Posts in ELCA
Registration Open: Western States Youth Gathering 2026 Returns to Southern California
Registration Open: Western States Youth Gathering 2026 Returns to Southern California

Registration is now open for the 2026 Western States Youth Gathering, happening June 28–July 1, 2026, at California Lutheran University in Southern California. Youth graduating 8th–12th grade and their adult leaders are invited to gather for worship, service, learning, and connection in this faith-forming regional event.

Held the summer before the ELCA Youth Gathering, WSYG 2026 offers a meaningful opportunity for congregations to invest in youth ministry and prepare young people for a larger churchwide experience. Registration includes housing, meals, and programming. Learn more and register at westernstatesyg.org.

Read More
ELCA, Region 2, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardYouth and Young Adult, California Lutheran UniversityComment
Formation for a Changing Church: What’s New from Faith+Lead This Month
Formation for a Changing Church: What’s New from Faith+Lead This Month

The latest Faith+Lead Monthly Roundup offers new on-demand courses, free funding resources, leadership pathways, and podcasts designed for ministry in a changing church. Highlights include a free Funding Forward course, new training on community-based ministry and church finances, the School for Lay Ministry beginning January 24, a free ebook on church history and discipleship, and new Bible and leadership podcasts.

Explore what’s new—and find learning opportunities that fit real ministry life—by reading the full Faith+Lead Monthly Roundup from Faith+Lead.

Read More
Leader Resources, ELCABrian Flatgardfaith+lead, Luther SeminaryComment
Leaning into the “E” Word: Join Us at the Synod Office, January 24
Leaning into the “E” Word: Join Us at the Synod Office, January 24

On Saturday, January 24, 2026, leaders across the Grand Canyon Synod are invited to gather in person at the Synod Office in Phoenix for a hybrid Evangelism and Congregational Vitality Workshop, connected by Zoom with regional partners and PLTS. The gathering runs 9:00 AM–2:00 PM, includes lunch, and blends shared teaching with local conversation. RSVP requested for food planning—contact Pastor David Pavesic at David.Pavesic@elca.org.

Read More
Grand Canyon Synod, Leader Resources, ELCABrian FlatgardComment
Centering Multiracial Voices: ELCA Observes the National Day of Racial Healing
Centering Multiracial Voices: ELCA Observes the National Day of Racial Healing

The ELCA, in partnership with Augsburg Fortress Publishers, will observe the 2026 National Day of Racial Healingwith “Just Us Narratives: A Night of Centering Multiracial Voices Across the ELCA” on Tuesday, Jan. 20, from 5–7 p.m. MST (4–6 p.m. PST). This free event will be offered online and in person in Naperville, Ill., featuring sacred storytelling that invites deep listening, reflection, and renewed commitment to racial healing.

Online participation requires no registration, while in-person attendance is limited and requires advance registration. The event will be recorded and shared later via the ELCA’s YouTube channel.

Read More
ELCABrian FlatgardRacial JusticeComment
The ELCA 2025 Annual Report Cover Has Arrived: Just in Time for Annual Meetings
The ELCA 2025 Annual Report Cover Has Arrived: Just in Time for Annual Meetings

The ELCA 2025 Annual Report cover is now available for congregational use. Congregations are encouraged to use this cover for annual reports and meetings as a way to connect local ministry with the wider work of the ELCA.

The 2025 report highlights our shared life in Christ, grounded in Colossians 2:6–7, and offers a snapshot of how Mission Support, ELCA World Hunger, Lutheran Disaster Response, and Where Needed Most help carry out God’s work across the church and the world. Download the cover and preview what’s inside.

Read More
ELCA, Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardComment
Faith Lens: Who Do We Say God Is?
Faith Lens: Who Do We Say God Is?

On the Second Sunday after Epiphany, Faith Lens invites us to reflect on how we name and symbolize God. Drawing from John 1:29–42 and Psalm 40, this week’s reflection explores the powerful images used for Jesus—Lamb of God, Messiah, Rabbi, Spirit like a dove—and asks how our language, symbols, and art shape what we believe and proclaim about God in the world today.

In a time marked by fear, despair, and constant noise, this reflection encourages communities to consider how words, images, and creative prayer can point again to Christ in our midst. Through discussion, poetry, and practices like Anne Lamotte’s “Help, Thanks, Wow” prayer, participants are invited to name God with intention—and to let those names become a witness of hope, gratitude, and praise.

Read More
ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardFaith LensComment
For What Shall We Pray?
For What Shall We Pray?

  • For an end to war, conflict, and uncertainty especially in Gaza, South Sudan, Ukraine, Iran, and Venezuela…

  • For victims of gun violence, especially in Minneapolis, MN; Greensboro, NC; Chicago, IL; Boynton Beach, FL; Salt Lake City, UT; and Philadelphia, PA…

  • For migrants, travelers, and all who live away from their nations of origin…

  • For law enforcement officers, government officials, and all civic workers who bear the privilege and sworn responsibility of seeking the common good and maintaining the welfare of all people…

  • For travel disruptions due to ice and freezing rain in eastern and central Europe…

  • For areas of the nation and world experiencing severe weather…

  • For the newly baptized, for families of all shapes and sizes, and for care and safety for all children and young people…

  • For the safety of advocates, peacemakers, and protestors who are Spirit-led to speak out for justice…

  • For honesty, humility, confession, and collaboration in the work of racial healing…

Read More
ELCA, Prayers, SpotlightBrian FlatgardELCA Worship, For What Shall We PrayComment
Conferences, Festivals, and Formation Opportunities in 2026
Conferences, Festivals, and Formation Opportunities in 2026

ELCA Worship shares upcoming opportunities from partner organizations, including the Institute of Liturgical Studies’ 2026 conference at Valparaiso University, the Association of Lutheran Church Musicians conference at St. Olaf College, Lutheran Summer Music 2026, and student awards from the Center for Church Music.

Registration deadlines, nomination opportunities, and awards for young musicians and artists are approaching. Learn more and explore upcoming events →

Read More
ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardELCA worshipComment
New Lent, Music, and Worship Resources from Augsburg Fortress
New Lent, Music, and Worship Resources from Augsburg Fortress

ELCA Worship highlights new offerings from Augsburg Fortress, including Love Outpoured: Devotions for Lent 2026, a free webinar series on hymn improvisation with David Cherwien, Martin Luther’s Easter Book, and Bible People: Monologues for Lent.

These resources support worship planners, musicians, and congregations seeking fresh, faithful approaches to the church year. See what’s new for 2026.

Read More
ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian Flatgard2026 Lent and Easter, ELCA WorshipComment
Proposed RCL Update Addresses Anti-Jewish Interpretation
Proposed RCL Update Addresses Anti-Jewish Interpretation

The Consultation on Common Texts has approved a provisional update to the Revised Common Lectionary addressing passages historically misused to justify anti-Judaism. The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America encourages congregations to test these texts during a three-year trial beginning Advent 2025.

New preaching guidance, hymn suggestions, and worship resources are available, and congregations are invited to offer feedback during the trial period. Explore the resources and learn how to respond.

Read More
ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardWorship Resources, ELCA worshipComment
Deacons Now Included in ELCA–Episcopal Clergy Exchange
Deacons Now Included in ELCA–Episcopal Clergy Exchange

Marking 25 years of full communion, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and The Episcopal Church have updated clergy exchange guidelines to include deacons. The revised document affirms mutual recognition of the diaconate and opens new possibilities for shared ministry and mission.

The guidelines clarify that exchange applies to nontransitional Episcopal deacons and celebrates growing collaboration for evangelism, service, and witness. Read more about the updated guidelines.

Read More
ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardEcumenical and Inter-Religious Relations, The Episcopal ChurchComment
“God’s Beloved”: A Lutheran Call for Peace and Accountability in Venezuela
“God’s Beloved”: A Lutheran Call for Peace and Accountability in Venezuela

In response to U.S. military action in Venezuela, Bishop Yehiel Curry calls the church to prayer, solidarity, and faithful civic engagement rooted in baptismal identity. The statement lifts up concern for the Venezuelan people, the Venezuelan Lutheran church, and the more than 600,000 Venezuelans in the U.S. facing uncertainty over Temporary Protected Status.

Affirming Lutheran social teaching, the ELCA urges humanitarian pathways, congressional accountability over war powers, and resistance to economic or political exploitation. Read the full statement and prayer.

Read More
ELCABrian FlatgardBishop Curry Letters, Church and SocietyComment
Bishop Curry Calls for Justice After ICE Shooting in Minneapolis
Bishop Curry Calls for Justice After ICE Shooting in Minneapolis

Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry issued a statement mourning the Jan. 7, 2026, shooting death of Renee Nicole Good by an ICE agent in Minneapolis, calling for a full investigation, accountability, and de-escalation of immigration enforcement. Rooted in Isaiah 1:17, the statement affirms the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America’s commitment to human dignity, just immigration policy, and prayerful solidarity with impacted communities.

The ELCA invites ongoing prayer, vigils, and advocacy, and lifts up resources from AMMPARO as the church continues its historic commitment to accompany migrants and refugees. Read the full statement.

Read More
ELCABrian FlatgardBishop Curry Letters, Church and Society, Immigration and RefugeesComment
A Prayer for Venezuela: Holding a Nation in Hope and God’s Steadfast Love
A Prayer for Venezuela: Holding a Nation in Hope and God’s Steadfast Love

In response to the ongoing and complex challenges facing Venezuela, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America has shared a prayer calling on God’s mercy, justice, and peace. The prayer lifts up the people of Venezuela, especially the most vulnerable, and asks for wisdom and restraint among leaders, courage and perseverance for the Lutheran church in Venezuela, and hope rooted in God’s steadfast love revealed in Jesus Christ.

We invite you to pause, pray, and reflect with the wider church. Read the full prayer and join in this moment of global accompaniment.

Read More
ELCA, PrayersBrian FlatgardComment
Free ELCA Coaching Opportunities in January: Support, Training, and Growth for Leaders
Free ELCA Coaching Opportunities in January: Support, Training, and Growth for Leaders

ELCA Coaching is offering a full month of free January opportunities for ministry leaders, including gatherings, workshops, formation offerings, and racial justice and wellness training opportunities—most requiring advance registration. Additional subsidized leadership trainings begin in April. These resources support leaders across the ELCA, helping strengthen ministry, deepen resilience, and remind us that nobody journeys alone. Learn more at elcacoaching.org/events.

Read More
ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardCoaching, ELCA CoachingComment
Shrewd Grace: When God’s Love Gets Practical
Shrewd Grace: When God’s Love Gets Practical

What happens when grace refuses to stay passive? In this thoughtful reflection from Living Lutheran, Pastor Ralen M. Robinson explores shrewd grace—a grace that is both tender and wise, compassionate and discerning. Drawing on Scripture and real-world complexity, Robinson invites readers to hold mercy and boundaries together, seeing grace not as weakness, but as God’s love actively at work in a broken world.

As we enter a new year amid ongoing injustice and division, this reflection challenges us to forgive without forgetting, to love boldly without enabling harm, and to embody Christ’s courageous, resourceful grace. Read the full article, “Shrewd Grace,” on Living Lutheran.

Read More
ELCABrian FlatgardLiving LutheranComment
Faithful Witness Isn’t Optional: A Call for Lutherans Today
Faithful Witness Isn’t Optional: A Call for Lutherans Today

In a new Living Lutheran “Deeper Understandings” column, theologian Troy Troftgruben launches the ELCA’s 2026 theme by reexamining what faithful Christian witness looks like in an era of division, mistrust, and religious harm. Drawing on Scripture, the book of Acts, and Martin Luther’s image of the church as a “mouth house,” the article reminds Lutherans that witness belongs to all believers—not as coercion or salesmanship, but as humble testimony in word and deed.

Faithful witness, Troftgruben argues, begins with listening, honors people’s lived experiences, and trusts the Holy Spirit to work through authentic relationships that seek peace and justice. Read the full article in Living Lutheran to explore how Lutherans are called to bear hopeful, bridge-building witness in today’s challenging times.

Read More
ELCABrian FlatgardLiving LutheranComment
Praying Together in 2026: How Prayer Ventures Connects Church and World
Praying Together in 2026: How Prayer Ventures Connects Church and World

As the new year approaches, Prayer Ventures offers a simple way to ground your daily life and ministry in prayer. These short, daily petitions—shared each day on Living Lutheran and available as monthly PDFs on the ELCA resource site—connect us to the global mission of the church and the needs of our neighbors.

Whether used personally or in congregational settings, Prayer Ventures is a timely and accessible resource for anyone looking to incorporate intentional prayer into 2026.

Read More
ELCA, Leader Resources, PrayersBrian FlatgardLiving LutheranComment
December ELCA Coaching Opportunities: Free Support, Learning, and Community
December ELCA Coaching Opportunities: Free Support, Learning, and Community

Explore a full month of free December ELCA Coaching events, including the Creating Beloved Community series, writing workshops, and decolonizing worship sessions—all fully subsidized by the ELCA. Registration links, dates, and upcoming 2026 training opportunities are available, with reduced-cost training options for leaders beginning in January and April. Visit elcacoaching.org/events for details.

Read More
ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardCoaching, ELCA CoachingComment