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🌿 As the days grow warmer and spring approaches, our mission remains the same. In every season, we faithfully steward what God has entrusted to us—strengthening churches and helping build Christ-centered legacies for generations to come. ✨ #KingdomImpact #FaithfulStewardship #WeLoveChurches #LegacyOfFaith

A golden retriever with a calm gaze and a gentle paw can open doors that words alone can’t. 🐾 Meet Damascus, a comfort dog at St. Paul Lutheran Church and School in Napoleon, Ohio, quietly finding “the one who needs him most” in moments of grief and healing. Watch the full story on YouTube ▶️ https://youtu.be/MyOELs86VVc

In many parts of the United States and Canada, faith communities are enjoying the longer days and warmer weather. Winter’s departure brings a new host of maintenance issues to be addressed before welcoming the new season. To aid in your work, we’ve put together this maintenance guide. #dcef #ccdoc

Like Bethel Lutheran Church in Willmar, Minn., many congregations are discerning how to use their space to meet community needs. Bethel’s exciting, new partnership with Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota is explored in the latest issue of Living Lutheran. For many faith leaders and community members, navigating the challenges and opportunities that buildings and land represent can be daunting. The ELCA Church Property Resource Hub was created to help meet this need for congregations across the country. Be sure to register for one of the hub’s upcoming town halls about this innovative, new project! Read the article and register below.

Jimmy McLoud’s time at Mid-Atlantic Christian University helped shape a life of leadership, faith, and service. Today, as Lead Pastor of First Christian Church – Canton in Canton, Ohio, he leads with a vision of sharing the good news that Jesus is for all people, helping individuals discover hope, purpose, and belonging in the family of God. In addition to his pastoral leadership, Jimmy serves as Chairman of the Board for The Solomon Foundation, supporting churches as they expand their ministries, and works as a Ministry Consultant with The Unstuck Group, helping pastors and church leaders strengthen the health and mission of their congregations. Today, Jimmy and his wife Ashley live in North Canton, Ohio, with their four children, Braylon, Carter, Ellie, and Grace. We are grateful for alumni like Jimmy who continue to live out MACU’s mission of faithful leadership and Christ-centered service wherever God calls them. 📖 Read his full story: https://bit.ly/40gOSU9

“’Our purpose is to build the Church.’ Unified under this call, Central Africa Medical Mission (CAMM) organized a short-term medical camp from February 10-14, 2026, in Chabera, Kenya. Executive Director Kate Wood and retiring Field Director Gary Evans led six WELS volunteers, coordinated with the leadership of the African Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ (LCMC), engaged LCMC church volunteers, and partnered with the Kenyan Health District in the third ‘pop-up’ medical camp in Kenya.” Read more about this medical camp and how volunteers provided both physical care and the life-changing message of the gospel to each person they served. Read more ➡ https://wels.net/welcome-to-kenya/

Last week, our Chief Investment Officer/Controller Bradley Fraily enjoyed a friendly game of pickleball with Pam Goytia and the team from Gateway Seminary! 🏓 #BFCAL #GatewaySeminary #KingdomPartnerships

Find out if Flex Savings is right for you!

Call 1.888.451.1929 or visit www.UMFMichigan.org to learn more.

“When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, ‘Will you give me a drink?’ The Samaritan woman said to him, ‘You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?’ (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.) Jesus answered, ‘Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life’ ” (John 4:7,9,13). Have you ever heard someone say, ‘A picture is worth a thousand words’? It means that sometimes showing a picture is better than trying to explain it with words. When Jesus taught people, he loved to use pictures like that to help them understand really important truths. One of his favorite pictures was water. Why water? Because we literally can’t live without it! A human body can only survive about three days without water. Water is essential for life. [Jesus] He fully satisfies us with salvation! We don’t need to keep going back and trying over and over—Jesus already gives us everything we need. Jesus even gave us a picture of this truth: his cross. Look at it, and you see the gift of salvation, love, and forgiveness—all in one picture. Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for helping me understand how important your gift of salvation is for me. May your gift always satisfy me and make me truly happy. Amen. #wels #welslutherans #welsfamilydevotions #familydevotions #devotional #biblestudy #familybiblestudy #lutheransoffacebook

“They said, ‘Why did you bring us up out of Egypt to make us and our children and livestock die of thirst?’ The LORD answered Moses, ‘Go out in front of the people . . . I will stand there before you by the rock at Horeb. Strike the rock, and water will come out of it for the people to drink’ ” (Exodus 17:3,5-6). The temptation to be dissatisfied with what we have has plagued humanity for almost as long as this world has existed. But what if it is a basic need that seems to be missing? The nation of Israel was in the wilderness. No running water. No cool springs, pools, or streams to draw water from. We can live without food, but water is essential. Didn’t God care enough to provide? But God wasn’t ignoring their need. With a miracle, he would show that he was the one who provided for them. He told Moses to strike a rock with his staff, and water flowed out of that rock for them to drink. Jesus was always with them, and he is always with us, too. In his word of grace, he gives us the essential water for our spiritual lives. Prayer: Jesus, forgive my grumbling and lack of trust. Pour out your living and life-giving water to quench my thirsty soul. Amen. #wels #welslutherans #welsfamilydevotions #familydevotions #devotional #biblestudy #familybiblestudy #lutheransoffacebook

“The House in Order Seminar at Mesquite Friendship Baptist Church was just the beginning of our legacy planning. The estate specialist at PhilanthroCorp was an absolute angel in getting us started in the whole process. The SBTF, PhilanthroCorp, and their associated Attorneys have been a blessing.” – James and Veronica • This free 45-minute estate stewardship and legacy planning presentation helps individuals understand the importance of having estate plans. Many Christians desire to reflect their values, such as God and family, in their last testimony on this earth. This seminar discusses the benefits of leaving part of your estate to your family and a final tithe to the kingdom, which can provide an impactful legacy for many years to come. • Learn more at sbtexasfoundation.com/house-in-order-seminar

Has your faith community ever wondered about DCEF’s financial, building planning, and ministry services or how they can support its place of worship? If so, this is its opportunity to get a deep dive!

Gracious God, we raise our prayers to you upon hearing of gun violence at Temple Israel synagogue in West Bloomfield Township, Mich., and Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Va. We pray for those who suffer the trauma of gun violence in their communities and elsewhere. We ask for wisdom in responding to our stricken neighbors, for resolve in working to end gun violence, for persistence in opposing antisemitism and all forms of religious bigotry or violence, and for strengthened solidarity with those who experience them. Amen.

That’s a wrap on Disciples Home Missions’s Black Ministers Retreat! We and New Church Ministry were sponsors and were delighted that our President and CEO Rev. Dr. Courtney Stange-Tregear was able to go for the first time with other staffers. What a great way to introduce her to Disciples events! #ccdoc

Throwback Thursday to January when we got caught courtside! 🏀 Dr. Jonathan Jarboe with Victor Chayasirisobhon at the CBU Men’s Basketball game. Great energy, great game, and a great night cheering on the team! 🙌 #ThrowbackThursday

Welcome to the newly redesigned ELCA.org! Watch below as we walk with you through the new website’s features, navigation and tools. We hope ELCA.org is a place where you can find community and grow in faith.

A campaign doesn’t start with a goal number—it starts with people. In Episode 10, the team begins a new series on campaign readiness, starting with congregational readiness: planning, stewardship conversation and early engagement, which brings the church family along together.​ Listen ➡️ lcef.org/forward or wherever you listen to podcasts

A campaign doesn’t start with a goal number—it starts with people. In Episode 10, the team begins a new series on campaign readiness, starting with congregational readiness: planning, stewardship conversation and early engagement, which brings the church family along together.​ Listen ➡️ lcef.org/forward or wherever you listen to podcasts

Did you spot BFCAL at the CBU basketball game? 📖💙 Sharing our mission with the community—on the court and beyond—is always a win. 🙌 #GoLancers

Learn more at www.thesolomonfoundation.org

Yesterday, our very own Cynthia Segrest and her husband, John, were both honored with quilts from the Quilts of Valor program. On behalf of Texas CEF and the entire Texas District, we are so thankful for their service to our country. God bless you both! Quilts of Valor is a national non-profit organization that awards handmade quilts to living veterans and active-duty service members. They started in 2003 and have awarded over 430,000+ quilts to date to those nominated. Volunteers at local chapters sew, quilt, and present the awards in their area. Today’s modern military is comprised of volunteers. Each of them stepped forward to ensure a way of life is protected for their fellow citizens. They give up their freedom, time at home with loved ones, make other sacrifices and ultimately have no guarantee of safety.

Financial growth is good… but have you considered that Kingdom-aligned financial growth is even better? With CDF Capital, your resources help churches build new facilities, expand ministry reach, and fund life-changing outreach. Your financial growth can fuel Gospel growth. Learn more at cdfcapital.org #CDFCapital #FaithinAction #KingdomBuilding

“Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the LORD our Maker; for he is our God and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care” (Psalm 95:6-7). The God who made us is the Shepherd who cares for us. Who better to care for us than he? He knows our needs, inside and out. He knows the diseases that threaten our bodies and our souls. He sees the wolves that want to attack and destroy us. He knows the nourishment our hearts need not only to survive but to thrive. With his innocent life and death, Jesus crushed Satan’s power to accuse and destroy us, no matter what we’ve done. With the nourishing food of his Word, he feeds our faith to receive forgiveness and the life he won at the cross. And he blesses us every day with one goal in mind—to bring us safely into his eternal pastures, where we will praise him forever. Prayer: God, my Maker and my Shepherd, I worship and praise you for your perfect love and care for me. Amen. #wels #welslutherans #welsfamilydevotions #familydevotions #devotional #biblestudy #familybiblestudy #lutheransoffacebook

“This past Sunday, 6 students and I had the privilege to serve in worship at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Theresa, WI. The students beautified the service with their awesome musical gifts and I got to preach. Students also had opportunity to share what they love about Luther Prep in a Q&A with members after the service. We are so thankful for the Christian kindness and hospitality they showed us!” – Tutor Ryan Gurgel #lpsPhoenix

🌟 Investing in conversations that shape the future of ministry. Through endowments supporting partners like California Southern Baptist Convention, North American Mission Board, International Mission Board, Gateway Seminary, and California Baptist University, we’re equipping leaders for discipleship and evangelism. 💒✨ Join us in raising up the next generation of Kingdom workers 🙌 👉 www.bfcal.org/donate #ResourcingTheGreatCommission #EquipLeaders #KingdomWork

Learn More About Our Investment Funds an how they can help fund your ministries: UMFMichigan.org

Read below for a joint ecumenical statement on the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, voicing concern for its humanitarian and societal impacts. The statement was signed by the World Council of Churches, Middle East Council of Churches, Lutheran World Federation, World Communion of Reformed Churches, World Methodist Council, Mennonite World Conference, Christian Conference of Asia and ACT Alliance.

Rachel and Stephan Gonzales wanted a home where they could raise their three children. When conventional loan options were not feasible, they turned to LCEF and found the perfect location. Competitive-rate mortgages for church workers like the Gonzales family are made possible, in part, through gifts to the Church Worker Loan Pool. And right now, every gift is matched up to $500,000. Gonzales’ story ⤵️ https://interesttime.org/how-lcef-made-owning-a-home-achie…/ Support church workers ➡️ lcef.org/moment — LCEF is a nonprofit religious organization; therefore, LCEF Investments are not FDIC insured, are not a federally insured savings or deposit account or insured by any state or federal agency. This is not an offer to sell investments, nor a solicitation to buy. LCEF will offer and sell its securities only in states where authorized. The offer is made solely by LCEF’s Offering Circular. Investors should carefully read the Offering Circular, which more fully describes associated risks. Lutheran Church Extension Fund-Missouri Synod. 10733 Sunset Office Drive, Suite 300, St. Louis, MO 63127-1020. 800-843-5233. lcef.org. NMLS# 3444. LCEF Mortgage Loan Originators: Pamela Macinski (NMLS# 16679). Michelle Porter (NMLS# 1675886). Tricia Galczynski (NMLS# 1896183). Tara Appleton (NMLS# 738203). Marissa Strayhorn (NMLS# 2560503). Illinois Residential Mortgage Licensee (MB.0006057). Loans made or arranged pursuant to a California Law License (6037619). Texas Complaint/Recovery Fund Notice – Figure: 7 TAC§80.200(b): “CONSUMERS WISHING TO FILE A COMPLAINT AGAINST A COMPANY OR A RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGE LOAN ORIGINATOR SHOULD COMPLETE AND SEND A COMPLAINT FORM TO THE TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF SAVINGS AND MORTGAGE LENDING, 2601 NORTH LAMAR, SUITE 201, AUSTIN, TEXAS 78705. COMPLAINT FORMS AND INSTRUCTIONS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DEPARTMENT’S WEBSITE AT WWW.SML.TEXAS.GOV. A TOLL-FREE CONSUMER HOTLINE IS AVAILABLE AT 1-877-276-5550. THE DEPARTMENT MAINTAINS A RECOVERY FUND TO MAKE PAYMENTS OF CERTAIN ACTUAL OUT OF POCKET DAMAGES SUSTAINED BY BORROWERS CAUSED BY ACTS OF LICENSED RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGE LOAN ORIGINATORS. A WRITTEN APPLICATION FOR REIMBURSEMENT FROM THE RECOVERY FUND MUST BE FILED WITH AND INVESTIGATED BY THE DEPARTMENT PRIOR TO THE PAYMENT OF A CLAIM. FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE RECOVERY FUND, PLEASE CONSULT THE DEPARTMENT’S WEBSITE AT WWW.SML.TEXAS.GOV”. All cash-out refinances and straight refinances in excess of 80% loan-to-value are not available in Texas. For more information on LCEF’s lending license go to lcef.org/state-disclosures/.

Wednesday Verse of Encouragement 📖✨ “For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.” — Proverbs 2:6 True wisdom begins with the Lord. May His Word guide your steps and bring clarity, strength, and understanding in every season. 🙌 #WednesdayWisdom #Proverbs26 #FaithfulStewardship #BFCAL

#WednesdayInTheWord

“Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:1,6,8). [Jesus] He promises peace with God—and that’s even more important. Here’s why: God is holy and perfect, and we are not perfect. The Bible says we are enemies of God because of our sins. Normally, enemies try to get peace by fighting until one side wins. But that’s not how we get peace with God. Jesus didn’t leave peace up to chance. He wanted to guarantee it for us. Paul says: “At just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly” (Romans 5:6). Even though we deserved the punishment, Jesus took it for us. He defeated the real enemies: sin, death, and the devil. Because Jesus won, peace with God is now ours—forever! That’s why he’s called the “Prince of Peace!” Prayer: Dear Jesus, thank you for giving me peace with God that I couldn’t have on my own. Thank you for dying for my sins and defeating sin and death. Amen. #wels #welslutherans #welsfamilydevotions #familydevotions #devotional #biblestudy #familybiblestudy #lutheransoffacebook

“We also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us” (Romans 5:3-5). The Bible says, “God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.” God loves us unconditionally and knows our struggles, wanting to rescue us from them. That’s why Jesus came, to suffer so that we don’t have to, to conquer sin and death because we couldn’t. Only God has the strength to overcome every trouble. Only he could love us enough to do just that. And his loving promises never fail. Filled up with his unfailing love, we can keep going with the strength he provides. We can press on, fueled by confidence in his unfailing love. Prayer: God, pour your love into my heart, that I can face every day with the hope that you give. Amen. #wels #welslutherans #welsfamilydevotions #familydevotions #devotional #biblestudy #familybiblestudy #lutheransoffacebook

We had the privilege of hosting the USMB Congolese Gathering in our Ministry Space this past weekend and enjoyed a time filled with rich fellowship, Biblical teaching, and orientation around the Mennonite Brethren story. Congolese pastors and leaders traveled from across the country, representing churches from California to North Carolina as well as Ohio, Texas, and throughout the Midwest. We are grateful to steward our facility for MB gatherings like this and to celebrate the work God is doing in these Congolese communities.

💙 Make your generosity go further. With a Charitable Gift Annuity through BFCAL, you can enjoy: ✅ Guaranteed income for life ✅ Potential tax benefits ✅ The joy of supporting Kingdom work for generations 🌿 Connect with us at 📞 909-738-4000 or 📧 info@bfcal.org #FaithfulStewardship #LegacyPlanning #BFCAL

Chapel was full today as we welcomed students interested in pastoral ministry from many high schools including Kettle Moraine Lutheran, Michigan Lutheran Seminary, Fox Valley Lutheran, Manitowoc Lutheran, and West Lutheran high schools. Not only did these students experience chapel during this Focus on Ministry event, they also sat in on a seminary class and took a tour of campus. Focus on Ministry events are arranged through Martin Luther College. If you or someone you know would like more information, be sure to add yourself to MLC’s email list and watch for emails in the late summer or early fall.

Would you like an expert take on current investing? Save the date: Thursday, May 21, from 10 to 11 a.m. Spend one hour learning from our expert partners at Merrill Lynch’s Global Institutional Consulting Group during our Annual Investors’ Briefing (AIB). This event will be online only, so you can join from anywhere! More details coming soon… Questions? Email us at foundation@vaumc.org. #investing #churchfinance #umchurches #vaumf

What would change if our congregations became true cultures of appreciation instead of criticism first? Episode 32 of the Grace Place Podcast with Dr. Bruce Hartung explores practical ways to encourage church workers, invest in their families and celebrate the joy of following Jesus together. Take a few minutes to listen wherever you get podcasts, then ask: “How can we applaud the faithful servants in our midst this week?” Listen ➡️ lcef.org/listen

The ELCA is joining Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe of The Episcopal Church, along with ecumenical and interfaith partners, for a time of reflection and prayer for peace amid the ongoing war in the Middle East. This vigil creates space to gather in community, mourn the violence and loss of life, and lift up prayers together. Join us today at 12 p.m. Eastern time. To register, click the link in the comments below.Join Interfaith Vigil for Middle East Peace – 12 p.m. ET March 10 Register here: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_O129CCsSQyCICJvgPydEQA Join Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe and ecumenical and interfaith partners to offer reflections and prayers for peace in the midst of the war in the Middle East. The vigil offers an opportunity to be with others as we mourn the violence and loss of life. Participants will have a chance to share their own prayers. The vigil will feature ecumenical and interfaith voices from Muslim, Jewish, Quaker, Baháʼí, United Church of Christ, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, United Methodist, Disciples of Christ, Sikh, and Buddhist traditions, among others. Spanish interpretation will be available.

Last weekend, our Chief Legal Officer Courtney Coates hosted an estate planning seminar for Vision Plus Church and Step of Faith Church in Bakersfield! 📖✨ Pictured with Mr. Coates are Dr. Michael Dotson and Pastor Richard Gaston. Grateful for the opportunity to equip churches with tools for faithful stewardship and legacy planning. #BFCAL #FaithfulStewardship #WeLoveChurches #KingdomImpact

What would change if our congregations became true cultures of appreciation instead of criticism first? Episode 32 of the Grace Place Podcast with Dr. Bruce Hartung explores practical ways to encourage church workers, invest in their families and celebrate the joy of following Jesus together. Take a few minutes to listen wherever you get podcasts, then ask: “How can we applaud the faithful servants in our midst this week?” Listen > lcef.org/listen

“Jesus said to her, ‘You are right when you say you have no husband. The fact is, you have had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband. What you have just said is quite true’ ” (John 4:17-18). What proof of spiritual dehydration would Jesus point out in your life? What sins for which you’ve made excuses? What sins did you hope were hidden or forgotten? Jesus himself is the pure living water we need. He entered the wasteland of our world and found spiritual refreshment every day in God’s Word. Then he hung on a cross, thirsty not just from the physical toll of crucifixion but from the spiritual dehydration of our sins that he took as his own. Now he refreshes us with the promise that our sins are forgiven. Our guilt is gone. He revives us with his mercy. Through his death and resurrection, he gives us new life that will never end. Prayer: Jesus, give me living water every day in the promise of your forgiveness. Amen. #wels #welslutherans #welsfamilydevotions #familydevotions #devotional #biblestudy #familybiblestudy #lutheransoffacebook

sbtexasfoundation.com/stories These are the stories of congregations across Texas who stepped forward in faith and saw God move in powerful ways through strategic financial support from the Foundation. From building new facilities to expanding ministries and reaching more people in their communities, these churches are living examples of vision turned into reality.

Investors in CDF Capital grow their savings while empowering churches to build and expand through ministry loans. It’s where financial stewardship meets eternal impact. Learn more about how your support can help build the church at cdfcapital.org #ChristianFinance #KingdomImpact #CDFCapital

Despite not being on a cruise this year, gathering together with folks for the Oklahoma Disciples’s Regional Assembly was still a delight for Building and Capital Services Advisor Rev. Rosario Ibarra. Especially when she could share a table with Minister of New Church Strategies Rev. Dr. Jose Martinez! 🛳️ #ccdoc

Last weekend, our Chief Legal Officer Courtney Coates hosted an estate planning seminar at Vision Plus Church of Bakersfield! 📖✨ Pictured alongside Mr. Coates is Dr. Michael Dotson, pastor of Vision Plus Church. We are grateful for opportunities to equip churches with practical tools for faithful stewardship and legacy planning! #BFCAL #FaithfulStewardship #EstatePlanning #WeLoveChurches #KingdomImpact

Our next online teen Bible study is happening on March 29th! Know a teen who may be interested? Share this with them! We would love to see them there. Visit https://hubs.li/Q045-l-X0 for more information and to register. Topic: “Hey there, Delilah” (Samson – Judges 13–16) #WELS #welslutherans #welsteens #welsNOTBS #teenbiblestudy #teensintheword