Colorado River Conference (Las Vegas / Henderson): Second Annual MLK Celebration
Sunday, January 18, 2026 • 2:00 p.m. Pacific Time
New Song Church, Henderson, NV
1291 Cornet Ave, Henderson, NV 89052
The Colorado River Conference invites you to a festive worship celebration featuring guest preacher Rev. Dr. James Thomas, author of A Rumor of Black Lutherans: The Formation of Black Leadership in Early American Lutheranism. Worship will be followed by a reception and conversation/book study with Dr. Thomas.
Writing a letter or sending an email to your elected officials
Learning more about an ELCA Social Statement and connecting with our Advocacy Director
Showing up to testify when the time comes
Talking with your congregation about the issues impacting your neighbors
As Lutherans, we believe faith is not just something we hold—it’s something we live out. We are deeply concerned about our neighbors, especially those who are struggling, marginalized, or unheard.
When we speak up, organize, and act together, we participate in God’s ongoing work of justice, compassion, and love in the public square.
Your voice matters. Your faith matters. Your advocacy matters.
Are you interested in being a Congregational Liaison?
Join Pastor Paul for our first time together for a monthly roundtable. We will talk about what it means to be a Liaison. We will discuss what LEAN following in 2026.
Here is a look at what Lutheran Engagement and Advocacy in Nevada has been doing in 2025.
Lutherans and Episcopalians from across Nevada showed up in force for Lutheran Lobby Day at the Nevada Legislature. On an ordinary day, something extraordinary happened in Carson City, people of faith gathered to share their stories, name the issues that brought them to the Capitol, and meet directly with legislators. It was a powerful reminder that when we come together as neighbors, rooted in faith and shared values, meaningful change is possible.
Since that day, LEAN has continued to meet and preach in congregations across Nevada, helping to build a growing grassroots movement grounded in justice, dignity, and care for our neighbors. We are grateful for a productive Legislative Session, and a Special Session, that included numerous bills on which LEAN advocated faithfully and persistently.
From rising costs of living and threats against social programs, attacks on our most vulnerable communities, and the escalating housing and climate crises, Nevadans have shown what happens when faith is put into action. We have witnessed the everyday struggles faced by individuals and families across our state, and we remain committed to advocating for policies that protect Nevadans, lower costs, and advance justice for all.
LEAN is deeply thankful for the leaders who serve on our Policy Board and for the congregations and advocates who continue to show up, speak out, and pray with their feet.
In 2026, we invite you to deepen this work by welcoming our Advocacy Director, Pastor Paul Larson, to your congregation for preaching, teaching, or conversation. To schedule a visit, contact paullarson@leanforjustice.org.
Join us as we continue to make an impact on the Nevada Community. Together, we continue to live out our faith, boldly, publicly, and in love for our neighbors.
It is hard to hear the Gospel on the Sunday after Christmas. Amid the familiar glow of Silent Night and angel songs, the lectionary turns us toward a darker truth. An angel appears to the Magi in a dream, warning them not to return to Herod. Another angel comes to Joseph, urging him to flee with Mary and the child to Egypt. The Holy Family becomes refugees, crossing borders into unfamiliar and uncertain territory in order to survive.
This is not a sentimental story. It is a story of fear, displacement, and resilience. It is a reminder that Jesus’ life begins not in safety, but in migration.
In a time when many immigrants are living in fear—when neighbors are scapegoated, dehumanized, and targeted by hateful rhetoric and harmful policies—this Gospel calls us to speak clearly and courageously. Immigrants are not a threat. Immigrants are human beings, beloved by God, deserving of dignity, safety, and welcome.
At Lutheran Engagement and Advocacy in Nevada, we continue to stand with and support our immigrant siblings. Guided by our faith and the story of a refugee Savior, we reject anti-immigrant prejudice and hate, and we work for policies and practices rooted in compassion, justice, and love of neighbor.
The Christmas story does not end at the manger. It moves into the world—and it calls us to move with it.
Lutheran Engagement and Advocacy in Nevada 