Posts in ELCA
We Are Called as Lutherans: Responding Faithfully to Federal Budget Cuts
We Are Called as Lutherans: Responding Faithfully to Federal Budget Cuts

Recent federal spending cuts to Medicaid, refugee resettlement, and disaster response are already impacting Lutheran ministries across the country. In this Living Lutheran Voices of Faith column, Debra Madaris Efird reflects on how these changes affect agencies like Lutheran Services Carolinas—and asks what it means for us, as Lutherans, to respond with compassion, advocacy, generosity, and prayer. This timely reflection invites congregations and individuals alike to discern faithful action rooted in our shared call to love our neighbors. Read the full article at Living Lutheran.

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ELCABrian FlatgardLiving Lutheran, Church and SocietyComment
God’s Love Knows No Bounds: Finding Home, Faith, and Belonging
God’s Love Knows No Bounds: Finding Home, Faith, and Belonging

What does God’s boundless love look like in everyday life? In this moving reflection from Living Lutheran, Augustana University campus pastor Shawna Day shares the story of Benedict Owusu, an international student from Ghana navigating culture shock, loneliness, and racism—and discovering God’s presence through community, care, and faith. Rooted in the conviction that God’s love knows no bounds, this story reminds us how the Holy Spirit works through human connection to create belonging and hope. Read the full reflection at Living Lutheran.

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ELCABrian FlatgardLutheran Campus Ministries, Living LutheranComment
Leaning into the “E” Word: A Local Evangelism Workshop, January 24
Leaning into the “E” Word: A Local Evangelism Workshop, January 24

As members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, we are called to share the good news of Jesus Christ through word and deed. On Saturday, January 24, 2026, leaders are invited to a hybrid Evangelism and Congregational Vitality Workshop, with a local gathering option in the Grand Canyon Synod. This morning workshop connects congregations to regional teaching and local conversation and complements the January 22–24 in-person PLTS gathering. For details, contact Pastor David Pavesic at David.Pavesic@elca.org.

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Grand Canyon Synod, Leader Resources, ELCABrian FlatgardComment
Gathered to Share Christ’s Light: ELCA Evangelism & Vitality Workshop at PLTS
Gathered to Share Christ’s Light: ELCA Evangelism & Vitality Workshop at PLTS

The ELCA invites lay leaders and rostered ministers to a 3-day Evangelism and Congregational Vitality Workshop, January 22–24, 2026, at Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary in Berkeley, CA. Sponsored by PLTS and the ELCA New Ministry Development and Evangelism Team, this gathering equips leaders for evangelizing and congregational renewal. Registration is required by January 6. A related Saturday hybrid workshop is also available locally through participating synods.

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Leader Resources, Grand Canyon Synod, ELCABrian FlatgardPacific Lutheran Theological SeminaryComment
For What Shall We Pray?
For What Shall We Pray?

  • For an end to war, conflict, and violence especially in Gaza, South Sudan, Myanmar, Ukraine, Eastern Congo, and Pakistan/Afghanistan…

  • For all victims of violence, threats of violence, and communities grieving gun violence, including the Brown University and MIT campuses, Stewartville High School, and victims of the Bondi Beach violence in Sydney, Australia…

  • For immigrants, refugees, asylum seekers, and all who travel…

  • For those facing extreme weather, especially blizzard and high wind threats in the Northwestern United States…

  • For the community of Holden Village in this season of evacuation and evaluation…

  • For children and families who face increased food insecurity during school breaks…

  • For accessible and affordable health care…

  • For those living with seasonal affective disorder…

  • For all who seek shelter…

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ELCA, Prayers, SpotlightBrian FlatgardELCA Worship, For What Shall We PrayComment
Created in God’s Image: A Faithful Guide for Responding to Dehumanizing Language
Created in God’s Image: A Faithful Guide for Responding to Dehumanizing Language

The ELCA’s Advocacy and Migration Policy team has released a new conversation guide, Created in the Image of God, equipping faith communities to recognize and respond to dehumanizing language—particularly language directed at immigrants and forcibly displaced people. Grounded in Scripture and ELCA social teaching, the guide calls Christians to affirm the imago Dei in every person and to resist rhetoric that erodes empathy, dignity, and justice.

This timely resource invites congregations and individuals to engage difficult conversations with curiosity, compassion, and faith, using personal stories and theological grounding to challenge harmful narratives. Read the full reflection and download the conversation guide.

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ELCABrian FlatgardAMMPARO, Immigration and Refugees, Church and SocietyComment
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
From Lament to Action: Bishop Curry on Gun Violence and Advent Hope
From Lament to Action: Bishop Curry on Gun Violence and Advent Hope

Following a deadly shooting at Brown University that claimed two lives and injured many others, Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry calls the church to prayer, lament, and faithful public action. The statement names gun violence as a symptom of deeper brokenness in our common life and rejects its normalization in U.S. society.

Drawing on the ELCA’s social message on gun violence, Bishop Curry urges evidence-based, life-saving measures alongside sustained advocacy and accompaniment. In this Advent season, the statement affirms that God meets us in suffering and calls the church to work for justice, compassion, and peace. Read the full statement and prayer from Bishop Curry.

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ELCA, Bishop CurryBrian FlatgardBishop Curry Letters, Church and Society, Ecumenical and Inter-Religious RelationsComment
Standing with Our Jewish Neighbors After the Bondi Beach Attack
Standing with Our Jewish Neighbors After the Bondi Beach Attack

Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry has issued a statement following a deadly terror attack on the Jewish community gathered for a Hanukkah menorah lighting at Bondi Beach in Australia. Writing on the Third Sunday of Advent, Bishop Curry condemns antisemitism, reaffirms the ELCA’s commitment to opposing anti-Jewish hatred, and calls the church to concrete acts of solidarity, love, and peace with our Jewish neighbors.

Grounded in God’s irrevocable covenant and the hope of Advent, the statement invites prayer and faithful action as an antidote to fear and violence. Read the full statement and prayer from Bishop Curry.

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ELCA, Bishop Curry, Global ChurchBrian FlatgardBishop Curry Letters, Church and Society, Ecumenical and Inter-Religious RelationsComment
ELCA Marks 10 Years Since Paris Climate Accords with Call to Courageous Action
ELCA Marks 10 Years Since Paris Climate Accords with Call to Courageous Action

On the tenth anniversary of the Paris Climate Accords, Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry offers a powerful reflection on the church’s call to care for God’s creation. Naming this moment as kairos—a time of crisis and hope—the Bishop urges the ELCA to deepen its commitment to stewardship, sustainability, and action alongside those most vulnerable to climate impacts. He also lifts up the leadership of young adults and Indigenous communities, and commends the ELCA’s social message Earth’s Climate Crisis. Read the full message from the ELCA.

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Bishop Curry, ELCA, LettersBrian FlatgardBishop Curry Letters, Climate ChangeComment
Start Reading: Living Lutheran’s New Site Now Offers Free Digital Access
Start Reading: Living Lutheran’s New Site Now Offers Free Digital Access

The new LivingLutheran.org has launched, offering a free digital membership for readers across the Grand Canyon Synod. To create your free account, visit the direct sign-up link at https://www.livinglutheran.org/create-account the page is currently hard to find from the main subscribe screen.

A free account provides a personalized dashboard, members-only content, article-saving features, and customizable e-news options. Learn more about digital access and print subscriptions at livinglutheran.org/subscribe and stay connected to stories that strengthen us as one ELCA church.

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ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardLiving LutheranComment
A Christmas Whisper of Love and Hope from Presiding Bishop Curry | Un susurro de amor y esperanza: Mensaje navideño del Obispo Presidente Curry
A Christmas Whisper of Love and Hope from Presiding Bishop Curry | Un susurro de amor y esperanza: Mensaje navideño del Obispo Presidente Curry

Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry shares a Christmas children’s sermon inviting us to listen for God’s gentle whispers of love, hope, and peace. The video is available for congregational use, along with downloadable English and Spanish PDFs. This Christmas, Bishop Curry reminds us that “the heavens are still whispering: Jesus is here. God loves you. Share that love with the world.”

El Obispo Presidente Yehiel Curry comparte un sermón infantil navideño que nos invita a escuchar los susurros de amor, esperanza y paz de Dios. El video está disponible para uso en congregaciones, junto con los PDFs en inglés y español. Este mensaje nos recuerda que “los cielos todavía susurran: Jesús está aquí. Dios te ama. Comparte ese amor con el mundo.”

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ELCABrian FlatgardComment
Celebrating 2025 ELCA Disability Ministries Grant Recipients
Celebrating 2025 ELCA Disability Ministries Grant Recipients

Nearly sixty congregations and ministries applied for ELCA Disability Ministries grants this year, reflecting deep commitment to belonging throughout the church. Six ministries were selected for 2025 funding, each undertaking creative accessibility projects in their communities. More details will follow in a future update. Read the announcement on ELCA Disability Ministries.

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ELCABrian FlatgardDisability Ministries, ELCA Disability MinistriesComment
Holy Creativity: Practical Accessibility Tips from ELCA Disability Ministries
Holy Creativity: Practical Accessibility Tips from ELCA Disability Ministries

ELCA Disability Ministries recently gathered 168 leaders for a webinar on affordable, practical steps toward accessible worship and congregational life. The session explored “holy creativity,” resources for Blind and Deaf community members, and ways to support people with invisible and cognitive disabilities. A full recording is now available. Watch the webinar on ELCA Disability Ministries or in this blog post.

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ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardDisability Ministries, ELCA Disability MinistriesComment
Courageous Love Across Continents: A Journey with Lutheran Women in Tanzania
Courageous Love Across Continents: A Journey with Lutheran Women in Tanzania

Writer Nola Smith reflects on her travels with Women of the ELCA’s Global Education program and the powerful faith and resilience of young women in Tanzania. She highlights the impact of scholarships, mentorship, and international accompaniment—and invites us to pray for and support this transformative ministry. Read more on Boldcafé,

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ELCABrian FlatgardCafé, Women of the ELCA (WELCA)Comment
A Palestinian Christian Calls the Church to Truth and Justice in Gaza
A Palestinian Christian Calls the Church to Truth and Justice in Gaza

In this powerful first-person reflection, Khader Khalilia, a Palestinian Christian and ELCA leader, names how life under occupation and the ongoing devastation in Gaza are inseparable from the silence and complicity of much of the Western church. He argues that “peace” without justice merely covers injustice, and that Christian Zionism—confusing the gospel with empire and military power—is a theological distortion that must be rejected.

Khalilia frames Gaza’s suffering as a spiritual and moral crisis for the global church, calling Lutherans to repentance, courage, and a public witness rooted in the Jesus who lived and died as a colonized, brown-skinned Palestinian. This is a challenging and deeply faithful word for our time. Read the full reflection on Living Lutheran ›

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ELCABrian FlatgardLiving Lutheran, Israel and PalestineComment
Faith Over Fear: Lutherans Pray for Evi and All Detained Neighbors
Faith Over Fear: Lutherans Pray for Evi and All Detained Neighbors

A small but resolute group of Asian and Pacific Islander (API) Lutheran leaders and community members gathered outside the Adelanto ICE Processing Center to pray for the release of Evi Sarlita Sihomping, a longtime ELCA member detained since June 7. Led by Pacifica Synod Bishop David Nagler and organized alongside the API Leaders Migration Justice Training, the vigil lifted up Evi’s humanity, rejected the “model minority” myth, and insisted that immigration policy must be shaped by empathy, not punishment.

The article from Living Lutheran highlights the broader advocacy of API ministries, AMMPARO, and ELCA leaders who refuse to stay silent as families are separated. It also shares practical ways to support Evi—including sending cards and contacting elected officials. Read the full story on Living Lutheran ›

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ELCA, Region 2Brian FlatgardLiving Lutheran, Pacifica Synod, Immigration and Refugees, Church and SocietyComment
A Christmas Whisper of Love and Hope from Presiding Bishop Curry | Un susurro de amor y esperanza: Mensaje navideño del Obispo Presidente Curry
A Christmas Whisper of Love and Hope from Presiding Bishop Curry | Un susurro de amor y esperanza: Mensaje navideño del Obispo Presidente Curry

Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry shares a Christmas children’s sermon inviting us to listen for God’s gentle whispers of love, hope, and peace. The video is available for congregational use, along with downloadable English and Spanish PDFs. This Christmas, Bishop Curry reminds us that “the heavens are still whispering: Jesus is here. God loves you. Share that love with the world.”

El Obispo Presidente Yehiel Curry comparte un sermón infantil navideño que nos invita a escuchar los susurros de amor, esperanza y paz de Dios. El video está disponible para uso en congregaciones, junto con los PDFs en inglés y español. Este mensaje nos recuerda que “los cielos todavía susurran: Jesús está aquí. Dios te ama. Comparte ese amor con el mundo.”

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Bishop Curry, ELCABrian Flatgard2025 Advent and Christmas, Bishop Curry LettersComment