Give yourself some encouragement! This Special Episode is a conversation between the Rev. Amy E. Reumann, senior director of ELCA Witness in Society, and the Rev. Laurie Larson Caesar, bishop of the ELCA Oregon Synod. Rev. Reumann and Bishop Strickland discuss a letter to the ELCA signed by ELCA synod bishops. 

Special Guests: 

The Rev. Laurie Larson Caesar, Bishop, Oregon Synod

Interviewed by:

The Rev. Amy Reumann, Senior Director, ELCA Witness in Society 

Here I Pod is a production of ELCA Advocacy. Join the ELCA Advocacy network: elca.org/advocacy/signup

 Production: Blake Chastain, Karen Krueger, Zachary Olson
 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.

Here I Pod is a production of ELCA Advocacy. Join the ELCA Advocacy network: elca.org/advocacy/signup

Host: Regina Q. Banks
Production: Blake Chastain, 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.

This Special Episode is a conversation between the Rev. Amy E. Reumann, senior director of ELCA Witness in Society, and the Rev. Kevin E. Strickland, bishop of the ELCA Southeastern Synod. Rev. Reumann and Bishop Strickland discuss a letter to the ELCA signed by ELCA synod bishops. 

On our first episode of our new special series, Bishop Strikland shares the meaning of “Evangelical” in his southern context on behalf of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. The lens of this leader on current events in the communities, ELCA congregations and ministries in the synod, covering Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi and Tennessee are discussed. 

Learn more about the letter here. 

Special Guests: 

The Rev. Kevin Strickland, Bishop, Southeastern Synod

Interviewed by:

The Rev. Amy Reumann, Senior Director, ELCA Witness in Society 

Here I Pod is a production of ELCA Advocacy. Join the ELCA Advocacy network: elca.org/advocacy/signup

 Production: Blake Chastain, Karen Krueger, Zachary Olson
 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.

Here I Pod is a production of ELCA Advocacy. Join the ELCA Advocacy network: elca.org/advocacy/signup

Host: Regina Q. Banks
Production: Blake Chastain, 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.

One of the most pressing aspects of the current shutdown of the US federal government is its effect on SNAP and other hunger related programs. The interviews you're about to hear were recorded on Monday, October 27th, as advocates across the country expected SNAP funding to run out or be withheld starting November 1st.

Since this was recorded, SNAP benefits were not released on November 1st, and federal judges have issued court orders that the administration continue to fund SNAP through use of contingency funds.

Take action with our current action alert: 

42 Million Americans Face Hunger Crisis During Shutdown - Take Action Now

Learn more about the Alliance to End Hunger here.

Learn more about ELCA World Hunger here.

Learn more about Lutheran Disaster Response here.

Featured Guest: 

Karen Ehrens, US Policy Manager, Alliance to End Hunger

Special Guests: 

Susannah Cunningham, Senior Director, Building Resilient Communities

Andrew Fuller, Program Director for Economic Policy, Witness in Society, ELCA

Here I Pod is a production of ELCA Advocacy. Join the ELCA Advocacy network: elca.org/advocacy/signup

Host: Regina Q. Banks
Production: Blake Chastain, 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.

In this episode of Here I Pod, host Regina Q. Banks speaks with Sean Coffman from Lutheran Disaster Response (LDR). Sean and Regina were both in Washington, D.C. to meet with legislators on October 22, 2025 regarding proposed FEMA reform alongside other members of LDR's community of practice. 

Following the conversation with Sean, we hear from two other members of the community of practice, as well as Marcus T. Coleman, Jr from United Way Worldwide. 

Thank you to our guests & contributors:

• Sean Coffman, Program Director for Training & Networks, Lutheran Disaster Response
• Jen Engquist, Disaster Capacity Builder, ND Synods
• Bryce Kennedy, Innovator for Resiliency and Preparedness, Southwestern Texas Synod
• Marcus T. Coleman, Jr., United Way Worldwide

Take action on FEMA reform today with this current action alert, and be on the lookout for another disaster-related alert soon! Get all of our alerts by signing up to be part of our advocacy network.

Download LDR's Congregational Preparedness Guide here.

Here I Pod is a production of ELCA Advocacy. Join the ELCA Advocacy network: elca.org/advocacy/signup

Host: Regina Q. Banks
Production: Blake Chastain, 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.

In this episode, we travel with host Regina Q. Banks to the ELCA World Hunger Leadership Gathering, which took place this September in Columbus, Ohio. 

The following people were interviewed: 

• Dr. Evie Landrau, Director of Networks & Engagement for ELCA World Hunger
• Deacon Nick Bates, Director of Hunger Network in Ohio
• Deaconess Katelin Hansen, Church & Community Development for All People
• Hallie Carrino-Lee, Government Relations & Advocacy Manager for Mid-Ohio Food Collective
• Testimonials from Deidre Jacobsen, Kris Bartinen, Mary Claire James, and Eddie Rosa Fuentes.  

Content has been edited for clarity.

Learn more about ELCA World Hunger, and take action today on two Farm Bill related alerts:

• Urge Congress to Protect International Food Aid in the Farm Bill
• Tell Congress to Pass a Strong Farm Bill

Here I Pod is a production of ELCA Advocacy. Join the ELCA Advocacy network: elca.org/advocacy/signup

Host: Regina Q. Banks
Production: Blake Chastain, 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.

In the first episode of Season 3, Regina Banks speaks with Mary Campbell, director of ELCA AMMPARO. AMMPARO is the "the ELCA’s strategy to Accompanying Migrants with Protection, Advocacy, Representation and Opportunities (AMMPARO)." Mary provides crucial updates regarding how the ELCA's own congregational lives are being impacted by this administration's immigration actions, including rescinding the sensitive locations policy, which has had a chilling effect on people's ability to attend services at their local church.

Kate Parsons also provides context on how migration is often the only choice, and the Lutheran history of welcoming refugees. 

Finally, Pastor Manuel Retamoza shares his ministry at The Border Church. To see the site referenced in his comments, view this episode on our YouTube channel.

Further Resources: 

Sign up for the ELCA Advocacy network to receive action alerts and newsletters.

Current Action Alert: Tell Congress You Support Welcoming Refugees

ELCA AMMPARO

ICE Detention Center locator: https://www.ice.gov/detention-facilities 

"Know Your Rights" information from ELCA AMMPARO

"Worship Unrestrained by Borders" in Living Lutheran

Here I Pod is a production of ELCA Advocacy. Join the ELCA Advocacy network: elca.org/advocacy/signup

Host: Regina Q. Banks
Production: Blake Chastain, 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.

In this episode, Regina Banks speaks with Phoebe Morad, Executive Director of Lutherans Restoring Creation, about the intersection of faith and climate advocacy. They discuss the importance of integrating climate justice into congregational life, the role of young adults in advocacy, and the resources available for faith communities to engage in climate conversations. The conversation highlights the need for intergenerational dialogue and the impact of advocacy on community engagement. Then travel to Capitol Hill where a group of young adults talk with Joey Chin as they use their voices to raise climate awareness with their elected leaders.

Resources: 

Lutherans Restoring Creation

LRC "Actions Speaks Loudly" and World Cafe model resources

Why Lutherans Care for Creation

ELCA Social Statement on Caring for Creation

ELCA Young Adults - Instagram

Join the ELCA Advocacy Network

Here I Pod is a production of ELCA Advocacy. Join the ELCA Advocacy network: elca.org/advocacy/signup

Host: Regina Q. Banks
Production: Blake Chastain, 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.

In this episode, our host Regina Banks speaks with Silas Kulkarni, director of strategy and advocacy for ELCA Witness in Society. They discuss how the ELCA has advocated at the federal level around budget reconciliation and rescission bills, as well as the opportunities for advocacy during August Recess, when members of Congress return to their districts and are available for meetings with their constituents. 

We will then hear from Rev. Michael Wilker about how advocacy can start at August Recess and lead to even more opportunities throughout the year to engage on issues that concern you and your community. 

Download ELCA Advocacy's August recess guide here: https://resources.elca.org/advocacy/august-resource-guide/ 

Signup to receive newsletters and action alerts from ELCA Advocacy: https://elca.org/advocacy/signup

Here I Pod is a production of ELCA Advocacy. Join the ELCA Advocacy network: elca.org/advocacy/signup

Host: Regina Q. Banks
Production: Blake Chastain, 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.

This conversation explores recent policy changes to FEMA and the evolving role of Lutheran Disaster Response in disaster management, highlighting community resilience efforts and the importance of advocacy. The speakers discuss the challenges faced in disaster response, the significance of local partnerships, and the need for effective preparation and recovery strategies. They also reflect on the moral imperative of supporting those affected by disasters and the role of faith-based organizations in this work.

Featured Guest:

Christine Moffett, ELCA Program Director, Environment & Energy Policy

Special Guests

Maryn Olson, Director, Lutheran Disaster Response

Jayme Beneker, Disaster Response Coordinator, ELCA Indiana-Kentucky Synod

From this Episode

More about Lutheran Disaster Response – https://ELCA.org/LDR 

Congregational Disaster Preparedness Guide - https://resources.elca.org/lutheran-disaster-response/congregational-disaster-preparedness-guide/

ACTION ALERT: Support Robust Federal Disaster Relief  - https://give.elca.org/page/82054/action/1?chain 

and receive

Updates and Action Alerts through the ELCA Advocacy Network – https://ELCA.org/advocacy/signup 

Here I Pod is a production of ELCA Advocacy. Join the ELCA Advocacy network: elca.org/advocacy/signup

Host: Regina Q. Banks
Production: Blake Chastain, 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.

In episode 1 of season 2, our host Regina Q. Banks speaks with Tammy Walhof & Jacob Summerville from Lutheran Advocacy - Minnesota about the recent political violence that occurred in their state. 

Following their interview, Regina checks in with The Rev. Amy Reumann to discuss the various resources the ELCA has at its disposal to speak to political violence.

Finally, The Rev. Angela Denker, author and ELCA pastor serving in Minneapolis, shares her own faith reflection on the current moment. 

Episode Credits

Featured Guests

Tammy Walhof, Director of Lutheran advocacy - minnesota

Jacob Summerville, 2024-2025 Hunger Advocacy Fellow with Lutheran Advocacy - Minnesota

Special Guests

The Rev. Amy Reumann, Senior Director of Witness in Society, ELCA

The Rev. Angela Denker, Author and Pastor for Visitation and Public Theology at Lake Nokomis Lutheran Church in Minneapolis

Here I Pod is a production of ELCA Advocacy. Join the ELCA Advocacy network: elca.org/advocacy/signup

Host: Regina Q. Banks
Production: Blake Chastain, 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.