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, Pakistan/Afghanistan, and Tanzania…

  • For relief, recovery, and grief work following Tropical Storm Melissa, Typhoon Kalmaegi, and the Afghan earthquake…

  • For victims of political and police violence in Tanzania and Brazil…

  • For victims of the UPS plane crash in Louisville, KY…

  • For all who face food insecurity and hunger…
    For farmers and for food production…

  • For elections, political transitions, and all government employees and leaders…

  • For protection, justice, and human rights for all migrants…

  • In gratitude for all veterans and their service to the common good…

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ELCA, Prayers, SpotlightBrian FlatgardELCA Worship, For What Shall We PrayComment
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 Hunger, 2025 Advent and ChristmasComment
Faith Lens: How Jesus Handles Loaded Questions
Faith Lens: How Jesus Handles Loaded Questions

In this week’s Faith Lens reflection, Pastor Heather Hansen explores how Jesus responds to the Sadducees’ attempt to trap him with a question about the resurrection (Luke 20:27–38). Instead of arguing over details, Jesus redirects the conversation toward what truly matters: that God is God of the living, and that love and life—not power or status—define God’s kingdom.

In a world full of “gotcha” questions, we’re reminded to pause, breathe, and answer from a place of faith and love—trusting that God’s truth and grace endure beyond every debate.

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ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardFaith LensComment
Constitution 101: New ELCA Webinar Simplifies Congregation Updates
Constitution 101: New ELCA Webinar Simplifies Congregation Updates

The ELCA Office of the Secretary has released a new “Congregation Constitution 101” webinar and PowerPoint designed for congregation leaders. The hour-long training explains how constitutions function, how the Model Constitution is organized, and how to amend and update your congregation’s document. Watch the recording at vimeo.com/1129666826 or access materials at ELCA.org/Office-of-the-Secretary/Constitutions.

For additional help, see our related post: Update Made Easy: New 2025 Constitution Guidance for Your Congregation.

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ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardComment
Honoring Native American Heritage Month: Events from ELCA Indigenous Ministries
Honoring Native American Heritage Month: Events from ELCA Indigenous Ministries

November is Native American Heritage Month. The ELCA invites our communities to honor Indigenous voices through two highlighted events: the 15th Annual Vine Deloria Jr. Symposium (online, Oct. 11–15, 2025) and the National Day of Mourning (Nov. 27, 12pm in Patuxet, MA). These gatherings offer meaningful opportunities for learning, remembrance, and solidarity. Learn more at elca.org/indigenous.

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ELCABrian FlatgardAmerican Indian and Alaska Native, ELCA Indigenous Ministries and Tribal RelationsComment
Here I Pod: Lutheran disaster responders speak to FEMA legislation
Here I Pod: Lutheran disaster responders speak to FEMA legislation

In a new episode of Here I Pod, Lutheran Disaster Response staff and partners share their recent conversations with legislators in Washington, D.C., urging stronger FEMA reform to support disaster-affected communities. Listeners also hear practical ways to take action and strengthen congregational preparedness. Listen and read more on Living Lutheran: Here I Pod: Lutheran disaster responders speak to FEMA legislation.

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ELCABrian FlatgardLutheran Disaster Response, Here I Pod, Church and SocietyComment
ELCA Colleges Confront Food Insecurity Through Campus Pantries
ELCA Colleges Confront Food Insecurity Through Campus Pantries

Food insecurity affects nearly one in four college students nationwide. In response, campus ministries across the Network of ELCA Colleges and Universities (NECU) operate pantries offering food, essentials, and compassionate support. These ministries reflect Christ’s call to feed the hungry and ensure all can flourish. Read the full article on Living Lutheran: That all may flourish — NECU pantries address food insecurity.

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ELCABrian FlatgardHunger, Living LutheranComment
Reformation: More Than a Day—A Call to Live Our Faith Boldly
Reformation: More Than a Day—A Call to Live Our Faith Boldly

Reformation is more than an annual celebration—it is a living tradition calling us to embody grace, justice, and courageous discipleship in daily life. In this reflection, Pastor Ralen M. Robinson invites us to remember that the Spirit continues to stir reform in our communities as we advocate for change, love our neighbors, and allow faith alone, Scripture alone, and grace alone to guide us year-round. Read the full reflection on Living Lutheran: My take: A living tradition — The Reformation was meant to be continued.

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ELCABrian FlatgardReformation Sunday, Living LutheranComment
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, Pakistan/Afghanistan, and Tanzania…

  • For all in the path of Tropical Storm Melissa…

  • For victims of police raids in Brazil…

  • For cease-fire in Gaza, and for opportunities for relief agencies to accomplish their work…

  • For all who face hunger and food insecurity, especially those those who rely on SNAP benefits…

  • For food pantries, community meals, and all feeding ministries and programs…

  • For federal employees…

  • For safety for immigrants, refugees, and all migrants…

  • For the communion of saints and for witnesses to faith in this and all generations…

  • For gifts of time, daylight, nighttime, and the cycle of the seasons…

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ELCA, Prayers, SpotlightBrian FlatgardELCA Worship, For What Shall We PrayComment
Faith Lens: A Simple Act, a Lasting Change
Faith Lens: A Simple Act, a Lasting Change

A simple act of kindness can change a life. When Jesus called Zacchaeus down from the tree, it wasn’t with judgment but with compassion—and that moment transformed Zacchaeus’s heart, leading him to generosity and repentance. This week’s Faith Lens reflection invites us to see how love and inclusion, rather than shame or exclusion, open the way for true change. In the words of Isaiah, “Learn to do good; seek justice, rescue the oppressed.”

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ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardFaith LensComment
Mission Support Memo (Oct 2025): Worship that Sends Us to Serve
Mission Support Memo (Oct 2025): Worship that Sends Us to Serve

Discover how St. John’s, Rock Island (Northern Illinois Synod) is pairing homemade community meals with contemplative worship through Table of Grace and “Welcome Wednesday,” supported by creative lay leadership, grants, and creation-care partnerships. The memo also introduces the updated What Does My Offering Do? poster (with a companion video) and celebrates churchwide leadership updates as the ELCA welcomes Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curryand prepares for Rev. Lucille “CeCee” Mills to begin as secretary. Read the October Mission Support Memo for the full story and resources.

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ELCABrian FlatgardStewardship, Mission Support, ELCA Mission Support TeamComment
ELCA Social Statement Reminds Us: Health Care Is Shared Vocation
ELCA Social Statement Reminds Us: Health Care Is Shared Vocation

This Deeper Understandings reflection revisits the ELCA’s 2003 social statement Caring for Health: Our Shared Endeavor, which calls Christians to affirm health care as part of our baptismal vocation to love our neighbor. The statement highlights the need for equitable access to care, support for providers, faithful decision-making, and compassionate community engagement.

Read this Living Lutheran article to see how this teaching continues to guide faithful health conversations—and action—today.

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ELCABrian FlatgardLiving LutheranComment
Wisconsin Lutherans Help Returning Neighbors Create Homes of Hope
Wisconsin Lutherans Help Returning Neighbors Create Homes of Hope

In Wisconsin, Share Our Best Furniture Ministry partners with Breaking the Chains Church to furnish homes for people reentering society after incarceration. By providing essential items—beds, tables, and home goods—local Lutherans help families rebuild stability and dignity during a vulnerable transition. Learn how congregations collaborate to embody Christ’s love in tangible and practical ways in Living Lutheran.

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ELCABrian FlatgardLiving LutheranComment
From Mustard Seeds to Wells: Texans Support Water & Education Across Africa
From Mustard Seeds to Wells: Texans Support Water & Education Across Africa

Two Texas Lutherans—Pastor Brad Otto of Acts of Wisdom and Dick Moeller of Water to Thrive—answered God’s call to support safe water access and education in Africa. Their ministries now provide vital resources in Ethiopia, Liberia, Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, impacting more than a million people through well-building and school support.

Learn how mustard-seed faith grew into transformative ministries serving thousands in this Living Lutheran article.

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ELCA, Global ChurchBrian FlatgardLiving LutheranComment
Called to Advocate: The Holy Spirit’s Gift of Voice
Called to Advocate: The Holy Spirit’s Gift of Voice

Pastor Joy McDonald Coltvet invites readers to use their voices for justice, guided by faith and the Holy Spirit’s advocacy. Drawing inspiration from Scripture and even from A Bug’s Life, she challenges us to speak truth in love, seek community across differences, and remember that our freedom is meant to set others free. Explore this reflection on using our faith-filled voices at Boldcafé.

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ELCABrian FlatgardCafé, Women of the ELCA (WELCA)Comment
“Here I Stand”: Living Out the Courage of Our Baptismal Promises
“Here I Stand”: Living Out the Courage of Our Baptismal Promises

Bishop Emily K. Hartner of the North Carolina Synod reflects on what it means to live out faith through conviction and courage. Drawing on the examples of Jesus, Martin Luther, and countless faithful ancestors, she reminds us that our baptismal promises call us to serve, proclaim, and strive for justice—even when it’s risky. Read the full reflection on how faith becomes action and conviction becomes love at Boldcafé.

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ELCABrian FlatgardCafé, Women of the ELCA (WELCA)Comment
Faith Lens: Approaching God: Who is Worthy
Faith Lens: Approaching God: Who is Worthy

In this week’s Faith Lens reflection on Luke 18:9–14, Jesus’ parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector challenges our assumptions about worthiness before God. While the Pharisee boasts of righteousness, the tax collector prays simply for mercy—and is the one made right with God. We are reminded that true prayer begins with humility and gratitude, not self-assurance. God exalts those who come honestly, knowing that all we have and are comes from divine grace alone.

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ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardFaith LensComment