News
Assembly Approves Motion to Increase Youth and Young Adult Representation
At the ELCA Churchwide Assembly, the voting body approved “Motion D” with 530 votes in favor and 236 opposed, amending bylaw 5.01.E19 to raise the ELCA’s percentage goal for youth and young adult voting membership on the Churchwide Assembly, Church Council, and churchwide boards and committees from 10% to 20%.
2025 Churchwide Assembly 2025 Videos: Business, Leadership, and Vision
Explore key moments from the 2025 ELCA Churchwide Assembly, including Bishop Hutterer’s welcome, the election of Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry, and reports from ELCA leadership. Watch highlights, theme videos, and special award presentations, all from this year’s historic gathering in Phoenix.
Churchwide Ministries Share Impact and Invitation at 2025 Churchwide Assembly
Discover how your offering fuels life-changing ministry in the ELCA and around the world. From chaplaincy and disaster response to global partnerships and Portico benefits, these short videos highlight God’s work through our church.
2025 Churchwide Assembly Sermons Reflect Global and Local Faith Voices
Watch the powerful sermons preached at the 2025 Churchwide Assembly, including messages from Presiding Bishop Eaton, Rev. Wyvetta Bullock, and global ecumenical leaders. Each message speaks to our calling as church—for the life of the world.
Synod Spotlight: Community Vacation Bible School
The beauty of this ministry lies in how each hosting congregation contributes its unique gifts, skills, and resources each year. When combined, these offerings create a life-giving outreach ministry that benefits the children, the community, and the involved volunteers.
Prayers for the Week
Let us join together as a community in prayer for ministry sites, emerging leaders, pastors, partners in ministry and special requests.
Meeting with the Sheriff
How do we ensure that everyone in our county - including immigrants- can seek help without fear of detention or deportation?
The Rev. Yehiel Curry Elected Presiding Bishop of the ELCA
The Rev. Yehiel Curry elected the next Presiding Bishop of the ELCA at the 2025 Churchwide Assembly
August is Healthy Wellness Month
This special month is a reminder that true wellness encompasses not just physical health, but also the mind, relationships, and connection with our environment.
Bishop Eaton Statement Message on Johnson Amendment Preserving Religious Freedom
ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton has issued a video message addressing the Johnson Amendment & Preserving Religious Freedom
Bishop Eaton Statement on the Attack on Holy Family Church in Gaza
ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton has issued a video message for Transgender Day of Visibility. In her message, Eaton speaks out against the inhumane actions by legislatures and executive orders while also speaking directly to the transgender and nonbinary community.
Bishop Eaton Statement on OBBBA's Passage
Presiding Bishop Eaton has released a statement on the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
The message reads in part: "The scope of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act is generation-defining and life-altering for many, with provisions that will harm the well-being of local communities and the lives of many individuals for decades to come."
2025 ELCA Churchwide Assembly meets under the theme “For the Life of the World”
Members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) will gather, July 28–Aug. 2 at the Phoenix Convention Center in Phoenix, Ariz. Meeting under the theme “For the Life of the World,” the assembly will participate in plenary discussions to make decisions about the work of this church. They will also spend time in worship and engage in various ways of theological reflection.
From the Director for Evangelical Mission / Assistant to the Bishop
A year in review with Pastor Dione Stepanek and her work as the Director for Evangelical Mission.
LEAD – Leading the Way!
🌟 Exciting News from Sugar Creek! 🌟
Over the past two summers, our LEAD program (Leaders Engaged as Disciples) has been empowering high school students to become confident, faith-filled leaders! This 4-week adventure offers hands-on experience in camp roles, from assisting with day camps to shadowing counselors.
We're thrilled to announce that this summer, three former LEAD participants are officially joining our summer staff! Their incredible growth has already caught the attention of pastors, youth directors, and community leaders alike.
LEAD alumni have gone on to:
Plan worship services for peers
Lead Bible studies
Mentor Sunday School students
Step up as mission trip leaders
Organize Vacation Bible School programs
The joy of witnessing these young leaders flourish is unparalleled! As they progress, they declare, “I didn’t know I could do this!” and “I had no idea I could make this kind of difference.”
Join us in celebrating the blooming leadership and passion for service of our young disciples! 🌱💖 #LEADProgram #FutureLeaders #SugarCreekBibleCamp
Pastoral Message from Bishop Malpica
If you have personally experienced or been witness to any abuse or misconduct by ELCA Clergy, please notify the Synod Office (office@lacrosseareasynod.org or 608-788-5000) and ask for an appointment with the Bishop.
We strive to respond to these situations as quickly as possible, offering care and support to victims and holding clergy accountable.
June is considered Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month
During this month it is important to understand the different signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease and dementia, but also to understand how to care for someone who may be suffering from either of these diseases.
Accompaniment
Our trip focused on accompaniment—listening, observing, and participating in activities with our hosts in Peru to understand their lives, culture, and ministries. They welcomed us into their congregations and the Children’s Festival. Our experience was enriched by gathering with a Texas group, led by Bishop Felix J. Malpica from the La Crosse Area Synod and Bishop Mike Rinehart from Texas. Their leadership fostered collaboration, allowing us to share ideas, stories, and support, transforming us from two distinct groups into a united and interactive one.
HUMANITARIAN AID TO GAZA - ELCA ADVCACY
The critical situation in Gaza and the ongoing conflict continues to directly impact the ELCA’s Lutheran siblings in the Holy Land, in addition to putting the wider Christian community of the Holy Land at further physical risk. The conflict is also further eroding and destroying the interfaith relationship between all three Abrahamic faiths, which is impacting the ELCA’s interfaith relationships here in the United States.