Category: Protestant

Prepare In today’s gospel lesson we find Jesus “withdrawing” to Galilee. This happens right after Jesus’ temptation in the desert. Jesus often withdraws in order to pray or be alone. This time, we can assume that this is not only a departure toward a new place, but also leaving a situation with Herod that may have been dangerous for him. By Matthew’s account, today’s reading is the introduction to Jesus’ ministry. Pay attention to his movement. What is Jesus up to, and how can we think about this in terms of our own ministry? When we read scripture (or anything, really),…

“For what shall we pray?” is a weekly post inviting individuals, groups, and congregations to lift up our world in prayer. This resource is prepared by a variety of leaders in the ELCA and includes prayer prompts, upcoming events and observances, and prayer suggestions from existing denominational worship materials. You are encouraged to use these resources as a starting point, and to adapt and add other concerns from your local context. More information about this resource can be found here.   Prayer prompts: For an end to war, conflict, and uncertainty especially in Gaza, South Sudan, Ukraine, Iran, and Venezuela……

Issue 102 of Administration Matters January: Start the year strong with Portico’s 2026 New Year Checklist Kick off 2026 with tools and reminders designed to support your benefits administration work, including reviewing account access, reporting compensation changes, and accessing clergy and church tax guides. These quick checks can help ensure accurate benefits, smooth administration, and a confident start to the year for you and your employees. >More IRS issues standard mileage rates for 2026 Beginning Jan. 1, 2026, the standard mileage rates for the use of a car, van, pickup or panel truck are: • 72.5 cents per mile driven…

“For what shall we pray?” is a weekly post inviting individuals, groups, and congregations to lift up our world in prayer. This resource is prepared by a variety of leaders in the ELCA and includes prayer prompts, upcoming events and observances, and prayer suggestions from existing denominational worship materials. You are encouraged to use these resources as a starting point, and to adapt and add other concerns from your local context. More information about this resource can be found here.   Prayer prompts: For an end to war, conflict, and uncertainty especially in Gaza, South Sudan, Ukraine, Iran, and Venezuela……

ELCA Observes National Day of Racial Healing   CHICAGO (Jan. 15, 2026) — In observance of the 2026 National Day of Racial Healing, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), in partnership with Augsburg Fortress Publishers, will host “Just Us Narratives: A Night of Centering Multiracial Voices Across the ELCA” on Tuesday, Jan. 20, from 6-8 p.m. Central time. The free program will be available online and in person at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church Celebration Campus in Naperville, Ill. The National Day of Racial Healing — an annual observance that follows Martin Luther King Jr. Day — is hosted by the W.K. Kellogg…

Prepare Today marks the second Sunday after Epiphany when we again consider the baptism of Jesus and the different symbols used to describe him, as well as others. The Gospel of John begins proclaiming the good news of Christ in a way that is quite confusing at first glance, abruptly dropping us into John’s story. We read who John is not and who Jesus is said to be. Alongside this Gospel reading, in Psalm 40, we read a thanksgiving for all the ways God shows up for the psalmist in the midst of despair and fear.  Both passages present different…

Prepare This week’s Gospel reading is brief and familiar, so looking back at Matthew’s opening chapters helps us see the context for Jesus’ baptism and the figures who prepared the way. Matthew begins with a genealogy, reminding us that Jesus’ story is rooted in humble beginnings. Then we meet Joseph, who responds to angelic messages with courage—adopting Jesus, honoring his vow to Mary, and protecting the Holy Family from Herod’s wrath. Next comes the Magi, who defy Herod’s orders through civil disobedience, ensuring Jesus remains safe. Finally, some years later, John the Baptist appears in the wilderness, preaching repentance and…

from the ELCA advocacy office in Washington, D.C. – the Rev. Amy E. Reumann, Senior Director Partial expanded content from Advocacy Connections: January 2026 In our January 2026 issue, find Action Alert, Resource and opportunity updates. Look for a resumption of Policy Notes in our next issue which are expanded in the ELCA Advocacy Blog. Read the current Advocacy Connections here. To receive Advocacy Connections direct to your inbox, sign up at ELCA.org/advocacy/signup.   Receive monthly Advocacy Connections directly by becoming part of the ELCA Advocacy network – http://elca.org/advocacy/signup , and learn more from elca.org/advocacy .   ELCA Blogs

Each month ELCA Worship highlights resources and events from other organizations and institutions. These Lutheran and ecumenical partner organizations work alongside the ELCA to support worship leaders, worship planners, musicians, and all who care about the worship of the church. ELCA Worship also features resources from Augsburg Fortress Publishers in a monthly blog post. Institute of Liturgy Studies An ecumenical conference on liturgical renewal for the church today. The Feast of Creation – liturgy as creation groans Valparaiso University, Ind. April 13-15, 2026 Registration is now is open. Early Registration: $ 350, ends Jan. 31, 2026 Regular Registration: $ 450 See…

“For what shall we pray?” is a weekly post inviting individuals, groups, and congregations to lift up our world in prayer. This resource is prepared by a variety of leaders in the ELCA and includes prayer prompts, upcoming events and observances, and prayer suggestions from existing denominational worship materials. You are encouraged to use these resources as a starting point, and to adapt and add other concerns from your local context. More information about this resource can be found here.   Prayer prompts: For an end to war and conflict, and for places of political unrest or contention, especially Gaza,…