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How Ohio Advocates Treat Budgets as Moral Documents

How Ohio Advocates Treat Budgets as Moral Documents

State budgets shape the everyday lives of our communities—from schools and libraries to food security and elder care. In a powerful reflection, Deacon Nick Bates of the Hunger Network in Ohio highlights how Lutherans and faith leaders across Ohio engaged the budget process as a matter of moral responsibility. Through advocacy meetings, prayer chains made from paper plates, and public witness, they worked to ensure that faith values shaped public policy. Click here to read more about this inspiring and strategic advocacy work.

ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardJuly 1, 2025Advocacy, ELCA AdvocacyComment

Seeds of Hope: How Ibu Dewi’s Organic Farm Changed a Village

Seeds of Hope: How Ibu Dewi’s Organic Farm Changed a Village

What began as a small farm has blossomed into a powerful story of transformation. In a quiet village in Indonesia, Ibu Dewi joined an organic farming program supported by the Lutheran World Federation and grew not only her crops—but also her confidence and community. Now a teacher and leader, she’s helping others thrive with the same sustainable techniques that changed her life. Click here to read the full story from ELCA World Hunger.

ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardJuly 1, 2025Hunger, ELCA World HungerComment

Immigration, Faith, and the Gospel’s Invitation to Welcome

Immigration, Faith, and the Gospel’s Invitation to Welcome

In light of recent immigration executive orders, Deacon Erin Brown reflects on John 1:14—“The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood”—and what it means to welcome the stranger as a neighbor. Drawing on her border immersion trip with ELCA young adults, she calls the church to live out God’s incarnational love with humility, compassion, and action. Read more about how AMMPARO invites us to accompany our immigrant siblings with dignity and hope. Click here for more at ELCA.org.

ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardJuly 1, 2025Immigration and Refugees, AMMPAROComment

Rev. Kristen Papson Elected Bishop of Northwestern Pennsylvania Synod

Rev. Kristen Papson Elected Bishop of Northwestern Pennsylvania Synod

The Rev. Kristen Papson was elected June 14 as bishop of the Northwestern Pennsylvania Synod on the fifth ballot. She will take office Sept. 1 and be installed Oct. 19. Learn more: click here.

ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardJuly 1, 2025Comment

Rev. Scott Dalen Elected Bishop of the Western Iowa Synod

Rev. Scott Dalen Elected Bishop of the Western Iowa Synod

Rev. Scott A. Dalen of Underwood, Iowa, was elected June 14 as bishop of the Western Iowa Synod. He will begin his term Sept. 1 with installation planned for Sept. 27. Read the full announcement: click here.

ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardJuly 1, 2025Comment

Rev. Keith Marshall Elected Bishop of Southwestern Washington Synod

Rev. Keith Marshall Elected Bishop of Southwestern Washington Synod

The Rev. Keith A. Marshall of Enumclaw, Wash., was elected June 14 as bishop of the Southwestern Washington Synod. He begins his six-year term Aug. 1 and will be installed Oct. 11. Click here for more.

ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardJuly 1, 2025Comment

Pray Without Ceasing: A Movement Rooted in Hope and Resilience

Pray Without Ceasing: A Movement Rooted in Hope and Resilience

Join the Pray Without Ceasing movement—a Spirit-led call to prayer spreading across the ELCA. Weekly Zoom gatherings on Thursdays at 1:00 p.m. Central connect prayer leaders and participants from around the country. Pray for peace, for renewal, and for your neighbors. Learn more and receive the Zoom link to join in: pray-without-ceasing.org

If you have created a group, or would like more information, please contact the Director for Evangelical Mission, Pr. David Pavesic at david.pavesic@elca.org.

ELCA, Grand Canyon Synod, News, Prayers, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardJune 23, 2025Comment

Bishop Eaton: Juneteenth and the Tuskegee Airmen

Bishop Eaton: Juneteenth and the Tuskegee Airmen

On Juneteenth Day, we celebrate the end of slavery and the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. But that freedom granted to all enslaved people in 1865 was short-lived. In her video, Bishop Eaton recalls the stark differences experienced by White American soldiers, like her father, and African American soldiers after World War II.

“Like my father, after the war, the Tuskegee Airmen came home to start families and build a life. However, despite their sacrifices, despite wearing the same uniform and flying the same missions, they were denied the benefits of the GI Bill because they were African American. This is white supremacy.” Watch the video on YouTube here, download at bit.ly/4eapi9h.

Bishop Eaton, ELCA, Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardJune 19, 2025Juneteenth, Racial Justice, Bishop Eaton LettersComment

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 de-escalation of violence between Israel and Iran…
For those affected by volcanic eruptions in Indonesia…
For the close of the G7 summit and the forthcoming NATO summit…
For all in the path of Hurricane Erick in the eastern Pacific…
For those facing threats of extreme heat…
For all victims of gun violence, especially those who mourn following recent attacks on lawmakers and their families in Minnesota…
For immigrants, advocates, and legal professionals…
For safety, justice, and peace amidst protests and demonstrations…
For the health and well-being of LGBTQIA+ youth…
For the safety of families and individuals who travel this summer…
For Young Adults in Global Mission making preparations this summer for their upcoming year of service…

ELCA, Prayers, SpotlightBrian FlatgardJune 19, 2025ELCA Worship, For What Shall We PrayComment

No Strangers to God: A Letter, A Prayer, A Call to See Each Other

No Strangers to God: A Letter, A Prayer, A Call to See Each Other

In her deeply personal reflection, Elise Seyfried invites us to rediscover our shared humanity through a simple, sacred act: writing a letter to a stranger. Drawing on Lutheran theology and real-life encounters, she challenges us to move past fear and isolation toward connection, empathy, and prayer. Click here to read her full essay on Living Lutheran.

ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardJune 18, 2025Living LutheranComment

A Ministry in Full Color: Technicolor Creates Space for LGBTQIA+ Belonging

A Ministry in Full Color: Technicolor Creates Space for LGBTQIA+ Belonging

Technicolor Ministries is transforming the Southwestern Texas Synod by creating faithful, affirming spaces where LGBTQIA+ people are fully welcomed as God created them. Launched by Keats Miles-Wallace with the support of Bishop Sue Briner, this grassroots effort offers campouts, congregation visits, and community for those too often marginalized in church.

The ministry models the radical inclusivity of Christ, affirming that no one should have to choose between their identity and their faith. Click here to read the full story from Living Lutheran.

ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardJune 18, 2025Living Lutheran, LGBTQIA+Comment

Bishop Constanze Hagmaier Reelected in South Dakota

Bishop Constanze Hagmaier Reelected in South Dakota

On May 30, the Rev. Constanze Hagmaier was reelected on the first ballot to a new term as bishop of the South Dakota Synod. She has served since 2019. Learn more about her ministry: click here.

ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardJune 18, 2025Comment

Rev. Benjamin Quanbeck Elected Bishop of Montana Synod

Rev. Benjamin Quanbeck Elected Bishop of Montana Synod

The Rev. Benjamin K. Quanbeck of Billings was elected May 31 as bishop of the Montana Synod. He begins his six-year term on Sept. 1 and will be installed Sept. 20. Read the full election story: click here.

ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardJune 18, 2025Comment

Rev. Christa Compton Elected Bishop of New Jersey Synod

Rev. Christa Compton Elected Bishop of New Jersey Synod

Rev. Christa M. Compton was elected June 7 as bishop of the New Jersey Synod. She begins Sept. 1 and will be installed Aug. 23. Learn more about her leadership journey: click here.

ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardJune 18, 2025Comment

Bishop Suzanne Dillahunt Reelected in Southern Ohio

Bishop Suzanne Dillahunt Reelected in Southern Ohio

The Rev. Suzanne Darcy Dillahunt was reelected on the first ballot June 6 to a third term as bishop of the Southern Ohio Synod. She has served since 2013. Full details here: click here.

ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardJune 18, 2025Comment

Rev. Philip Hirsch Elected Bishop of D.C. Synod

Rev. Philip Hirsch Elected Bishop of D.C. Synod

The Rev. Philip C. Hirsch, former ELCA executive, was elected bishop of the Metropolitan Washington, D.C. Synod on June 7. He begins Sept. 1 and will be installed Nov. 9. Read the full story: click here.

ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardJune 18, 2025Comment

Rev. Donna Simon Elected Bishop of Central States Synod

Rev. Donna Simon Elected Bishop of Central States Synod

On June 7, the Rev. Donna J. Simon was elected bishop of the Central States Synod after five ballots. Her installation is set for Sept. 28 following her Sept. 1 start. Read more about her background and vision: click here.

ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardJune 18, 2025Comment

Rev. Stephen Herr Elected Bishop of Lower Susquehanna Synod

Rev. Stephen Herr Elected Bishop of Lower Susquehanna Synod

Rev. Stephen R. Herr of Gettysburg was elected June 7 to serve a six-year term as bishop of the Lower Susquehanna Synod. He will take office Sept. 1 with installation set for Oct. 25 in Hanover, Pa. Click here for more.

ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardJune 18, 2025Comment

Rev. Melissa Stoller Elected Bishop of Southwestern Pennsylvania Synod

Rev. Melissa Stoller Elected Bishop of Southwestern Pennsylvania Synod

The Rev. Melissa L. Stoller was elected June 13 as bishop of the Southwestern Pennsylvania Synod. A longtime leader in mission and ministry, she will take office Sept. 1 and be installed Oct. 18 in Pittsburgh. Click here to read the full announcement: click here

ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardJune 18, 2025Comment

Opening Doors Wider: ELCA Releases National Disability Ministry Report

Opening Doors Wider: ELCA Releases National Disability Ministry Report

A new report from ELCA Disability Ministries highlights how congregations across the country are expanding access and welcome to people with disabilities—and where challenges remain. Drawing on in-depth interviews with 10 churches, the report outlines successes, barriers, and recommendations for a more inclusive church. This is a vital read for leaders seeking to reflect God’s radical welcome in real, practical ways. Click here for more.

ELCA, News, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardJune 18, 2025Disability Ministries, ELCA Disability MinistriesComment