On May 13, U.S. House Republicans introduced a sweeping budget reconciliation bill that proposes deep cuts and major changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) as part of a broader effort to make permanent the administration’s proposed tax cuts. Read the basics here.

Arizona summers are deadly—and for our neighbors experiencing homelessness or heat vulnerability, access to water, shade, and compassion can be life-saving. Read how you can help the AFN Heat Relief and Respite Program.

Congress is currently working on the budget in committees and have proposed several cuts detrimental to nonprofits and the individuals they serve. AZ Reps. Ciscomani and Schweikert serve on the committee!  

Use these 30-minute reflections plus 15-minute Q&A sessions on advocacy tips and themes to lay groundwork and stimulate discussion in congregations, study groups, advocacy teams and more.

Here I Pod is a podcast series from ELCA Advocacy bringing together voices of faith-based advocates caring for all people and creation. Episode 7: Lutheran Services in America president and CEO Alesia Frerichs is guest.

This week we’re spotlighting the Flagstaff Family Food Center, which is supported by Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church in Flagstaff, Arizona. Guest blog by Ethan Amos.

Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton shares a pastoral letter marking the historic election of Pope Leo XIV, the first U.S.-born and first Augustinian pope. Read the full pastoral letter.

May 5 - May 9 is Heat Awareness Week. The State of Arizona is partnering with organizations across the state to spread heat awareness as extreme heat season approaches.

Here I Pod is a podcast series from ELCA Advocacy bringing together voices of faith-based advocates caring for all people and creation. In episode 6, Rev. Dr. Lamont Wells joins host Regina Banks for a conversation about the current climate of higher education. Listen for insights into free speech, Lutheran history and current advocacy efforts.

This Arizona legislative recap is from LAMA’s partners at Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest (LSS-SW) dated May 1, with updated bill info as of May 6.

Open for pics and a video highlighting the CELC Outreach Food Pantry (Goodyear, AZ), which serves 65-75 households weekly ~ 3,331 food boxes for over 16,194 individuals in 2024 alone! Check out the March Madness Cereal Bracket!

Nominate yourself or other adult leaders, ages 18+, to participate in the first Building Resilient Leadership cohort! Over 12 months, participants will grow their public leadership skills while developing a justice-oriented project in their community. Nominate by June 2.

Read about 2025-2026 ELCA Federal Policy Priorities on Domestic, Environment, International, Migration, Middle East and Civic Engagement topics, the justification through biblical and ELCA social teachings, and how you can be involved.

Here I Pod is a podcast series from ELCA Advocacy bringing together voices of faith-based advocates caring for all people and creation. In Episode 5 you’ll hear from faith-based advocates meeting our current moment by supporting immigrants and refugees during a time of rapid shifts and changes. Host: Regina Q. Banks of Lutheran Office of Public Policy - California.

Need help funding your hunger ministry? ELCA World Hunger’s 2026 Domestic Hunger Grants are easier than ever to apply for, and faster to receive the funds. Hurry! Letters of inquiry are due July 7!

New ELCA Action Alert! Steps toward dismantling the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) have come amid heavy floods and before the hurricane season. The ability to respond with federal disaster relief could soon no longer be an option.

Here I Pod is a podcast series from ELCA Advocacy bringing together voices of faith-based advocates caring for all people and creation. Episode 4 takes a critical look at the direct impact on lives worldwide of the evolving landscape of U.S. foreign assistance. Host: Regina Q. Banks of Lutheran Office of Public Policy - California.

The spring 2025 issue of LifeLines offers stories of how your gifts to ELCA World Hunger and Lutheran Disaster Response help communities and families in the United States and around the world, as well as a map and financial highlights from 2024.