Posts in ELCA
For What Shall We Pray?
For What Shall We Pray?

  • For an end to war, violence, and genocide across the world, especially in Ukraine, Gaza, Iran, Israel, Haiti, Sudan, Myanmar, Yemen, India, Pakistan, Thailand, and Cambodia…

  • For those at risk of famine and starvation in Gaza, and for those who work to provide aid and relief…

  • For victims of violence, especially in New York City, NY, Reno, NV, and Traverse City, MI…

  • For those who are still missing in the aftermath of flooding in Texas, and for the ongoing work of search and rescue teams…

  • For those experiencing deadly flooding in Beijing, China, and for all places affected by severe weather…

  • For those facing the aftermath of the eastern Russia earthquake, and for all evacuees in the region…

  • For Presiding Bishop-elect Yehiel Curry, for Presiding Bishop Eaton, and for the ELCA in this season of leadership transition…

  • In thanksgiving for the Spirit’s wisdom and guidance during ELCA Churchwide Assembly…

  • In gratitude for the volunteers, convention center staff, and Churchwide staff who made ELCA Churchwide Assembly possible…

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ELCA, Prayers, SpotlightBrian FlatgardELCA Worship, For What Shall We PrayComment
New Leadership, Global Witness, and Bold Resolutions Mark CWA Day Three
New Leadership, Global Witness, and Bold Resolutions Mark CWA Day Three

Yehiel Curry, bishop of the Metropolitan Chicago Synod, was elected as the ELCA’s new presiding bishop on the fifth ballot. The day also featured powerful preaching from the Holy Land, approval of the 2026–2028 churchwide budget, and the adoption of a significant memorial calling for an end to the occupation of Palestine. In a spirit of ecumenical solidarity and prophetic voice, the assembly celebrated partnerships, affirmed resilience, and looked ahead with courage and grace. Click here to read the full Day Three recap.

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ELCA, NewsBrian Flatgard2025 Churchwide AssemblyComment
From Doctrine to Diversity: Big Conversations on CWA Day Two
From Doctrine to Diversity: Big Conversations on CWA Day Two

On day two of the Churchwide Assembly, seven nominees advanced in the election for presiding bishop, with a third ballot and Q&A set for day three. Voting members wore red to honor missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls. The day featured updates on repudiating the Doctrine of Discovery, the introduction of key social statements on civic life and human sexuality, and fiscal reports that revealed a stable budget outlook. Ecumenical partners and college leaders also offered greetings and updates. Click here to read the full Day Two recap.

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ELCA, NewsBrian Flatgard2025 Churchwide AssemblyComment
CWA Day 1: Churchwide Assembly Opens in Phoenix with Eucharist and First Ballot
CWA Day 1: Churchwide Assembly Opens in Phoenix with Eucharist and First Ballot

The 2025 ELCA Churchwide Assembly officially opened in Phoenix on July 28 with a powerful worship service of Holy Communion and the first plenary session. Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton preached on the eucharist as an act of resistance in a divided world. Voting members cast the first ballot for presiding bishop—no election yet. Grand Canyon Synod Bishop Deborah Hutterer offered greetings as the host synod. The day closed with an introduction to Friday’s litany of confession and repentance for patriarchy and sexism. Click here to read the full Day One recap.

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ELCA, NewsBrian Flatgard2025 Churchwide AssemblyComment
Living Lutheran: Meet Presiding Bishop-Elect Yehiel Curry
Living Lutheran: Meet Presiding Bishop-Elect Yehiel Curry

Bishop Yehiel Curry has been elected the fifth presiding bishop of the ELCA, marking a historic first as the denomination’s first bishop of African descent. A former teacher and social worker turned pastor and synod bishop, Curry brings a deep passion for lay leadership, community-rooted ministry, and faithful embodiment of the church’s call. His story is one of discernment, hope, and gratitude for the church’s investment in emerging leaders. Curry will be installed October 4 at Central Lutheran Church in Minneapolis. Click here to read the full story on Living Lutheran.

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Bishop Curry, ELCA, NewsBrian Flatgard2025 Churchwide AssemblyComment
‘Thank You for Your Investment’: Yehiel Curry Elected Presiding Bishop of the ELCA
‘Thank You for Your Investment’: Yehiel Curry Elected Presiding Bishop of the ELCA

The Rev. Yehiel Curry was elected July 30 as presiding bishop of the ELCA during the Churchwide Assembly in Phoenix. Elected on the fifth ballot with 562 votes, Curry becomes the first Black presiding bishop in the ELCA’s history. He currently serves as bishop of the Metropolitan Chicago Synod and brings a deep history of mission development and theological formation to this new call. Read more in the ELCA’s press release.

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ELCA, NewsBrian Flatgard2025 Churchwide AssemblyComment
Free August Events from ELCA Coaching: Support, Skills, and Sacred Connection
Free August Events from ELCA Coaching: Support, Skills, and Sacred Connection

Explore a variety of free ELCA Coaching events this August, including gatherings on healing, truth-telling, and faith practice. Upcoming highlights include “Creating Beloved Community” sessions each Wednesday and “Decolonizing Worship” on August 29. Registration is also open for coaching trainings beginning in August and September. Learn more and register at elcacoaching.org/events.

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ELCA, Leadership Resources, NewsBrian FlatgardCoaching, ELCA CoachingComment
Register Now: ELEA Leadership Gathering Unites Lutheran Educators Nationwide
Register Now: ELEA Leadership Gathering Unites Lutheran Educators Nationwide

Lutheran school leaders are invited to the ELEA Leadership Conference 2025, “Inspiring Leaders, Strengthening Faith,” held November 5–7 in Cleveland, Ohio. This national gathering offers three days of professional development, spiritual renewal, and community for educators shaping the future of Lutheran schools. Register now and join the movement to nurture the next generation of faithful leaders.

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ELCA, News, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardEvangelical Lutheran Education AssociationComment
Bible Study Series on Justice Now Available: “For the Life of the World”
Bible Study Series on Justice Now Available: “For the Life of the World”

The July Bible study series exploring For the Life of the World through the lenses of climate justice, gender justice, and reconciliation is now available online. Watch the videos and download study guides to explore how Scripture and faith speak into the world’s most urgent challenges. Perfect for personal reflection or group study.

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ELCA, NewsBrian Flatgard2025 Churchwide Assembly, Climate Change, LGBTQIA+Comment
Speak Up for Gaza: Aid Must Reach the Vulnerable Safely
Speak Up for Gaza: Aid Must Reach the Vulnerable Safely

The ELCA urges action to ensure safe and neutral humanitarian aid access in Gaza. Current aid delivery mechanisms, backed by U.S. and Israeli authorities, force Palestinians to risk their lives for food and fail to provide access to medical and hygiene supplies. As people of faith, we are called to advocate for peace and human dignity. Learn how you can contact your lawmakers and make your voice heard. Click here for more.

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ELCA, Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardAdvocacy, ELCA Advocacy, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA), Church and Society, Israel and PalestineComment
Navigating Political Violence with Faith: New Season of Here I Pod Launches
Navigating Political Violence with Faith: New Season of Here I Pod Launches

The second season of Here I Pod from ELCA Advocacy launches with a compelling episode on faith, advocacy, and community in the face of political violence. Host Regina Q. Banks speaks with Lutheran leaders in Minnesota and across the church, including the Rev. Amy Reumann and the Rev. Angela Denker, about how we can respond theologically and practically to violence in our public life. To explore how our faith informs action in this moment, click here.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardHere I Pod, ELCA Advocacy, Church and SocietyComment
Bishop Eaton Responds to IRS Ruling: “Protect the Church from Partisanship”
Bishop Eaton Responds to IRS Ruling: “Protect the Church from Partisanship”

ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton has issued a video message in response to a recent IRS ruling that may reinterpret the Johnson Amendment to permit partisan activity by religious organizations. Emphasizing the church’s theological commitment to remain nonpartisan, Eaton urges vigilance while affirming our gospel call to advocate for justice. Watch the video and read the ELCA’s full statement online.

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ELCA, Bishop Eaton, Letters, NewsBrian FlatgardBishop Eaton Letters, Church and SocietyComment
Church and State: ELCA Responds to IRS Ruling on Political Activity
Church and State: ELCA Responds to IRS Ruling on Political Activity

In response to a recent IRS court filing, the ELCA reaffirms its support of the Johnson Amendment, which prohibits churches from endorsing political candidates. The church warns that loosening these protections could compromise gospel clarity and introduce partisanship into congregational life. The ELCA encourages faithful, nonpartisan civic engagement rooted in Lutheran theology.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardChurch and SocietyComment
For What Shall We Pray?
For What Shall We Pray?

  • For an end to war, violence, and genocide across the world, especially in Ukraine, Gaza, Iran, Israel, Haiti, Sudan, Myanmar, Yemen, India, and Pakistan…

  • For the ongoing work of first responders and relief organizations, including Lutheran Disaster Response in Kerr County, Texas, and in all places affected by natural disasters…

  • For those experiencing or anticipating storms and floods in the Northeast US and in the Gulf region…

  • For the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada who has elected the Rev. Dr. Larry Kochendorfer to serve as its fifth National Bishop and in thanksgiving for the ministry of outgoing National Bishop Susan Johnson…

  • For our own church and the discernment of voting members who will soon elect a new Presiding Bishop and Secretary of the ELCA…

  • For those affected by recent ICE raids in Camarillo, California, including those injured and killed…

  • For all victims of sexual abuse and assault…

  • For those killed and injured in a recent fire at an assisted living facility in Fall River, Massachusetts…

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ELCA, Prayers, SpotlightBrian FlatgardELCA Worship, For What Shall We PrayComment
July 2025 Mission Support Memo: Chaplaincy Ministers to All
July 2025 Mission Support Memo: Chaplaincy Ministers to All

Explore how ELCA chaplains serve in places beyond church walls—offering God’s love to people of all backgrounds through specialized and federal ministries. This month’s Mission Support Memo also highlights a fresh way to use The Generosity Project and gives thanks for the storytellers who share grace across our church.

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ELCA, Leadership Resources, NewsBrian FlatgardELCA Federal Chaplains, Mission Support, ELCA Mission Support TeamComment
How Your Congregation Can Support People with Dementia—Register for August Workshop
How Your Congregation Can Support People with Dementia—Register for August Workshop

Join the August 21 workshop Creating a Dementia-Friendly Congregation, led by Dr. Kristin Mauk and sponsored by the Lutheran Faith Community Nurse Association. Open to nurses and non-nurses, this online event equips participants with evidence-based tools and Christ-centered strategies to better support people living with dementia and their families. Registration is $30–$50 and includes 2.0 nursing contact hours. Register at lutheranfcna.org/event-6168932.

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ELCA, Leadership ResourcesBrian FlatgardDementia, Lutheran Faith Community Nurse Association (LFCNA)Comment
Rediscovering Creativity as a Spiritual Practice
Rediscovering Creativity as a Spiritual Practice

What if your joy is part of your spiritual practice? In this faith reflection originally published by Boldcafé, Sarah Carson invites us to honor the Spirit’s presence in the things we love—doodling, reading poetry, wandering a thrift store. Inspired by Julia Cameron’s The Artist’s Way, Carson lifts up the “artist’s date” as a sacred invitation to play, explore, and reconnect with our God-given uniqueness. Read more in “A Spiritual Endeavor” on Boldcafé—click here.

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ELCA, News, LettersBrian FlatgardCafé, Women of the ELCA (WELCA)Comment
A Teenager’s Vision for Church: Safe, Inclusive, and Always Becoming
A Teenager’s Vision for Church: Safe, Inclusive, and Always Becoming

Kamila Gutierrez, a communications intern with WELCA and student at UW-Milwaukee, shares her personal journey from childhood faith to discovering Process Theology—a theological framework that embraces change, justice, and becoming. Raised in a conservative tradition, Kamila sought a God who welcomes, includes, and acts. In this reflection, she explores how Process Theology affirms God’s dynamic love and the church’s role in shaping a more just world. Click here to read her full essay on Boldcafe.org.

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ELCA, LettersBrian FlatgardCafé, Women of the ELCA (WELCA)Comment
Ordinary and Extraordinary: A Daughter Reflects on Bishop Eaton’s Ministry
Ordinary and Extraordinary: A Daughter Reflects on Bishop Eaton’s Ministry

Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton’s daughter, Beckah Selnick, offers a heartfelt reflection on a life and ministry rooted in the sacred intersection of the ordinary and extraordinary. From late nights in the sacristy to leadership on the global stage, Bishop Eaton has modeled a ministry of presence, resilience, and grace. Click here to read the full article on Living Lutheran: Ordinary and extraordinary.

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ELCA, Bishop Eaton, NewsBrian FlatgardLiving Lutheran, 2025 Churchwide AssemblyComment