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Worship at the ELCA 2025 Churchwide Assembly

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

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Worship Resources from Augsburg Fortress Publishers

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.

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.

 


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.

 


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.


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.

 

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SPPO Spotlight: Hope and Challenge Addressing Political Violence

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.

 


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.A quote about identity overlaid on a canoe scene. 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.

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ELCA World Hunger Education and Networking Grants

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.

 

An intergenerational gathering of rostered and lay ministers of the ELCA gathered around a table during a discussion.

Hunger leaders of the St. Paul and Minneapolis Area Synods, discussing areas for future collaboration of their justice ministries.

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. 

Intergenerational gathering of hunger leaders standing in a semi-circle participating in an interactive hunger simulation.

Hunger leaders in the Northeastern Minnesota Synod participating in a hunger simulation.

 

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. 

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Ms. Ritu Rishidev: A Rising Voice of the Musahar Community

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.]

 

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Index of the July 2025 Issue of Administration Matters

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

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Sumud Summer Newsletter 2025

Click here to read Sumud’s 2025 Summer newsletter.

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Partner Organization Resources and Events

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.

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!


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:

We look forward to seeing you in Raleigh!


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.


Let It Be With Me According to Your Word

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

Register at www.seminarliturgy.org.

 


 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.


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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Worship Resources from Augsburg Fortress Publishers

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.

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!


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!


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.


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.


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.


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.

 

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SPPO Spotlight: Budgets are Moral Documents

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.Cityscape with overlaid text about a spotlight series from an ELCA-affiliated public policy office.

  • 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.

"Hands holding apples with an overlaid quote about faith-based advocacy."

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 DocumentsA group of people sitting at tables in a grand hall with a yellow text overlay.

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
A group of people holding decorated paper plates with handwritten messages in a formal indoor setting.

Advocates holding paper plates as a symbol of the many prayers being held with them as they entered the Ohio Statehouse

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.

 

A group of people holding signs supporting food assistance inside a church setting.

Northwestern Ohio Synod advocates prepare for their advocacy with a budget briefing at Trinity Episcopal Church, across the street from the Ohio Statehouse

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.

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