Indiana-Kentucky Synod ELCA

10/08/2026

For generations, Lutherans have gathered their voices in song.

On Sunday, Oct. 18, Pilgrim Lutheran Church in Carmel will continue that tradition with a Reformation Celebration Hymn Festival featuring organist Matthew Wachtman.

Through hymns of Martin Luther, music from Christian communities around the world, organ, piano, flute, percussion and choir, those gathered will experience the story of faith through song.

Read more about the festival, Wachtman and the tradition of singing together: https://iksynod.org/communication-and-resources/news.html/article/2026/10/05/reformation-hymn-festival-celebrates-faith-through-song

10/07/2026

October is Clergy and Deacon Appreciation Month!

Throughout the Indiana-Kentucky Synod, pastors and deacons walk alongside God’s people through some of life’s most joyful, challenging and sacred moments. They preach and teach, lead worship, care for neighbors, accompany people through grief and celebration, serve their communities and remind us of God’s grace at work in the world.

This month, we give thanks for the pastors and deacons who faithfully serve congregations, ministries and communities across our synod.

Take a moment this month to thank a pastor or deacon who has made a difference in your life or community. Tag them below!

To all of our pastors and deacons: thank you for answering God’s call and for the many ways you serve God’s people. We are grateful for you!

10/06/2026

Regional Gathering: Session Spotlight

Youth and Young Adults
Our younger members have important things to say about the church, its future and the world they are navigating today.

This breakout session creates space for youth attending the ELCA Gathering and young adults ages 18-35 to connect, ask questions and share their hopes, concerns and ideas.

Youth will have an opportunity for a lively Q&A with Bishop Tim and a conversation about the 2027 ELCA Gathering. Young adults will connect with Young Adult ELCA Representative Zach Eckert and a campus pastor to learn more about opportunities to connect, engage and lead.

Most importantly, this session is about listening. We want our younger people to know their voices matter and that there is a place for them in the life and ministry of the church.

10/05/2026

On Saturday, DEM Missy Schroeder spent the day with Gethsemane Lutheran Church in Lexington, Kentucky, facilitating a Purpose and Guiding Principles Workshop as part of the congregation’s E-Connect journey.

The day focused on listening and discernment—exploring God’s mission in the world, reflecting on Gethsemane’s history, considering the gifts and assets God has placed within the congregation, and looking at the community around them.

Through conversation, prayer, and reflection, the congregation began the work of discerning how their gifts and the needs of their community might come together as they seek God’s direction for their next faithful steps.

We are grateful for Gethsemane’s thoughtful engagement and willingness to listen for where God is already at work in and around them. We look forward to continuing the E-Connect journey together!

If your congregation is wondering what God might be calling you toward next, we’d love to connect and explore how E-Connect might accompany you in that discernment.

10/05/2026

Today is the last day to register to join us for this Saturday's Regional Gathering at Christ Lutheran Church.

These one-day events are an opportunity to connect with others from across the synod, share ideas, worship together, and grow in faith and ministry.

📍 October 10: Christ Lutheran Church — Jeffersontown, Kentucky
📍 October 24: Christ the King — South Bend, Indiana

Register here: https://tithe.ly/event-registration/ #/11288505

10/04/2026

10/04/2026

This week, congregations across our synod gather around the same Word, reminding us that while we worship in many places, we are connected as one body in Christ.

Together, we listen. Together, we worship. Together, we serve.

Prayer of the Day: Beloved God, from you come all things that are good. Lead us by the inspiration of your Spirit to know those things that are right, and by your merciful guidance, help us to do them, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.

Gospel Acclamation: Alleluia. Jesus says, I chose you and ap- pointed you to go and bear fruit that will last. Alleluia. (John 15:16)

10/02/2026

What stories are waiting to be told in your congregation? 🌱

Sometimes the best stewardship story isn’t about dollars or a budget. It’s the story of the child who found a place to belong. The neighbor who was welcomed. The ministry that began because someone noticed a need. The person whose life was changed because a congregation showed up.

The stories are already there. Are we listening for them?

Join us for the next IK Synod Stewardship Series webinar:
How Do We Listen and Capture Good Stories?
📅 Tuesday, October 13
⏰ 6:30 p.m. EDT
💻 Zoom

We’ll explore practical ways to listen, ask good questions, capture meaningful stories, and share how generosity makes ministry possible.
Because when we tell the stories of our ministry well, we help people see how God’s abundance is being shared for the good of our neighbors and all creation.

The Zoom link is available on our website: https://iksynod.org/get-involved/upcoming-events.html/event/2026/10/13/joy-of-stewardship-series-listening-for-and-capturing-good-stories/575826

10/01/2026

Written by Chick Lane in collaboration with Tim Brown, “The Joy of Generosity” is a new, free annual-appeal resource from the ELCA Stewardship office.

Its four-week program — with Scripture, stories, social media and projection slides — will be accessible to anyone and can be fully customized and implemented by a congregation of any size.

Check out this resource at elca.org/thejoyofgenerosity and discover the joy of generosity this year!