Posts in ELCA
Faith Lens: Serving God or Wealth? Wrestling with the Parable of the Dishonest Manager
Faith Lens: Serving God or Wealth? Wrestling with the Parable of the Dishonest Manager

This week’s gospel reading (Luke 16:1-13) brings us the parable of the dishonest manager—one of Jesus’ most puzzling stories. At first, it seems the manager’s dishonesty is praised, but the parable ends with a clear reminder: “You cannot serve God and wealth.” The tension between trust in God and the security wealth offers is as real for us today as it was for Pharisees, tax collectors, disciples, and crowds listening to Jesus. Faith invites us to ask where we place our trust and how our choices reflect God’s kingdom rather than the world’s pursuit of wealth.

Read More
ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardFaith Lens, Youth and Young AdultComment
Remembering Rev. Stanley N. Olson: A Life Rooted in Grace and Service
Remembering Rev. Stanley N. Olson: A Life Rooted in Grace and Service

Rev. Stanley Norris Olson, former ELCA bishop, seminary president, and servant leader, died on September 12, 2025, at the age of 79. His ministry spanned parish, seminary, and national leadership, always marked by grace and a deep trust in God’s promises. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 20 at 1 p.m. at Central Lutheran Church in Minneapolis. Read the full obituary here.

Read More
ELCA, In MemoriamBrian FlatgardComment
September Mission Support Memo: Where Faith Meets Justice
September Mission Support Memo: Where Faith Meets Justice

The September 2025 Mission Support Memo shares Mary’s journey as a Young Adult in Global Mission in Mexico City, where she moved from accompaniment to advocacy, guided by values of mutuality, inclusivity, and empowerment. Her story highlights how YAGM shapes young adults to serve, learn, and work for justice.

This month’s memo also introduces the new ELCA Church Property Resource Hub, created to help synod and congregational leaders navigate opportunities and challenges with land and buildings in service of the church’s mission. We invite you to read, share, and engage with this resource.

Read More
ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardMission Support, ELCA Mission Support Team, Young Adults in Global MissionComment
Eucharist Across a Wall: Border Church’s Ministry of Presence
Eucharist Across a Wall: Border Church’s Ministry of Presence

At the U.S.-Mexico border, the Border Church brings people together for worship on both sides of the wall. Rooted in prayer, accompaniment, and a ministry of presence, the congregation serves migrants and asylum-seekers while witnessing to Christ’s call for peace and justice. Despite barriers and fear, this community testifies to unity in Christ and hope for a world without walls. Click here to read the full story at Living Lutheran.

Read More
ELCA, News, Region 2Brian FlatgardImmigration and Refugees, Living LutheranComment
Farmland Gift Becomes Lifelong Ministry to Fight Hunger
Farmland Gift Becomes Lifelong Ministry to Fight Hunger

An Ohio congregation has transformed a farmland bequest into an ongoing ministry that feeds both local and global communities. Since 2001, St. Mark Lutheran in Van Wert has dedicated all proceeds from its 100 acres to hunger ministries, raising tens of thousands each year to support food banks, shelters, ELCA World Hunger, and more. Rooted in the stewardship of Lutheran farmers, this model continues to multiply gifts for those in need. Click here to read the full story at Living Lutheran.

Read More
ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardLiving Lutheran, HungerComment
Partner Resources for Worship Leaders: Music, Training, and More
Partner Resources for Worship Leaders: Music, Training, and More

Each month, ELCA Worship highlights resources and events from Lutheran and ecumenical partners who support worship leaders, musicians, and congregations. This month’s updates include a new free hymn arrangement from Lutheran Summer Music, the upcoming Vi Messerli Memorial Lectures in Church Music (October 19–21), training and events from Music That Makes Community, and new resources from Journey to Baptismal Living.

These partners share in the ELCA’s mission of equipping the church’s song and strengthening our worship life together. To explore all the details and access links to resources and registration, click here.

Read More
ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardELCA WorshipComment
Bishop Eaton: “God Calls Us to Say No to Political Violence”
Bishop Eaton: “God Calls Us to Say No to Political Violence”

Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton has released a statement following the September 10 shooting in Utah that claimed the life of Charlie Kirk. Eaton calls the church to say a definitive “no” to political violence, reminding us that our unity in Christ is a grace-filled gift in a fractured society. She urges Lutherans to be peacemakers, embodying Christ’s message of forgiveness and healing through civic engagement and active witness. To read her full message, click here.

Read More
ELCA, Bishop Eaton, Letters, NewsBrian FlatgardBishop Eaton Letters, Church and Society, Gun ViolenceComment
ELCA Condemns Supreme Court Ruling Allowing Racial Profiling
ELCA Condemns Supreme Court Ruling Allowing Racial Profiling

In response to the Supreme Court’s September 8 ruling permitting racial profiling in immigration enforcement, Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton calls the decision unjust and inhumane, rooted in the sin of racism. Speaking directly to the Latino community, she affirms their dignity as children of God and calls the church to advocacy, urging leaders to reverse discriminatory practices and protect constitutional safeguards. Resources from AMMPARO and ELCA social teaching are provided to help congregations stand with vulnerable neighbors. To read the full statement, click here.

Read More
ELCA, Bishop Eaton, Letters, NewsBrian FlatgardImmigration and Refugees, Bishop Eaton Letters, Church and SocietyComment
Christians in Jerusalem Call for Peace, Justice, and Equal Dignity for All
Christians in Jerusalem Call for Peace, Justice, and Equal Dignity for All

Christian leaders in Jerusalem—including Emeritus Lutheran Bishop Munib Younan—have issued a letter calling for peace, justice, and equality for all people in the Holy Land. Declaring that “to stay is to bear witness,” they affirm their continued presence in the land as a spiritual act of love and resistance, rooted in the Gospel. Their message urges pastors to walk closely with their people and reminds the global Church of its call to solidarity with Christians in Palestine/Israel. View as PDF.

Read More
ELCA, Global Church, LettersBrian FlatgardChurch and Society, Israel and Palestine, Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy LandComment
Latino Ministries Responds to Supreme Court Ruling on Immigrants’ Rights | Ministerios Latinos Responden al Fallo de la Corte Suprema sobre los Derechos de los Inmigrantes
Latino Ministries Responds to Supreme Court Ruling on Immigrants’ Rights | Ministerios Latinos Responden al Fallo de la Corte Suprema sobre los Derechos de los Inmigrantes

La Asociación de Ministerios Latinos de la ELCA emitió un comunicado rechazando la reciente decisión de la Corte Suprema que permite a ICE detener inmigrantes en el sur de California sin sospecha razonable. La Asociación advierte que este fallo amenaza la dignidad y la justicia, invita a la oración y la solidaridad, y comparte recursos en inglés y español para las familias inmigrantes.

The Latino Ministries Association of the ELCA has issued a statement condemning the recent Supreme Court ruling that allows ICE to stop immigrants in Southern California without reasonable suspicion. Calling the decision a threat to dignity and justice, the Association urges prayer, solidarity, and provides resources in English and Spanish for immigrant families.

Read More
ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardAsociación de Ministerios Latinos de la ELCA, Immigration and Refugees, Church and Society, EspañolComment
For What Shall We Pray?
For What Shall We Pray?

  • For an end to war and conflict, especially in Gaza, South Sudan, Myanmar, and Ukraine…

  • For peaceful resolution following protests in Kathmandu, Nepal…

  • For all victims of gun violence, especially in Orem, Utah and Evergreen, Colorado…

  • For victims of racism, racial profiling, and race-based violence…

  • For farmers and for all individuals and businesses navigating financial insecurity…

  • For colleges, universities, and all educational institutions…

  • For first responders, emergency personnel, and all who risk their lives in service of others…

Read More
ELCA, Prayers, SpotlightBrian FlatgardELCA Worship, For What Shall We PrayComment
Churchwide Assembly Confesses and Repents Patriarchy and Sexism
Churchwide Assembly Confesses and Repents Patriarchy and Sexism

At the 2025 Churchwide Assembly in Phoenix, worship included a confession and repentance for the sins of patriarchy and sexism, fulfilling commitments from the ELCA’s 2019 social statement Faith, Sexism, and Justice: A Call to Action. The liturgy emphasized confession as honesty before God and repentance as Spirit-led transformation toward justice and equity. Congregations are encouraged to use the confession and to share the resource Forgive Us and Transform Us for the Life of the World, available in English and Spanish. Click here to read more at ELCA.org.

Read More
ELCA, NewsBrian Flatgard2025 Churchwide Assembly, ELCA WorshipComment
Disability and Mental Health: No Conversation Without Us
Disability and Mental Health: No Conversation Without Us

John Christensen, lifelong ELCA Lutheran and staff member at the World Council of Churches, reflects on the deep connection between disability and mental health advocacy. With more than 16% of the global population living with disabilities and nearly 1 billion experiencing mental health challenges, the church has a vital role in offering safe spaces of love and truth. Christensen challenges the church to reject perfectionism, embrace vulnerability, and see God in every neighbor. Click here to read more at ELCA.org.

Read More
ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardDisability Ministries, ELCA Disability MinistriesComment
Accessibility, Worship, and Leadership at the 2025 Churchwide Assembly
Accessibility, Worship, and Leadership at the 2025 Churchwide Assembly

At the 2025 ELCA Churchwide Assembly in Phoenix, Lutherans gathered for worship, elections, and the business of the church. Worship services highlighted accessibility and leadership by people with disabilities, while elections brought historic results with Bishop Yehiel Curry elected Presiding Bishop and Pastor CeeCee Mills elected Secretary—the first time all top ELCA offices are held by diverse leaders. Resolutions also addressed equity for youth gatherings and protection for children and vulnerable adults. Still, accessibility challenges remain. Rev. Mack Patrick calls us to move from mere inclusion to true belonging. Read more click here.

Read More
ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardDisability Ministries, ELCA Disability Ministries, 2025 Churchwide AssemblyComment
2025 ELCA Hunger Education Grants Now Open: Apply by Sept. 15
2025 ELCA Hunger Education Grants Now Open: Apply by Sept. 15

The 2025 cycle for ELCA World Hunger Education and Networking Grants is now open, with applications accepted from August 4 through September 15. These grants—typically between $500 and $1,000—support educational and networking projects that help ELCA congregations, synods, and partners deepen understanding and engagement around the root causes of hunger and poverty. Projects can include workshops, climate justice education, youth service learning, or synod-wide awareness events.

Eligible applicants must be 501(c)3 organizations or work with a fiscal agent like a synod office. To apply, pre-register at ELCA GrantMaker (approval may take up to 10 business days). Click here for full grant details and application links.

Read More
ELCA, Grand Canyon Synod, News, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardGrants, Hunger, ELCA World Hunger Domestic Hunger GrantsComment
Faith Lens: Discipleship, Time, and Reordering Loves
Faith Lens: Discipleship, Time, and Reordering Loves

What does it mean to truly follow Jesus? On God’s Work, Our Hands Sunday, we’re invited to reflect on Luke 14:25–33, where Jesus challenges us to count the cost of discipleship. In a world that pulls us in many directions—especially with packed fall calendars—this week’s Faith Lens devotion reminds us to reorder our loves and put Christ first. What might you need to set aside to love and serve more fully?

Read More
ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardFaith Lens, Youth and Young AdultComment
For What Shall We Pray?
For What Shall We Pray?

  • For an end to war and conflict, especially in Gaza, Thailand, Cambodia, Colombia, South Sudan, Myanmar, Ukraine, and Ethiopia…

  • For victims of sexual assault and violence…

  • For earthquake victims in eastern Afghanistan…

  • For landslide victims in the Darfur region of Sudan…

  • For wildfires in California…

  • For safety amidst protests in Indonesia…

  • For students, families, and school personnel beginning the new school year…

  • For all professional fields, vocations, and jobs of any kind, and for fair and equitable labor policies…

Read More
ELCA, Prayers, SpotlightBrian FlatgardELCA Worship, For What Shall We PrayComment