Posts in ELCA
Shaping the Future of Climate Advocacy: ELCA's Fall Climate Summit for Young Adults
Shaping the Future of Climate Advocacy: ELCA's Fall Climate Summit for Young Adults

The ELCA is calling all young adults passionate about addressing the climate crisis to apply for the Fall Climate Summit happening in Chicago, Illinois from October 20-22, 2023. Read more and apply at elca.org.

Whether you're a seasoned climate advocate or just starting on your advocacy journey, this event promises to be a unique opportunity to gain new skills, deepen understanding of climate justice issues, and create an action plan for making a real difference in your community. The application deadline is July 19, 2023.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardClimate Change, Youth and Young AdultComment
For What Shall We Pray? 7/5/2023
For What Shall We Pray? 7/5/2023

  • For peace in Palestine, Ukraine, Yemen, and Syria…

  • For all victims of gun violence, especially in Philadelphia, PA; Washington D.C.; Fort Worth, TX; Salisbury, MD; and Hayward, CA…

  • For students and for higher education professionals as they respond to and adapt to new legislative actions…

  • For police protests in France and for all who advocate for racial justice around the world…

  • For safety and relief in areas of the United States experiencing extreme heat…

  • For those suffering heavy rains, flooding, and heat waves in China and the Asia Pacific region…

  • For areas still struggling with compromised air quality due to fires and pollution…

  • For the ongoing effects of climate change and for increased compassion for our earth…

  • For protection and mercy upon all who travel, out of necessity or for pleasure…

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ELCA, PrayersBrian FlatgardELCA Worship, For What Shall We PrayComment
Truth & Healing Movement resources
Truth & Healing Movement resources

  • Watch the National Indian Lutheran Board’s Panel Discussion, from June 21, 2023

  • “Read the Truth in July” – consider reading a book written by a Native author and hosting a book discussion. Get some suggestions at Native Reads.

  • July 16 2023: "Indian 101" class. Led by Vance Blackfox .

  • July 24 2023: “Introduction to the Truth & Healing Movement". Led by Vance Blackfox.

Descriptions and links for the Truth & Healing Movement are posted on the ELCA's website.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardAmerican Indian and Alaska Native, Truth and Healing MovementComment
A prophetic call to action: An interview with author Kenneth Wheeler
A prophetic call to action: An interview with author Kenneth Wheeler

In this article from Living Lutheran, we read how Rev. Kenneth Wheeler was compelled to write his new book US: The Resurrection of American Terror (Precocity Press, 2022) after connecting the trauma he’d experienced under Jim Crow segregation to the rise in Christian nationalism he’d seen in recent years. Read the full article in this post, and be sure to participate in our Conversations with Rev. Kenneth W. Wheeler, July 11 and August 1, 2023, at 10 am.

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ELCA, Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardRacial Justice, Living Lutheran, Simon's ProjectComment
Living Lutheran: Reading Proverbs and reading life
Living Lutheran: Reading Proverbs and reading life

The book of Proverbs asks us to bring our whole lives with us when we read it. This is true for the whole of Scripture but especially for Proverbs.

As part of the biblical books known as wisdom literature, Proverbs centers human experience as a way of discerning God’s work in the world and our participation in it. Proverbs rarely shows up in the lectionary and isn’t known as a favorite in Lutheran circles, but it teaches careful reading and interpreting.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardLiving LutheranComment
For What Shall We Pray? 6/27/2023
For What Shall We Pray? 6/27/2023

  • For all experiencing the effects of smoke, air pollution, and poor air quality…

  • For cleanup and recovery following tornadoes in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Indiana…

  • For areas facing extreme heat and other extreme weather conditions…

  • For fire fighters and all in the paths of brush fires in California and Arizona…

  • For all victims and wounded in shooting events, especially in Kansas City, MO; Willowbrook, IL; Saginaw, MI…

  • For police protests in Paris…

  • For peace in the world, especially in Ukraine, Palestine, and Syria…

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ELCA, PrayersBrian FlatgardELCA Worship, For What Shall We PrayComment
For What Shall We Pray? 6/20/2023
For What Shall We Pray? 6/20/2023

  • For all victims and wounded in shooting events, especially in San Francisco, CA; Milwaukee, WI; and Columbus, OH…

  • For recovery efforts and healing following tornadoes and severe weather in Mississippi and Oklahoma…

  • For communities in the path of Tropical Storm Bret as it continues to develop…

  • For national governments and legislative bodies in their discernment and collaboration…

  • For fragile ecosystems threatened by global warming and for climate justice advocacy efforts…

  • For peace in our world, especially in Ukraine and Palestine…

  • For grieving families in Pakistan following the migrant boat disaster off the coast of Greece…

  • In thanksgiving for the community-strengthening gifts of LGBTQIA+ leaders who serve as teachers, artists, first responders, business owners, city council members, and church workers…

  • For long daylight hours in the northern hemisphere and for all flora and fauna who thrive in sunlight…

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ELCA, PrayersBrian FlatgardELCA Worship, For What Shall We PrayComment
ELCA Disability Ministries June 2023 newsletter
ELCA Disability Ministries June 2023 newsletter

Click here for the ELCA Disability Ministries June 2023 newsletter, with a reminder that July is Disability Pride Month, commemorating the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act and celebrating the disability community.

Check out this article to learn more about Disability Pride and what it means for so many people — including you. This resource explains the meaning behind the design and colors of the Disability Pride flag. How can your congregation and/or ministry partner with your friends in the disability community this month and all year?

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardDisability Ministries, ELCA Disability MinistriesComment
YAGM expands age range and application process
YAGM expands age range and application process

Young Adults in Global Mission (YAGM) program announces two changes to the application process:

1) Young adults ages 21-35 are welcome to apply for YAGM. This expands the previous age range of 21-29 to align more closely with ELCA Young Adult Ministry.

2) Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis, year-round. The timeline for decisions and the period of service for program participants will remain the same as in previous years.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardYouth and Young Adult, Young Adults in Global MissionComment
RECLAIM: Empowering Ministry for People of African Descent
RECLAIM: Empowering Ministry for People of African Descent

RECLAIM is a gathering for people of African descent, brought to you by African Descent Ministries. People of African descent of all ages and gender identities will gather in Minneapolis on September 14 - 17, 2023. Standard registration ($300) and young adult registration ($200) end 6/30. Late registration ($350) ends 8/15. Register here.

Participants will engage in workshops, shared meals, praise and worship that will enable us to build community, learn new skills, share resources and rejuvenate weary souls.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardAfrican Descent MinistriesComment
Five reasons to attend the Rostered Ministers Gathering
Five reasons to attend the Rostered Ministers Gathering

Registration is open through July 1! Register today. The Rostered Ministers Gathering in Phoenix is an opportunity to:

  1. Hear from inspiring keynote speakers.

  2. Enrich your ministry through workshops and caucuses.

  3. Attend meaningful worship services.

  4. Connect with your colleagues and meet new ones.

  5. Remember, reclaim, rekindle and revive yourself.

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ELCA, Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian Flatgard2023 Rostered Ministers GatheringComment
Candidacy Research summaries and hearings available
Candidacy Research summaries and hearings available

In March 2022 the Candidacy Leadership Development Working Group (CLDWG) was appointed to examine and improve the candidacy process that equips rostered ministers for service in our church. View an executive summary of their findings here.

All members of the ELCA are invited to hearings hosted via Zoom to hear and respond to findings. You do not need to register for these sessions. Please mark your calendars and click a link for:

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardCandidacyComment
Understanding and supporting gender-expansive Christians
Understanding and supporting gender-expansive Christians

In the latest episode of Portico’s Being Here Podcast – Gender Identity and the Church – host Pastor Melissa Pohlman and guest Austen Hartke discuss ways we can seek to honor the image of God found in all of us and help our church embody a spirit of welcome and acceptance.

Hartke brings his perspective as a Biblical scholar and founder of the Transmission Ministry Collective to offer practical resources and theological framework for starting these important conversations.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardLGBTQIA+, Being Here podcast, PorticoComment