Extraordinary Lutheran Ministries

04/07/2026

ELCA AMMPARO Migrant Ministry
Date: Friday, April 17th
Time: 2:00 pm EDT/1:00 pm CDT/12:00 pm MDT/11:00 am PDT

Over the past several months, we have heard from communities across the country, about the devastating impacts recent federal policy changes have had on our neighbors, particularly immigration enforcement action, families have been ripped apart, and the fear is palpable.

But you are not alone. We are church together. Join ELM as we host Mary Campbell, Director of ELCA Ammparo Migrant Ministry to get an on-the-ground update and how you or your ministry site can prepare and respond.

REGISTER HERE: https://shorturl.at/QMVfS

03/31/2026

"Today is International Transgender Day of Visibility — a time dedicated to celebrating the lives, gifts and contributions of transgender people, while also recognizing their ongoing struggle for safety, dignity and justice.

In the ELCA social statement Faith, Sexism and Justice: A Call to Action, we affirm our belief that “God’s intention revealed through the Scriptures is that all people have life abundantly and flourish” (page 2). Today reminds us of our call to love, affirm and support one another — not just today, but every day as an expression of our faith."

Read Presiding Bishop Curry's pastoral message for Transgender Day of Visibility through the link in the comments below.

03/20/2026

ELCA AMMPARO Migrant Ministry
Over the past several months, we have heard from communities across the country, about the devastating impacts recent federal policy changes have had on our neighbors, particularly immigration enforcement action, families have been ripped apart, and the fear is palpable.

But you are not alone. We are church together. Join ELM as we host Mary Campbell, Director of ELCA AMMPARO Migrant Ministry to get an on-the-ground update and how you or your ministry site can prepare and respond.

Date: Friday, April 17th
Time: 2:00 pm EDT/1:00 pm CDT/12:00 pm MDT/11:00 am PDT

REGISTER HERE: https://shorturl.at/Dm0e1

03/18/2026

From a Deacon's Desk: "A Lenten Devotion on Resistance and Rest"
From Deacon Lauren Morse-Wendt

Deacon Lauren Morse-Wendt writes with rare vulnerability about the guilt of feeling like we are not doing enough in a time that seems to demand heroics; and the grace she discovered in simply showing up, one small shift at a time.

"It is not our goodness that keeps the world, or the resistance, going: It is God's goodness. And we are not God."

This Lenten season, be reminded that your single thread in the web matters more than you know.

Read the full devotion, here: https://www.elm.org/2026/03/14/from-a-deacons-desk-lauren-morse-wendt/

03/16/2026

From a Pastor's Desk: “Holy Resistance”
by the Rev. Joe Larson

In this powerful reflection, Pastor Joe Larson draws a straight line from Dietrich Bonhoeffer's defiance of N**i Germany to the streets — and terminals — of Minneapolis today. As a gay pastor who waited 30 years to be ordained, he knows what it means to be on the receiving end of oppression. And he knows what it means to show up anyway.

"During this Lenten season [. . .] Jesus calls us to act with holy resistance and to speak with a prophetic voice. A voice of hospitality for immigrants and people of color. A voice of acceptance for trans and q***r individuals. A voice of comfort for those who live in fear. And a voice of welcome for those without a safe home."

This is what holy resistance looks like.

Read this powerful reflection, here: https://www.elm.org/2026/03/14/from-a-proclaimers-desk-joe-larson/

02/28/2026

The ELCA Bishop in Kansas has released a strong and powerful response condemning the legislature’s unjust and immoral actions.

Bishop Donna Simon has written to the Kansas Legislature following the passage and subsequent implementation of SB 244.
Bishop's letter -https://ed9008a3-cfbc-4101-8a5c-c60fb26a7993.usrfiles.com/ugd/ed9008_ddb4177372054d3ca395183d0c165a2c.pdf

SB 244 -https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/documents/sb244_enrolled.pdf

12/01/2025

Join Us This in Supporting Extraordinary Leaders

Because of the generosity of our community, is able to accompany, equip, and uplift LGBTQIA+ leaders across the church. Your support is what makes our professional development and fellowships opportunities for holy, life-giving ministry possible.

We invite you to consider making an end-of-year gift to strengthen this sacred work. Every contribution helps us continue expanding possibilities for leaders who are transforming the church with courage, compassion, and authenticity.

Thank you for being part of this beloved community.

Click, here: bit.ly/supportelm

11/26/2025

ELCA Sumud Advent Series | Webinar Recording with ELM

Thank you to everyone who joined us for last week’s walkthrough webinar on the ELCA Sumud 2025 Advent Series, created in relationship and collaboration with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land. Your presence, your questions, and your deep engagement made the gathering especially meaningful.

For those who were unable to attend live — or who would like to revisit the conversation — we’re delighted to share the full webinar recording, below. In it, you’ll learn more about the series, ways to bring it into your community, and how this resource invites deeper reflection on the Holy Land, Palestinian Christian witness, and the call to justice during the Advent season.

Thank you for your ongoing commitment to learning, solidarity, and accompaniment.

Watch the Video, HERE: https://bit.ly/4pBTXB5

11/26/2025

Thank you to all who came out to NYC to our luncheon celebrating the installation of the Rev. Dr. Katrina Foster as the bishop of the Metro New York Synod. Thank you to Saint Peter’s Church for hosting. And a special thank you to surprise guest Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry for joining us on for this special occasion.

(Sorry we did not get everyone in the group picture!)

11/15/2025

ELCA Sumud Advent Series | Walkthrough Webinar with ELM

Friday, November 21, 2025
5:00 PM EST | 4:00 PM CST | 2:00 PM PST
Looking for a way to dive into topics of the Holy Land, Palestinian Christians, and justice this Advent season? Look no further than the ELCA Sumud 2025 Advent Series, made in relationship and collaboration with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land. Come to this webinar (or watch the recording which will be posted afterward!) to learn more about this series, how it can be used, and why this is an important focus this Advent. Register, here: https://bit.ly/3JNr1Xx

11/10/2025

Love is Love is Love. 🏳️‍🌈 Thanks Be to God.

Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/11/10/us/politics/supreme-court-same-sex-marriage.htm