With policy priorities discerned for ongoing ELCA federal advocacy during the 119th Congress and values guiding our witness in society to make a difference in the shared life of our communities and country, check out the resource “ELCA Federal Policy Priorities for the 119th Congress.” Available both as a 1-page Executive Summary and 9-page full version.

Assembly Bill 161 was introduced by Assembly Member Rebecca Edgeworth, seeks to address these issues by implementing state-mandated standards for hospice facilities. The bill proposes enhanced oversight for new facilities during their first two years of operation, mandates accreditation by reputable national organizations, requires facilities to accept Medicare payments, and outlines a “patient’s bill of rights” to ensure consistent care standards.

Please contact your Representative, and share your opinion.

In the fifth episode of Here I Pod from ELCA advocacy, host Regina Q. Banks features guest Giovanna Oaxaca, Program Director for Migration Policy, ELCA Witness in Society. 

Their conversation explores the work of AMMPARO and the ELCA in supporting migrants and refugees. Oaxaca provides historical contexts for today’s current immigration policies, and the church’s response to these challenges. It highlights the importance of advocacy, community support, and the impact of sensitive locations policies on vulnerable populations. 

In our other sections, Hunger Advocacy Fellow Joey Chin provides a short history of Global Refuge, and AMMPARO representative Stephen Deal shares a faith reflection as well as stories of how serving migrants is transforming churches in the Americas. 

You can take action today using these action alerts in the ELCA Action Center:

• Oppose Mass Deportations – Lenten Action Series – Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
• Help End Pause of U.S. Foreign Assistance – Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

Resources: 

• The Latest: Know Your Rights Information – AMMPARO » AMMPARO – Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
• What Can Congregations Do to Prepare for Immigration Raids? – AMMPARO » AMMPARO – Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. 50 minutes.

Take action today and message your representatives at the ELCA Advocacy Action Center. Receive new alerts by email by signing up here:  ELCA.org/advocacy/signup.

History Segment Host: 

Joey Chin, ELCA Hunger Advocacy Fellow

Special Guests: 

Giovana Oaxaca, Program Director for Migration Policy, ELCA.

Stephen Deal, Regional Representative for AMMPARO

Here I Pod is a production of ELCA Advocacy.

Host: Regina Q. Banks
Production: Blake Chastain, Joey Chin, Karen Krueger
Intro/Outro Music: “A Mighty Fortress is Our God” arranged in jazz-style, by Steven Seigart

About the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America:
The ELCA is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States, with 2.8 million members in more than 8,500 worshiping communities across the 50 states and in the Caribbean region. Known as the church of “God’s work. Our hands.,” the ELCA emphasizes the saving grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ, unity among Christians and service in the world. The ELCA’s roots are in the writings of the German church reformer Martin Luther.

Download from wherever you get your podcasts, or click below to listen via YouTube.

“At the Table” is ELCA World Hunger’s 2025 Vacation Bible School curriculum, inviting your community to learn how storytelling can make a difference in your neighborhood and the world. “At the Table” is designed to be either a traditional VBS or an intergenerational program. Each day offers large- and small-group activities, crafts, games, snacks and more.

The colorful 90-page spiral-bound guide is loaded with ideas, and features 8 tabbed sections:

• Openings and Skit
• Small Group Time
• Story Time
• Games
• Snacks
• Crafts
• Simulation Station
• Dinner Table Talk