Posts in Global Church
Faithfulness Amidst Change: Pastor Kristin Engstrom’s Expanding Call in Global Mission
Faithfulness Amidst Change: Pastor Kristin Engstrom’s Expanding Call in Global Mission

Pastor Kristin Engstrom, ELCA global missionary, shares an update on her expanding call as ELCA Regional Representative for Madagascar and English-speaking West Africa. Her January 2026 newsletter highlights recent travels, companion church ministries, and how Lutheran mission is rooted in relationship and accompaniment.

Read the full newsletter, view additional photos and stories, and watch Pastor Kristin’s new ELCA video reflecting on global mission—all pointing to God’s faithfulness in changing times and our shared call to walk together in Christ.

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ELCA, Global Church, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardPastor Kristin EngstromComment
Lutheran World Federation newsletter
Lutheran World Federation newsletter
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News, Global Church, SpotlightBrian FlatgardLutheran World FederationComment
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
Lutheran World Federation newsletter
Lutheran World Federation newsletter
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News, Global Church, SpotlightBrian FlatgardLutheran World FederationComment
In Memoriam: Rev. Daniel Trejo, Father of ILM President Rev. Roberto Trejo Haager
In Memoriam: Rev. Daniel Trejo, Father of ILM President Rev. Roberto Trejo Haager

The Grand Canyon Synod joins the Iglesia Luterana Mexicana in mourning the death of Rev. Daniel Trejo, father of ILM Pastor President Rev. Roberto Trejo Haager, who died on December 1. A wake and devotional were held on December 2, and the funeral took place on December 3. May he rest in peace and rise in glory.

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In Memoriam, Global Church, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardMexican Lutheran Church, Roberto Trejo HaagerComment
Lutheran World Federation newsletter
Lutheran World Federation newsletter
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News, Global Church, SpotlightBrian FlatgardLutheran World FederationComment
Lutheran World Federation newsletter
Lutheran World Federation newsletter
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News, Global Church, SpotlightBrian FlatgardLutheran World FederationComment
Bishop Curry Opens LWF’s 2025 Advent Series with a Message of Hope
Bishop Curry Opens LWF’s 2025 Advent Series with a Message of Hope

The Lutheran World Federation’s 2025 Advent Calendar launches November 30 with daily “Messages of Faith” shared by Lutherans around the world. Beginning with a reflection from ELCA Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry, each short video explores how faith grounds and guides us in this season of expectation. Follow the daily updates on LWF social media or at the Advent Calendar site to receive new encouragement each day of Advent.

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Bishop Curry, ELCA, Global ChurchBrian Flatgard2025 Advent and Christmas, Lutheran World FederationComment
Songs of Restoration: Watoto Choir at Peace Lutheran Church in Peoria
Songs of Restoration: Watoto Choir at Peace Lutheran Church in Peoria

Join Peace Lutheran Church in Peoria on Saturday, Nov. 15, at 5:30 p.m. for a powerful evening with the Watoto Children’s Choir from Uganda. Their new production, Better Days—There is Hope, features vibrant music, dance, and testimonies of God’s love. Come be inspired by their message of hope and restoration.

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Global Church, Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardPeace Peoria, Fiesta ConferenceComment
From Mustard Seeds to Wells: Texans Support Water & Education Across Africa
From Mustard Seeds to Wells: Texans Support Water & Education Across Africa

Two Texas Lutherans—Pastor Brad Otto of Acts of Wisdom and Dick Moeller of Water to Thrive—answered God’s call to support safe water access and education in Africa. Their ministries now provide vital resources in Ethiopia, Liberia, Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, impacting more than a million people through well-building and school support.

Learn how mustard-seed faith grew into transformative ministries serving thousands in this Living Lutheran article.

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ELCA, Global ChurchBrian FlatgardLiving LutheranComment
Bridge Builders and Bold Conversations: Highlights from the AFN Newsletter
Bridge Builders and Bold Conversations: Highlights from the AFN Newsletter

Stay connected with Arizona’s interfaith community through the Arizona Faith Network Newsletter, featuring the upcoming 2025 Annual Gathering – United We Rise on December 2, 2025, honoring bridge builders like Mary Permoda. Discover upcoming opportunities for learning and advocacy, from elder care training and faith education to climate action and community safety.

Read more and subscribe at arizonafaithnetwork.org/newsletter.

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Global ChurchBrian FlatgardArizona Faith Network, Ecumenical and Inter-Religious RelationsComment