Posts in ELCA
For What Shall We Pray?
For What Shall We Pray?

  • For an end to war, violence, and genocide across the world, especially in Ukraine, Gaza, Iran, Israel, Haiti, Sudan, Myanmar, Yemen, India, and Pakistan…

  • For those affected by Tropical Storm Chantal in South Carolina, North Carolina, and Virginia, and the threat of flooding…

  • For those grieving loss of life in the aftermath of severe flooding in Texas, and for the work of first responders and relief agencies…

  • For all victims of gun violence, including those affected by recent shootings in Albany (NY), Philadelphia, and Chicago over the holiday weekend…

  • For those who are uninsured and who do not have access to healthcare, and those who are at risk of losing health insurance…

  • For our neighbors and community members who depend on food assistance programs and other social services whose future funding is uncertain…

  • For the safety of families and individuals who travel this summer…

  • For all who are in the final stages of planning for the ELCA Churchwide Assembly beginning later this month…

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ELCA, Prayers, SpotlightBrian FlatgardELCA Worship, For What Shall We PrayComment
Shine a Light for Justice: Evening Vigil During Churchwide Assembly
Shine a Light for Justice: Evening Vigil During Churchwide Assembly

Join us for a candlelight prayer vigil on Wednesday, July 30 at 9:00 pm at Peace Park in Phoenix, following the ELCA Churchwide Assembly. This 30-minute gathering will include music, prayer, and reflections from ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton and other leaders, with a focus on preserving the human dignity of migrants, asylees, and refugees. Open to the public—all are welcome.

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ELCA, Grand Canyon Synod, PrayersBrian Flatgard2025 Churchwide Assembly, Immigration and Refugees, Camp ALOMAComment
When Prayer Becomes Breath: A Lutheran Reflection on 1 Thessalonians 5:17
When Prayer Becomes Breath: A Lutheran Reflection on 1 Thessalonians 5:17

In Living Lutheran, ELCA deacon and campus chaplain Mindy Holland invites us to rediscover the power and possibility of prayer—not only in our worship spaces but in every moment of our lives. Reflecting on 1 Thessalonians 5:17, she urges us to “pray without ceasing,” letting prayer become as natural as breathing. From formal liturgy to whispered blessings, barefoot gratitude to courageous intercession, Holland reminds us that prayer transforms not only the world but ourselves. As the ELCA prepares for key elections, she encourages intentional prayer for our leaders and discernment for the future. Click here to read the full article at Living Lutheran.

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ELCABrian FlatgardLiving LutheranComment
Vision of Hope and Collaboration: Meet Bishop-elect Emily Hartner
Vision of Hope and Collaboration: Meet Bishop-elect Emily Hartner

The North Carolina Synod has elected its first woman bishop, the Rev. Emily Hartner, who brings a bold vision of abundance and creative collaboration to her new role. With experience across a variety of ministry contexts and a deep love for her home synod, Hartner encourages congregations and leaders to share their gifts freely to meet one another’s needs.

She begins her term August 1 and will be installed on November 15. To learn more about her leadership perspective and hope-filled vision for the future of the church, click here to read the full interview from Living Lutheran.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardLiving LutheranComment
Back to Basics, Forward in Faith: Meet Bishop-Elect Philip Hirsch
Back to Basics, Forward in Faith: Meet Bishop-Elect Philip Hirsch

Philip Hirsch, newly elected bishop of the Metropolitan Washington, D.C. Synod, shares a bold and hopeful vision for the future of the ELCA—one that both honors our Lutheran roots and embraces Spirit-led innovation. Drawing from a lifetime of leadership across the church and a passion for justice and inclusion, Hirsch lifts up the urgent need to reach new generations, name systemic barriers, and return to the heart of the gospel. His leadership begins this fall, and his insights reflect key themes identified by over 11,000 ELCA members nationwide. Click here to read the full Living Lutheran interview.

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News, ELCABrian FlatgardLiving LutheranComment
Bishop Eaton: Budget Bill Harms the Most Vulnerable
Bishop Eaton: Budget Bill Harms the Most Vulnerable

In response to the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton issues a call to faithful action. The sweeping legislation threatens healthcare access, food assistance, immigrant families, and climate protections—policies that stand in opposition to Lutheran commitments to care for the vulnerable and support the common good. Bishop Eaton invites us to pray, partner, and act together as church to stand with our neighbors in need. Click here to read the full statement and watch the accompanying video on YouTube.

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ELCA, Bishop Eaton, Letters, NewsBrian FlatgardBishop Eaton Letters, Church and Society, Immigration and Refugees, Hunger, AdvocacyComment
From Grammy Wins to Grace: Peter Strickland’s Lutheran Journey
From Grammy Wins to Grace: Peter Strickland’s Lutheran Journey

Peter Strickland, general manager of BMG Music Group in Nashville and a longtime member of St. Andrew Lutheran Church in Franklin, Tennessee, reflects on his faith, family, and vocation in the high-paced music industry. From launching Blake Shelton’s career to producing Jimmy Fallon’s Grammy-winning album, Strickland shares how his Lutheran values—grace, integrity, and community—guide both his leadership and life. Click here to read the full feature in Living Lutheran.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardLiving LutheranComment
Faith, Footnotes, and Fresh Conversations: What’s New in the Lutheran Study Bible
Faith, Footnotes, and Fresh Conversations: What’s New in the Lutheran Study Bible

On July 1, Augsburg Fortress released The Lutheran Study Bible, Second Edition, a fully updated resource featuring the NRSVue translation, revised articles, and insights from over 50 ELCA pastors and scholars. With fresh perspectives on Jewish-Christian relations, updated notes on biblical figures, and new study tools like “Together by Grace: Bible Conversations,” this edition invites readers into a deeper, more inclusive engagement with Scripture. Click here to read the full interview with co-editor Laurie J. Hanson in Living Lutheran.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardLiving LutheranComment
For What Shall We Pray?
For What Shall We Pray?

  • For an end to war, violence, and genocide across the world, especially in Ukraine, Gaza, Iran, Israel, Haiti, Sudan, Myanmar, Yemen, India, and Pakistan…

  • For the victims of the most recent attack on a waterfront cafe in Gaza City, and for a lasting peace in Palestine and Israel…

  • For all victims of gun violence, especially in Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho and Chicago, Illinois…

  • For the victims of a fire at a pharmaceutical factory in Southern India…

  • For those grieving the loss of life after the crash of Air India flight AI171…

  • For the safety of those traveling, gathering with family and friends, and celebrating this holiday weekend…

  • For veterans of war and all who suffer from PTSD…

  • For those with limited or threatened access to healthcare…

  • For an end to racism, poverty, and hatred…

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ELCA, Prayers, SpotlightBrian FlatgardELCA Worship, For What Shall We PrayComment
Apply Now: 2026 ELCA Domestic Hunger Grant Applications Open Through July 7
Apply Now: 2026 ELCA Domestic Hunger Grant Applications Open Through July 7

Letters of inquiry are now open through July 7 for ELCA World Hunger’s 2026 Domestic Hunger Grants. These grants support ministries and organizations in the U.S. and Puerto Rico working toward a just world where all are fed. Learn more about eligibility, grant priorities, and how to apply.

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ELCA, Leadership Resources, NewsBrian FlatgardHunger, dp, ELCA World Hunger Domestic Hunger Grants, GrantsComment
Free ELCA Coaching Events in July: Healing, Equity, and Right Relations
Free ELCA Coaching Events in July: Healing, Equity, and Right Relations

Explore a full month of free leadership support from ELCA Coaching this July. Offerings include Wednesday gatherings focused on healing, diversity, and faith, as well as in-depth training modules on right relations and decolonizing worship (registration required for select sessions). These events are free to all, thanks to ELCA sponsorship. An additional “Coaching for Everyday Life” training begins August 4. Click here for full details and registration: elcacoaching.org/events

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ELCA, Leadership Resources, NewsBrian FlatgardCoaching, ELCA CoachingComment
Celebrate Five Years of All Creation Sings—Share Your Story
Celebrate Five Years of All Creation Sings—Share Your Story

Each month, ELCA Worship highlights new and essential resources from Augsburg Fortress Publishers to support worship leaders, musicians, and planners. This month’s update includes tools like In Sure and Certain Hope: A Funeral Sourcebook, a Year A Lectionary using the NRSVue translation, choir devotions, and a call for stories celebrating All Creation Sings five years after its release. You’ll also find information on upcoming Summer Music Clinics and a renewed focus on ELCA social teaching on faith, sexism, and justice. Click here to read the full July update and explore all resources.

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ELCA, Leadership Resources, NewsBrian FlatgardWorship Resources, ELCA WorshipComment
June 2025 Mission Support Memo: Not Good to Be Alone
June 2025 Mission Support Memo: Not Good to Be Alone

Our June 2025 Mission Support Memo connects us to Peoples Church, one of our Indigenous Ministries of the ELCA. A church that lives out its call to love and serve Creator God by opening its doors year-round as an overnight shelter, providing hot meals for the community every day and joyfully celebrating in a festival worship meal every Sunday. Peoples Church believes everyone deserves shelter, a meal, community and dignity. It is a place where folks need not pretend to be anything other than exactly who they are — with imperfections and quirks, with longings and failures, with all their hopes and their visions of the future.

The memo also provides tips to stay connected with members in the busy summer months and thanks our synods for their partnership during assemblies and in ministry. View the memo in pdf as well.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardMission Support, ELCA Mission Support Team, StewardshipComment
Innovation Needs a Foundation: Why Infrastructure Must Come First
Innovation Needs a Foundation: Why Infrastructure Must Come First

Innovation is a powerful tool in ministry—but for many congregations, it’s a privilege they can’t afford. In this compelling piece from Rahel Mwitula Williams of the ELCA Innovation Lab, we are challenged to consider how crumbling infrastructure, financial instability, and lack of basic resources prevent many churches—especially in marginalized communities—from engaging in bold new ministry. True innovation, she argues, must be grounded in justice and stability. Click here to read the full article on the ELCA Innovation Lab blog.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardInnovation, ELCA Innovation LabComment
How Ohio Advocates Treat Budgets as Moral Documents
How Ohio Advocates Treat Budgets as Moral Documents

State budgets shape the everyday lives of our communities—from schools and libraries to food security and elder care. In a powerful reflection, Deacon Nick Bates of the Hunger Network in Ohio highlights how Lutherans and faith leaders across Ohio engaged the budget process as a matter of moral responsibility. Through advocacy meetings, prayer chains made from paper plates, and public witness, they worked to ensure that faith values shaped public policy. Click here to read more about this inspiring and strategic advocacy work.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardAdvocacy, ELCA AdvocacyComment
Seeds of Hope: How Ibu Dewi’s Organic Farm Changed a Village
Seeds of Hope: How Ibu Dewi’s Organic Farm Changed a Village

What began as a small farm has blossomed into a powerful story of transformation. In a quiet village in Indonesia, Ibu Dewi joined an organic farming program supported by the Lutheran World Federation and grew not only her crops—but also her confidence and community. Now a teacher and leader, she’s helping others thrive with the same sustainable techniques that changed her life. Click here to read the full story from ELCA World Hunger.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardHunger, ELCA World HungerComment
Immigration, Faith, and the Gospel’s Invitation to Welcome
Immigration, Faith, and the Gospel’s Invitation to Welcome

In light of recent immigration executive orders, Deacon Erin Brown reflects on John 1:14—“The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood”—and what it means to welcome the stranger as a neighbor. Drawing on her border immersion trip with ELCA young adults, she calls the church to live out God’s incarnational love with humility, compassion, and action. Read more about how AMMPARO invites us to accompany our immigrant siblings with dignity and hope. Click here for more at ELCA.org.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardImmigration and Refugees, AMMPAROComment