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

  • For areas of the world impacted by ongoing war and political conflict: Ukraine, Syria, South Sudan, Colombia…

  • For ceasefire in Gaza and for release of prisoners and hostages…

  • For the United States in this time of political tension and transition…

  • For victims of a ski resort fire in Turkey…

  • For those celebrating marriage equality in Thailand…

  • For blizzard warnings along the Gulf Coast of the United States…

  • For recovery and rebuilding efforts following wildfires in California…

  • For immigrants, refugees, and all migrants…

  • For all who face prejudice, hatred, and violence due to race, ethnicity, religion, class, or gender identity and sexual orientation…

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ELCA, Prayers, SpotlightBrian FlatgardELCA Worship, For What Shall We PrayComment
Revisiting Human Sexuality: ELCA Seeks Input on Social Statement Edits
Revisiting Human Sexuality: ELCA Seeks Input on Social Statement Edits

The ELCA invites your feedback on proposed updates to Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust. These small editorial changes reflect shifts in marriage laws and family diversity while maintaining the statement’s theological core. Review the edits and share your thoughts by January 31, 2025 via an online survey or email. Resources are available at www.elca.org/reconsiderations in English, Spanish, and large print. Together, we can shape this important work of the church.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardHuman SexualityComment
From Bethlehem to Iowa: Answering God’s Call to Serve
From Bethlehem to Iowa: Answering God’s Call to Serve

Jamil Zoughbi and Claudine Faltas’ journey from the West Bank to Wartburg Theological Seminary in Iowa is a testament to faith and resilience. Trusting in God’s plan, the couple overcame challenges, including visa hurdles and the pain of leaving family behind, to pursue rostered ministry in the ELCA. Their story highlights the power of community, the support of the church, and the transformative call to serve. In this article from Living Lutheran, read how their faith continues to inspire their mission to serve marginalized communities and empower others to lead.

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ELCA, News, LettersBrian FlatgardLiving LutheranComment
Grounded in Grace: Finding Strength in Life’s Challenges
Grounded in Grace: Finding Strength in Life’s Challenges

How do we stay grounded in grace when life’s challenges seem unending? In this reflection in Living Lutheran, Mindy Holland shares how the promises of Scripture, the love of a faith community, and the songs of worship have anchored her through life’s storms. With Philippians 4:6-7 as her guiding verse, she invites us to embrace God’s peace and remember that Jesus is always with us. Read more about how grace sustains us and how we can share this grounding truth with others.

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ELCA, News, LettersBrian FlatgardLiving LutheranComment
Facing the Storms of Life: Isaiah’s Hope for a Changing Climate
Facing the Storms of Life: Isaiah’s Hope for a Changing Climate

When a bomb cyclone devastated parts of the Pacific Northwest, Isaiah 43:1-3 offered hope: God is with us through every storm. This promise guided young Lutheran advocates who met with federal leaders to address climate change. As we enter a new year, let us act boldly for the common good, rooted in faith and God’s abiding presence. Read more in the latest ELCA Advocacy Fellows Devotional.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardAdvocacy, ELCA AdvocacyComment
Advocating for Justice in Agriculture: The Farm Bill and Our Faith
Advocating for Justice in Agriculture: The Farm Bill and Our Faith

The American Relief Act, 2025, passed in December, narrowly avoided a government shutdown and extended key parts of the 2018 Farm Bill through March 14, 2024, while providing $110 billion in disaster relief, including $31 billion for agriculture producers. However, the deal also cut $177 million from USDA’s “orphan” programs, leaving communities and farmers who rely on these initiatives at risk. As Congress prepares to draft a new Farm Bill in 2025, the ELCA urges action to ensure policies reflect faith-based values of equity, sustainability, and care for creation. Learn how you can advocate for a just future in ELCA Advocacy’s Farm Bill blog post.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardAdvocacy, ELCA Advocacy, Church and Society, hungerComment
For What Shall We Pray?
For What Shall We Pray?

  • For areas of the world impacted by ongoing war and conflict: Ukraine, Syria, South Sudan…

  • For ceasefire in Gaza…

  • For victims, evacuees, and firefighters facing wildfires in California…

  • For victims, survivors, and rescue workers involved with the mine disaster in South Africa…

  • For immigrants and all who travel for stability, opportunity, and safety…

  • For peaceful political transitions in the United States and around the world…

  • For the continued work of antiracism…

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ELCA, Prayers, SpotlightBrian FlatgardELCA Worship, For What Shall We PrayComment
Faith Lens: An Urgent Answer
Faith Lens: An Urgent Answer

As wildfires devastate Los Angeles, we are reminded of our call to step in during times of need, just as Jesus did at the wedding in Cana. Whether through prayer, financial support for Lutheran Disaster Response, or opening our homes to those displaced, our actions embody God’s abundant love. In this week’s Faith Lens, explore how this week’s Gospel inspires us to act with grace and compassion in the face of crisis.

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ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardFaith Lens, Youth and Young Adult, 2024 Advent and ChristmasComment
Navigating Immigration Challenges: Free Webinar for Ministry Leaders
Navigating Immigration Challenges: Free Webinar for Ministry Leaders

Join ELCA AMMPARO and Episcopal Migration Ministries on January 17, 2025, for an essential webinar equipping ministry leaders to support migrants and undocumented individuals. Featuring expert immigration lawyers, the session covers “Know Your Rights” guidance, navigating immigration steps, and preparing for ICE interactions. Register today for this free online event and learn how your ministry can make a difference.

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ELCA, News, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardImmigration and Refugees, AMMPARO, Ecumenical and Inter-Religious RelationsComment
Choosing Hymns with Care: Addressing Abuse Allegations in Worship Music
Choosing Hymns with Care: Addressing Abuse Allegations in Worship Music

The ELCA has discontinued recommending hymns by David Haas and Cesáreo Gabaráin following allegations of misconduct. Rooted in theological commitments to love and justice, this survivor-centered approach prioritizes the well-being of those harmed by gender-based violence. Learn how these decisions impact worship and explore resources to support survivor-centered practices in your congregation in the latest ELCA Worship blog post.

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ELCA, News, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardELCA WorshipComment
Join the Movement: ELCA’s 2025 National Day of Racial Healing Event
Join the Movement: ELCA’s 2025 National Day of Racial Healing Event

On Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025, the ELCA will host a free online event from 9am-1pm MST, 8am-noon PST, featuring worship, workshops, music, and guided reflection. Centering the voices of ELCA leaders of color, the event seeks to raise awareness of the need for racial healing and inspire collective action toward justice and equity. Open to all ELCA members and partners, this event aligns with the work of Truth, Racial Healing & Transformation. Visit ELCA.org/NDORH to learn more and register today!

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardRacial JusticeComment
Join the Effort: Supporting Lutheran Disaster Response for Wildfire Relief
Join the Effort: Supporting Lutheran Disaster Response for Wildfire Relief

Wildfires have devastated Los Angeles County, California, leaving tens of thousands displaced. Lutheran Disaster Response is actively working with synods and local partners to address immediate needs and plan long-term recovery efforts. Learn how you can pray, give, and share to support those affected. Visit ELCA.org/wildfires to donate and find resources.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardSouthwest California Synod, Lutheran Disaster Response, Climate ChangeComment
Faith Amid Flames: Bishop Eaton’s Call to Prayer for California Wildfire Relief
Faith Amid Flames: Bishop Eaton’s Call to Prayer for California Wildfire Relief

The devastating California wildfires have displaced thousands and destroyed homes, businesses, and places of worship. Bishop Brenda Bos of the Southwest California Synod is among those personally impacted. Presiding Bishop Eaton calls for prayers, accompaniment, and action as Lutheran Disaster Response mobilizes to bring aid and hope to affected communities. Learn more about how you can help: Lutheran Disaster Response.

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ELCA, News, Letters, PrayersBrian FlatgardBishop Eaton Letters, Southwest California Synod, Climate Change Comment
Empowering Communities: How ELCA Global Mission is Changing Lives Worldwide
Empowering Communities: How ELCA Global Mission is Changing Lives Worldwide

Bliss Tungnung, a former ELCA scholar, returned to her conflict-stricken home in Manipur, India, to offer psychosocial care and education to children. She founded Bliss International School in 2023 to foster emotional and academic growth. This month’s ELCA Global Mission newsletter also celebrates the ordination of women in the Lutheran Church of Australia and the 25th anniversary of the ELCA Wittenberg Center. Discover global service opportunities and Lenten resources, and read more inspiring stories at ELCA Global Mission.

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ELCA, Global Church, NewsBrian FlatgardELCA Global MissionComment
Join the Movement: ELCA’s 2025 National Day of Racial Healing Event
Join the Movement: ELCA’s 2025 National Day of Racial Healing Event

On Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025, the ELCA will host a free online event from 9am-1pm MST, 8am-noon PST, featuring worship, workshops, music, and guided reflection. Centering the voices of ELCA leaders of color, the event seeks to raise awareness of the need for racial healing and inspire collective action toward justice and equity. Open to all ELCA members and partners, this event aligns with the work of Truth, Racial Healing & Transformation. Visit ELCA.org/NDORH to learn more and register today!

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardRacial JusticeComment
For What Shall We Pray?
For What Shall We Pray?

  • For areas of the world impacted by ongoing war and conflict: Gaza, Syria, Ukraine…

  • For evacuees and all threatened by the Pacific Palisades fire in California…

  • For earthquake victims in Tibet…

  • For political transitions and the advancement of peace across the world…

  • For severe winter weather affecting areas of the United States…

  • For refugees, migrants, and all who journey for safety…

  • For daily affirmation of our baptismal calling: to live among God’s faithful people; to hear the word of God and share in the holy supper; to share the good news of God in Christ through word and deed; to serve all people, following the example of Jesus; and to strive for justice and peace in all the world…

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ELCA, Prayers, SpotlightBrian FlatgardELCA Worship, For What Shall We PrayComment
A Feast for Community: Building Bridges Beyond Politics
A Feast for Community: Building Bridges Beyond Politics

Love Anyway Feasts offer a fresh way to bring neighbors together in divided times. Learn how ELCA members in Pennsylvania used shared meals to build bridges and model Christ’s teaching to love our neighbors. With resources from Lutheran Advocacy Ministry in Pennsylvania, you too can join this movement of connection and hope. Read more in this article from Living Lutheran.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardLiving LutheranComment