A year in review with Pastor Dione Stepanek and her work as the Director for Evangelical Mission.

Let us join together as a community in prayer for ministry sites, emerging leaders, pastors, partners in ministry and special requests.

A message from Bishop Felix J. Malpica

🌟 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

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.

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.

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.

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.

My name is Rev. Dr. Kerri Parker. I am the Executive Director of the Wisconsin Council of Churches, which connects twenty three Christian traditions here in Wisconsin. I am here with my colleagues to speak on behalf of Justice, righteousness, and the responsibilities of true leaders in caring for those among us who are in need.

Our faith is filled with examples of welcoming the stranger and the immigrant. As immigrant communities are increasingly under attack, we are inviting you to proudly proclaim welcome through a visible campaign. Created with help from our friends at the East Central Synod of the ELCA, your congregation is invited to download resources and proclaim your welcome both online and physically throughout your space.

Digital files include social media assets and files that can be downloaded and printed on banners, yard signs, window clings, and more.

On this Easter Monday, we join with people around the world in heartfelt grief at the death of Pope Francis, and we celebrate his life eternal in Jesus Christ.

The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) congratulates the Lutheran Church in Australia and New Zealand (LCANZ) on the ordination of its first female pastor the Rev. Maria Rudolph on Palm Sunday.

Read a statement from Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land Bishop Sani-Ibrahim Azar, ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton and Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada National Bishop Susan Johnson on a visit of solidarity to the Holy Land.

Catalyst Question What kind of evidence do you need to believe something is true? Evidence of Life Recently, the possibility of life on another planet hit the news. While studying a planet 124 light years away from Earth, scientists made...

Gifting or donating baked goods – another instance in which plastic zip-top bags are all too convenient. Instead, try some of these other options. Learn more…

In some cases, compostable plastics may be a preferred environmental alternative but the case is complex. Learn more…

The prevalence of child maltreatment in the United States is staggering. At least 1 in 7 children has experienced abuse or neglect in the last year, according to the U.S. Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), though the CDC cautions that abuse and neglect are often unreported.

Recognizing the church’s important role in addressing this, the ELCA Church Council authorized the develop a social message on child protection and maltreatment, as requested by the 2022 ELCA Churchwide Assembly. Social messages are ELCA teaching documents that draw from existing social teaching but focus direct attention on a particular social issue.

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.

You can recycle clean and dry plastic wrap and bags at many grocery stores and other retailers. Learn more…