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.
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’re committing to participate in 3 of the 4 spiritual practices (Devotions, Learning, Action, Donation) and reference the Matthew 25 Lenten Challenge Toolkit that includes suggested practices for Lent based on Matthew 25:37-40.
“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
Our goal is for participation by at least one individual from 50 congregations in each of the five synods.
Individuals, families, congregation and organizations from across the synods of Region 2 are eligible and welcome to participate. The synod with the most individual participants “wins” the challenge ~ for bragging rights, all in good fun!