Resources to Care for Our Neighbors

 
 
 

In a recent letter from Bishop Kusserow and synod vice president Barb Nugent, our synod was reminded of the deep value that Lutheran congregations have contributed to the social structures of our country, leading the way in caring for our neighbors. While this can feel like an overwhelming task for any congregation, our congregations are not alone.  We work together, as we have done through the whole history of our church, to accomplish together what is too great for any one congregation to achieve. 

With this reminder of our shared purpose, below are practical resources for carrying out the ministry to which we have been called. 

Communities of Color

Disability Community

Immigration

  • The ELCA Latino Ministries Association has written an excellent letter—in Spanish (p.1) and in English (p.2)— giving encouragement and guidance to our church from the perspective of those who are among the most vulnerable right now.

  • In 2019 our Churchwide Assembly acted to identify our church as a sanctuary church body. Thoughtful guidelines for what that means in the daily life and ministry of our congregations and other ministry sites may be found here. Particularly, page three lists the six ways in which congregations can serve, care, support, and education are listed.

  • Here you will find detailed, practical advice from AMMPARO, our church’s ministry of accompaniment for migrant families.  

  • Join LAMPa’s Rapid Response Network to support our immigrant neighbors and other vulnerable communities.

  • Presiding Bishop Eaton wrote a pastoral letter to our whole church, calling us again to care for our neighbors in this time of need and by reminding us what Luther said about daily bread, including the responsibilities of leaders to provide stability, sufficiency and equity for the people in their care.

LGBTQ+ Community

Lutheran Services

Synod Collaboration


More resources will be added as they become available. Updated 2/6/2025.

 
SWPA Synod ELCA