Posts in ELCA
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
Is MYLE or the tAble Right for Your Group? Watch the 2027 Gathering Webinar
Is MYLE or the tAble Right for Your Group? Watch the 2027 Gathering Webinar

Planning for the 2027 ELCA Youth Gathering is already underway. A recent webinar from Gathering leadership helps congregations discern whether MYLE (Multicultural Youth Leadership Event) or the tAble may be the right fit for young people in their group, offering guidance, context, and practical next steps.

Whether you missed the live webinar or want to revisit the conversation, the recording offers helpful insight for leaders preparing youth for a meaningful and welcoming Gathering experience. Watch the webinar.

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Grand Canyon Synod, ELCABrian Flatgard2027 ELCA Youth Gathering, MYLE, the tAble, Youth and Young Adult, Disability MinistriesComment
Hope Is a Group Project: Join Wayfinding in the Commons
Hope Is a Group Project: Join Wayfinding in the Commons

Looking for hope, clarity, or connection in uncertain times? Wayfinding in the Commons begins Wednesday, March 4, 2026, from 1:00–2:00 p.m. (Arizona/Pacific Time) on Zoom, offering monthly gatherings for community, leadership learning, reflection, and practical next steps.

Open to anyone seeking encouragement, connection, or companionship in ministry and life, this online space invites participants to discover together why “hope is a group project.” Learn more and register.

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ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardCoaching, ELCA CoachingComment
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.

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ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardSemiquincentennial, ELCA WorshipComment
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.

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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.  

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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.

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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.

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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.”

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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.

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ELCA, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardELCA Indigenous Ministries and Tribal RelationsComment