Posts in ELCA
Faith Lens: The Interruption of Easter
Faith Lens: The Interruption of Easter

In this week’s Faith Lens reflection, Pastor Tim Wright explores how Easter is not just a celebration—but a divine interruption that transforms everything. Drawing from Matthew 28 and a personal story of injury and recovery, Wright reflects on how both joyful and painful interruptions shape our lives, and how God’s grace ultimately interrupts despair with hope, death with life, and fear with peace.

Grounded in the resurrection, this reflection invites readers to consider how Jesus continues to interrupt our lives today—with love that cannot be undone—and challenges us to share that same grace with others in tangible ways.

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ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardFaith Lens, 2026 Lent and EasterComment
March Mission Support Memo: Post-its Create Shared Encounters
March Mission Support Memo: Post-its Create Shared Encounters

Our March 2026 Mission Support memo takes us into a two-day training on Facilitation Fundamentals by our ELCA innovation team. It’s a room full of ELCA staff from across the country, across churchwide units, in all levels of positions. Read to hear how valuable folks are finding this approach. Also a tool for our synods is included in the memo, the Thank You Certificate, to celebrate our congregations generosity.  

 We cherish hearing about the inspiring stories in your synods, regions and congregations - feel free to reach out to Karen at karen.kretschmann@elca.org.

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ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardMission Support, ELCA Mission Support Team, StewardshipComment
The Joy of Alleluia | Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry | Easter 2026
The Joy of Alleluia | Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry | Easter 2026

In his Easter message (download: bit.ly/4c9zxv4) , Presiding Bishop Curry says that even though we consider ourselves to be an Easter church, we must remember that we are also a Lenten church, a time when we live in uncertainty, waiting and hoping for renewal. Curry reminds us that in the midst of that uncertainty, comes God’s promise of reassurance and hope. Death does not have the final word.

“Yes, we are Easter people. Even when the ground below us is shaking, we will not grow weary. We know that Jesus is our foundation. Christ is risen, and that truth strengthens us. It gives us courage to live, to hope, and to proclaim joy. Christ is risen. Christ is risen indeed. Alleluia!”

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Bishop Curry, ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian Flatgard2026 Lent and Easter, Bishop Curry LettersComment
April 29 Zoom Event: Completing the ELCA DEI Learning Journey
April 29 Zoom Event: Completing the ELCA DEI Learning Journey

The fourth and final ELCA Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion learning module will take place Wednesday, April 29 via Zoom. Featuring Rev. Dr. Andrea L. Walker and Rev. Sonja Ware, this 90-minute session will integrate previous learning, explore bias in coaching, and include a live Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI) demonstration. Advance registration is required.

This concluding session invites faith leaders to move from awareness to action, equipping them to embody DEI principles in ministry and coaching contexts. Recordings of previous modules are available for those who wish to prepare or review.

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ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardCoaching, ELCA CoachingComment
Presiding Bishop Curry Calls Church to Love and Justice on Transgender Day of Visibility
Presiding Bishop Curry Calls Church to Love and Justice on Transgender Day of Visibility

In a March 31 message for Transgender Day of Visibility, Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry calls the ELCA to prayer, advocacy, and solidarity with transgender people, affirming that all are “fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139).

Amid rising anti-trans legislation, the message urges congregations to act through love, learning, and justice, and points to key ELCA resources that support this ongoing work of dignity and inclusion.

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Bishop Curry, ELCABrian FlatgardLGBTQIA+, Bishop Curry Letters, Church and SocietyComment
New April Worship Resources from Augsburg Fortress to Strengthen Your Ministry
New April Worship Resources from Augsburg Fortress to Strengthen Your Ministry

Augsburg Fortress’s April 2026 worship resources offer new tools for pastors, musicians, and worship leaders, including books on the Psalms, choir leadership, and preaching for special occasions, along with a children’s music collection. Free summer music clinics are also available in multiple cities.

These resources support congregations in deepening worship, strengthening musical leadership, and proclaiming the gospel in ways that are both grounded and responsive to today’s context. Read more at ELCA.org.

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ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardELCA worshipComment
2027 ELCA Youth Gathering Webinar: Recruiting the Right Adult Leaders (and Avoiding the Wrong Ones!)
2027 ELCA Youth Gathering Webinar: Recruiting the Right Adult Leaders (and Avoiding the Wrong Ones!)

Gathering Webinars are designed to provide timely, relevant information as you prepare for the Gathering. Each session is led by Gathering leadership and includes a presentation followed by a live Q&A. Webinars begin at 7:00 p.m. CST and run approximately 45 minutes. For those unable to attend live, recordings will be available online several days following the webinar. To learn more about upcoming webinars, visit our Key Dates page.

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ELCABrian Flatgard2027 ELCA Youth Gathering, Youth and Young AdultComment
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.

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ELCA, Region 2, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardYouth and Young Adult, California Lutheran UniversityComment
Faith, Bodies, and Resistance: A Lenten Call to Discernment
Faith, Bodies, and Resistance: A Lenten Call to Discernment

In this Boldcafe reflection, Saint Browder explores how cultural signals—including beauty standards—can reinforce political power and exclusion, even within religious spaces. Drawing on scripture, the article calls Christians back to a deeper truth: our bodies are not projects to perfect, but sacred vessels created by God.

Especially in this Lenten season, the reflection challenges us to practice discernment, resist harmful narratives, and live out a Gospel rooted in love, justice, and courage. Read more from Boldcafe.

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ELCABrian FlatgardWomen of the ELCA (WELCA), 2026 Lent and EasterComment
From Human Rights to Holy Calling: Why Our Voice Matters
From Human Rights to Holy Calling: Why Our Voice Matters

In this ELCA Advocacy devotional, Abigail Raghunath reflects on the Lutheran connection to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the church’s ongoing role in advocating for justice. Drawing from her experience at the 2026 UN Commission on the Status of Women, she highlights both the challenges and renewed commitments to dignity and equity for women and girls worldwide.

Grounded in scripture and Lutheran tradition, this piece invites us to see advocacy not as optional, but as part of our shared calling to love our neighbor and protect human dignity. Read more from ELCA Advocacy.

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ELCABrian FlatgardAdvocacy, ELCA AdvocacyComment
From the Fields to the Table: How One Congregation Is Meeting Hunger
From the Fields to the Table: How One Congregation Is Meeting Hunger

This month’s ELCA World Hunger spotlight shares the story of Floricel Liborio, a community leader in California, and the faithful response of Iglesia Luterana Santa María Peregrina. Amid fear surrounding immigration enforcement and real hunger among farmworker families, the congregation—supported by an ELCA World Hunger grant—is providing grocery assistance and standing in visible solidarity.

Grounded in relationships, advocacy, and Christ-centered love, this story lifts up what it looks like to accompany neighbors in vulnerable moments. It is a powerful reminder of how the church participates in God’s work of abundant life. Read more.

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ELCABrian Flatgardhunger, Hunger, ELCA World Hunger, ELCA World Hunger Domestic Hunger GrantsComment
Faith Lens: Hosanna – When Salvation Looks Different
Faith Lens: Hosanna – When Salvation Looks Different

As Holy Week begins, this Faith Lens reflection on Matthew 21:1–11 invites us to reconsider what we mean when we cry “Hosanna—save us.” Jesus enters Jerusalem not with power or force, but in humility, challenging expectations about leadership, salvation, and how God works in the world.

This reflection offers a timely invitation for congregations and leaders: Where might we be expecting God to act in familiar ways—and missing the deeper work already unfolding? Explore the reflection, discussion prompts, and prayer for use in your ministry. Read more.

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ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardFaith Lens, 2026 Lent and EasterComment
For What Shall We Pray?
For What Shall We Pray?

  • For peace and reconciliation among the nations, especially in Iran, Lebanon, Gaza, South Sudan, Ukraine, and Venezuela…

  • For Dame Sarah Mullally and her installation as the first female Archbishop of Canterbury…

  • For the families of those killed in hospital attack in Sudan…

  • For safe working conditions for all workers, especially in wake of car parts factory fire in South Korea…

  • For victims of the Air Canada runway crash at LaGuardia Airport…

  • For all who know the trauma and pain of sexual assault, abuse, or exploitation…

  • For elections and political transitions, local and global…

  • For those affected by flooding in Hawaii, and all impacted by natural disasters…

  • For travelers, especially those facing airport delays and uncertainties, and for TSA workers…

  • For all immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers…

  • For ongoing energy crises and rising fuel costs…

  • For pastors, church musicians, and congregational leaders preparing for Holy Week…

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ELCA, Prayers, SpotlightBrian FlatgardELCA Worship, For What Shall We PrayComment
“You Are Seen, You Are Not Alone”: Presiding Bishop Curry Speaks on Gender-Based Violence
“You Are Seen, You Are Not Alone”: Presiding Bishop Curry Speaks on Gender-Based Violence

In a March 24 pastoral message, Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry addresses the reality of sexual and gender-based violence, offering a word of care to survivors and reaffirming the church’s commitment to dignity, justice, and healing. Grounded in the truth that all people are created in God’s image (Psalm 139), the message names violence as a misuse of power and calls the church to stand with those who have experienced harm.

The ELCA continues to provide resources, training, and advocacy to prevent abuse and support survivors. Read the full pastoral message and access key resources for ministry and care.

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Bishop Curry, ELCA, LettersBrian FlatgardGender-Based Violence, Bishop Curry Letters, Church and SocietyComment
What If the Ashes Didn’t Wash Away? A Lutheran Novel Imagines Lent Differently
What If the Ashes Didn’t Wash Away? A Lutheran Novel Imagines Lent Differently

In a recent Living Lutheran interview, author Thomas Maltman reflects on his new novel Ashes to Ashes, a story set within a rural Lutheran congregation where Ash Wednesday crosses mysteriously won’t wash away. Drawing on his own experience in congregational life, Maltman explores themes of mortality, belief, suffering, and grace—inviting readers to consider how faith shapes the way we live with one another in uncertain times.

Blending Lutheran practice, storytelling, and spiritual questions, Maltman describes his work as a “marvelous mystery” rooted in Lent’s call to reflection and renewal. Read more to explore how this uniquely Lutheran narrative invites deeper engagement with faith, doubt, and the enduring marks we carry.

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ELCABrian Flatgard2026 Lent and Easter, Living LutheranComment
When the World Feels on Fire: A Devotional on Hope and Action
When the World Feels on Fire: A Devotional on Hope and Action

In the face of climate crisis and widespread discouragement, this devotional reflects on how faith calls us not to despair, but to become “the light of the world.” Drawing from experiences at the global COP30 climate conference, it names both the weight of inaction and the hope found in collective advocacy.

As Lutherans, we are reminded that advocacy is part of discipleship—equipping others, illuminating pathways forward, and working toward justice together. Read more for reflection questions and encouragement for faithful action.

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ELCABrian FlatgardClimate Change, Advocacy, ELCA AdvocacyComment