Posts in ELCA
Finding God in the In-Between
Finding God in the In-Between

Transitions can leave us between what was and what will be—a disorienting “liminal space” of waiting and uncertainty. Drawing on a difficult mountain hike, Joseph’s years of waiting and the Christian hope of God’s “already, but not yet” reign, the Rev. Becca Ehrlich reminds us that in-between time is not a time for inaction.

Even without a clear view of what lies ahead, we can listen for God, love our neighbors and become guiding lights for one another. Read the full reflection in Café.

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ELCABrian FlatgardCafé, Women of the ELCA (WELCA)Comment
Meeting Change With Body, Spirit and Grace
Meeting Change With Body, Spirit and Grace

Life transitions can stir physical sensations, powerful emotions and spiritual questions—even when the change is welcome. The Rev. Dr. Becca Ehrlich introduces somatic awareness as a way to listen to our bodies, practice self-compassion and remain present with God amid change.

Discover how embodied practices can deepen prayer and expand our capacity to love and serve others. Read the full reflection from Café, a publication of Women of the ELCA.

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ELCABrian FlatgardCafé, Women of the ELCA (WELCA)Comment
Living Water: Worshiping With the Watersheds That Sustain Us
Living Water: Worshiping With the Watersheds That Sustain Us

The Season of Creation, observed September 1 through October 4, invites congregations to give thanks for water and examine the environmental justice questions surrounding it. The Rev. Nancy Wright connects baptism, Jesus’ promise of living water and the watersheds that sustain every community.

Explore ideas for water-centered worship, education and action—especially relevant to the desert, rural and tribal communities of the Grand Canyon Synod. Read the full article at Living Lutheran.

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ELCABrian FlatgardLiving LutheranComment
Living Lutheran: Becoming the Friends on the Roof
Living Lutheran: Becoming the Friends on the Roof

Families affected by disability often carry unseen burdens and may quietly leave congregational life when they must advocate for inclusion alone. Reflecting on the friends who carried a paralyzed man to Jesus in Mark 2, Chris G. Neeley challenges churches to become friends willing to share the load.

Discover how practical support, caregiver respite and a Lutheran understanding of grace can help build communities where every person belongs. Read the full reflection at Living Lutheran.

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ELCABrian FlatgardLiving LutheranComment
New September Worship Resources from Augsburg Fortress
New September Worship Resources from Augsburg Fortress

ELCA Worship’s September roundup features new resources from Augsburg Fortress for musicians, worship planners, rostered ministers, and lay leaders—including a new Sundays and Seasons Music Leader Module, music for occasions outside the lectionary, pastoral care resources, and a handbook for presiding ministers. Explore what’s new and find resources to support worship and ministry in your congregation.

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ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardELCA WorshipComment
Listen to Palestinian Christian Voices: Stolen Stories Episode 4
Listen to Palestinian Christian Voices: Stolen Stories Episode 4

ELCA Sumud’s latest Stolen Stories video, “Daily Life 2005–2023,” centers Palestinian Christian voices and lived experiences in Palestine and Israel. Watch this fourth episode in the five-part series and explore what faithful accompaniment and steadfast hope can mean for the church. Watch Episode 4.

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ELCABrian FlatgardIsrael and Palestine, Sumud, Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy LandComment
Church Property as Gospel Witness: A Conversation on Land Back
Church Property as Gospel Witness: A Conversation on Land Back

The Grand Canyon Synod is launching a series highlighting the ELCA Church Property Resource Hub. Begin with a no-cost Zoom webinar, “Land Back as Property Stewardship Ethic,” on Thursday, September 24, at 6 p.m. Central Time. Indigenous leaders and ELCA partners will explore land return, the Doctrine of Discovery, and faithful property stewardship. Register today.

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ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardChurch Property Resource Hub (CPRH)Comment
Faithful Listening, Bold Proclamation: Fall Workshops for ELCA Leaders
Faithful Listening, Bold Proclamation: Fall Workshops for ELCA Leaders

Lay and rostered leaders are invited to Faithful Listening, Bold Proclamation, three interactive Zoom workshops with ELCA pastor and Womanist theologian Rev. Sharei Green on Sept. 24, Oct. 1, and Oct. 8 at 4 p.m. Arizona/Pacific Time. Explore Community, Gospel, and Kin-dom while strengthening practices of listening and proclamation. Attend one session or all three.

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ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardTransformed Listeners InitiativeComment
Leading Through Change: Transitional Ministry Training Begins October 1
Leading Through Change: Transitional Ministry Training Begins October 1

Are you discerning intentional interim ministry—or looking for stronger skills to lead a congregation through change? The Lutheran Transitional Ministry Association’s Basic Education in Transitions begins online October 1, followed by an April 2027 residential week in San Antonio.

The training equips pastors and ministry leaders to navigate congregational dynamics, conflict, grief and adaptive change while discerning the future God is inviting communities to discover. Registration is now open.

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ELCABrian FlatgardLutheran Transitional Ministry AssociationComment
August Mission Support Memo: Mortgage Miracle
August Mission Support Memo: Mortgage Miracle

Our August 2026 Mission Support Memo spotlights a story by First Lutheran Church in St. Peter, Minn. of our Southwestern Minnesota Synod strategically using The Generosity Project to build a culture of intergenerational giving and gratitude that eventually allowed them to retire their mortgage - they call it a "Mortgage Miracle".  Speaking of stewardship, learn about how your congregation can participate in the Fall “Cultivating Generous Congregations” cohort at a great deal. Finally, hear about how the Congregation and Synod Support Team is adapting to new staffing and structure. 

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ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardMission Support, ELCA Mission Support TeamComment
Stolen Stories Episode 3 Explores the Intifadas and Oslo Accords
Stolen Stories Episode 3 Explores the Intifadas and Oslo Accords

Episode 3 of ELCA Sumud’s five-part “Stolen Stories” series explores the Intifadas and Oslo Accords through Palestinian Christian voices. Hear pastors, bishops, and scholars offer historical and theological context while sharing the lived experiences of Palestinians in their own words.

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ELCABrian FlatgardSumud, Israel and Palestine, Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land, Church and SocietyComment
ELEA Seeks Part-Time Membership Director
ELEA Seeks Part-Time Membership Director

The Evangelical Lutheran Education Association (ELEA / ELCA Schools & Learning Centers) is seeking a part-time, fully remote Membership Director to help support approximately 1,200 Lutheran schools and early learning centers nationwide. The position is approximately 20–25 hours per week with a flexible schedule and is open until filled.

Candidates with administrative or membership-development experience, particularly within an ELCA congregation, synod or organization, are encouraged to apply.

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ELCABrian FlatgardEvangelical Lutheran Education Association (ELEA), Help WantedComment
Bishop Curry Calls Lutherans to Be “Trusted Messengers” This Election Season
Bishop Curry Calls Lutherans to Be “Trusted Messengers” This Election Season

ELCA Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry calls Lutherans to be “faithful, informed and engaged” this election season—and to serve as trusted messengers in a time when misinformation can undermine trust and participation. Grounding civic engagement in our baptismal calling, love of neighbor and the commandment not to bear false witness, Bishop Curry encourages congregations and individuals to seek accurate information, participate thoughtfully and help strengthen their communities.

His Aug. 19 message also highlights new ELCA election resources, including the ELCA Election Engagement Toolkitand a Sept. 3 toolkit launch webinar. Read Bishop Curry’s full message and explore the resources →

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Bishop Curry, ELCABrian FlatgardBishop Curry Letters, Elections and Voting Rights, Church and SocietyComment
Stolen Stories: Palestinian Christians Share History in Their Own Words
Stolen Stories: Palestinian Christians Share History in Their Own Words

ELCA Sumud’s five-part Stolen Stories video series centers Palestinian Christian pastors, bishops and scholars as they tell their history in their own words. Watch the first two episodes, “Nakba” and “Naksa,” and listen to the lived experiences and theological witness of our Palestinian siblings in Christ.

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ELCABrian FlatgardSumud, Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy LandComment
From Lutheran Freedom to Racial Justice: Watch and Join the ELCA Series
From Lutheran Freedom to Racial Justice: Watch and Join the ELCA Series

Watch the first two webinars in ELCA Racial Justice Ministries’ series equipping the church to dismantle white supremacy—including “Freedom of a Christian,” featuring Rev. Dr. Carmelo Santos, PhD, our 2026 Fall Gathering speaker. Meet Dr. Santos through this timely exploration of Lutheran freedom, justice and our calling to serve our neighbors.

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ELCABrian FlatgardRacial Justice, ELCA Racial Justice MinistriesComment