Posts in ELCA
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
Women of the ELCA Host Annual Blue Christmas Service on the Winter Solstice
Women of the ELCA Host Annual Blue Christmas Service on the Winter Solstice

Join the Women of the ELCA for the annual Blue Christmas Service on Sunday, December 21, 2025, the Winter Solstice—the longest night of the year. This virtual Zoom service at 6 PM (Arizona/Utah) / 5 PM (Nevada) offers a peaceful space with music, readings, and prayer for all who seek comfort and hope during the holiday season. Register to attend here.

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ELCA, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardWomen of the ELCA (WELCA)Comment
A Stable Lamp Is Lighted: Advent 2025 Resources from ELCA World Hunger
A Stable Lamp Is Lighted: Advent 2025 Resources from ELCA World Hunger

This Advent, ELCA World Hunger invites you to “light your own stable lamp” with free 2025 Advent resources, including a study guide, calendar, and congregational action guide. Centered on the theme A Stable Lamp Is Lighted, these materials encourage reflection, generosity, and hospitality while exploring justice and hope through the church’s work to end hunger and poverty. Download or order resources for your household or congregation at ELCA.org/our-work/relief-and-development/elca-world-hunger/wh-advent.

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ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardHunger, ELCA World HungerComment
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 all affected by the the eruption of the Semeru volcano in Indonesia…

  • For safety, dignity, and justice for immigrants…

  • For the health of the earth and for those working to mitigate environmental destruction…

  • For victims of abuse and trafficking…

  • For ELCA indigenous ministries and tribal relations, and for the work of truth and healing…

  • For all who await the reign of Christ to break into our world and our hearts…

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ELCA, Prayers, SpotlightBrian FlatgardELCA Worship, For What Shall We PrayComment
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
I’m a Lutheran: Zander Hine, Young Leader for Food Justice and Creation Care
I’m a Lutheran: Zander Hine, Young Leader for Food Justice and Creation Care

Living Lutheran profiles Zander Hine, a high school senior and lifelong member of St. John Lutheran, Hagerstown, Md., whose faith has led him into deep engagement with food insecurity, environmental advocacy, and community service. From overseeing Micah’s Backpack and serving on local nonprofit boards to conducting research on food waste and hunger in his school district, Zander lives his baptismal call by “living grace through action.”

Be inspired by his story of service, leadership, and hope by reading the full “I’m a Lutheran” feature on Living Lutheran.

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ELCABrian FlatgardLiving LutheranComment
Child Protection, Debt Relief, and More: Highlights from Church Council Actions
Child Protection, Debt Relief, and More: Highlights from Church Council Actions

Meeting electronically on Nov. 12, 2025, the ELCA Church Council adopted “Child Protection” as an official social message of our church and advanced several significant initiatives. Actions included beginning work on study resources addressing white supremacy, supporting educational debt relief for rostered ministers—especially women and people from historically under-represented groups—and revising spending authorization and benefits policies for 2026.

For a full overview of these actions and what they mean for the ELCA’s life and mission, read the complete news release from ELCA News.

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ELCABrian FlatgardELCA Church CouncilComment
Image-Bearers of God: How Lutherans Resist Dehumanizing Language
Image-Bearers of God: How Lutherans Resist Dehumanizing Language

When migrants and other neighbors are labeled “invasion,” “animals,” or “illegals,” our faith compels us to respond. This AMMPARO reflection names dehumanization as sin and calls Lutherans to “faithful resistance” in our words, actions, and hearts, grounded in Scripture’s witness that every person bears the image of God.

Read how this resistance takes shape in daily life—through language, advocacy, and humble service rooted in Micah 6:8—by reading the full article from AMMPARO.

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ELCABrian FlatgardAMMPARO, Immigration and Refugees, Church and Society, AdvocacyComment
ELCA Gives Thanks for Government Reopening and Calls for Just Governance
ELCA Gives Thanks for Government Reopening and Calls for Just Governance

After a 43-day shutdown, the federal government reopened on Nov. 13, 2025. In response, the ELCA shared a message of gratitude with federal elected leaders while urging them to prioritize good governance, affordable healthcare, and strong support for programs that address hunger, poverty, and illness. The statement lifts up our Lutheran conviction that government is called to serve the common good and protect human dignity.

Learn more about this message, including specific policy priorities and ways congregations can engage, by reading the full statement from ELCA Advocacy.

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ELCABrian FlatgardAdvocacy, ELCA AdvocacyComment
“We Must Stay Connected”: A Pastoral Message from Bishop Curry
“We Must Stay Connected”: A Pastoral Message from Bishop Curry

In a new pastoral message, ELCA Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry reflects on ministry during a historic government shutdown and the church’s call to serve neighbors amid division, disruption, and fear. He lifts up ELCA ministries feeding the hungry, accompanying immigrants, responding to disasters, and advocating for justice when government fails to protect the vulnerable.

Read the full message: A Pastoral Message for These Troubled Days.

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Bishop Curry, ELCA, LettersBrian FlatgardBishop Curry LettersComment
“A Connected Church”: Bishop Curry to Advise Portico Board
“A Connected Church”: Bishop Curry to Advise Portico Board

Portico Benefit Services has announced that the Rev. Yehiel Curry, ELCA presiding bishop, has been appointed as an advisory member of its board of trustees. Curry’s leadership will help guide Portico’s strategic priorities, strengthening its support for the retirement, health, and financial wellness of more than 55,000 ELCA leaders and employees.

Read the full announcement: Presiding Bishop Curry Joins Portico Board or visit Portico’s detailed release: Yehiel Curry Joins Portico Board.

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Bishop Curry, ELCABrian FlatgardPorticoComment
Kevin Shock Elected Bishop of the Allegheny Synod
Kevin Shock Elected Bishop of the Allegheny Synod

On Nov. 1, the Rev. Kevin T. Shock was elected bishop of the Allegheny Synod during its assembly in Altoona, Pa., receiving 118 votes on the fifth ballot. Shock—currently serving as assistant to the bishop—will take office Feb. 1, 2026, with an installation service on Feb. 7 at Mount Calvary Lutheran Church in Johnstown, Pa. Read the full ELCA News release: Kevin Shock Elected Bishop of the Allegheny Synod.

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ELCABrian FlatgardComment
Standing with Indigenous Neighbors: National Day of Mourning
Standing with Indigenous Neighbors: National Day of Mourning

For Native American Heritage Month, ELCA Indigenous Ministries and Tribal Relations invites us to mark the National Day of Mourning on Nov. 27 in Patuxet (Plymouth, Mass.). ELCA leaders, partners, and members will gather on Cole’s Hill to honor Indigenous voices, lament ongoing oppression, and deepen our commitment to truth, healing, and justice. Read the full cross-posted article from Living Lutheran: Observing Native American Heritage Month.

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ELCABrian FlatgardELCA Indigenous Ministries and Tribal RelationsComment
New Pastor, New Possibilities: Women’s Leadership in Indonesia
New Pastor, New Possibilities: Women’s Leadership in Indonesia

On the island of Nias in western Indonesia, the Rev. Agusiang Zebua, a newly ordained pastor, shares how a Lutheran World Federation women’s empowerment course deepened her sense of call as a female leader in the church. Through theological education, clinical pastoral support, and connection with other women, she experienced how God’s gifts in women can transform families, congregations, and communities. Read the full story on the ELCA World Hunger blog: Women Empowerment on the Island of Nias!.

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ELCABrian FlatgardELCA World HungerComment