Lutheran Engagement and Advocacy in Nevada recently spent time in Las Vegas building relationships and learning from the ministries already alive and active in local communities.

Visit to St. Andrew Lutheran Church – Las Vegas
At St. Andrew Lutheran Church, LEAN Advocacy Director Rev. Paul Larson joined the congregation for worship, preached, and spent time listening to members share about their outreach, their advocacy interests, and their hopes for their neighborhood.
What stood out most were the stories — people who have moved across the state, who have experienced different parts of Nevada, and who carry those lived experiences into their faith and their call to serve their neighbors. These conversations continue to shape how LEAN shows up across our synods.

Colorado Conference MLK Jr. Service – One Church in Three Places
In a powerful witness to our shared ministry, congregations in Las Vegas, Phoenix, and Tucson gathered simultaneously, joining together from three locations as one worshipping community at New Song Lutheran Church for a service honoring the legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

The service culminated in the congregation singing “We Shall Overcome,” a moment that was both deeply moving and a clear call to action. In this moment in our nation’s life, we were reminded that the work of justice, mercy, and love is not optional for people of faith.

We are called to learn from the long struggle for voting rights and to continue the work of building a multiracial, inclusive democracy, especially in light of the murders of Renee Good and Alex Preti. Our faith calls us not to silence, but to courageous public witness.

The Work Ahead – Pews to Policy Across Nevada
Throughout the coming year, LEAN will continue the Pews to Policy tour across Nevada — listening, preaching, teaching, and organizing alongside congregations and community partners.

If your congregation would like to:

• host a Sunday focused on faith and public life
• gather for an adult forum or Bible study
• share your local advocacy priorities
• or explore how to connect your ministry to statewide efforts

we invite you to reach out and schedule a visit.

Together, we are building a movement where our worship shapes our witness and our witness shapes public life — for the sake of our neighbors and the common good.

Faith compells us to care for our community. No one should have to choose between paying rent and buying groceries.​

Affordable housing is essential for economic stability and human dignity.​

Faith requires us to care for the poor and to seek justice for all.​

Join us in advocating for safe, affordable housing for all Nevadans.

Get involved –

This week we live in the space between the mountain and the valley.

On the mountain, the disciples saw the glory of Christ.
They heard the voice: “This is my beloved Son… listen to Him.”
And then — they walked back down into ordinary life.

That is where we are too.

We have glimpsed who Jesus is.
Now we are learning what it means to follow Him.

And the first invitation is not to do more —
it is to listen more deeply.

Listen for His voice in Scripture.
Listen for His voice in the quiet moments you would normally rush past.
Listen for His voice in the neighbor who needs mercy.
Listen for His voice in the places where love asks something of you.

You do not have to build anything this week.
You do not have to solve everything this week.
You do not have to have the future figured out.

Just listen.

Because the same Jesus who shines in glory
is the One who comes close,
who touches fear,
and who says even now:

“Get up. Do not be afraid.”

So as you move through your days:

When you feel overwhelmed — pause and listen.
When you are unsure what to do — pause and listen.
When you are tempted to react quickly — pause and listen.

Before speaking,
before fixing,
before planning,
listen.

And trust this:

The voice that named Jesus “Beloved”
has named you Beloved too.

You are not walking this road alone.
The light of Christ goes with you —
down the mountain,
into the valley,
and into whatever this week holds.

Amen.

Voting is an opportunity to be a part of determining the future direction of your local community, state, and country. It is an opportunity to express your beliefs and values and be a part of the wider community.

As the new year kicks off, this is a good time to prepare to vote. Mark your calendars for four key election dates in Nevada in 2026:

• Saturday, May 23, 2026 – First Day of Early Voting
• Tuesday, June 9, 2026 – Primary General Election
• October 17th, 2026 – First Day of Early Voting
• November 3, 2026 – Fall General Election

The Importance of Voting

The ELCA social statement Faith & Civic Life: Seeking the Well-being of All says, “The Scriptures teach that following Jesus includes a prophetic dimension, which lifts up a vision of social well-being. This means Christians are to act in civic life for the benefit of the neighbor, especially our marginalized or oppressed neighbors.”

Voting can play an important role in our call to act for the benefit of our neighbors. It is an opportunity to shape the future in a way that builds a more just and peaceful world.

Voting is also an act of hope. It says that you believe tomorrow can be shaped, and you’re willing to take responsibility for your piece of the world. It honors those who came before and helps shape the world for future generations.

Election Information

The Nevada Secretary of State website is a trusted source for election information. As you look ahead toward voting in 2026, here are some key actions you can take now:

• Check that your voter registration is up-to-date.
• Find out about important deadlines regarding registration, absentee ballot requests, and more.
• Find out how to become a poll worker.

LEAN will continue to share information about the elections this year. Please stay tuned for more and help share this information with others in your community.https://www.nvsos.gov/elections/poll-workers

What if trees could tell the truth about justice in our communities and show us a way forward?

In this launch webinar, Creation Justice Ministries will introduce its 2026 annual resource, The Canopy of Creation: Trees, Faith, and the Work of Justice, and equip faith leaders with theological grounding, worship tools, and practical pathways for action. Participants will explore how trees are woven through Scripture, how tree equity connects climate resilience and racial justice, and how congregations can faithfully engage in planting, protection, and advocacy rooted in relationship and listening.

Join Creation Justice Ministries and @umcmissions for this webinar by registering at creationjustice.org/canopywebinar!