The ELCA stands ready to walk with our neighbors in the Texas hill country as the floodwaters recede and rebuilding begins. Lutheran Disaster Response is coordinating with the Southwestern Texas Synod and will work with them and other partners to respond to urgent needs, provide emotional and spiritual care, and support cleanup and long-term recovery.

Join a series of online Bible studies in advance of Churchwide Assembly. Each session will focus on the theme, "For the Life of the World," through one of three lenses — climate justice, gender justice, or war/conflict and reconciliation. Sessions will be held Wednesday evenings (July 9, 16, and 23) from 6 to 6:45 p.m. Central time.

Watch Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton talk about how God's Love Made Real is being lived out in our church today. God's Love Made Real reflects the ELCA's vision statement, "a world experiencing the difference God's grace and love in Christ make for all people and creation."

In this year’s video for synod assemblies, Bishop Eaton reflects on seasons of ministry. "We will go into new places and into new forms, but always God is with us and the gospel will be preached and lived and heard in the world."

This annual day of service is an opportunity to celebrate who we are as the ELCA — one church, freed in Christ to serve and love our neighbor. Resources are available to help you plan your day.

Living Lutheran is your source for news, stories and inspiration from Lutherans in the ELCA and around the world. Subscribe to the magazine — appearing again in your mailbox, now as a quarterly print publication — today to stay connected. Individual subscriptions and group & gift subscriptions are available.