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America at 250: Holding Gratitude and Humility

America at 250: Holding Gratitude and Humility

As the United States approaches the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry invites Lutherans to hold both gratitude and humility. In the latest installment of his All Together in One Place series, Curry reflects on the nation’s aspirations, its failures to live fully into those ideals, and the Christian call to repentance, justice, and service rooted in Christ’s resurrection.

Drawing on Scripture and the ELCA’s social teaching, Curry encourages the church to remember its baptismal unity, name sin honestly, and work for the common good while trusting in God’s ever-unfolding grace. Read Presiding Bishop Curry’s full reflection.

ELCA, Bishop CurryBrian FlatgardJune 23, 2026Bishop Curry Letters, Church and SocietyComment

$100 Stipend Offered for Storytelling Focus Groups Beginning This Weekend

$100 Stipend Offered for Storytelling Focus Groups Beginning This Weekend

Focus groups for the ELCA’s Rooted + Rising storytelling initiative begin June 26, and organizers are seeking participants now. The project is especially interested in hearing from people who are not currently connected to a church but are willing to share their experiences of faith, spirituality, belonging, or Christianity. Selected participants will receive a $100 stipend for a two-hour virtual conversation.

ELCA, Region 2, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardJune 23, 2026Thriving Leadership Formation Program, Lilly GrantComment

Your Voice Matters: ELCA Human Sexuality Study Seeks Feedback by Sept. 30

Your Voice Matters: ELCA Human Sexuality Study Seeks Feedback by Sept. 30

The ELCA has released “Conscience and Conversation,” a new study resource to support churchwide discernment during the reconsideration of Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust. Congregations, small groups, and individuals are invited to participate and share feedback with the task force.

The accompanying survey is open through September 30, 2026, and responses will help shape a draft statement for churchwide review. Ministry leaders are encouraged to prayerfully engage the study and ensure their voices are part of the conversation.

ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardJune 23, 2026Human SexualityComment

Explore New Ways to Steward Ministry Resources with Mission Investment Fund

Explore New Ways to Steward Ministry Resources with Mission Investment Fund

Mission Investment Fund is offering updated online and mobile tools that help congregations and individuals manage savings while supporting ministry across the ELCA. Demand Investments currently earn up to 2.50% APY, while Fixed-Rate Term Investments offer returns up to 4.10% APY. Learn how your financial stewardship can help fund ministry-focused loans throughout the church.

ELCABrian FlatgardJune 23, 2026ELCA Mission Investment FundComment

Rev. Tim Brown’s Synod Assembly Presentations Now Available

Rev. Tim Brown’s Synod Assembly Presentations Now Available

The presentations shared by Rev. Tim Brown at the 2026 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly are now available to view and download. Explore his keynote on generosity and discipleship, Bible study on stewardship in Scripture, and ELCA churchwide report highlighting the impact of our connected ministry together.

Download PDF and PowerPoint versions, revisit key insights, and share these resources with your congregation.

Grand Canyon Synod, ELCABrian FlatgardJune 23, 20262026 Synod AssemblyComment

Safeguarding Our Worshiping Communities: Join a Conversation on Best Practices

Safeguarding Our Worshiping Communities: Join a Conversation on Best Practices

Join ELCA’s Kendra Stea, Director, Misconduct Prevention, on Tuesday, August 18 at 10:00 a.m. Arizona/PDT for a Zoom conversation on safeguarding worshiping communities. This 90-minute session will explore mandated reporting, misconduct response, healthy boundaries, congregational policies, and best practices for navigating difficult situations with care and accountability.

Registration is required. Bring your questions and learn practical tools to help your congregation foster safer, healthier ministry settings. Register here.

ELCA, Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardJune 22, 2026Child ProtectionComment

Good Green News: Climate Justice, Clean Energy, and Faithful Action

Good Green News: Climate Justice, Clean Energy, and Faithful Action

The latest Good Green News from Lutherans Restoring Creation includes an upcoming webinar on renewable energy and Lutheran ethics, an update on climate justice resolutions across ELCA synods, a new Faith + Climate Film Series, advocacy opportunities, and upcoming educational events. Read the full newsletter for registration links, resources, and ways your congregation can engage in faithful creation care and climate justice ministry.

ELCABrian FlatgardJune 19, 2026Good Green News, Lutherans Restoring Creation, Climate ChangeComment

Juneteenth and the Freedom We Know in Christ

Juneteenth and the Freedom We Know in Christ

In this Juneteenth reflection, historian and Lutheran scholar Dr. Denise Rector explores the history of emancipation and the enduring significance of freedom. Drawing on both historical truth and Lutheran theology, she reflects on how the delayed announcement of freedom to enslaved people in Texas echoes the importance of proclaiming truth and justice today.

Rooted in the promise of justification by grace through faith, the article reminds Christians that freedom in Christ is real—and calls us to love our neighbors, speak truth, and serve a world God loves. Read Dr. Rector’s full reflection on Juneteenth.

ELCABrian FlatgardJune 19, 2026Juneteenth, Racial Justice Ministries, ELCA Racial Justice MinistriesComment

World Refugee Day: Walking Alongside Our Neighbors in Hope

World Refugee Day: Walking Alongside Our Neighbors in Hope

As the world observes World Refugee Day on June 20, Lutheran Disaster Response invites Lutherans to renew their commitment to refugees and migrants through learning, advocacy, and generosity. With global displacement at record levels, this reflection highlights our shared calling to accompany neighbors seeking safety, dignity, and hope.

Grounded in faith and solidarity, the article offers practical ways to respond through ELCA resources, advocacy opportunities, and support for Lutheran Disaster Response ministries serving displaced communities around the world. Read the full reflection from Lutheran Disaster Response.

ELCABrian FlatgardJune 19, 2026Immigration and Refugees, Lutheran Disaster ResponseComment

For What Shall We Pray?

For What Shall We Pray?

For peace and reconciliation among the nations, especially in Iran, Lebanon, Gaza, Mali, South Sudan, Ukraine, and Venezuela…
For medical professionals, researchers, and all navigating the Ebola outbreak in central Africa…
For a spirit of camaraderie and community during major global sporting events…
For awareness, advocacy, and an end to human trafficking…
For the G7 summit, global politics, and the interconnectedness of people and nations..
For the families of those killed in airplane crashes in Texas, California, and Missouri…
For all impacted by the 6.7 magnitude earthquake in Indonesia…
For those affected by storms and severe weather…
For those evacuated and those fighting wildfires in eastern Washington…
For justice, compassion, and human rights for immigrants, refugees, those who are detained, and all who travel…
For fathers, caregivers, and those for whom parental relationships are strained…

ELCA, Prayers, SpotlightBrian FlatgardJune 18, 2026ELCA Worship, For What Shall We PrayComment

Remembering the Emanuel Nine Eleven Years Later

Remembering the Emanuel Nine Eleven Years Later

On the 11th anniversary of the murder of the Emanuel Nine at Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, former South Carolina Bishop Herman Yoos reflects on grief, forgiveness, repentance, and the ongoing work of confronting racism and white supremacy. His personal essay recalls how the tragedy reshaped his ministry and understanding of racial justice.

Read this powerful reflection and explore ELCA resources for commemorating the Emanuel Nine and continuing the work of reconciliation.

ELCABrian FlatgardJune 17, 2026Emanuel 9, Racial Justice MinistriesComment

As Hurricane Season Begins, Communities Are Called to Prepare

As Hurricane Season Begins, Communities Are Called to Prepare

As hurricane season begins, Lutheran Disaster Response reminds congregations and households that preparedness is both practical and faithful. From emergency planning and supply kits to congregational resiliency efforts, taking action now can help communities care for one another when disasters strike.

Explore preparedness resources, including a congregational preparedness guide, and learn how Lutheran Disaster Response supports communities before and after disasters. Read more at ELCA.org.

ELCABrian FlatgardJune 17, 2026Lutheran Disaster ResponseComment

South Carolina Synod Elects Wade Thomas Roof III as Bishop

South Carolina Synod Elects Wade Thomas Roof III as Bishop

The Rev. Wade Thomas Roof III was elected bishop of the South Carolina Synod on June 13 during the synod assembly in West Columbia, S.C. Roof, currently pastor of Mount Tabor Lutheran Church, will begin his six-year term on Sept. 1, succeeding Bishop Virginia Aebischer. Read more about the election, Roof’s ministry background, and the South Carolina Synod in the full ELCA news story.

ELCABrian FlatgardJune 17, 2026Comment

Northeastern Ohio Synod Reelects Bishop Laura Barbins

Northeastern Ohio Synod Reelects Bishop Laura Barbins

The Rev. Laura Barbins was reelected June 6 to serve a second six-year term as bishop of the Northeastern Ohio Synod. Barbins has led the synod since 2020 and previously served in parish ministry and theological education. Read the full story for election details and a look at Bishop Barbins’ ministry and leadership.

ELCABrian FlatgardJune 17, 2026Comment

Bishop Tessa Moon Leiseth Reelected in Eastern North Dakota

Bishop Tessa Moon Leiseth Reelected in Eastern North Dakota

The Rev. Tessa Moon Leiseth was reelected June 7 to serve a second six-year term as bishop of the Eastern North Dakota Synod. Moon Leiseth has served as bishop since 2020 and brings experience in parish ministry, campus ministry, and global mission. Learn more about the election results and Bishop Moon Leiseth’s ministry journey.

ELCABrian FlatgardJune 17, 2026Comment

Jennifer Dee Elected Bishop of the Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod

Jennifer Dee Elected Bishop of the Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod

The Rev. Jennifer Dee was elected June 6 to serve a six-year term as bishop of the Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod. Dee currently serves as lead pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Robesonia and will be installed Oct. 31. Read more about the election, Dee’s ministry experience, and the transition in synod leadership.

ELCABrian FlatgardJune 17, 2026Comment

2026 Synod Assembly: Rooted in God’s Story, Sent in Hope

2026 Synod Assembly: Rooted in God’s Story, Sent in Hope

More than 300 Lutherans gathered June 12–13 in Mesa for the 2026 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly under the theme “Rooted in God’s Story.” Worship, elections, discernment, leadership reports, workshops, and service shaped the gathering, including adoption of the 2027–2028 Mission Plan and the reception of Peace in the Desert into the synod.

Participants also celebrated new leaders, packed food for neighbors experiencing hunger, and were sent back to congregations grounded in worship, community, and shared mission.

ELCABrian FlatgardJune 16, 20262026 Synod AssemblyComment

2026 Synod Assembly Bishop Curry video: A Connected Church

2026 Synod Assembly Bishop Curry video: A Connected Church

In the ELCA's 2026 Synod Assembly video (with Spanish captions) from Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry, he shares three stories from across the ELCA, including a story about a feeding program from South Carolina, a journey to the Holy Land for Bishop Imad Haddad's installation at the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land, and a pastor's calling by his congregation in Washington State.

Bishop Curry, ELCA, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardJune 16, 20262026 Synod Assembly, Bishop Curry LettersComment

Marking 250 Years: New ELCA Worship Resources for the U.S. Semiquincentennial

Marking 250 Years: New ELCA Worship Resources for the U.S. Semiquincentennial

The ELCA Worship Office has released new worship resources for the U.S. semiquincentennial in July 2026, offering liturgical texts, preaching helps, music guidance, and civic vocation resources for congregations marking the nation’s 250th anniversary. Designed to both celebrate and lament the nation’s history, the materials center worship around Christ’s call to justice, humility, mercy, and beloved community.

Resources are available now in PDF, DOC, and through SundaysandSeasons.com.

ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardJune 15, 2026Semiquincentennial, ELCA WorshipComment

Worship, Music, and Renewal: June Opportunities for Church Leaders

Worship, Music, and Renewal: June Opportunities for Church Leaders

ELCA Worship has gathered a new round of resources, conferences, and learning opportunities for worship leaders, musicians, and planners across the church. Highlights include the Hymn Society Annual Conference (July 19–22), Lutheran Summer Music at St. Olaf College (June 21–July 19), the Association of Lutheran Church Musicians conference, and resources from Music that Makes Community focused on congregational song, justice, and worship renewal.

Whether you plan worship, lead music, or care deeply about the church’s song, explore these summer opportunities for learning, renewal, and connection. Read the full roundup from ELCA Worship.

ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardJune 11, 2026ELCA WorshipComment