Current News
Published on May 25, Magnifica Humanitas, Pope Leo XIV’s first encyclical, addresses the ethical challenges of artificial intelligence and calls for the safeguarding of human dignity in a rapidly changing technological world. It teaches that though technology and AI can be powerful tools for good, they are never neutral and must be guided by moral responsibility, the common good and respect for the human person.
A new ELCA Worship blog post provides background and practical implications for an addition to the church year calendar.
AMMPARO is the ELCA's strategy for Accompanying Migrants with Protection, Advocacy, Representation and Opportunities. It comes from Psalm 46:1 ‘God is our refuge and strength.’ In Spanish, ‘Dios es nuestro amparo y fortaleza.’
Sharing God’s Hope and Healing
SUPPORTING COMMUNITIES THROUGH THE CYCLE OF DISASTER
This training connects organizers, lay leaders, deacons, pastors, and community members to learn the core practices of organizing. We start with what’s right in front of us. Neighborhoods. Relationships. Stories. Then we build toward action
Celebrating th expansion of youth mental health services in the Tri-Cities at our LCSNW Open House.
This webinar will provide tips and strategies on expanding the reach of your congregation’s music ministry, utilizing the resources on hand, encouraging people to share their gifts.
I have recently been saying around lunch tables and in sermons that my answer to just about everything in this moment is, remember your baptism. As you participate in the life of your congregation, remember your baptism. As we celebrate our country’s 250th birthday, remember your baptism. As you read the news, remember your baptism.
The Bishop’s Fall Convocation is for all rostered leaders. It will be held in Lewiston, ID on October 12-14. This year’s theme is “Baptized in Muddy Water.” Our presenter will be Rev. Leila Ortiz.
The task force has released a new study to foster conversation across this church and to generate feedback that will guide its work. The study, “Conscience and Conversation: A Study During the Reconsideration of the Social Statement Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust,” invites reflection on agreement and disagreement in a church called to pursue justice and peace together through “the unity of the Spirit” (Ephesians 4:3).
We know we are in for a long wildfire season. In consultation with Ray Shjerven, our Washington State VOAD (Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster) liaison, we as a synod staff are lifting up the organizations, who could receive your donations.
Registration is open for our three half-day events this summer and fall.
12:30-4:30pm each day
Please register ASAP to help our planners and facilitators.
Good Shepherd – Pocatello August 8
Worship, Conversations, Engaging Scripture, Prayer. We are centered on edifying leaders who will share the abundant hospitality and merciful love of the Risen Christ.
November 6-8 in Burley, Idaho at the Convention Center
Register Here
The task force leading the ELCA in reconsideration of the social statement Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust is happy to share a new study: Conscience and Conversation.
We are excited to share that the 2026 ELCA Domestic Hunger Grant applications are open through July 7! Please share this opportunity with your local Lutheran congregations and hunger partners.
As I continue to make sure I get to every church on a Sunday morning, I also want to start being more intentional about joining your church council meetings in person or online.
Please have y our church Pastor or President reach out to me.
This self-paced course equips spiritual and religious leaders, to navigate the thresholds of ministry today.
Use this self-assessment tool from the Mission Investment Fund to reflect on how your facility is serving your current ministry. Identify areas of strength and potential improvement for capital planning. And sign up for webinar about MIF loans for church and ministry building projects, land purchases and refinancing.
Bishop Manlove, together with the Synod Council, has convened a task group to help congregations within our Northwest Intermountain Synod (NWIMS) reach out to their county clerk or auditor, the person, along with their colleagues, responsible for ensuring that the lawful requirements for voting in county, state, and national elections are followed to the letter.
Not all memories come flooding back because of photographs. Sometimes they can be a song, a word or phrase, or even a smell. For me, it’s barbecue. One whiff and, in an instant, I’m transported back to my youthful summers with barbecues across the street in the park, with sights of fellowship, family reunions and church gatherings. That smell has a way of lingering. It settles into your clothes, into your skin. Even after the fire has died down, it stays with you. Fire does that often. It marks you, sticking with you longer than you expect.
A reflection about the ELCA's work for justice in Palestine and Israel through Sumud.
If you attended Synod Assembly in Kennewick you may have learned that our synod’s next project with the Ulanga Kilombero Diocese of Tanzania is a solar kitchen for Tumaini School. But have you ever wondered if ELCA World Hunger is working in Tanzania?
Thank you for supporting ELCA World Hunger. We invite you to watch "Intersections: Justice Ministry with ELCA Partners," a short documentary presented by ELCA World Hunger.
Sufficient, Sustainable Livelihood for All conveys ELCA teaching that economic activity is a means through which God's will is served for the well-being of humankind and the care of the earth. It recognizes that even though sin distorts human activity, we are called to practice economic activity justly and with special concern for those who live in poverty
Get ready for a week of faith formation, excitement, and learning! The 2027 ELCA Youth Gathering is headed to Minneapolis, the city by nature, from June 28 - July 2, 2027, where thousands of young people and their adult leaders will gather.