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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.

Youth Musicians Invited to Lutheran Summer Music 2026

Enrollment is now open for Lutheran Summer Music (LSM) 2026 at St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN! LSM is a faith-based residential music academy for high school students who come together to immerse themselves in musical excellence and build a supportive and fun community. Musical experiences include large ensembles (band, choir, orchestra), chamber music, private lessons, and electives like handbells, jazz, musical theatre, composition, conducting, church music, and more.

Priority enrollment deadline: December 1
Standard enrollment deadline: March 1

Learn more at LSMacademy.org/program

Association of Lutheran Church Musicians

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

ALCM  2026 Conference: at St. Olaf College, Northfield, Minn.
Registration opens in October.

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!

 

Institute of Liturgy Studies

An ecumenical conference on liturgical renewal for the church today.

The Feast of Creation – liturgy as creation groans
Valparaiso University, Ind.
April 13-15, 2026

SAVE THE DATE!

The 77th meeting of the Institute of Liturgical Studies will consider the possibilities of such a festival and season. We will reflect on creation, incarnation, and Jesus’s death and resurrection, all received by us through the created materiality of our sacramental life together. Furthermore, we will examine how petroleum culture has influenced our sacramental life and begin to envision ways to counter its impact. A model lectionary will be used, and sample liturgies will be celebrated.

For more information, add yourself to the mailing list here.

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.

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

  • 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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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.

Humble and Holy: Devotions for Advent and Christmas 2025-2026

Humble and Holy continues a centuries-old Christian tradition of setting aside time to prepare for the celebration of Jesus’ birth and to anticipate his return. The Advent season of preparation then unfolds in the joy of the twelve days of Christmas and the day of Epiphany. This devotional offers daily devotions for the first Sunday of Advent (November 30, 2025) through Epiphany (January 6, 2026). These devotions explore the humble and holy in year A scripture readings (in the Revised Common Lectionary) for Advent and Christmas, as well as for the festival days and commemorations in the Advent and Christmas seasons. Available in pocket-sized, ebook, and large print versions.

Word of God, Word of Life: Understanding the Three-Year Lectionaries

Gail Ramshaw provides ten insights into the three-year lectionaries to guide all who are interested in exploring the meaning and importance of the Revised Common Lectionary and the Lectionary for Mass. Ramshaw combines deep historical, biblical, liturgical, and ecumenical knowledge with a keen perspective on the contemporary church to show us all the value and wisdom of these lectionaries.

 

Music Sourcebook: All Saints through Transfiguration

This second Music Sourcebook greatly expands the repertoire of resources for the song of the assembly and its leaders from All Saints through Transfiguration including the Advent and Christmas seasons. Most materials are reproducible and are newly composed in a broad range of styles.

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.

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.

 

 

 

 

 

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.

Revised Common Lectionary Expanded Daily Readings

The Revised Common Lectionary Expanded Daily Readings resource helps connect daily biblical study to the Revised Common Lectionary. Biblical readings from Thursday through Saturday help prepare for the Sunday reading ahead. Monday through Wednesday readings help the reader reflect and meditate on the previous Sunday’s readings. This resource includes daily readings for the full three-year lectionary cycle.

 

Lectionary Mosaics: Three Readings Juxtaposed for Reflection and Proclamation

As with viewing a mosaic, the more closely the reader examines this book, the more it shows forth rich meaning and inspiration for preachers, lay readers, and all who desire to encounter Jesus Christ in the scriptures. Lectionary Mosaics by Gordon W. Lathrop began as reflections made available for those not able to gather in their worshiping assemblies during the COVID-19 pandemic, yet its wisdom extends into our current time and beyond. Holding together all three readings of the Revised Common Lectionary for each Sunday and festival, these brief mosaic paragraphs invite you to faith in the triune God, love of neighbor, and care for our earthly home.

 

Calendar of Word and Season: Sundays and Seasons, Year A 2026

This beautiful full-color wall calendar with art by Mike Moyers identifies church festivals and US and Canadian holidays throughout each vividly illustrated month. It also includes a list of all the Bible readings for the year from the Revised Common Lectionary for Sundays and church festivals. Date blocks provide plenty of room for family or church date-keeping, identifying the seasonal or festival color. This calendar makes an excellent gift for households, staff, and committee members! Spiral-bound and punched for hanging.

 

ReEngaging ELCA Social Teaching on Health and Health Care

Pastor and health care professional Kathie Bender Schwich traces the origins, dimensions, and legacy of the ELCA’s 2003 social statement “Caring for Health: Our Shared Endeavor.” From the 2009 passage of the Affordable Care Act to new understandings of adverse childhood experiences and the social determinants of health, much has changed—but as Bender Schwich explains, the theological underpinnings of the statement remain cogent expressions of our callings as individuals, congregations, and communities to care for ourselves and each other. Quantity discounts are available to support group study.

 

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.

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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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!

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.

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!

 

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.

 

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.