news & updates

Use us as your hands and feet

"Come now, O Prince of Peace. Use us as your hands and feet in this broken and beloved world." The Northern Illinois Synod invites us to use this flyer created from "Praying for health -- and...
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From the Bishop’s desk: Extending our care and compassion

Dear friends*, I came to work a little late on Tuesday morning. As you probably well remember, Tuesday was cold and damp. As I got to the office it was still snowing. With both the federal government and the city...
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Mosquitos add buzz to bratwurst

by Dorothy Sorrell We are more than halfway through the four year period of the ELCA Malaria Campaign and have received contributions of more than $9.7 million of our $15 million dollar goal.  These gifts have made it possible to...
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Stretching, unsettling, challenging global mission

“Meredith is teaching Sunday School in translation and working with Roma teenagers at an after school program. Chelsea is connecting with teachers and students at the Lutheran elementary school, as well as getting to know the local Roma Government Program...
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From the Bishop’s desk: Gesture of generosity

Dear friends,* I got to work early determined to clear my in-box. I was away last week and the emails had really piled up. "We're unsure how to respond to the cries we hear for help...
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Tree of Life marks campus garden

In wood and fabric, a depiction titled “Tree of Life” invites passers-by at the Memorial Chapel of the University of Maryland in College Park to slow their gait and contemplate this symbol present in Christian, Jewish and Muslim traditions. Lutheran...
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A faithful legacy

Submitted by Alice Benson The Luther Rose, a symbol of Lutheranism, is presented in stained glass at the historic Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church in Gettysburg,* Pennsylvania, home of the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg. Their daughter was impressed...
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ELCA recognized as microfinance investor

Bishop Graham (2nd from left) was on hand with other ELCA leaders to receive a Founding Member Award from Oikocredit USA. To honor its years of investing in the organization, Oikocredit gave an award to the...
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In the news: Being a neighbor

When people have deliberate and meaningful opportunities to connect with the broader community, integration of resettling refugees is much more successful.* Lutheran Social Services of the National Capital Area (LSS/NCA) is a strong connection in this chain of compassion, as...
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From the Bishop’s desk: Heart-breaking horror

Dear friends,* I was out of town on Monday, helping lead a conference for pastors in the ELCA Northwest Synod of Wisconsin. About 9:30 local time September 16, a woman slid me a piece of paper that read: "There has...
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