Indiana-Kentucky Synod ELCA

09/12/2026

Grateful for our Synod Council as they gather this weekend to continue their work on our Synod Priorities. We are especially grateful that Rev. Tim Brown, Director of Congregational Stewardship for the ELCA, is leading conversations about continuing to grow our stewardship together. Please keep our Synod Council in your prayers as they meet.

09/11/2026

September is National Preparedness Month, a time to encourage individuals, families and communities to prepare for natural and human-caused disasters.

Throughout the month, our IN-KY Synod Disaster Response Team will share tips to help you and your congregation be ready when disaster strikes.

This week's tip from the National Weather Service:
Build a Supply Kit!
A supply kit is a must when planning for potential disasters. You need to make sure you and your family have the necessary food and supplies to sustain you until the power returns or help arrives. It is also important to keep the kit maintained by keeping food/water fresh and supplies working properly. It is typically best to store the kit, along with any pet supplies, in a closet or the basement. Supply List ideas here: chrome-extensio://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.ready.gov/sites/default/files/2021-02/ready_checklist.pdf

09/11/2026

Most merciful God, as we remember the tragedy of September 11, 2001, we hold before you all whose lives were lost, all who still carry the weight of grief, and all whose bodies, minds, and spirits bear the wounds of that day.

Bring comfort to those who mourn, strength to those who witnessed unimaginable devastation, healing to those who continue to suffer, and peace to hearts burdened by fear and sorrow. We give thanks for the courage of first responders, the compassion of strangers, and all who ran toward suffering to serve their neighbors.

In a world still wounded by violence, hatred, and division, make us instruments of your peace. Turn us from fear toward love, from division toward understanding, and from despair toward hope. Teach us to seek reconciliation and to care for one another with courage and compassion.

Through Christ our Lord, the resurrection and the life, in whom death does not have the final word.

Amen.

09/10/2026

A husband and wife reflect on 9/11. He was a 9/11 first responder w...

09/10/2026

09/10/2026

🐝 What happens when a small church opens its gardens, beehives and grounds to the neighborhood?

At Gethsemane Lutheran Church in Indianapolis, it looks like a Honey Festival, five beehives, a garden full of native plants, honey-filled treats and plenty of opportunities to linger.

But the real story is about what happens when a congregation makes room for its neighbors.

The Honey Festival is Sept. 18-20.

Read the story to see how Gethsemane is building connections, one invitation at a time. https://iksynod.org/communication-and-resources/news.html/article/2026/09/07/honey-hives-and-a-welcome-for-the-neighborhood

09/09/2026

Immigration is a complex and often divisive issue, and many congregations and individuals are asking how they can faithfully respond.

Join the IN-KY Synod’s Immigration Task Force and ELCA AMMPARO staff for a Know Your Rights training and a conversation about how congregations can become AMMPARO Welcoming Congregations.

📅 Wednesday, September 23
⏰ 7–8 p.m. ET / 6–7 p.m. CT

To register, email [email protected] with your email address. The Zoom link will be sent the day before the event.

09/09/2026

09/09/2026

What if stewardship wasn't something we talked about only when it was time to create the budget or hold an annual giving campaign?

Stewardship is a way of life—our response to all that God has first given us.
We're excited to share the new IK Synod Stewardship & Generosity Resource Guide, created to help congregations find practical resources for the stewardship questions they are facing right now.

Wondering how to build a culture of generosity? Connect faith and money? Tell the story of your ministry? Explore new and sustainable ways to fund ministry? Think differently about your building or property? The guide can help you find a place to begin.

You'll also find information about upcoming IK Synod Stewardship Series opportunities for pastors, deacons, and lay leaders as we continue learning together about generosity, storytelling, narrative budgets, sustainable ministry, stewardship in small congregations, and faithful use of church property.
Rooted in God's generosity, may we share God's abundance for the good of all creation. 🌿

👉 Go here to access the guide: https://iksynod.org/get-support/stewardship.html

09/08/2026

Regional Gathering Breakout Session Spotlight 🌟

As we get closer to our Regional Gatherings, we’re highlighting some of the breakout sessions you can choose from:

SAMs and Other Emerging Ministries

What might ministry look like in the years ahead?

Pastor Dan Forehand will lead an interactive conversation about Synod Authorized Ministers (SAMs) and other emerging ministry opportunities, including new pathways for formation and ways people can use their gifts to serve the church.

The session will also explore the CaSTLE Project, Called Together Initiative and the synod’s 333 Project, all helping us imagine new possibilities for ministry together.

Whether you’re considering a call to ministry or wondering what opportunities might be right for your congregation, come ready to ask questions, learn and explore what’s next.

📍 Find this breakout session at a Regional Gathering near you! Register for a Regional Gathering Here: https://tithe.ly/event-registration/ #/11288505