Posts in ELCA
Fall Highlights from Women of the ELCA: SALT Appeal, Prayer, Study, and More
Fall Highlights from Women of the ELCA: SALT Appeal, Prayer, Study, and More

Women of the ELCA invites you to live your faith through generosity, prayer, and connection this fall. Your SALT Appeal donation will be doubled through a $50,000 matching gift, and new initiatives like the Campus Ambassador Program and Pray Without Ceasing prayer groups are building vibrant communities of faith. Don’t miss opportunities to join the Boldcafe B.Y.O.D. on October 16, attend the 2025 Thankoffering Service on November 9, and prepare for the 2026 Triennial Gathering in Des Moines. Find links to these stories and more at womenoftheelca.org.

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ELCABrian FlatgardWomen of the ELCA (WELCA)Comment
Celebrating Leadership and Faith: Bishop Curry’s Installation Service Now Online
Celebrating Leadership and Faith: Bishop Curry’s Installation Service Now Online

The video of the installation of Rev. Yehiel Curry as Presiding Bishop of the ELCA—held on October 4, 2025, at Central Lutheran Church in Minneapolis—is now available to watch online. The service celebrates Bishop Curry’s leadership and the ELCA’s shared mission to proclaim Christ in the world. Watch the installation service on YouTube.

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Bishop Curry, ELCABrian FlatgardBishop CurryComment
From Chilstrom to Curry: A Legacy of ELCA Leadership in Transition
From Chilstrom to Curry: A Legacy of ELCA Leadership in Transition

On October 4, Rev. Yehiel Curry was installed as presiding bishop of the ELCA at Central Lutheran Church in Minneapolis—the first Black leader to serve in this role. As we celebrate this historic moment, we look back at the installations of past ELCA presiding bishops available on ELCA’s YouTube and give thanks for the Spirit’s continued guidance of our church.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardBishop CurryComment
ELCA Denounces Deadly Synagogue Attacks in Manchester, England
ELCA Denounces Deadly Synagogue Attacks in Manchester, England

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America has issued a statement condemning the deadly attacks at a synagogue in Manchester, England, on Yom Kippur. The ELCA extends condolences to victims and their families and stands in solidarity with Jewish communities worldwide. Reaffirming its 1994 “Declaration to the Jewish Community,” the ELCA denounces anti-Semitism as “a contradiction and an affront to the Gospel” and calls all Christians to act as ambassadors of peace and justice. Read the full ELCA statement at ELCA.org.

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ELCABrian FlatgardJudaism, Ecumenical and Inter-Religious RelationsComment
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
Faith Lens: The Faith to Do What Needs to be Done
Faith Lens: The Faith to Do What Needs to be Done

This week’s Faith Lens reminds us that even the smallest measure of faith is enough for the work God calls us to do. In Luke 17, Jesus uses exaggerated, even humorous, images—uprooting trees, masters serving servants—to teach that faith is already present within us and sufficient for the tasks ahead. Habakkuk, Paul, and Jesus all echo the same truth: though the work of discipleship can be difficult and even seem impossible, God equips us with the gift of faith to endure, serve, and trust in God’s promises.

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ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardFaith LensComment
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
Honoring Orange Shirt Day: Remembering Indigenous Children of Boarding Schools
Honoring Orange Shirt Day: Remembering Indigenous Children of Boarding Schools

September 30 is the National Day of Remembrance for Indian Boarding Schools, also known as Orange Shirt Day. This annual observance honors Indigenous children taken from their families and placed in U.S. and Canadian boarding schools, where many suffered abuse and cultural erasure. The day is named for Phyllis Webstad’s story of surrendering her orange shirt on her first day at a residential school.

The ELCA invites us to join the Truth and Healing Movement, a commitment to confronting this painful history and standing with Indigenous siblings in Christ. Learn more at Living Lutheran: Orange Shirt Day article.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardAmerican Indian and Alaska Native, Truth and Healing Movement, American Indian Alaska Native Lutheran AssociationComment
Southeastern Synod Models Faithful Advocacy in Action
Southeastern Synod Models Faithful Advocacy in Action

Advocacy is a grateful response to God’s grace and a way of living out our baptismal call. In the Southeastern Synod, congregations across Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, and Tennessee engage, equip, and empower communities to stand with vulnerable neighbors. From disaster preparedness to immigrant support, advocacy reflects Christ’s love in action. Read more ›

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardAdvocacy, ELCA AdvocacyComment
Rev. Yehiel Curry to Be Installed as ELCA Presiding Bishop Oct. 4
Rev. Yehiel Curry to Be Installed as ELCA Presiding Bishop Oct. 4

The Rev. Yehiel Curry will be installed as presiding bishop of the ELCA on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, at 2 p.m. Central (12 p.m. MST) at Central Lutheran Church, Minneapolis. Curry, the first Black presiding bishop of the ELCA, was elected during the 2025 Churchwide Assembly in Phoenix. The service is open to the public, with livestream access available here: ELCA Installation of the Presiding Bishop.

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Bishop Curry, ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardComment
Rev. Yehiel Curry to Be Installed as ELCA Presiding Bishop Oct. 4
Rev. Yehiel Curry to Be Installed as ELCA Presiding Bishop Oct. 4

The Rev. Yehiel Curry will be installed as presiding bishop of the ELCA on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, at 2 p.m. Central (12 p.m. MST) at Central Lutheran Church, Minneapolis. Curry, the first Black presiding bishop of the ELCA, was elected during the 2025 Churchwide Assembly in Phoenix. The service is open to the public, with livestream access available here: ELCA Installation of the Presiding Bishop.

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Bishop Curry, ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardComment
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
Faith Lens: Living as the Rich Man’s Brothers
Faith Lens: Living as the Rich Man’s Brothers

In Luke 16:19–31, Jesus tells the parable of the rich man and Lazarus, urging his listeners to heed “Moses and the prophets” rather than wait for extraordinary signs. As Lutherans, we trust that salvation comes by grace alone, yet this story challenges us to consider where we act like the rich man, Lazarus, or the brothers—and how repentance calls us back to God’s Word. The parable reminds us that we already have what we need to live faithfully: Scripture, community, and the gift of Christ.

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ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardFaith LensComment
Six Creative Ways to Pray Beyond Words
Six Creative Ways to Pray Beyond Words

Prayer is more than spoken words—it’s relationship with God. In this Café article, Sarah Carson explores varied approaches to prayer, from silent meditation to journaling, from walking in nature to creative expression. Each practice offers new ways to listen, respond, and rest in God’s presence. Prayer is less about performance and more about authenticity. Read more in Café →

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ELCA, PrayersBrian FlatgardCafé, Women of the ELCA (WELCA)Comment
What Does It Mean to Pray Without Ceasing?
What Does It Mean to Pray Without Ceasing?

Prayer doesn’t always require words. In A Prayer without End, Sarah Carson explores how prayer can flow through music, art, daily habits, and even silence. Drawing on Scripture and Lutheran teaching, she reminds us that prayer changes us—helping us see God in all things. Could our actions, creativity, and relationships also be forms of ceaseless prayer? Read more in Café →

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ELCA, PrayersBrian FlatgardCafé, Women of the ELCA (WELCA)Comment