Posts in ELCA
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.

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ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardELCA WorshipComment
New ELCA Disability Ministries Resource Centers Gifts, Belonging, and Faith Formation
New ELCA Disability Ministries Resource Centers Gifts, Belonging, and Faith Formation

ELCA Disability Ministries is preparing a new resource to help congregations better support youth with disabilities through an Individualized Faith Formation Plan (IFFP). Inspired by educational IEPs but rooted in giftedness rather than diagnosis, the process helps church leaders, youth, and families identify strengths, needed supports, and opportunities for leadership in the life of the congregation. Read more from ELCA Disability Ministries.

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ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardDisability Ministries, ELCA Disability MinistriesComment
Bishop Anne Edison-Albright Reelected in East Central Synod of Wisconsin
Bishop Anne Edison-Albright Reelected in East Central Synod of Wisconsin

The Rev. Anne Edison-Albright has been reelected to a second six-year term as bishop of the East Central Synod of Wisconsin after a June 5 vote during the synod assembly in Oshkosh. Edison-Albright, first elected in 2020, brings experience in parish ministry, college ministry, chaplaincy, and global service.

Read more from the ELCA News Service about the election, Bishop Edison-Albright’s ministry background, and the work of the synod. Read the full story on ELCA.org.

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ELCABrian FlatgardComment
Resurrection Lutheran Church and the ELCA Foundation Model Sustainable Ministry
Resurrection Lutheran Church and the ELCA Foundation Model Sustainable Ministry

In this video report for our 2026 assembly, see how the ELCA Foundation is partnering with Resurrection Lutheran Church in Oro Valley and the Grand Canyon Synod to nurture a spirit of generosity that will last for generations. Watch the video Grounded in Grace, Growing in Generosity, featuring Pastor Tim Nybroten, Rev. Dan Potaznick, and ELCA Foundation planner Lisa Marie Higginbotham, and learn how faithful giving strengthens the future of the church.

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ELCA, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardGCS Stewardship Team, Stewardship, ELCA Foundation, 2026 Assembly StoriesComment
Rev. Lisa Lewton Elected Bishop of Western North Dakota Synod
Rev. Lisa Lewton Elected Bishop of Western North Dakota Synod

The Rev. Lisa Lewton of Dickinson, N.D., has been elected bishop of the Western North Dakota Synod, following action at the synod assembly held May 29–31 in Watford City. Lewton, pastor of St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church since 2015, was elected on the fourth ballot and will begin a six-year term.

She will be installed Aug. 29 as the synod prepares for a leadership transition following Bishop Craig Schweitzer’s move into a new churchwide role this fall. Read the full ELCA news release.

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ELCABrian FlatgardComment
Disability Theology and the “New Kingdom” at RMG
Disability Theology and the “New Kingdom” at RMG

How might disability theology reshape how we imagine ministry and belonging in the body of Christ? At this summer’s Rostered Ministers Gathering, ELCA Disability Ministries will lead a workshop exploring how the gifts, leadership, and lived experiences of people with disabilities are central to God’s inclusive vision for the church. The session takes place July 7 in Indianapolis during the first workshop block.

The workshop invites participants into faithful reflection grounded in both theology and action, offering practical ways to embody a more inclusive and life-giving ministry. Read more from ELCA Disability Ministries.

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ELCABrian FlatgardDisability Ministries, ELCA Disability MinistriesComment
ELCA Learning Day Highlights Inclusion and Accessibility
ELCA Learning Day Highlights Inclusion and Accessibility

On June 11, the ELCA churchwide organization will host a Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) Learning Day focused on strengthening relationships with historically underrepresented communities and deepening practices of belonging across ministry settings. ELCA Disability Ministries Coordinator Rev. Lisa Heffernan will present a workshop on inclusive language, disability models, and building more equitable relationships among colleagues.

The event reflects ongoing efforts to help the church live more fully into inclusion, accessibility, and shared ministry. Read more about the learning day.

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ELCABrian FlatgardDisability Ministries, ELCA Disability MinistriesComment
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 the wounded and all who grieve those killed in major Russian assaults in Ukraine…

  • For the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire…

  • For all immigrants, refugees, asylum seekers, and travelers…

  • For peaceful engagement and resolution to protests in Albania and Mexico…

  • For elections and political transitions, domestic and global…

  • For all affected by tropical storm Jangmi in southern Japan…

  • For the work of climate scientists, ecology researchers, and meteorologists…

  • For children and their families struggling with food scarcity, especially in the absence of school lunches…

  • For all God’s beloveds in the LGBTQIA+ community during this Pride month…

  • For all impacted by the Ebola outbreak in central Africa…

  • For synods of the ELCA as they gather in their assemblies and for bishops and bishops-elect…

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ELCA, Prayers, SpotlightBrian FlatgardELCA Worship, For What Shall We PrayComment
New Worship Resources for Summer Ministry and Planning
New Worship Resources for Summer Ministry and Planning

New worship resources from Augsburg Fortress are now available, including a justice-focused song collection by Bret Hesla, worship planning tools for Evangelical Lutheran Worship and All Creation Sings, Lutheran welcome booklets, and devotional materials for festivals and commemorations. Plus, registration is open for free Augsburg Fortress Music Clinics this summer. Read more from ELCA Worship.

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Leader Resources, ELCABrian FlatgardELCA WorshipComment
“All Together in One Place”: A Pastoral Word for a Divided Time
“All Together in One Place”: A Pastoral Word for a Divided Time

In a new monthly series titled All Together in One Place, Presiding Bishop Rev. Yehiel Curry reflects on faith, division, justice, and Christian unity in a complex time. Rooted in Pentecost and Lutheran theology, the series aims to offer a pastoral word grounded in Scripture, deep listening, and shared life in Christ. Read Bishop Curry’s message.

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Bishop Curry, ELCABrian FlatgardBishop Curry LettersComment
Nobody Journeys Alone: ELCA Coaching Shares 2025 Impact Report
Nobody Journeys Alone: ELCA Coaching Shares 2025 Impact Report

The ELCA Coaching Ministry has released its first-ever 2025 Impact Report, highlighting a record-setting year of accompaniment, discernment, and leadership support across the church. With 6,889 coaching hours and more than 1,500 coaching relationships in 2025, the report shares how coaching is helping leaders, congregations, and communities grow in clarity, courage, and connection through faithful listening and Spirit-led discernment.

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ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardCoaching, ELCA CoachingComment
ELCA Advocacy Updates for May 2026
ELCA Advocacy Updates for May 2026

The ELCA Advocacy office’s May update highlights several major national developments, including voting rights, Farm Bill negotiations, endangered species protections, immigration policy, Cuba, and Middle East peace advocacy. The update also explores why these issues matter through the lens of Lutheran faith and public witness.

For congregational leaders and members seeking to connect faith with civic engagement, this month’s Advocacy Connections offers helpful context and opportunities for action. Read the Update.

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ELCABrian FlatgardAdvocacy, ELCA AdvocacyComment
Hope Rising in Myanmar: Lutheran Disaster Response Shares Stories of Renewal
Hope Rising in Myanmar: Lutheran Disaster Response Shares Stories of Renewal

More than a year after a devastating earthquake struck Myanmar, communities are rebuilding through clean water access, repaired homes, renewed livelihoods, and safe spaces for children. A new story from Lutheran Disaster Response highlights how local communities, supported by trusted partners, are finding hope amid hardship.

These stories offer a powerful reminder of resilience, dignity, and the church’s shared calling to accompany neighbors in crisis. Read more at ELCA.org.

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ELCABrian FlatgardLutheran Disaster ResponseComment
Why the Farm Bill Matters: An ELCA Advocacy Update
Why the Farm Bill Matters: An ELCA Advocacy Update

Congress is debating the 2026 Farm Bill, legislation that shapes food assistance, agriculture, conservation, and rural life. ELCA Advocacy is urging lawmakers to support policies that care for hungry neighbors, strengthen rural communities, and protect creation for future generations.

With Senate action expected soon, the ELCA is encouraging Lutherans to stay informed and engaged through advocacy and action alerts. Read the Farm Bill Update.

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ELCABrian FlatgardAdvocacy, ELCA AdvocacyComment
A New Ecumenical Feast Day: “Creation in Christ” Comes to the Church Year
A New Ecumenical Feast Day: “Creation in Christ” Comes to the Church Year

ELCA congregations are being encouraged to observe “Creation in Christ” (or “Feast of Creation”) beginning September 1 or the Sunday following. Rooted in ecumenical collaboration and ancient Christian tradition, the observance celebrates Christ’s role in creation while inviting deeper care for the world God has made.

Worship resources, lectionary texts, and planning guidance are beginning to emerge as congregations discern how this observance may fit in their local context. Read More About “Creation in Christ.”

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ELCABrian FlatgardClimate Change, ELCA WorshipComment