Posts in ELCA
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.

Read More
ELCA, Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardChild ProtectionComment
May Mission Support Memo: Full Circle of Faith
May Mission Support Memo: Full Circle of Faith

Our May 2026 Mission Support memo immerses us in the story of Concordia Lutheran Church in Worcester, Mass. Founded to serve the needs of non-English-speaking immigrant families, the church has come full circle today, once again serving a diverse neighborhood of immigrants and refugees. This congregation is deeply committed to remaining an inner-city ministry that accompanies the community as it changes. Read the memo to learn about their journey and discover their incredible ministry for kids and teens.

You will also find registration information for the Stewardship Kaleidoscope Conference, taking place September 21–23 in Baltimore, MD. Download the memo as a pdf here.  

Read More
ELCABrian FlatgardMission Support, ELCA Mission Support TeamComment
ELCA World Hunger Supports Women’s Entrepreneurship in Cambodia
ELCA World Hunger Supports Women’s Entrepreneurship in Cambodia

Through ELCA World Hunger support, Lutheran Hope Cambodia Organization is helping an agricultural cooperative in western Cambodia create jobs, strengthen local markets and support women’s entrepreneurship. Rom Chan Oun’s work driving the cooperative tuktuk has helped improve her family’s income and expand her role in the community. Read the World Hunger story.

Read More
ELCA, Global ChurchBrian FlatgardHunger, ELCA World HungerComment
ELCA Resource Invites Public Witness on Immigration Detention
ELCA Resource Invites Public Witness on Immigration Detention

ELCA Advocacy and ELCA AMMPARO have released a new resource, “You Shall Also Love the Stranger,” offering history, Bible study, reflection questions and action steps related to for-profit immigration detention. A related webinar will be held Wednesday, June 24, from 1-1:30 p.m. Eastern, with optional Q&A. Read more and find the resource.

Read More
ELCABrian FlatgardImmigration and Refugees, Church and Society, Advocacy, ELCA AdvocacyComment
Bishop Curry: “Hate Will Not Divide Us” Following San Diego Islamic Center Shooting
Bishop Curry: “Hate Will Not Divide Us” Following San Diego Islamic Center Shooting

Following the deadly shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego, ELCA Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry has issued a pastoral response condemning Islamophobia, grieving with Muslim neighbors and calling Lutherans to visible solidarity, relationship-building, advocacy and courage in the face of hatred. Grounded in Lutheran teaching and resurrection hope, Bishop Curry reminds the church that “hate will not have the final word.”

Read More
ELCA, Bishop CurryBrian FlatgardBishop Curry Letters, Ecumenical and Inter-Religious Relations, Church and SocietyComment
Facing Our History: Join the ELCA’s Truth-Telling Work on Indian Boarding Schools
Facing Our History: Join the ELCA’s Truth-Telling Work on Indian Boarding Schools

The ELCA’s Truth-Seeking and Truth-Telling Initiative is expanding nationwide in 2026, inviting clergy and lay leaders to research and confront Lutheran involvement in Indian boarding schools. This growing effort focuses on uncovering historical records, educating the church, and supporting truth-telling and healing for Native communities impacted by this legacy.

Participants can contribute through research, education, and quarterly gatherings. All are welcome to get involved. Learn more and sign up at tstti.org.

Read More
ELCA, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardELCA Indigenous Ministries and Tribal RelationsComment
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.

Read More
ELCA, Region 2, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardYouth and Young Adult, California Lutheran UniversityComment
Be Still and Be Renewed: Registration Opens for NAES/ELEA 2026 Conference
Be Still and Be Renewed: Registration Opens for NAES/ELEA 2026 Conference

Registration is now open for the NAES/ELEA Biennial Conference 2026, happening November 18–20 in Los Angeles. Centered on Psalm 46:10, this national gathering offers keynote speaker Dr. Lisa Miller, worship with Presiding Bishop Sean W. Rowe, 60+ workshops, and service opportunities—all designed to renew and equip faith-based education leaders.

Read More
ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardEvangelical Lutheran Education Association (ELEA)Comment
Rev. Wanda Frenchman and Patterson Yazzie Among First TEIL Graduates at PLTS
Rev. Wanda Frenchman and Patterson Yazzie Among First TEIL Graduates at PLTS

Rev. Wanda K. Frenchman and Patterson Yazzie are among the first graduates of the Theological Education for Indigenous Leaders (TEIL) program at Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary. The commencement service will be held Saturday, May 23 in Berkeley, California, with a livestream available.

Their graduation marks an important milestone for Indigenous ministries in the ELCA and highlights the growing leadership of Indigenous voices within the church.

Read More
ELCA, Grand Canyon Synod, Region 2Brian FlatgardNative American Urban Ministry Phoenix, American Indian and Alaska Native, Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary, ELCA Indigenous Ministries and Tribal Relations, Navajo Evangelical Lutheran MissionComment
From Film Series to Faithful Action: Climate Justice Resources for ELCA Lutherans
From Film Series to Faithful Action: Climate Justice Resources for ELCA Lutherans

Lutherans Restoring Creation’s latest Good Green News includes new climate justice resources, a Faith + Climate Film Series, advocacy around a proposed Decade of Climate Justice resolution, and upcoming events including Coffee with Christine and a renewables ethics conversation. Learn how your congregation can engage faithful care for creation and explore the full newsletter for links, dates, and action opportunities.

Read More
ELCABrian FlatgardLutherans Restoring Creation, Climate ChangeComment
Property Insurance, Financial Stewardship, and Fraud Prevention: May Administration Matters
Property Insurance, Financial Stewardship, and Fraud Prevention: May Administration Matters

The May 2026 issue of Administration Matters offers practical guidance for congregational leaders navigating today’s challenges, including property insurance questions, faithful investing through the ELCA, nonprofit financial controls, and strategies to prevent online donation scams. The issue also includes a reflection on financial well-being and stewardship from Portico Benefit Services.

Whether you serve on council, manage finances, or support congregational administration, these timely resources can help strengthen ministry and reduce risk. Read the full May issue of Administration Matters.

Read More
ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardAdministration MattersComment
Finding Belonging at God’s Table: Honoring AANHPI Heritage Month
Finding Belonging at God’s Table: Honoring AANHPI Heritage Month

As the church marks Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month, the ELCA invites reflection on identity, belonging, faith, and bold witness. In a moving essay, Pastor Jill Rode—a Korean American adoptee and lifelong Lutheran—shares her journey of navigating culture, adoption, and faith, reminding us that there is room for all of us at God’s table. Additional resources highlight the 50th anniversary of Hmong refugee arrivals in the United States, worship ideas, storytelling opportunities, and upcoming events for congregations.

This Heritage Month offers an invitation to listen deeply, honor stories across generations, and reflect on how God is present in our own journeys. Read the original reflection and explore AANHPI Heritage Month resources.

Read More
ELCABrian FlatgardAsian and Pacific Islander Association of the ELCAComment
Global Crises Deepen as Lutheran Disaster Response Walks Alongside Communities
Global Crises Deepen as Lutheran Disaster Response Walks Alongside Communities

Lutheran Disaster Response is responding to growing global humanitarian emergencies fueled by conflict, climate disasters, hunger, and displacement. A new article highlights the urgent needs facing communities worldwide and how Lutherans are accompanying neighbors through relief, recovery, and resilience efforts. Read the full story and learn how you can support this work.

Read More
ELCABrian FlatgardLutheran Disaster ResponseComment