Preparation is not prediction. It is faithful stewardship.

In preparation for the midterm election season, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona has created A Congregational Guide for Election-Related Disruption to help congregations prepare for extraordinary circumstances surrounding an election—including uncertainty, misinformation, intimidation, violence or an unexpected armed presence at a polling place.

This 8-page guide is designed for pastors and deacons, congregational councils, polling-site hosts, staff teams, adult forums, youth groups and ecumenical partners. It may be used as a 60- to 75-minute discussion starter, while its final readiness checklist can be completed independently in about 20 minutes.

Begin with readiness

The guide does not assume that disruption will occur. Nor does it replace the ordinary work congregations should undertake after an election: thanking election workers, evaluating voter-engagement efforts, preparing for new legislative sessions and continuing issue advocacy.

Instead, it asks congregations to make several basic decisions before a crisis:

• Who will serve on a small response team?
• Which information sources will the congregation trust?
• Who is authorized to speak publicly?
• How will leaders care for people who may be frightened or particularly affected?
• What election, emergency, synod and community contacts should be readily available?
• What will the congregation say while important facts are still being verified?

The guide explains how to prepare a short “holding statement”—a temporary, factual and compassionate message that acknowledges a situation, distinguishes what is known from what remains uncertain and tells the audience when to expect an update.

Six scenarios for discussion

Participants are invited to consider how their congregation might respond to six possible situations:

1. No clear election result—and pressure to declare a winner.
2. Widespread election denial.
3. Intimidation or disruption at a polling place.
4. An unexpected armed, militarized or federal presence at a church polling location.
5. Violence, vandalism or property destruction.
6. A peaceful result that nevertheless leaves the congregation deeply divided.

Each scenario includes questions about what is known, who may be at risk, whom to contact, what the church can responsibly do and what it should refrain from doing.

Grounded in Lutheran faith

This is not simply an emergency-management guide. Its theological anchors draw from Scripture, Luther’s explanation of the Eighth Commandment and ELCA social teaching—including Faith and Civic Life: Seeking the Well-Being of All and For Peace in God’s World.

That social statement describes the church as a community that “disturbs, reconciles, serves and deliberates.” In an election-related crisis, the church may be called to expose deception and injustice, sustain communication across differences, stand with people at risk, seek justice and create space for responsible discernment.

Being nonpartisan does not require silence about intimidation, racism, dehumanization, violence or attacks on democratic participation.

Becoming trusted messengers

Congregations often possess something especially valuable during a confusing or frightening moment: relationships of trust.

Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry’s message, “A Call to Be Trusted Messengers in This Election Season,” reminds church leaders that they can help neighbors find accurate information and participate confidently.

The guide encourages trusted messengers to lead with care, name their sources, distinguish verified facts from allegations and opinions, correct errors without humiliating people and say “we do not yet know” when facts remain incomplete.

Use the checklist now

Congregations do not need to complete every discussion scenario before beginning. Start with the final checklist. Name a response team, record essential contacts, choose trusted sources, identify a spokesperson and review emergency procedures.

Churches that serve as polling locations should also clarify responsibilities with their local election office before Election Day. Election officials—not congregational volunteers—direct polling operations and control voting equipment.

This guide is intended for education, conversation and congregational organizing; it does not constitute legal advice. Election procedures and state laws vary, so churches should consult their state and local election offices and qualified legal counsel when necessary.

Additional nonpartisan resources are available through the ELCA Civic Engagement webpage.

Applications for ELCA World Hunger’s 2027 Daily Bread Matching Grants now open!

Solidarity for a Just World. In 2025, an unprecedented amount of Daily Bread Grant Applications were received, over 1000, demonstrating the need across the United States for additional support of feeding ministries. 670 ministries were awarded across all 65 synods. Together, ELCA’s feeding ministries, our Domestic Hunger Grant partners and our Advocacy work in Witness in Society, are part of a comprehensive approach to breaking the cycle of poverty and hunger – for good.

ELCA World Hunger’s Daily Bread Grants support congregations and their partners as they work toward a just world where all are fed. Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) congregations with feeding ministries are eligible to participate. ELCA World Hunger’s Daily Bread Grants are one way our church accompanies communities throughout the United States and Caribbean as they respond to hunger and poverty. These grants provide daily bread for neighbors experiencing hunger by supplementing existing food-based ministries.

Who is eligible to apply?

• ELCA Congregations
• New starts
• SAWCs
• Strategic Ministries
• Congregations in Development
• SAOMs
• ELCA Campus Ministries

You may submit a request for a Daily Bread Grant beginning October 1st. Feeding Ministry funding requests will be accepted beginning October 1st on a rolling basis for $500 each until all the funds are expended or for two weeks minimum, closing October 21st at midnight central time. Funding is for ELCA Congregations with a feeding ministry.

A Microsoft Word version is available upon request, please email hunger@elca.org. Otherwise, applications will only be accepted via this online form beginning October 1st: Feeding Ministry Funding Request – Fill out form

Application Timeline:

• Letter of inquiry form open: Thursday, October 1st – Wednesday, October 21st 2026
• Award notifications shared with applicants: November 2026
• Banking & Payment dispersal: December, 2026

Thank you for all you do to work creatively and courageously toward a just world! If you have any questions about the process or about ELCA World Hunger, please reach out to the Hunger team at Hunger@elca.org.

Apply for a grant! Spanish Application!

With the reintroduction of the Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding Schools Act in Congress, take a moment to remind Congress of its responsibility to survivors of the Indian boarding school era.

The U.S. federal government has identified over 400 Indian boarding schools that operated from 1819 to 1969, nearly half of which were affiliated with or received support from a religious institution. “Residential or boarding schools inflicted trauma on Indigenous children that is still being felt today, generations later,” wrote the Rev. Wanda Frenchman, Interim Director, ELCA Indigenous Ministries & Tribal Relations.

Native American leaders have called on denominations to do the work of finding all records of their involvement. ELCA Truth-Seeking and Truth-Telling Initiative efforts began in earnest in fall 2022. We have a timely opportunity to urge the United States to do the same.

Although long-overdue, successful passage of H.R.7325 / S. 761 will bring together the U.S. government and communities of faith, center the healing and truth-telling of Indigenous communities and move our country towards accountability.

Today, remaining boarding school survivors are elders. We must honor these experiences and urge Congress to move our country one step closer to truth and healing by supporting this important legislation now.

The Nevada Impact

Indian boarding school history is also Nevada history.

For nearly a century, the federal government operated the Stewart Indian School in Carson City. Open from 1890 to 1980, Stewart first brought children from Great Basin tribes, including Washoe, Paiute, and Shoshone communities, into a system designed to separate Native children from their families, languages, cultures, and traditions. Students from more than 200 tribes across the West were eventually represented there. SHPO

This history is not distant or abstract. The Stewart campus remains in our community, and survivors, descendants, and Native neighbors continue to carry its generational effects.

The ELCA’s action alert urges Congress to support the Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding Schools Act, H.R. 7325 and S. 761. For Nevada, this call is deeply personal. Truth-telling must include the stories of those affected by Stewart Indian School and the federal policies that sought to erase Indigenous identity.

As Lutherans, we also have a responsibility to examine the church’s role. The ELCA’s Truth-Seeking and Truth-Telling Initiative is working to uncover predecessor churches’ involvement in Indian boarding schools. Our faithful response begins with listening to Indigenous people, acknowledging harm, and supporting the steps they identify toward healing.

Here are three ways Nevada Lutherans can respond:

1. Contact Congress. Use the ELCA action alert to urge Nevada’s U.S. senators and your representative to support the Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding Schools Act. Personalize your message: explain why this history matters to you as a Nevadan and person of faith.
2. Learn locally. Visit the Stewart Indian School Cultural Center & Museum in Carson City, engage its resources, and bring a group from your congregation. Let the stories shared there shape your understanding rather than treating the site as a historical footnote. The museum was created with Stewart alumni, families, and Nevada tribal communities at the center. Stewart Indian School
3. Make listening an ongoing commitment. Build relationships with Nevada tribal nations, Indigenous-led ministries, and Native organizations. Follow their leadership, respect tribal sovereignty, and support their priorities beyond a single event, land acknowledgment, or observance.

We cannot undo this history. But we can help ensure it is heard, documented, and met with action. Truth and healing begin close to home.

Contact your lawmakers today. Customize your message with your experiences and values.

Find your Member of Congress Here

Senator Catherine Cortez Mastro, 202-224-3542, https://www.cortezmasto.senate.gov/

Senator Jackie Rosen, 202-224-6244, https://www.rosen.senate.gov/

Rep. Dina Titus, (202)-225-5965, https://titus.house.gov/

Rep. Mark Amodei, (202)-225-6155, https://amodei.house.gov/

Rep. Susie Lee, (202)-225-3252, https://susielee.house.gov/

Rep Steven Horsford, (202)-225-9894, https://horsford.house.gov/

If you would like to schedule time with your legislator, please reach out to Pastor Paul,and he is willing to work with ELCA Advocacy Partners to secure a time.

Urge your Member of Congress to oppose the SAVE America Act and vote NO on any attempt to include similar language in upcoming legislation.

Act now!

Nevada’s public policy isn’t shaped only in the Governor’s Office or during the 120 days of the Nevada Legislature.

Across state government, appointed boards, commissions, councils and authorities help oversee programs, advise state agencies, regulate professions and make decisions affecting Nevada communities.

Here are some of the public bodies worth knowing, and why voting for Governor Matters.

Housing, Homelessness & Community

Advisory Committee on Housing

Housing affordability, development and housing policy remain major challenges across Nevada. This committee provides an important connection between housing stakeholders and state government.

Nevada Commission on Homelessness

Homelessness involves housing, health care, behavioral health, employment and human services. State coordination can determine whether Nevada responds primarily to homelessness as a public-order issue or invests in long-term housing and supportive services.

State Land Use Planning Advisory Council

Land-use decisions affect housing, transportation, public lands, water, economic development and the growth of Nevada communities.

Hunger, Poverty & Human Services

Council on Food Security

Food insecurity affects children, families, older adults and working Nevadans across the state. The council helps Nevada consider strategies for addressing hunger and improving access to nutritious food.

Nevada Commission on Aging

Nevada’s aging population faces challenges involving housing, health care, transportation, food security, caregiving and economic security.

Nevada Commission on Services for Persons with Disabilities

People with disabilities interact with housing, transportation, employment, education, health care and public-benefit systems.

Health Care & Human Dignity

State Board of Health

Public health decisions can affect communities throughout Nevada, including policies involving disease prevention, health standards and statewide health regulations.

Commission on Behavioral Health

Nevada continues to confront shortages and gaps in mental-health and substance-use services.

Children’s Behavioral Health Authority — Northern Nevada

Children and families in Northern Nevada face significant challenges accessing appropriate behavioral-health services.

Children’s Behavioral Health Authority — Southern Nevada

Southern Nevada’s rapidly growing population creates its own challenges for children’s behavioral-health services.

Maternal and Child Health Advisory Board

Maternal health, prenatal care, infant health and access to maternity services remain important Nevada policy concerns.

Advisory Committee on the State Program for Oral Health

Dental care is health care, yet cost and provider access can make oral-health services difficult to obtain.

Children, Families & Education

Statewide Independent Living Council

Independent living policies affect whether Nevadans with disabilities can live, work and participate fully in their communities.

Nevada Early Childhood Advisory Council

Child care, early education, family supports and school readiness have consequences for children as well as Nevada’s workforce and economy.

Commission on Postsecondary Education

Education after high school includes universities, colleges, career training and other pathways that can significantly affect economic opportunity.

Economic Dignity & Workers

Governor’s Workforce Development Board

Workforce policy connects education, employers, workers and Nevada’s economic-development strategy.

Nevada Equal Rights Commission

The commission addresses discrimination in areas including employment and public accommodations.

Employee-Management Committee

Public employees provide many of the services Nevadans depend upon every day. State personnel policy affects those workers and the government’s ability to recruit and retain them.

Creation Care, Water & Public Lands

State Environmental Commission

Environmental regulations affect air, water, pollution, development and public health.

State Conservation Commission

Conservation decisions affect Nevada’s land, soil, water, agriculture and rural communities.

Advisory Board on Outdoor Recreation

Outdoor recreation intersects with conservation, public lands, tourism and economic development.

Colorado River Commission of Nevada

Few resources are more important to Nevada’s future than water and energy. Decisions involving the Colorado River affect millions of people throughout the Southwest.

Energy & Nevada’s Future

Governor’s Office of Energy — Advisory Bodies and Energy Planning

Nevada faces rapidly changing questions involving electricity demand, renewable energy, transmission, affordability and major energy users such as data centers.

Democracy, Ethics & Public Trust

Commission on Ethics

Public trust requires government officials to act in the public interest and follow Nevada’s ethics laws.

Commission on Judicial Selection

When vacancies occur on Nevada’s Supreme Court, Court of Appeals or district courts, the judicial-selection process helps determine who may be appointed to positions with enormous influence over Nevada law and the administration of justice.

Nevada’s wildfire season is testing more than our firefighters. It is testing the system we have built to respond when communities are threatened.

Nevada’s firefighting system depends heavily on cooperation. Local fire departments, the Nevada Division of Forestry, federal agencies, neighboring jurisdictions and the Nevada National Guard share people, equipment and resources when fires overwhelm any one agency.

That system works because people step up for one another. But this fire season is also showing how stretched it can become.

The Nevada Division of Forestry has a base firefighting budget of roughly $4.5 million, while an average fire year can cost around $24 million. Nevada often has to rely on contingency funding and legislative advances to cover the difference.

And while we rightly talk about the cost of fighting fires, we also need to talk about the cost of preventing them.

Nevada’s state forester estimates that every $1 invested in reducing wildfire fuels can save roughly $4 in future firefighting costs.

As Nevada prepares for the 2027 Legislative Session, wildfire policy should be part of our conversation about Creation Care.

Are we adequately funding prevention before a fire starts?

Are firefighters and local departments receiving the resources they need?

Are our communities prepared to evacuate and care for neighbors who may need additional assistance?

And are we building a wildfire system prepared for the Nevada of tomorrow — or continuing to borrow enough resources to make it through today?

Creation Care means more than responding when the smoke appears. It means investing in our communities, caring for the people protecting them, and stewarding creation before disaster strikes.