Synod News
Stay connected with updates from the La Crosse Area Synod. From church leaders to congregational members, everyone is encouraged to sign-up.
Newsletter Archive - find previous Synod Updates & Synod Spotlights here
Synod Spotlight: Pray Without Ceasing Initiative
A handful of churches in the synod are experiencing amazing transformation through shared prayer.
Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry to speak on Martin Luther King Jr. Day
The Rev. Yehiel Curry, Presiding Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, will offer keynote remarks at Luther College’s 2026 Martin Luther King Jr. Day lecture on Monday, Jan. 19, 2026, in the Center for Faith and Life Main Hall.
The theme of the day and Curry’s talk is “Courage for the Common Good.”
Synod Spotlight: Fall Theological Conference Explores Fresh Expressions
Pastors and SAMs from the La Crosse Area Synod gathered in Eau Claire for the Fall Theological Conference, exploring Fresh Expressions—a movement inspiring new ways of being church in everyday life. Through worship, conversation, and connection, they reflected on how listening, relationship-building, and discipleship can help the gospel come alive in their communities.
Synod Spotlight: Clergy Appreciation Month
This October we celebrate our Pastors, Deacons, and SAMs who share God’s love in so many ways. Thank you for helping us live out our mission of “Cultivating Life-Giving Relationships Rooted in God’s Love.”
A Letter from Bishops of the ELCA to the Church
In this time of division and fear, we, as people grounded in our faith, insist on love. This commitment flows from our faith in Christ crucified and risen—the One whose love breaks down barriers, confronts hatred, and transforms hearts.
ELCA Statement on Supreme Court Ruling That Allows Racial Profiling in Immigration Enforcement
Presiding Bishop Eaton has released a statement on the Supreme Court ruling that allows racial profiling in immigration enforcement.
Bishop Curry Issues Statement on ICE Shooting in Minneapolis
Alongside our siblings in Christ in Minneapolis and throughout Minnesota and all who have been impacted by aggressive immigration enforcement and violence by federal law enforcement agents, I mourn the shocking shooting death of Renee Nicole Good by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent on Jan. 7, 2026.
A Pastoral Letter on Rejecting Political Violence and Insisting on Love
In these days of division and unrest, we must speak clearly: political violence is sin. It denies the image of God in our neighbor, wounds our communities, and tears at the fabric of our nation.
As people of faith, we are called to a better way—the way of Jesus, who embodied love, reconciliation, and peace.
The Real Story on Diet Soda: Separating Fact from Fiction
Many people choose diet soda as a seemingly healthier alternative to regular soda. While diet sodas do not contain sugar or calories, emerging research indicates that their artificial sweeteners may have unintended health effects.
Synod Spotlight: Rev. Dr. Shauna Hannan Next President of LSTC
It is with deep gratitude and great joy that we write to share the news that the Board of Directors has affirmed the appointment of the Rev. Dr. Shauna Hannan as the next President of the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago.
Synod Spotlight: The Little Church with the Big Heart
Generations have celebrated life’s sacred moments here—baptisms, confirmations, marriages, and farewells—within the walls of the "Little Church with the Big Heart."
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.
ELCA & Synod Partnership News
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Advocacy- ELCA
Sharing stories and your voices about public policies and relevant advocacy issues.
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Churches for Middle East Peace
(CMEP)
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ELCA
Evangelical Lutheran Church of America
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Faith Lens- ELCA
Weekly Bible studies that connect world events with the Bible, faith, and everyday life.
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Living Lutheran
ELCA Publication of inspirational stories, blogs and photos.
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LuMin
Lutheran Campus Ministry
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Luther Park Bible Camp
Nurturing Faith through Holy Play
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Lutheran Men in Mission
LMM Foundations is a quarterly newsletter.
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Lutheran World Federation
A global communion of churches in the Lutheran tradition working together for a just, peaceful, and reconciled world.
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Lutheran World Relief
(LWR)
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Sugar Creek Bible Camp
(SCBC)
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Sumud- ELCA
Sign up to receive action alerts about the Middle East
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WELCA Synod News
The Crosswinds is published in Spring & Fall
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Wisconsin Council of Churches
(WCC)