Posts in ELCA
Turning Foam into Faithful Action: An Oklahoma Church Recycles for Creation
Turning Foam into Faithful Action: An Oklahoma Church Recycles for Creation

What happens when a faithful few decide they’ve had enough of throwing away plastic foam? At University Lutheran Church in Norman, Oklahoma, an environmental ministry sparked by Sunday morning trash bags has grown into a unique and impactful recycling operation—complete with a “densifier” machine, student volunteers, and community partnerships. This one-of-a-kind program has now sold over 20,000 pounds of compressed foam logs for reuse, showing what’s possible when a congregation puts their faith into earth-friendly action. Click here to read the full story in Living Lutheran.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardLiving LutheranComment
Grand Canyon Synod Leader Helps Shape New Filioque Study Guide
Grand Canyon Synod Leader Helps Shape New Filioque Study Guide

A new study guide on The Common Statement on the Filioque is now available, helping Lutherans reflect on Trinitarian theology and deepen dialogue with Orthodox siblings. Authored by Rev. Dr. Jonathan Linman of Faith Lutheran in Phoenix, the guide marks a major ecumenical milestone on the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea. To learn more and access the study guide, click here.

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ELCA, Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardFaith Phoenix, Capital Conference, ELCA Worship, Ecumenical and Inter-Religious RelationsComment
Rachel’s Day: Honoring Our Children, Confronting Violence
Rachel’s Day: Honoring Our Children, Confronting Violence

Rachel’s Day, observed the first Sunday in May, invites congregations to mourn the loss of children to violence and to renew our commitment to hope and action. New resources for Rachel’s Day 2025 are available to help your congregation pray, mourn, and act against the forces of fear and violence in our communities. Join us in lifting up the promise of Jeremiah 31:15–17: there is hope for your future.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardGun ViolenceComment
Join the Movement: Weekly Prayer Gatherings Begin May 1 Across the ELCA
Join the Movement: Weekly Prayer Gatherings Begin May 1 Across the ELCA

Congregations across the Grand Canyon Synod are invited to join Pray Without Ceasing, a weekly prayer initiative launching May 1. Each community is encouraged to host a regular, welcoming prayer gathering and invite two others to do the same. Resources and optional Zoom gatherings will support participants throughout. View a PDF of FAQs here.

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ELCA, Grand Canyon Synod, Leadership Resources, News, PrayersBrian FlatgardComment
Love Letters That Inspire Giving: A Webinar with Rev. Dr. Eric H.F. Law
Love Letters That Inspire Giving: A Webinar with Rev. Dr. Eric H.F. Law

Join Rev. Dr. Eric H.F. Law on Thursday, May 8, for a free webinar that reimagines stewardship through storytelling. Learn how the simple act of writing “love letters to our church” can inspire natural generosity rooted in gratitude and connection. No registration needed—just join online from 4–5:30 p.m. AZ/NV or 5–6:30 p.m. UT/Navajo Nation.

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ELCA, Grand Canyon Synod, Leadership Resources, NewsBrian FlatgardStewardship, ELCA Mission Support TeamComment
April 2025 Mission Support Memo: Stories Bring Us Together
April 2025 Mission Support Memo: Stories Bring Us Together

ELCA’s April  2025 Mission Support Memo reflects on the Northwest Intermountain Synod Council Retreat at beautiful Lutherhaven Camp. Throughout the time together, council members and synod leaders meditated on our stories and sought to embody the stories that God has entrusted to each of one to hear, empower, and share. Explore the memo to find out ways we can connect with councils, leaders, and congregations. Also, learn about how you and others can join on May 8th in a online session to wonder about "Why People Give: Love Letters to Our Church”. 

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardStewardship, ELCA Mission Support Team, Mission SupportComment
May 5 Is MMIW Awareness Day: Honoring and Advocating Together
May 5 Is MMIW Awareness Day: Honoring and Advocating Together

May 5 is National Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women’s (MMIW) Awareness Day—a time to honor the lives of Indigenous women, girls, and relatives who have gone missing or been murdered at alarmingly high rates. In line with the ELCA’s Declaration to American Indian and Alaska Native People, congregations are invited to wear red, host prayer vigils, include MMIWGR in worship, and build relationships with local Indigenous leaders and musicians. Click here to learn more and access resources from the ELCA.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardMMIW, Racial Justice, ELCA Racial Justice Ministries, American Indian and Alaska NativeComment
For What Shall We Pray?
For What Shall We Pray?

  • For justice and peace among nations where war and violence rage, especially Ukraine and Russia, Palestine and Israel, Haiti, Sudan, Myanmar, Yemen…

  • For all victims of gun violence, especially at Florida State University and in Kashmir, India…
    For our planet and the life it supports, for sustainability, and against earth’s exploitation…

  • For the memory and witness of Pope Francis, and for the Roman Catholic Church in this time of mourning and discernment…

  • For those fighting wildfires in New Jersey and for all threatened homes and habitats…

  • For those navigating earthquake aftermath in Istanbul…

  • For migrants, travelers, and those who are deported or detained…

  • For Christian unity in this Easter season…

  • For diversity of intellectual, emotional, and physical abilities, and for the gifts of neurodivergence…

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ELCA, Prayers, SpotlightBrian FlatgardELCA Worship, For What Shall We PrayComment
Faith Lens: Peace with a Purpose
Faith Lens: Peace with a Purpose

In the wake of violence and despair, Jesus’ first words to his disciples after the resurrection were words of peace—spoken not once, but three times. This week’s reflection from Faith Lens invites us to shift our gaze from Doubting Thomas to the mission Jesus gives: to be sent, empowered by the Spirit, and grounded in a peace that brings life abundant. As global conflict continues and hope feels scarce, the resurrection reminds us that peace is not only possible—it is purposeful. Discover how Christ’s peace sends us into a broken world as agents of hope.

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Worship Resources, ELCA, ResourcesBrian FlatgardFaith Lens, Youth and Young AdultComment
Love Letters That Inspire Giving: A Webinar with Rev. Dr. Eric H.F. Law
Love Letters That Inspire Giving: A Webinar with Rev. Dr. Eric H.F. Law

Join Rev. Dr. Eric H.F. Law on Thursday, May 8, for a free webinar that reimagines stewardship through storytelling. Learn how the simple act of writing “love letters to our church” can inspire natural generosity rooted in gratitude and connection. No registration needed—just join online from 4–5:30 p.m. AZ/NV or 5–6:30 p.m. UT/Navajo Nation.

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ELCA, Grand Canyon Synod, Leadership Resources, NewsBrian FlatgardStewardship, ELCA Mission Support TeamComment
ELCA Mourns the Passing of Pope Francis, Celebrates His Life in Christ
ELCA Mourns the Passing of Pope Francis, Celebrates His Life in Christ

Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton offers a pastoral message on the death of Pope Francis, giving thanks for his global witness to justice, peace, and unity in Christ. She reflects on his contributions to Catholic-Lutheran dialogue, his advocacy for the poor and the planet, and his powerful presence at the 500th anniversary of the Reformation. We join in mourning his loss and celebrating his life eternal in Christ. Click here to read the full message.

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Bishop Eaton, ELCA, Letters, NewsBrian FlatgardEcumenical and Inter-Religious Relations, Bishop Eaton LettersComment
Vicar Wanda Frenchman Calls Us to Remember and Advocate This MMIWGR Day, May 5
Vicar Wanda Frenchman Calls Us to Remember and Advocate This MMIWGR Day, May 5

May 5 is Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Relatives (MMIWGR) Day—a time of remembrance, advocacy, and action. Vicar Wanda Frenchman of Native American Urban Ministry in Phoenix shares her personal story and invites us to raise awareness through worship, education, and public witness. Join the ELCA-wide effort by wearing red, naming the missing, and attending a candlelight vigil via Zoom.

Click here to read Wanda’s full reflection on Boldcafe.org and learn how your congregation can participate.

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ELCA, Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardAmerican Indian and Alaska Native, Women of the ELCA (WELCA), Church and Society, Wanda FrenchmanComment
Why We Wear Red: Honoring Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives
Why We Wear Red: Honoring Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives

The red dress has become a sacred symbol of remembrance and justice for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives (MMIR). In this moving reflection, Prairie Rose Seminole, an ELCA leader and MHA Nation member, calls us to grieve together, learn the truth, and live out our Lutheran faith through advocacy, solidarity, and action. As we approach the National Day of Awareness on May 5, we are invited to wear red—not only as a sign of mourning, but as a promise to seek justice for those taken. Click here to read the full article at Boldcafé.

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ELCA, Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardAmerican Indian and Alaska Native, Women of the ELCA (WELCA), Church and SocietyComment
Join the Movement: Weekly Prayer Gatherings Begin May 1 Across the ELCA
Join the Movement: Weekly Prayer Gatherings Begin May 1 Across the ELCA

Congregations across the Grand Canyon Synod are invited to join Pray Without Ceasing, a weekly prayer initiative launching May 1. Each community is encouraged to host a regular, welcoming prayer gathering and invite two others to do the same. Resources and optional Zoom gatherings will support participants throughout. View a PDF of FAQs here.

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ELCA, Grand Canyon Synod, Leadership Resources, News, PrayersBrian FlatgardComment
Hope, Hosanna, and Heartbreak: ELCA Joins Solidarity Visit to Palestinian Lutherans
Hope, Hosanna, and Heartbreak: ELCA Joins Solidarity Visit to Palestinian Lutherans

In a powerful joint statement following a Holy Week solidarity visit, ELCA and ELCIC leaders affirm unwavering support for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land. As the last hospital in Gaza was bombed on Palm Sunday and hope continues to dim for many Palestinians, the call for justice, accompaniment, and presence rings out louder than ever. “As long as the ELCJHL is here, we are all here.” Click here to read the full statement at ELCA.org.

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Bishop Eaton, ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardEvangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land, Israel and Palestine, Bishop Eaton Letters, Church and SocietyComment
Faith Lens: Evidence of Life
Faith Lens: Evidence of Life

What do distant planets and the resurrection of Christ have in common? Both challenge us to believe based on signs we cannot yet touch. This week’s Faith Lens reflection draws parallels between new NASA discoveries and the Easter story—reminding us that grace, like life, often reveals itself in ways that stretch our imagination and strengthen our faith.

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Worship Resources, ELCA, ResourcesBrian FlatgardFaith Lens, Youth and Young Adult, 2025 LentComment
For What Shall We Pray?
For What Shall We Pray?

  • For justice and peace among nations where war and violence rage, especially Ukraine and Russia, Palestine and Israel, Haiti, Sudan, Myanmar, Yemen…

  • For all victims of gun violence, in Dallas, TX…
    For victims of the bombing of Anglical Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza…

  • For farmers, gardeners, and all who tend creation during the shift in seasons…

  • For safety for all refugees, migrants, and those seeking a homeland…

  • For the story of Jesus’s Passion and for his solidarity with all who are unjustly detained or denied due process…

  • For those who are preparing for baptism and those who accompany them…

  • For all Christians across the globe during this Holy Week and Easter…

  • For Jewish siblings observing Passover, and for the dignity and safety of people of all religious traditions…

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