Posts tagged ELCA Worship
Faith and Song: Upcoming Opportunities for Musicians and Worship Leaders
Faith and Song: Upcoming Opportunities for Musicians and Worship Leaders

Each month, ELCA Worship shares highlights from Lutheran and ecumenical partner organizations that enrich worship life across the church. This month’s updates include open enrollment for Lutheran Summer Music 2026 at St. Olaf College (priority deadline: December 1), details for the Association of Lutheran Church Musicians 2026 Conference, and an invitation to the Vi Messerli Memorial Lectures in Church Music (October 19–21 at Concordia University Chicago).

Other featured events include The Feast of Creation liturgical conference at Valparaiso University (April 13–15, 2026), Music That Makes Community workshops in Texas and North Carolina, and new resources from Journey to Baptismal Living. Read more about these worship partner events and opportunities on the ELCA Worship blog »

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Leader Resources, ELCABrian FlatgardELCA WorshipComment
For What Shall We Pray?
For What Shall We Pray?

  • For an end to war and conflict, especially in Gaza, South Sudan, Myanmar, and Ukraine…

  • For lasting peace forged by shared commitment to the common good…

  • For an end to psychological warfare, torture, and genodice…

  • For safety and rescue for hikers stranded by severe snowstorms in western China and Nepal…

  • For victims of the Yom Kippur attack in Manchester, UK…

  • For federal workers facing uncertainty…

  • For safety and protection for all immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers…

  • For access to affordable and reliable health care…

  • For ongoing advances in scientific and medical research…

  • For the health and wholeness of LGBTQIA+ individuals and communities…

  • For the flourishing of indigenous nations and communities…

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ELCA, Prayers, SpotlightBrian FlatgardELCA Worship, For What Shall We PrayComment
New Worship Resources for Advent, Christmas, and Beyond
New Worship Resources for Advent, Christmas, and Beyond

Augsburg Fortress highlights new worship materials for fall and winter, including the Together by Grace Bible Conversations webinar (Oct. 15), Humble and Holy Advent devotional, insights on the three-year lectionaries by Gail Ramshaw, and a new Music Sourcebook. These resources support worship leaders and congregations in planning and prayer. See the full list of resources on the ELCA Worship blog.

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Leader Resources, ELCABrian FlatgardELCA WorshipComment
For What Shall We Pray?
For What Shall We Pray?

  • For an end to war and conflict, especially in Gaza, South Sudan, Myanmar, and Ukraine…

  • For all victims of gun violence, especially in Grand Blanc, MI and Dallas, TX…

  • For rescue and recovery efforts following an earthquake in the Philippines…

  • For rescue and recovery efforts follow a school collapse in Indonesia…

  • For safety amidst protest in Morocco and Madagascar…

  • For all migrants and global travelers…

  • For access to affordable and reliable health care, clean water, and sufficient food…

  • For those who serve in the military…

  • For the health and flourishing of creation…

  • In thanksgiving for the ministries of Bishop Elizabeth Eaton and Bishop Yehiel Curry…

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

  • For an end to war and conflict, especially in Gaza, South Sudan, Myanmar, and Ukraine

  • For all victims of gun violence, especially in Dallas, TX, and other acts of violence, including Pittsburgh, PA…

  • For all in the path of Typhoon Ragasa…

  • For the work of the United Nations as they meet in assembly…

  • For political transition in Malawi…

  • For those managing brush fires in Hawaii…

  • In gratitude for the diversity of human gifts, experiences, and abilities that all reflect God’s image…

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

  • For an end to war and conflict, especially in Gaza, South Sudan, Myanmar, and Ukraine…

  • For all victims of gun violence, especially in Minneapolis, MN…

  • For government transitions in Nepal and Malawi…

  • For the plight of all migrants who seek safety, security, and opportunity…

  • For all who live under oppression, threat, and fear…

  • For Jewish neighbors preparing for Rosh Hashanah, and for all gifts of newness, self-reflection, and repentance…

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ELCA, Prayers, SpotlightBrian FlatgardELCA Worship, For What Shall We PrayComment
Partner Resources for Worship Leaders: Music, Training, and More
Partner Resources for Worship Leaders: Music, Training, and More

Each month, ELCA Worship highlights resources and events from Lutheran and ecumenical partners who support worship leaders, musicians, and congregations. This month’s updates include a new free hymn arrangement from Lutheran Summer Music, the upcoming Vi Messerli Memorial Lectures in Church Music (October 19–21), training and events from Music That Makes Community, and new resources from Journey to Baptismal Living.

These partners share in the ELCA’s mission of equipping the church’s song and strengthening our worship life together. To explore all the details and access links to resources and registration, click here.

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ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardELCA WorshipComment
For What Shall We Pray?
For What Shall We Pray?

  • For an end to war and conflict, especially in Gaza, South Sudan, Myanmar, and Ukraine…

  • For peaceful resolution following protests in Kathmandu, Nepal…

  • For all victims of gun violence, especially in Orem, Utah and Evergreen, Colorado…

  • For victims of racism, racial profiling, and race-based violence…

  • For farmers and for all individuals and businesses navigating financial insecurity…

  • For colleges, universities, and all educational institutions…

  • For first responders, emergency personnel, and all who risk their lives in service of others…

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ELCA, Prayers, SpotlightBrian FlatgardELCA Worship, For What Shall We PrayComment
Churchwide Assembly Confesses and Repents Patriarchy and Sexism
Churchwide Assembly Confesses and Repents Patriarchy and Sexism

At the 2025 Churchwide Assembly in Phoenix, worship included a confession and repentance for the sins of patriarchy and sexism, fulfilling commitments from the ELCA’s 2019 social statement Faith, Sexism, and Justice: A Call to Action. The liturgy emphasized confession as honesty before God and repentance as Spirit-led transformation toward justice and equity. Congregations are encouraged to use the confession and to share the resource Forgive Us and Transform Us for the Life of the World, available in English and Spanish. Click here to read more at ELCA.org.

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ELCA, NewsBrian Flatgard2025 Churchwide Assembly, ELCA WorshipComment
For What Shall We Pray?
For What Shall We Pray?

  • For an end to war and conflict, especially in Gaza, Thailand, Cambodia, Colombia, South Sudan, Myanmar, Ukraine, and Ethiopia…

  • For victims of sexual assault and violence…

  • For earthquake victims in eastern Afghanistan…

  • For landslide victims in the Darfur region of Sudan…

  • For wildfires in California…

  • For safety amidst protests in Indonesia…

  • For students, families, and school personnel beginning the new school year…

  • For all professional fields, vocations, and jobs of any kind, and for fair and equitable labor policies…

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ELCA, Prayers, SpotlightBrian FlatgardELCA Worship, For What Shall We PrayComment
New Worship Planning Tools from Augsburg Fortress Now Available
New Worship Planning Tools from Augsburg Fortress Now Available

Each month, ELCA Worship highlights resources from Augsburg Fortress to support pastors, musicians, and worship planners. This month’s recommendations include Revised Common Lectionary Expanded Daily Readings, Lectionary Mosaics, the 2026 Calendar of Word and Season, and ReEngaging ELCA Social Teaching on Health and Health Care. These resources connect scripture, community, and liturgical life in meaningful ways. Click here to explore all the featured tools and publications.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardELCA Worship, Augsburg FortressComment
For What Shall We Pray?
For What Shall We Pray?

  • For an end to war and conflict, especially in Gaza, Thailand, Cambodia, Colombia, South Sudan, Myanmar, Ukraine, and Ethiopia…

  • For all victims of gun violence, especially in Minneapolis, MN…

  • For business owners and leaders, facing increased costs and challenges…

  • For victims of flooding and landslides in Vietnam and Thailand…

  • For police officers and military personnel…

  • For immigrants coming to the US to escape violence in their countries of origin…

  • For those without a home or secure housing and those who serve them…

  • For those seeking meaningful work and all who are unemployed, underemployed, or retired…

  • For students transitioning to college and for the staff and faculty who care for them in these spaces, especially at our ELCA Colleges and Universities…

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

  • For an end to war and conflict, especially in Gaza, Thailand, Cambodia, Colombia, South Sudan, Myanmar, Ukraine, and Ethiopia…

  • For victims of gun violence, especially in Atlanta, GA and Austin, TX…

  • For those without secure housing and those criminalized for being homeless…

  • For flash flooding in Wisconsin, evacuations in Alaska, and all facing storms and flooding…
    For nurses and healthcare workers, especially those serving on the frontlines of war and conflict…

  • For safety for journalists who bring stories and awareness to the tragedy of war…

  • For all marriages, relationships, and family groupings that reflect mutual love and trust…

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

  • For an end to war and conflict, especially in Gaza, Thailand, Cambodia, Colombia, South Sudan, Myanmar, Ukraine, and Ethiopia…

  • For victims of gun violence, especially in Atlanta, GA and Austin, TX…

  • For those without secure housing and those criminalized for being homeless…

  • For flash flooding in Wisconsin, evacuations in Alaska, and all facing storms and flooding…

  • For nurses and healthcare workers, especially those serving on the frontlines of war and conflict…

  • For safety for journalists who bring stories and awareness to the tragedy of war…

  • For all marriages, relationships, and family groupings that reflect mutual love and trust…

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ELCA, Prayers, SpotlightBrian FlatgardELCA Worship, For What Shall We PrayComment
Augsburg Fortress Names New President and CEO
Augsburg Fortress Names New President and CEO

Augsburg Fortress Publishers has announced that Andrew DeYoung will become its next President and CEO on Sept. 1, 2026, following the retirement of Tim Blevins after more than 20 years of service. DeYoung, currently Publisher of Augsburg Fortress’ book division (including Fortress Press, Broadleaf Books, and Beaming Books), is recognized for his leadership, publishing expertise, and commitment to the church’s mission. The Board of Trustees and Presiding Bishop approved the appointment after a nationwide search, with leaders confident in DeYoung’s ability to guide the publishing house into a new era. Click here for the full announcement.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardAugsburg Fortress, ELCA WorshipComment
Worship Life at the 2025 ELCA Churchwide Assembly
Worship Life at the 2025 ELCA Churchwide Assembly

Over 1,000 people gathered in Phoenix, July 28–Aug. 2, for the ELCA 2025 Churchwide Assembly under the theme For the Life of the World. Daily worship services celebrated baptism, Holy Communion, justice, lament, and prayer—culminating in a sending service affirming our call as Christ’s body in the world. Blue vestments on Wednesday and Thursday symbolized hope and the longing for justice and peace. The ELCA has shared behind-the-scenes photos from worship preparations and services, offering a closer look at the people and moments that shaped our time together. Click here to explore the gallery and reflections.

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ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardELCA Worship, 2025 Churchwide AssemblyComment
New Training, Events, and Music from Our Worship Partners
New Training, Events, and Music from Our Worship Partners

ELCA Worship’s August update features new resources, events, and opportunities from Lutheran and ecumenical partners. Highlights include the re-designed Journey to Baptismal Living website, LSM 2025 On Demand with 30+ concerts and worship services, and Music That Makes Community events this fall and winter. Other opportunities include the Vi Messerli Memorial Lectures in Church Music (Oct. 19–21, Illinois) and the Association of Lutheran Church Musicians’ 40th Anniversary Gathering (July 2026, St. Olaf College). Click here to learn more and explore these offerings.

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ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardELCA WorshipComment
For What Shall We Pray?
For What Shall We Pray?

  • For an end to war and conflict, especially in Gaza, Thailand, Cambodia, Colombia, South Sudan, Myanmar, Ukraine, and Ethiopia…

  • For swift and accessible aid to those suffering starvation in Gaza…

  • For an end to political division within the United States and for a united vision that prioritizes the needs of the most vulnerable among us…

  • For those affected by gun violence, especially in Anaconda, MT, Los Angeles, CA, and Fort Stewart, GA…

  • For favorable conditions that aid in controlling wildfires and for those suffering the effects of poor air quality..

  • For victims of flash flooding in northern India…
    In thanksgiving for all leaders of congregations, synods, and churchwide ministries…

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ELCA, Prayers, SpotlightBrian FlatgardELCA Worship, For What Shall We PrayComment
Worship Tools to Enrich Every Sunday: New Resources from Augsburg Fortress
Worship Tools to Enrich Every Sunday: New Resources from Augsburg Fortress

Discover newly released worship resources from Augsburg Fortress, including hymn accompaniments, prayers, and reflections on Lutheran liturgical life. Highlights include Joining in Glad Adoration, Vol. 2, Pray, Praise, and Give Thanks, and a refreshed edition of Baptized, We Live by Daniel Erlander. Plus, help celebrate the five-year anniversary of All Creation Sings by sharing a photo and testimonial by August 15 for a chance to win a $150 gift card. Click here to explore the full August resource roundup on the ELCA Worship blog.

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Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardWorship Resources, ELCA WorshipComment