed, or retired…
For students transitioning to college and for the staff and faculty who care for them in these spaces, especially at our ELCA Colleges and Universities…

Events and observances:
August Observances: International Peace Month, Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) Awareness Month, National Black Business Month, National Immunization Awareness Month

Augustine, Bishop of Hippo, died 430 (Aug 28)
Moses the Black, monk, martyr, died around 400 (Aug 28)
Labor Day (USA, Sept 1)
Nikolai Frederik Severin Grundtvig, bishop, renewer of the church, died 1872 (Sept 2)

Prayers from ELCA resources:
A prayer for cities (Occasional Services for the Assembly)
Gracious God, bless our cities and make them places of safety for all people, rich and poor. Give us grace to work for cities where neighborhoods remain vibrant and whole. Where the lost and forgotten in society are supported, and where the arts flourish. Make the diverse fabric of the city a delight to all who live and visit there and a strong bond uniting people around common goals for the good of all; through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

A prayer in time of conflict, crisis, disaster (ELW)
Lord Jesus Christ, your own mother looked on when your life ended in violence. Our hearts are pierced with grief and anger. We commend the slain to your wounded hands, and their loved ones to your merciful heart, trusting only in the promise that your love is stronger than death, and that even now, you live and reign forever and ever. Amen.

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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.

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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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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Lutheran Summer Music Academy & Festival

Transforming and connecting lives through faith and music since 1981.

Did you miss LSM 2025?
No problem—LSM On Demand has you covered! You’re invited to revisit over 30 concerts, recitals, and worship services from Lutheran Summer Music 2025, all available to watch in our Livestream Archive at LSMacademy.org/on-demand. From breathtaking performances to inspiring worship, there’s something for everyone—don’t miss the chance to experience it all!

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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.

• 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!

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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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!

 

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Association of Lutheran Church Musicians

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

From Generation to Generation: Now and Forever
St. Olaf College, Northfield, Minn.
July 13-16, 2026

St. Olaf was the site of ALCM’s constituting convention held 40 years ago on Aug. 10-13, 1986. It once again will be the backdrop for a great week of learning, celebration, worship, and music. The theme mirrors that of ALCM’s 40th anniversary celebration and recalls the language at the end of the Lord’s Prayer, which declares that all we do is for the glory of God. Speaking of Soli Deo Gloria, the highlight event of our gathering will be the Wednesday evening presentation of J.S. Bach’s St. Matthew Passion with Dr. Christopher Cock at the helm. Information will be available early this fall and registration will open in mid-to-late October.

 

Over 1,000 people gathered in Phoenix, Arizona from July 28-August 2 for the ELCA 2025 Churchwide Assembly. The readings for worship were chosen to supplement the assembly theme, “For the Life of the World.” On Monday we proclaimed the body of Christ for the life of the world as we gathered for Holy Communion. Tuesday’s morning prayer centered us in baptism, as we heard the proclamation of John the Baptist in Luke’s gospel and gave thanks for the gifts of baptism. Wednesday’s service of Holy Communion focused on justice and peace for the life of the world and offered a time of communal lament. On Thursday morning, we prayed for the life of the world, adapting the format of Service of Word and Prayer as presented in All Creation Sings. For both Wednesday’s and Thursday’s services, the color of the day was blue, symbolizing our hope in Christ and our longing for justice and peace. Friday’s service of evening prayer in the plenary hall  included a confession and repentance for the sins of patriarchy as called for in the ELCA Social Statement, “Faith, Sexism, and Justice.” We’’ll share more about that service and additional resources in a blog post later this fall. The final service of Holy Communion on Saturday affirmed our vocation as ones sent as the body of Christ for the life of the world.

All the services are available to be viewed via the livestream but so much of what happens in worship takes place in the preparation beforehand and in the in-between times. Enjoy this photo gallery of the “stuff” from behind the scenes from the Phoenix Convention Center and from the worship services themselves. Additional professional photos from the worship services can be found on the ELCA’s Facebook page.

 

Behind the Scenes Photos

Photos from Worship, Courtesy of the ELCA

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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Joining in Glad Adoration, Vol. 2: Hymn Introductions and Accompaniments

David Sims writes a welcomed second volume in his series of introductions and harmonizations. Each setting includes a clear introduction that beautifully sets the tone of the hymn and one or two alternate harmonizations that support singing while creatively uplifting the text. Twenty-five tunes are included with several from All Creation Sings.

 

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Pray, Praise, and Give Thanks: Litanies, Laments, and Thanksgivings at Font and Table

This collection of prayers for use in worship from Gail Ramshaw contains three litanies, a template for constructing prayers of intercession, prayers of lament for evils that afflict us and our world, prayers to be offered at baptisms and baptismal remembrances (thanksgivings at the font), and eucharistic prayers (thanksgivings at the table). Pastors, worship planners, and scholars will all find this volume invaluable.

 

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Central Things: Worship in Word and Sacrament

Gordon Lathrop identifies the central things of Christian worship as these: an open and participating community gathered in song and prayer around the scriptures read and preached, the baptismal washing enacted or remembered, the holy supper, and the sending to a needy world. These things may be done in diverse ways, in diverse cultural situations, responding to diverse times, but they nonetheless unite Christians throughout the world. Taken seriously, they may shape the spirit and the details of our worship. By them, the divine continually brings people into faith, hope, and love.

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Baptized, We Live: Lutheranism As a Way of Life

Explore Daniel Erlander’s unique vision of the Lutheran faith as a way of teaching, worshiping, and living. This rich, compelling book has guided generations interested in enriching their faith in a meaningful way. Covers topics like history, liturgy, the eucharist, saying yes and no, and more. In this updated edition, an array of skin tones are shown, worship resources now reference Evangelical Lutheran Worship rather than Lutheran Book of Worship, and language is now even more inclusive and expansive. The accompanying Leader Sourcebook provides curriculum resources to use this as a teaching tool for youth and adults.

 

Over the past year we have witnessed an increase in polarization, a rise in Christian nationalism, and a number of acts of political violence. In this spotlight from an ELCA-affiliated state public policy office (sppo), Tammy Walhof, Director of Lutheran Advocacy Ministry – Minnesota, and Jacob Summerville, ELCA Hunger Advocacy Fellow placed with this sppo, discuss some ways Minnesotans are working to build bridges and encourage civil discourse.

 

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Hope and Challenge Addressing Political Violence

By Tammy Walhof, Director, Lutheran Advocacy – Minnesota and Jacob Summerville, Hunger Advocacy Fellow

POLITICAL VIOLENCE | GRACEFUL CONVERSATIONS | RESOURCE COLLECTION | MEDIA LITERACY | CHRISTIAN NATIONALISM | FINDING HOPE

A RISE IN POLITICAL VIOLENCE

It is no secret that political violence, fueled by misinformation and extremism, is on the rise across the United States. On June 14, 2025, this rising tension was brought to bear in a shocking and tragic act of violence that resulted in the deaths of Minnesota Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark, as well as the hospitalization of State Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette. This brazen, senseless spree of violence has left the people of Minnesota with more questions than answers. Why did this happen? How did we get here? Where do we go from here?

Beyond the profound grief, the deeper issues that got us here are on many of our minds.

As advocates, passionate about our state and its people, we find ourselves in an interesting position. We hear the cries for unity and peace, for an end to the extreme polarization that has become so common. Yet these are not issues that can be legislated away. No amount of funding will end political violence. No number of letters and phone calls will put a stop to the rampant division in our communities. No bill will be passed that will reverse our course of vitriol and division.

Lutheran Advocacy-Minnesota (LA-MN) has faithfully worked to address the needs of the people of Minnesota for decades, yet this seems to fall outside the scope of our usual methods and tools. With that in mind, LA-MN has taken several steps to address the various facets of this complex issue.

 

GRACEFUL CONVERSATIONS

More than a decade ago LA-MN Director Tammy Walhof developed a curriculum called Graceful Conversations to provide tools for talking with those with whom we disagree. She has since spent many hours editing and refining the program, finally teaming up with the Rev. Emily Meyer from the Ministry Lab to produce the workshop in its current form. Including videos, discussion questions, a facilitator guide, and more, Graceful Conversations is a five-part series that focuses on effective communication about divisive issues. In a recent episode of Here I Pod from ELCA Advocacy, Walhof spoke about the origins of Graceful Conversations and shared about how the program supports the work of encouraging conversation across divides.

At its core, Graceful Conversations reminds participants that their primary identity is not “liberal” or “conservative,” but “beloved child of God.” With this common ground as a starting place, conversations are more fruitful and respectful.

The workshop also includes many simple tips and tricks for effective communication, information about triggers and how to handle them sensitively, and so much more. The workshop in its entirety is free to all, and can be found here.

 

RESOURCE COLLECTION

A key part of addressing such complex issues as political violence and extremism is identifying their root causes. Through diligent research, we have found that although there is no one-size-fits-all explanation for this trend toward violence, there are definite commonalities that we can address individually. We are developing a hub of resources on these various causes, touching on topics such as media literacy and Christian nationalism.

This page will include a broad range of information on these topics, reading recommendations, and resources for congregations to address these issues directly and sensitively. With these items made easily available, we hope to provide our faithful advocates with a foundation to combat this rising tide of division at its roots. When it is complete, it will be found on our website.

 

MEDIA LITERACY

Misinformation presents a real and present danger to the fabric of our nation. Across all forms of media, it is becoming more and more difficult to identify what is real when the field is flooded with grifters, extremists, and others with ill-intent. As people of faith, we have a mandate to stand up for the truth. Though this may seem like a monumental task in this day and age, a simple refresh of media literacy tools can be a powerful and effective method to stem the tide of lies and manipulation. LA-MN is developing in-house resources focused on questioning media, evaluating sources, and identifying logical fallacies.

 

CHRISTIAN NATIONALISM

As ever, LA-MN stands against Christian nationalism in all its forms. This ideology distorts the gospel, bending it into a tool for political power and exclusion of our neighbors. We believe that all people are God’s beloved children, regardless of their country of origin. While we recognize and appreciate the many blessings that come with United States citizenship, we also recognize that our country is not perfect, and never has been. Criticism of our government is a cornerstone of our Constitution, and the unassailable picture of America that comes with nationalistic ideology is dangerous, beyond being outright false. Instead, LA-MN works to foster a truly patriotic environment, where we can freely seek constant improvement of our country, refinement of our laws, and fair and equitable treatment for all.

While we believe that faith can be a key component in advocacy, and can help inform our opinions on certain issues, we wholeheartedly reject the falsehood of Christian nationalism, which is based neither in the gospel nor in patriotism. Christian nationalism is a threat to our churches, our country, and our siblings in Christ across the world. Through thoughtful and gracious conversation, advocacy for just policy, and a commitment to truth and transparency, LA-MN is working hard to stamp out this harmful ideology and foster faithful community in its place.

 

HOPE IN A WEARY WORLD

Rising tensions and increasingly common acts of violence in the United States are understandably scary. Voices from every corner seem convinced that our country is simply too far gone, too separated to ever reconcile. LA-MN resoundingly rejects this idea. We are one body in Christ, regardless of political party. As faithful advocates we are committed to hope in this time of division. Following the act of political violence on June 14, LA-MN released a statement addressing the attack and emphasized the importance of building community at a time where many would seek to pull us apart.

As much as it is safe for you to do so, we encourage you to recommit yourself to that same hope. Keep having graceful conversations. Keep educating yourself on the big issues, and be aware of where your information comes from. Take a stand against Christian nationalism in all its forms. Do not give up hope on your neighbor, no matter how distant they may seem. We will be praying for a turning tide, and for all those working to make that happen. As we’ve said, political violence and extremism cannot be legislated away. These issues that poison our communities must be excised through action, through patience and grace, and through the renewing and redeeming gospel that is our firm foundation.

The 2025 ELCA World Hunger Education and Networking Grant application cycle is now open!

 

Hunger Education and Networking Grants are one of the ways ELCA World Hunger accompanies congregations, synods, organizations, partners and local teams throughout the US and the Caribbean. We know that learning about the root causes of hunger and effective responses is key to ending hunger locally and globally. 

We will be accepting proposals from August 4th through September 15th. Grant application review will begin after September 15th. Please allow 2-4 weeks for review of your application. Grants average between $500 and $1,000 and are non-renewable. 

ELCA World Hunger Education and Networking Grants support work that: 

• educate and engage ELCA congregations, groups, and/or synods;
• influence this church body toward better action and engagement against hunger and poverty;
• encourage sustainable participation in the work of ELCA World Hunger beyond the conclusion of the project, event or initiative. For more on the intersectional priorities of ELCA World Hunger, visit the link found here.

 

ELCA World Hunger Education and Networking Grants are designed for projects that provide educational opportunities to deepen participants’ understanding of poverty and hunger (including root causes and intersectional issues) and equip participants to work toward effective solutions.

Projects involving direct service within communities are only eligible if the service happens within a program for service learning. If your project involves direct service, ELCA World Hunger’s Domestic Hunger Grants or Daily Bread Grants may be more appropriate for your needs. 

Some examples of past grant partnerships or potential future projects include (but are not limited to): 

• synod-wide bike rides to promote hunger awareness; 
• creation of shareable networking databases for hunger ministries, community organizers, or advocates; 
• service learning events for youth and young adults; 
• online and in-person workshops; 
• climate justice education opportunities; 
• community organizing training; 
• creation of new resources to help participants learn about hunger; and 
• local research projects to help others learn more about hunger, health, and housing in their community. 

The work of grant partners in the past has focused on a wide variety of areas, including climate change and sustainability, housing security, racial justice, worker justice, reducing food waste and economic justice. 

 

Eligibility

To be eligible for an ELCA World Hunger Education and Networking Grant, proposals must be: 

• received through the ELCA’s online Grantmaker portal (the link to the Grantmaker portal is at the link found here) from August 4th through September 15th, 2025; 

• • [Note: If you have any difficulties with the ELCA GrantMaker platform and would prefer to apply in a different format, we can provide a Word document application. This is available upon request via email to Peter McLellan (peter.mclellan@elca.org).] 

• submitted by a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization; 

• • [Note: If your organization does not have 501(c)3 status (this might include a synod hunger team), your ELCA synod can serve as your fiscal agent. Contact your synod office for this support.]

• focused on education, engagement, and networking toward a just world where all are fed; and 

• consistent with ELCA World Hunger’s values and priorities (found at the link found here). 

In addition, eligible projects must occur within the geographic footprint of the ELCA, which includes the United States and the Caribbean. 

 

How to Apply

Applicants must pre-register on ELCA GrantMaker in order to access the grant application. Approval of registration may take up to ten business days, so register now at ELCA.org/grants, and submit your application by September 15th. 

If you have any questions, please email Peter McLellan, program director for hunger education, at peter.mclellan@elca.org or hunger@elca.org. 

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

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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