ELCA World Hunger is a ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, working toward a just world where all are fed.
The 2026 Lenten Challenge supports ELCA World Hunger. The challenge: Raise $100,000 across all 5 ELCA Region 2 synods during Lent 2026 to activate a $100,000 matching funds grant from a generous donor.
Who’s in it to win it?
The five synods in ELCA Region 2 that are participating in the 2026 Lenten Challenge are Sierra Pacific, Southwest California, Pacifica, Grand Canyon and Rocky Mountain.
Ready to sign up?
When you sign up, you’ll receive a devotional reflection in your inbox every day of Lent. You’ll commit to participating in at least one of the spiritual practices outlined in the “Lord, when did we see you?” Lenten theme documents. And you’ll commit to donating to ELCA World Hunger once during Lent, 2026.
“Then the righteous will answer him,
‘Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food or thirsty and gave you something to drink?
And when was it that we saw you a stranger and
welcomed you or naked and gave you clothing?
And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?’ And the king will answer them,
‘Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these
brothers and sisters of mine, you did it to me.’”
— Matthew 25:37-40
This year, the challenge is to raise $100,000, and a generous donor will match the funds dollar-for-dollar.
Individuals, families, congregation and organizations from across the synods of Region 2 are eligible and welcome to participate. Our goal is for at least one individual from 50 congregations in each of the five synods will participate.