East Central Synod of Wisconsin - ELCA

06/23/2026

As our nation approaches the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, Presiding Bishop Curry’s reflection invites us to celebrate with both gratitude and humility.

Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry has issued his second in a series of monthly messages that continue through the end of this year, titled “All Together in One Place."

Each message will share a pastoral word, rooted in Scripture, that witnesses to God's presence today, our rich theological tradition and the social teaching that connects us.

Read his latest message, "America at 250: Holding gratitude and humility," here: ELCA.org/news/all-together-in-one-place-2

06/22/2026

ELCA World Hunger Domestic Hunger Grants accompany congregations and their partners throughout the United States and Caribbean as they draw on the strengths of communities to address local issues such as food security, clean water, housing, job access, human rights, policy change and more. Together, these ministries are part of a comprehensive approach to breaking the cycle of poverty and hunger, for good. ELCA Domestic Hunger Grant Applications are due July 1st.

Learn More - https://www.elca.org/how-we-serve/relief-and-development/world-hunger?utm_medium=email&utm_source=engagingnetworks&utm_campaign=gtm_seeds062026&utm_content=061826+Seeds+Monthly+-+Core

06/20/2026

Thank you to our friends at Wisconsin Council of Churches for spending time with us at our synod assembly earlier this month and for being such an important partner in ministry.

If you missed it, the WCC recently hosted a webinar on preparing for July 4th worship and resisting Christian Nationalism. Take a moment to watch and reflect and if you feel so moved to support this work, the link to give to the Wisconsin Council of Churches is in the first comment of this post.

https://youtu.be/X09xWmK9w40?si=SVbS5YsiWMJKXwXU.

Cohosted by the Clergy Emergency League and the Wisconsin Council o...

06/19/2026

A PRAYER FOR JUNETEENTH

God of freedom and justice,

We give thanks for the day when news of emancipation reached the last enslaved people in our nation.

We remember their resilience, their faith, and the generations who followed—bearing burdens no one should have to carry.

Forgive us for the ways we have been complicit in racism, silent in the face of injustice, or slow to respond to your call for equity and truth.

Stir in us a holy restlessness
to pursue your vision of beloved community—
where all are welcomed, valued, and free.

Bless those who continue the work of justice and reconciliation, and strengthen your church to be a witness to your liberating grace.

In the name of Jesus, who sets us free,
Amen.

The office of the East Central Synod of Wisconsin will be closed on June 19th, in recognition and honor of Juneteenth. Learn more about the day and view worship resources: https://www.ecsw.org/news/honoring-juneteenth

06/17/2026

Even as we remember the call to act, advocate, and strive for justice and peace in all the earth, we remember and hold in our prayers the loved ones of Clementa C. Pinckney, Cynthia Graham Hurd, Susie Jackson, Ethel Lee Lance, Depayne Middleton-Doctor, Tywanza Sanders, Daniel L. Simmons, Sharonda Coleman-Singleton, Myra Thompson.

Today we pause to remember and give thanks for the lives of the Emanuel Nine, those killed in a senseless act of violence 12 years ago at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina.


We say their names:

Clementa C. Pinckney

Cynthia Graham Hurd

Susie Jackson

Ethel Lee Lance

Depayne Middleton-Doctor

Tywanza Sanders

Daniel L. Simmons

Sharonda Coleman-Singleton

Myra Thompson

06/16/2026

How beautiful it is to be curious, courageous, and Christ together!

06/11/2026

On May 31st, a Service of Beginning worship for Synod Authorized Ministers (SAMs), Carol Polzin and Denise Pamperin, was held at St. John's Lutheran Church in Marion. Pastor Lois Graper, their mentor, presided over the Service of Beginning liturgy. Pictured left to right - SAM Carol Polzin; Pastor Lois Graper; SAM Denise Pamperin.

06/10/2026

"God has made everything beautiful in its time." Ecclesiastes 3:11

Associate to the Bishop, Pastor Nate Gauerke joined 125+ attendees at the Celebration of 60 Years of Ministry & Service worship on Wednesday, May 27, 10:30am Bethel Home Chapel of Faith & Life of Miravida Living. This ministry began through the shared ministry of 13 pan Lutheran Churches to address the need of elder care in Oshkosh and in a short amount of time expanded from 100 beds to 200. Due to the fortitude of many women's auxiliaries fund raising. Healing touch was introduced to nursing in a cooperative relationship with UW-Oshkosh, the 2nd Clinical Pastoral Education program of this kind started here and international interns were invited to come work here. Many other meaningful ministries have been birthed through the care and faithful love of Christ at Miravida.

Reflection by Pr David Rumbolt

06/09/2026

Please keep in your prayers our friends at Crossways Camping Ministries as the summer season begins! In the video below, Chair of Operations, Robyn Koehler shares greetings and updates with our Synod Assembly.

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