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January may be moving quickly, but our calling stays constant: faithful stewardship that strengthens churches and leaves a legacy rooted in Christ. 🌿 #KingdomImpact #BaptistFoundationCA #LegacyOfFaith

What is Called to LEAD – Faith-Filled Leadership? L ➡️ Lift Others Up E ➡️ Empower with Faith A ➡️ Act with Integrity D ➡️ Demonstrate Compassion Learn more about this year-long, faith-filled leadership journey for emerging ministry leaders and sign up today at https://onlineinfo.cuw.edu/called-to-lead.

Safe travels to everyone heading to Chicago for the WELS National Conference on Lutheran Leadership and God’s blessings for a successful event. #welslutherans #wels #welsnationalconferenceonlutheranleadership #lutheranleadership2026 #lutheranleadership

Bishops from Lutheran churches in the United States, Canada and Denmark have issued a joint statement expressing support for the people of Greenland. Read the full statement through the link in the comments below.

We’re proud to help power the annual XP Summit, a gathering of executive church leaders from around the country. If you know an executive pastor who would benefit from connections, content, and conversations, let them know about this conference.

“If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to raise a child who does not just attend church but inhabits it like a Broadway stage, let me show you to our pew,” writes Kaycee Welke. Her daughter, Aria, is an autistic 11-year-old with ADHD who participates in worship, just not in the way the bulletin outlines. Read Welke’s article, “Welcome to my pew,” at forwardinchrist.net/welcome-to-my-pew.

Yearbook reporting for 2025 is now open in ALEX! Remember, entering your faith community’s statistics helps general ministries like ours understand your place of worship better so that we can provide appropriate support and resources, including loans or grants. Get started on ALEX below! 👇🏼 #ccdoc

On Maui, paradise is more than palm trees and beaches. At Emmanuel Lutheran Church and School, it looks like “ohana”—families welcomed, known and loved in Christ. See how this island ministry is building for a growing family of faith ⤵️ https://interesttime.org/ohana-in-paradise-how-a-maui-scho…/

Flashback Friday 🏀 Drs. Jonathan and Tammy Jarboe with friends at the CBU Basketball game—love the fellowship and school spirit!

Stay warm this weekend!!!!!🧦🧣🧤

“[You know] how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him” (Acts 10:38). Adults like to argue about sports players. They talk about who they think will be the best player ever. Sometimes they get really excited about a player and say, “This one will be amazing!” But later, that player doesn’t do very well. When that happens, people say the player was a “flop.” That means they didn’t turn out the way people hoped. Now let’s think about Jesus. Jesus’ miracles were like big signs pointing to who he really is—God’s Son and our Savior. The good things Jesus did weren’t only miracles. They were also the loving words he spoke. And the most important words he spoke were on the cross: “It is finished!” God knew exactly what he was doing. Jesus was never a flop. He is God’s chosen Savior—and our forever champion. Prayer: Dear Jesus, we praise you for fulfilling all that Scripture said you would do. Guide us safely home to your side in heaven, where we will see you, our champion, face to face. Amen. #wels #welslutherans #welsfamilydevotions #familydevotions #devotional #biblestudy #familybiblestudy #lutheransoffacebook

“As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, ‘This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased’ “ (Matthew 3:16-17). When humanity first fell into sin, the door to paradise was slammed shut. Access to God was cut off because of sin. Do you sense it still today? Does it seem like the door to heaven is still closed? Do you ever wonder and even worry, “Will God be pleased with me? Will he let me in?” What a relief when the one who holds the keys to eternal life comes to the rescue and opens heaven. This is exactly what Jesus was sent to do: open heaven and unlock eternity for you and all who believe. These verses from Matthew chapter 3, mark the beginning of Jesus’ earthly ministry. When Jesus was baptized, something amazing happened—heaven opened! Prayer: God, our loving Father, thank you for sending your Son to be my eternal rescue. Amen. #wels #welslutherans #welsdailydevotions #dailydevotions #lutheransoffacebook #devotional #biblestudy #personalbiblestudy

For Kayla Traver and her family, the path to better financial management began with a simple realization: they needed guidance. Growing up in homes where money was rarely discussed and often mismanaged, both she and her husband faced gaps in financial knowledge that left them searching for a new way forward. Through MB Foundation’s stewardship resources, they’ve learned to view their finances as a gift from God to bless their family and others. Read more about the Traver’s stewardship journey: https://bit.ly/3YlOFhm

The 2026 National Day of Racial Healing is 5 days away! Fifteen amazing presenters from across the church and the globe will show how sharing stories is a sacred practice that celebrates culture, evokes truth telling, and generates resilience, hope and faith. Join us and Augsburg Fortress for this online program on January 20 from 6-8 p.m. Central time. Learn more about the event and our amazing group of presenters through the link in the comments below. #HowWeHeal

The new year is a great time to refresh your household budget. Learn how a simple plan for giving, saving and spending can help you support the ministries you love while caring for your daily needs. Read the article to walk through three easy steps and download a free budget worksheet. Read ➡️ https://interesttime.org/3-easy-steps-to-creating-a-person…/

As we reflect on the investment landscape of 2025, we recognize the importance of steadfast stewardship in uncertain times. Despite market volatility, the UMF Collective Funds of Michigan achieved impressive returns, demonstrating our commitment to long-term, faith-driven investing. Let’s navigate 2026 with purpose and discipline, focusing on opportunities that align with our values. #InvestmentStrategy #Stewardship #FaithDriven #MarketInsights #UMF https://conta.cc/49FP1oe

🌟 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

Saving Grace for Clergy The Foundation is offering a seven-week webinar course teaching the Wesleyan way to financial well-being for clergy, starting January 28 and running through March 11. You’ll learn tips for managing, giving, saving, spending and debt. You can also earn 1.0 credits of CEU. For more info and to register: https://tinyurl.com/yc2tyfad #savinggrace #finances #MoneyTips #clergy #vaumf #umcclergy

In 2025 WELS celebrated 175 years as a synod. Since its very beginnings, WELS congregations have been supporting Lutheran education efforts. This year WELS schools are serving over 46,500 students! May God continue to bless our schools for many years to come.

As we reflect on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s legacy, we encourage all Disciples to pray boldly. Beginning January 19, leaders from across the Church will be leading 21 Days of Prayer on Reconciliation Ministry’s Facebook page. Join us as we ground our journey in spiritual practice and the pursuit of justice.

Hey teens! Our next online Bible study is officially one month away. Join us as we discuss the topic of “Strength Made Perfect in Weakness” (Judges 6-7). Know someone who might be interested in attending? Share this post with them! This is a great way for teens across the country to connect and be in God’s Word together. Visit http://wels.net/national-teen-bible-study for more information and to register. We hope to see you there! #WELS #welslutherans #welsteens #welsNOTBS #teenbiblestudy #teensintheword

Happy national bagel day! Do you prefer your bagel with cream cheese or as a sandwich?

📢 DUE TODAY! Outreach Grant applications close tonight at 11:59 PM ⏰ This is your last chance to fuel Kingdom impact and create lasting change in your community. ✨🌍 👉 Apply now at BFCal.org Want updates on future grant opportunities? Visit our site and sign up—exciting things are ahead! 📬 #OutreachGrants #KingdomImpact #DueToday #GrantDeadline #ApplyNow #FaithInAction

“A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out. In faithfulness he will bring forth justice; he will not falter or be discouraged till he establishes justice on earth. In his teaching the islands will put their hope” (Isaiah 42:3-4). Jesus is different. He’s not only human. He is truly God from eternity. Making a promise is one thing. Keeping it is an entirely different thing. There are likely times in your life when you have been the victim of a broken promise, big or small. There are times when you promised something with every intention of keeping it, but for whatever reason, you couldn’t or didn’t follow through. Jesus has the divine authority to make promises, and he has the divine authority to keep promises. God’s greatest promise was to save you from the brokenness and destruction of sin by declaring you not guilty. He promises to care for your soul for time and for eternity. Jesus followed through until his mission was accomplished and God’s promise was kept. This promise still stands today. Prayer: Thank you, Lord Jesus, for following through on the greatest promise ever. Sustain me each day by your sure promises. Amen. #wels #welslutherans #welsdailydevotions #dailydevotions #lutheransoffacebook #devotional #biblestudy #personalbiblestudy

Our latest newsletter is here! • Catch up on powerful ministry stories, exciting updates, and how your investment is making an eternal impact. • Read now: https://indd.adobe.com/…/f88f8862-c144-44d0-9b43-25ea04ebc2…

Every Seat Tells a Story! Because of faithful investors like you, 225,000 new seats have been added in our partner churches, enough to fill a football stadium three times over. Those seats represent lives changed, families restored, and communities reached with the hope of Jesus. They represent pastors who said “yes” to the next step because someone believed in their mission. Your investments matter.

💙 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

“Being a Servant of God, [Jesus] he’s also the one that we seek to serve and we do it so imperfectly . . . But Jesus answered my imperfection with His perfect righteousness.” Watch today’s chapel now on our YouTube ⬇️

Registration for the 2026 Rostered Ministers Gathering, happening July 6-9 at the JW Marriott in Indianapolis, Ind., is now open! ELCA deacons, pastors, bishops and approved candidates are invited to gather for intentional connection, renewal and reflection on the Holy Spirit’s work among us. Registration includes keynote sessions, small groups, affinity groups, workshops and more. Early registration is live now through March 31, and regular registration runs through April 1-June 5. For more information and to register, please click the link in the comments below.

The gang’s all here! Director of Marketing Debbie Williams, Interim CEO and President John Powell, Director of Development Katy McFall, and Chief Relationship Officer Anicia Kosky are at the Christian Church Foundation’s Development Conference learning about transforming fundraising through AI. 🤖 #ccdoc

Start off 2026 with a new look! The WELS online store just added some new items to our site including baseball hats, short-sleeve business casual shirts, and vests. Shop the latest WELS merchandise now ➡️ https://welsstore.net Shipping options are available.

“Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this…” — James 1:27 Midweek reminder that true faith is lived out through compassion, service, and a heart set apart for God. 🤍 Keep loving, serving, and walking faithfully.

Now Hiring: CEF Manager of Loans & Investment Development Full-time position responsible for managing the lending lifecycle for ministry partners, building relationships with Texas District LCMS congregations, analyzing financial information, and promoting CEF loans and investments in support of the mission of the Texas District LCMS. Full Job Description: https://texascef.org/careers/ How to apply: Please email your resume to Becca Jones, Texas CEF Executive Director, at jones@texascef.org

“[You know] how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him” (Acts 10:38). Adults like to argue about sports players. They talk about who they think will be the best player ever. Sometimes they get really excited about a player and say, “This one will be amazing!” But later, that player doesn’t do very well. When that happens, people say the player was a “flop.” That means they didn’t turn out the way people hoped. Now let’s think about Jesus. Jesus’ miracles were like big signs pointing to who he really is—God’s Son and our Savior. The good things Jesus did weren’t only miracles. They were also the loving words he spoke. And the most important words he spoke were on the cross: “It is finished!” God knew exactly what he was doing. Jesus was never a flop. He is God’s chosen Savior—and our forever champion. Prayer: Dear Jesus, we praise you for fulfilling all that Scripture said you would do. Guide us safely home to your side in heaven, where we will see you, our champion, face to face. Amen. #wels #welslutherans #welsfamilydevotions #familydevotions #devotional #biblestudy #familybiblestudy #lutheransoffacebook

“A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out” (Isaiah 42:3). When something is just about broken or on its last leg in our house, my solution is often, let’s scrap it! It’s not worth the money to fix. I don’t have the patience and the time to breathe life back into it. For me, it’s much easier to start from scratch and buy or build a new one. My wife has a more restorative approach. She doesn’t so quickly give up on the worn-out thing. She has a knack for salvaging the broken trinket and turning it back into a prized possession. I’m sure it would be much easier for the Lord to look at the brokenness of the world and the brokenness of my life and just scrap it and move on. The reality for the world, and every person living in it, is that we were not just broken. We have broken God’s commands. We can’t mend our own brokenness. We can’t muster up enough strength to solve the problem of sin on our own. If you’ve ever tried, you eventually burn out and give up. But God doesn’t give up and move on. Why not? Because of his great love for us, he doesn’t break. He binds. He doesn’t snuff us out. He breathes in new life. Prayer: Lord, Jesus, when I am bruised and ready to break, you bind up my brokenness and breathe in new life with your words of forgiveness and hope. May I always praise you for your salvation! Amen. #wels #welslutherans #welsdailydevotions #dailydevotions #lutheransoffacebook #devotional #biblestudy #personalbiblestudy

Strong finances support strong ministry. 🙌 BFCAL, in partnership with WatersEdge, provides trusted accounting services so churches can focus on what matters most. 💒 👉 bfcal.org/accounting

Ducks! 🦆🦆 No, not that kind. We’re talking about ducts, the kind that help warm your place of worship in the winter. How do you maintain them during this season? Find out from former Building and Capital Services Advisor Brock McCracken. #ccdoc

Go to www.texascef.org/rainyday to find out if the Rainy Day Fund is right for you!☔️☔️

📢 LAST CALL! Outreach Grant applications close this Thursday, January 15 at 11:59 PM ⏰ Don’t miss your opportunity to fuel Kingdom impact and create lasting change in your community. ✨🌍👉 Apply now at BFCal.org #OutreachGrants #KingdomImpact #GrantDeadline #ApplyNow #FaithInActio

“He will not shout or cry out, or raise his voice in the streets. A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out” (Isaiah 42:2-3). If God were to speak to you to get your attention, what kind of voice do you think he’d use? Would it sound like thunder? In today’s Bible verse, the Lord’s Servant is depicted as speaking gently. He doesn’t rely on worldly rhetoric and a booming tone to catch people’s attention. He has a gentle voice that we might not expect at first. The Lord’s Servant is Jesus. It’s not the sheer volume of his voice that captures our attention. It’s what he speaks and how he speaks. He speaks gently. Prayer: Lord Jesus, help me tune out the many voices of the surrounding world and calm my troubled heart so I can hear and dwell on your gentle words of pardon and peace. Amen. #wels #welslutherans #welsdailydevotions #dailydevotions #lutheransoffacebook #devotional #biblestudy #personalbiblestudy

“Your investment with the Foundation is really an investment in the Kingdom.” – Pastor Kason Branch, Creekstone Church • You can be part of what God is doing in churches across Texas. When you invest in church expansion certificates, you make a Kingdom difference. Learn more at sbtexasfoundation.com/certificates

What are your community of faith’s New Year’s resolutions? If they include starting the planning process for your next project, then we’re your partner. Contact your regional Building and Capital Services Advisor to make 2026 the year that you took the first step in shaping your faith community’s future! #ccdoc

Drs. Jonathan and Tammy Jarboe alongside the Chayasirisobhon family at the CBU Men’s Basketball game—great fellowship and CBU spirit! 🏀💙

Caught courtside! 🏀 Dr. Jonathan Jarboe with Victor Chayasirisobhon at the CBU Men’s Basketball game.

“ ‘Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen one in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on him, and he will bring justice to the nations’ ” (Isaiah 42:1). The prophet Isaiah wrote these words 700 years before Jesus was born: “Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen one in whom I delight.” God was saying, “This is the one I choose.” God didn’t guess. He didn’t worry. He already knew the perfect champion. God had been talking about this champion for a very long time. He promised Adam and Eve a Savior. He promised Abraham a Savior. He promised through Isaiah. And then he sent his Son, Jesus. Jesus is God’s forever choice. His name “Christ” means “the Chosen (Anointed) One.” God’s choice is good. And Jesus is our champion. Prayer: Dear Father in heaven, thank you for sending your Son to be our champion over sin, Satan, and death. Lead us to keep on trusting in him alone for our salvation. Amen. #wels #welslutherans #welsfamilydevotions #familydevotions #devotional #biblestudy #familybiblestudy #lutheransoffacebook

” ‘Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen one in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on him, and he will bring justice to the nations’ ” (Isaiah 42:1). Time and again, we have been let down by empty promises of those who vow to do what is right. We’ve looked to flawed humans as though they and their policies could make this world right and bring justice that would last. Only one person can do that, the one Isaiah pointed to. People in Isaiah’s day longed for justice. Leaders had let them down. Those who were supposed to serve and help were serving themselves. Those who were supposed to care for people’s souls cared only about themselves. But the Lord’s Servant would be different. Isaiah’s prophecy about the Lord’s Servant points to Jesus, the Lord himself. About 700 years after Isaiah’s word, Jesus would stand on the banks of the Jordan River and be revealed as the one who would bring perfect justice, who would right all that is wrong in the world. Prayer: Lord Jesus, when I see injustice in the world may I look to you as the answer. As I also recognize the wrongs that I have done, may I look to you as the answer. Amen. #wels #welslutherans #welsdailydevotions #dailydevotions #lutheransoffacebook #devotional #biblestudy #personalbiblestudy

Join us as we observe the 2026 National Day of Racial Healing, an annual event that follows Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The ELCA is partnering with Augsburg Fortress for a free online program on January 20 from 6-8 p.m. Central time, “Just Us Narratives: A Night of Centering Multiracial Voices Across the ELCA.” Experience an evening of intentional storytelling, deep listening and reflection featuring diverse voices that will draw us closer together. Learn more about the event and our amazing group of presenters through the link in the comments below.

At Long Island Lutheran Middle & High School (LuHi), ministry and mission meet in every corner of campus. A decades-old classroom wing has been reborn into a bright, modern learning environment that reflects LuHi’s vibrant culture and Christ-centered focus. With support from LCEF, the school’s transformation shows that when we invest in the spaces where ministry happens, we invest in the people who experience it. See how a refreshed campus is inspiring generations, together in faith ⤵️ https://interesttime.org/why-space-matters-in-ministry/