ELCA World Hunger Leadership Gathering 2025

Columbus, Ohio | September 18–21

Photo Credit: www.lamaz.org

Hunger leaders from across the ELCA gathered in Columbus for a powerful weekend of worship, learning, and collaboration. The theme, inspired by Micah 6:8—Do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with your God—guided our time together as we explored bold strategies for ending hunger.

🔑 Highlights

• The Blanket Exercise led by Vance Blackfox offered a moving journey through Indigenous history.

• Experiential learning at Mid-Ohio Farm and other local sites focused on food justice, housing, and ecology.

• Workshops addressed advocacy, rural/urban assumptions, BIPOC inclusion, and hunger ministry strategies.

• Premiere of Intersections and a new Global Mission video showcased ELCA’s justice work.

• Training on Rallyhood, a new platform for hunger leader communication.

🎯 Gathering Goals

• Strengthen networks and partnerships

• Equip leaders to engage future generations

• Empower bold action toward justice and equity

• Connect hunger work with climate, housing, migration, and more

Kris Bartanen, New Journey Fountain Hills, and Melanie Hobden, Desert Cross Tempe (and co-chair of the GCS Hunger Leaders Network

🌵 Grand Canyon Synod Delegation

• Kristine Bartanen – New Journey, Fountain Hills

• Adrienne Kaye – Mount of Olives, Phoenix

• Rev. Greg Mannel – Tanque Verde, Tucson

• Melanie Hobden – Desert Cross, Tempe

• Solveig Muus – Grace, Phoenix

• Vicar Wanda Frenchman – Native American Urban Ministry, Phoenix