Posts in ELCA
ELCA Marks 10 Years Since Paris Climate Accords with Call to Courageous Action
ELCA Marks 10 Years Since Paris Climate Accords with Call to Courageous Action

On the tenth anniversary of the Paris Climate Accords, Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry offers a powerful reflection on the church’s call to care for God’s creation. Naming this moment as kairos—a time of crisis and hope—the Bishop urges the ELCA to deepen its commitment to stewardship, sustainability, and action alongside those most vulnerable to climate impacts. He also lifts up the leadership of young adults and Indigenous communities, and commends the ELCA’s social message Earth’s Climate Crisis. Read the full message from the ELCA.

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Bishop Curry, ELCA, LettersBrian FlatgardBishop Curry Letters, Climate ChangeComment
Start Reading: Living Lutheran’s New Site Now Offers Free Digital Access
Start Reading: Living Lutheran’s New Site Now Offers Free Digital Access

The new LivingLutheran.org has launched, offering a free digital membership for readers across the Grand Canyon Synod. To create your free account, visit the direct sign-up link at https://www.livinglutheran.org/create-account the page is currently hard to find from the main subscribe screen.

A free account provides a personalized dashboard, members-only content, article-saving features, and customizable e-news options. Learn more about digital access and print subscriptions at livinglutheran.org/subscribe and stay connected to stories that strengthen us as one ELCA church.

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ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardLiving LutheranComment
A Christmas Whisper of Love and Hope from Presiding Bishop Curry | Un susurro de amor y esperanza: Mensaje navideño del Obispo Presidente Curry
A Christmas Whisper of Love and Hope from Presiding Bishop Curry | Un susurro de amor y esperanza: Mensaje navideño del Obispo Presidente Curry

Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry shares a Christmas children’s sermon inviting us to listen for God’s gentle whispers of love, hope, and peace. The video is available for congregational use, along with downloadable English and Spanish PDFs. This Christmas, Bishop Curry reminds us that “the heavens are still whispering: Jesus is here. God loves you. Share that love with the world.”

El Obispo Presidente Yehiel Curry comparte un sermón infantil navideño que nos invita a escuchar los susurros de amor, esperanza y paz de Dios. El video está disponible para uso en congregaciones, junto con los PDFs en inglés y español. Este mensaje nos recuerda que “los cielos todavía susurran: Jesús está aquí. Dios te ama. Comparte ese amor con el mundo.”

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ELCABrian FlatgardComment
Celebrating 2025 ELCA Disability Ministries Grant Recipients
Celebrating 2025 ELCA Disability Ministries Grant Recipients

Nearly sixty congregations and ministries applied for ELCA Disability Ministries grants this year, reflecting deep commitment to belonging throughout the church. Six ministries were selected for 2025 funding, each undertaking creative accessibility projects in their communities. More details will follow in a future update. Read the announcement on ELCA Disability Ministries.

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ELCABrian FlatgardDisability Ministries, ELCA Disability MinistriesComment
Holy Creativity: Practical Accessibility Tips from ELCA Disability Ministries
Holy Creativity: Practical Accessibility Tips from ELCA Disability Ministries

ELCA Disability Ministries recently gathered 168 leaders for a webinar on affordable, practical steps toward accessible worship and congregational life. The session explored “holy creativity,” resources for Blind and Deaf community members, and ways to support people with invisible and cognitive disabilities. A full recording is now available. Watch the webinar on ELCA Disability Ministries or in this blog post.

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ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardDisability Ministries, ELCA Disability MinistriesComment
Courageous Love Across Continents: A Journey with Lutheran Women in Tanzania
Courageous Love Across Continents: A Journey with Lutheran Women in Tanzania

Writer Nola Smith reflects on her travels with Women of the ELCA’s Global Education program and the powerful faith and resilience of young women in Tanzania. She highlights the impact of scholarships, mentorship, and international accompaniment—and invites us to pray for and support this transformative ministry. Read more on Boldcafé,

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ELCABrian FlatgardCafé, Women of the ELCA (WELCA)Comment
A Palestinian Christian Calls the Church to Truth and Justice in Gaza
A Palestinian Christian Calls the Church to Truth and Justice in Gaza

In this powerful first-person reflection, Khader Khalilia, a Palestinian Christian and ELCA leader, names how life under occupation and the ongoing devastation in Gaza are inseparable from the silence and complicity of much of the Western church. He argues that “peace” without justice merely covers injustice, and that Christian Zionism—confusing the gospel with empire and military power—is a theological distortion that must be rejected.

Khalilia frames Gaza’s suffering as a spiritual and moral crisis for the global church, calling Lutherans to repentance, courage, and a public witness rooted in the Jesus who lived and died as a colonized, brown-skinned Palestinian. This is a challenging and deeply faithful word for our time. Read the full reflection on Living Lutheran ›

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ELCABrian FlatgardLiving Lutheran, Israel and PalestineComment
Faith Over Fear: Lutherans Pray for Evi and All Detained Neighbors
Faith Over Fear: Lutherans Pray for Evi and All Detained Neighbors

A small but resolute group of Asian and Pacific Islander (API) Lutheran leaders and community members gathered outside the Adelanto ICE Processing Center to pray for the release of Evi Sarlita Sihomping, a longtime ELCA member detained since June 7. Led by Pacifica Synod Bishop David Nagler and organized alongside the API Leaders Migration Justice Training, the vigil lifted up Evi’s humanity, rejected the “model minority” myth, and insisted that immigration policy must be shaped by empathy, not punishment.

The article from Living Lutheran highlights the broader advocacy of API ministries, AMMPARO, and ELCA leaders who refuse to stay silent as families are separated. It also shares practical ways to support Evi—including sending cards and contacting elected officials. Read the full story on Living Lutheran ›

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ELCA, Region 2Brian FlatgardLiving Lutheran, Pacifica Synod, Immigration and Refugees, Church and SocietyComment
A Christmas Whisper of Love and Hope from Presiding Bishop Curry | Un susurro de amor y esperanza: Mensaje navideño del Obispo Presidente Curry
A Christmas Whisper of Love and Hope from Presiding Bishop Curry | Un susurro de amor y esperanza: Mensaje navideño del Obispo Presidente Curry

Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry shares a Christmas children’s sermon inviting us to listen for God’s gentle whispers of love, hope, and peace. The video is available for congregational use, along with downloadable English and Spanish PDFs. This Christmas, Bishop Curry reminds us that “the heavens are still whispering: Jesus is here. God loves you. Share that love with the world.”

El Obispo Presidente Yehiel Curry comparte un sermón infantil navideño que nos invita a escuchar los susurros de amor, esperanza y paz de Dios. El video está disponible para uso en congregaciones, junto con los PDFs en inglés y español. Este mensaje nos recuerda que “los cielos todavía susurran: Jesús está aquí. Dios te ama. Comparte ese amor con el mundo.”

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Bishop Curry, ELCABrian Flatgard2025 Advent and Christmas, Bishop Curry LettersComment
For What Shall We Pray?
For What Shall We Pray?

  • For an end to war and conflict, and for places of political unrest or contention, especially Gaza, South Sudan, Myanmar, Ukraine, and Pakistan/Afghanistan…

  • For victims and families of the Hong Kong apartment fire…

  • For all affected by flooding in Thailand, Indonesia, and Sri Lanka…

  • For protection, provision, and justice for immigrants, refugees, asylum seekers, and advocates…

  • For all victims of violence, exploitation, and abuse…

  • For access to affordable and reliable healthcare…

  • For those who live with seasonal affective disorder…

  • For just governance and equitable distribution of God’s abundance…

  • For those who cannot find peace or joy in this season…

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ELCA, Prayers, SpotlightBrian FlatgardELCA Worship, For What Shall We PrayComment
Augsburg Fortress Offers New 2026 Planning Tools, Studies, and Year-End Deals
Augsburg Fortress Offers New 2026 Planning Tools, Studies, and Year-End Deals

Explore this month’s worship resources from Augsburg Fortress, including 2026 planning calendars, new Together by Grace Bible studies, a hymnary by Robert Buckley Farlee, and year-end discounts on Splash! faith formation tools for families with young children. Read the full roundup and find links to all resources at blogs.elca.org/worship/9365/.

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ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardELCA worshipComment
Good News Roundup: Generosity, Grace and Hope Across the ELCA
Good News Roundup: Generosity, Grace and Hope Across the ELCA

In a season that can feel heavy, Living Lutheran gathers a set of recent stories where hope and generosity are powerfully visible in ELCA ministries. From campus communities cultivating belonging, to congregations giving sacrificially to feed neighbors, to student-led pantries, prison ministry, and “God’s work. Our hands.” service projects, each story reveals ordinary Lutherans sharing Christ’s love in concrete ways.

This “good news roundup” is designed as a reminder that the Holy Spirit is at work in and through our church—on campuses, in rural communities, in correctional centers, and beyond. It’s a quick way to be encouraged and to spark ideas for ministry in your own context. Read the full good news roundup on Living Lutheran ›

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ELCABrian FlatgardLiving LutheranComment
Gratitude Around the Table: Five Faith-Filled Family Practices
Gratitude Around the Table: Five Faith-Filled Family Practices

As families and friends gather to share a meal, Living Lutheran offers five simple, faith-rooted activities to help all ages name blessings and practice gratitude together. Ideas include a “build-a-prayer” litany using everyone’s thanksgivings and hopes, kid-drawn illustrations of favorite family stories, a Scripture “gratitude hunt,” “compliment cookies” delivered to neighbors, and serving together through local ministries.

Each activity is designed to be low-cost, creative, and adaptable for home or congregation, helping us direct our thanks toward God and express love for one another and our communities. Find all five gratitude ideas on Living Lutheran ›

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ELCABrian FlatgardLiving LutheranComment
Bishop Curry Opens LWF’s 2025 Advent Series with a Message of Hope
Bishop Curry Opens LWF’s 2025 Advent Series with a Message of Hope

The Lutheran World Federation’s 2025 Advent Calendar launches November 30 with daily “Messages of Faith” shared by Lutherans around the world. Beginning with a reflection from ELCA Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry, each short video explores how faith grounds and guides us in this season of expectation. Follow the daily updates on LWF social media or at the Advent Calendar site to receive new encouragement each day of Advent.

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Bishop Curry, ELCA, Global ChurchBrian Flatgard2025 Advent and Christmas, Lutheran World FederationComment
For What Shall We Pray?
For What Shall We Pray?

  • For an end to war and conflict, and for places of political unrest or contention, especially Gaza, South Sudan, Myanmar, Ukraine, and Pakistan/Afghanistan…

  • For abducted students and staff in Nigeria…

  • For victims of flooding in Vietnam…

  • For all affected by volcanic eruptions in Indonesia and Ethiopia…

  • For winter storms across the United States and for safety for travelers…

  • For those affected by tornadoes and severe weather in Texas…

  • For de-escalation in areas facing immigration raids…

  • For health, safety, and provision for all migrants…

  • For families, friends, and neighbors gathering for the holiday…

  • In gratitude for God’s faithfulness…

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ELCA, Prayers, SpotlightBrian FlatgardELCA Worship, For What Shall We PrayComment
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.

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ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardCoaching, ELCA CoachingComment
From Table Ministry to Christmas Eve Outreach: Insights from the November Mission Support Memo
From Table Ministry to Christmas Eve Outreach: Insights from the November Mission Support Memo

This month’s Mission Support Memo shares a powerful story of relationship-based ministry from the East Central Synod of Wisconsin, highlighting the Rev. Tauna Roth’s joyful stewardship of community, hospitality, and connection. It also offers timely guidance on using Christmas Eve worship as a missional moment, inviting congregations to consider how larger holiday attendance can strengthen outreach and welcome.

The memo includes details for an online conversation on Monday, Dec. 8 at 6 p.m. Central, hosted by the ELCA’s Congregation and Synod Support Team, along with continued opportunities to engage with churchwide partners. Read the full November Mission Support Memo (PDF): Click here to open.

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ELCABrian FlatgardMission Support, ELCA Mission Support Team, StewardshipComment
Progress and Setbacks: ELCT Confronts HIV Challenges Amid U.S. Aid Freeze
Progress and Setbacks: ELCT Confronts HIV Challenges Amid U.S. Aid Freeze

As World AIDS Day approaches, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania (ELCT) reports both remarkable progress and serious setbacks in HIV care. After a U.S. aid freeze abruptly ended a major USAID-funded youth HIV program that had reached over 250,000 people, ELCT’s ability to support medication adherence, nutrition, and follow-up care was sharply reduced—placing vulnerable communities at risk. With help from ELCA companions, some essential services are restarting, but need remains high.

Read more in ELCA Advocacy’s full update and take action by urging federal leaders to release critical global HIV/AIDS funds.

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ELCABrian FlatgardAdvocacy, ELCA AdvocacyComment
Roster Manual Revised for 2025: Join the Dec. 2 Webinar to Learn More
Roster Manual Revised for 2025: Join the Dec. 2 Webinar to Learn More

The ELCA Church Council has approved major revisions to the roster manual, with updates now in effect across the church. Changes include new policies on on-leave and retired status, interim and supply ministry, expanded exceptions to the three-year congregational service bylaw, and a new 10-hour minimum for part-time calls. View and download as PDF here.

A webinar explaining these updates will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 2, 1–2 p.m. Central. Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85159197176. Leaders are encouraged to discard old versions of the roster manual and direct questions to Keith.Fry@ELCA.org.

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ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardComment