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

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

  • For peace and resolution in Minneapolis, and for safety for all residents…

  • For safety, dignity, and justice for immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers…

  • For deescalation of tensions surrounding Greenland and international relations…

  • For victims of train crashes in Spain…

  • For those facing winter storms and extreme cold across the United States…

  • For newly-installed Bishop Imam Haddad and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land…

  • For Christian communities in Palestine and especially for schools…

  • For renewed unity in Christ among churches and denominations around the world…

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ELCA, Prayers, SpotlightBrian FlatgardELCA Worship, For What Shall We PrayComment
Faith Lens: Repentance as Fulfillment
Faith Lens: Repentance as Fulfillment

In this week’s Faith Lens reflection for January 25, 2026, repentance is reframed not as shame or judgment, but as an invitation into God’s unfolding reign of justice, healing, and community. As Jesus begins his ministry in Galilee, Matthew presents repentance as a turning toward hope—especially for those living under despair, exclusion, or injustice.

Drawing on Isaiah and Matthew’s Gospel, the reflection invites readers to consider who hears this good news most clearly today, how Jesus’ anti-imperial vision challenges the status quo, and how we are called—together—to follow, heal, and share the work of God’s kingdom.

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ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardFaith LensComment
Lutheran Bishops Stand with Greenland: “We Are People, Not Property”
Lutheran Bishops Stand with Greenland: “We Are People, Not Property”

In a joint statement released Jan. 16, 2026, national bishops from Lutheran churches in the United States, Canada, and Denmark voiced strong support for the Greenlandic people amid growing international pressure on Greenland’s future. The statement affirms Greenland’s right to self-determination, peace between nations, and respect for international law, echoing the words of Paneeraq Siegstad Munk: “We are people, not property. Greenland is not land to be bought.”

The bishops invite Lutherans to pray for Greenland and to contact elected leaders, urging them to respect the independence, dignity, and human rights of the Greenlandic people.

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ELCA, Bishop CurryBrian FlatgardChurch and Society, Bishop Curry Letters Comment
Here I Pod: What Faithful Advocacy Looks Like Today
Here I Pod: What Faithful Advocacy Looks Like Today

In this special episode of Here I Pod, Amy E. Reumann and Laurie Larson Caesar reflect on what faithful public witness looks like in today’s complex civic landscape. Their conversation explores how Lutheran theology shapes advocacy, accompaniment, and engagement in the public square.

This episode offers timely insight for rostered leaders and laypeople alike who are discerning how to live out their baptismal call beyond the walls of the church. Listen to the full episode via Living Lutheran.

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ELCABrian FlatgardLiving Lutheran, Advocacy, ELCA AdvocacyComment
Chalk on the Door, Light in the World
Chalk on the Door, Light in the World

In this Epiphany reflection, Mindy Roll explores what it means to bear witness in a neighborhood where the language of faith is unfamiliar—but curiosity remains alive. Through chalk blessings, children’s questions, and the story of the magi, she invites readers to see Epiphany as openness to God’s light appearing in unexpected places.

This gentle, poetic reflection encourages congregations and households alike to see their thresholds as places of welcome, wonder, and quiet proclamation: Christ is here. Read the full reflection from Living Lutheran.

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ELCABrian FlatgardLiving LutheranComment
Vocation in the Messy Middle: A Lutheran Witness in the Workplace
Vocation in the Messy Middle: A Lutheran Witness in the Workplace

In this I’m a Lutheran profile, Grace Carlic shares how her faith shapes her vocation as a workforce and public affairs specialist in the clean-energy sector. From creating inclusive pathways for people with disabilities to understanding grace as listening and finding common ground, Carlic reflects on what it means to live out love of neighbor in everyday work.

Her story is a powerful reminder that Lutheran faith is not confined to Sunday mornings—it is embodied through action, dignity, and hope in the world God loves. Read the full profile from Living Lutheran.

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ELCABrian FlatgardLiving LutheranComment
The ELCA 2025 Annual Report Cover Has Arrived: Just in Time for Annual Meetings
The ELCA 2025 Annual Report Cover Has Arrived: Just in Time for Annual Meetings

The ELCA 2025 Annual Report cover is now available for congregational use. Congregations are encouraged to use this cover for annual reports and meetings as a way to connect local ministry with the wider work of the ELCA.

The 2025 report highlights our shared life in Christ, grounded in Colossians 2:6–7, and offers a snapshot of how Mission Support, ELCA World Hunger, Lutheran Disaster Response, and Where Needed Most help carry out God’s work across the church and the world. Download the cover and preview what’s inside.

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ELCA, Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardComment
Leaning into the “E” Word: Join Us at the Synod Office, January 24
Leaning into the “E” Word: Join Us at the Synod Office, January 24

On Saturday, January 24, 2026, leaders across the Grand Canyon Synod are invited to gather in person at the Synod Office in Phoenix for a hybrid Evangelism and Congregational Vitality Workshop, connected by Zoom with regional partners and PLTS. The gathering runs 9:00 AM–2:00 PM, includes lunch, and blends shared teaching with local conversation. RSVP requested for food planning—contact Pastor David Pavesic at David.Pavesic@elca.org.

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Grand Canyon Synod, Leader Resources, ELCABrian FlatgardComment
Gathered to Share Christ’s Light: ELCA Evangelism & Vitality Workshop at PLTS
Gathered to Share Christ’s Light: ELCA Evangelism & Vitality Workshop at PLTS

The ELCA invites lay leaders and rostered ministers to a 3-day Evangelism and Congregational Vitality Workshop, January 22–24, 2026, at Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary in Berkeley, CA. Sponsored by PLTS and the ELCA New Ministry Development and Evangelism Team, this gathering equips leaders for evangelizing and congregational renewal. Registration is required by January 6. A related Saturday hybrid workshop is also available locally through participating synods.

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Leader Resources, Grand Canyon Synod, ELCABrian FlatgardPacific Lutheran Theological SeminaryComment
Registration Open: Western States Youth Gathering 2026 Returns to Southern California
Registration Open: Western States Youth Gathering 2026 Returns to Southern California

Registration is now open for the 2026 Western States Youth Gathering, happening June 28–July 1, 2026, at California Lutheran University in Southern California. Youth graduating 8th–12th grade and their adult leaders are invited to gather for worship, service, learning, and connection in this faith-forming regional event.

Held the summer before the ELCA Youth Gathering, WSYG 2026 offers a meaningful opportunity for congregations to invest in youth ministry and prepare young people for a larger churchwide experience. Registration includes housing, meals, and programming. Learn more and register at westernstatesyg.org.

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ELCA, Region 2, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardYouth and Young Adult, California Lutheran UniversityComment
Formation for a Changing Church: What’s New from Faith+Lead This Month
Formation for a Changing Church: What’s New from Faith+Lead This Month

The latest Faith+Lead Monthly Roundup offers new on-demand courses, free funding resources, leadership pathways, and podcasts designed for ministry in a changing church. Highlights include a free Funding Forward course, new training on community-based ministry and church finances, the School for Lay Ministry beginning January 24, a free ebook on church history and discipleship, and new Bible and leadership podcasts.

Explore what’s new—and find learning opportunities that fit real ministry life—by reading the full Faith+Lead Monthly Roundup from Faith+Lead.

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Leader Resources, ELCABrian Flatgardfaith+lead, Luther SeminaryComment
Leaning into the “E” Word: Join Us at the Synod Office, January 24
Leaning into the “E” Word: Join Us at the Synod Office, January 24

On Saturday, January 24, 2026, leaders across the Grand Canyon Synod are invited to gather in person at the Synod Office in Phoenix for a hybrid Evangelism and Congregational Vitality Workshop, connected by Zoom with regional partners and PLTS. The gathering runs 9:00 AM–2:00 PM, includes lunch, and blends shared teaching with local conversation. RSVP requested for food planning—contact Pastor David Pavesic at David.Pavesic@elca.org.

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Grand Canyon Synod, Leader Resources, ELCABrian FlatgardComment
Centering Multiracial Voices: ELCA Observes the National Day of Racial Healing
Centering Multiracial Voices: ELCA Observes the National Day of Racial Healing

The ELCA, in partnership with Augsburg Fortress Publishers, will observe the 2026 National Day of Racial Healingwith “Just Us Narratives: A Night of Centering Multiracial Voices Across the ELCA” on Tuesday, Jan. 20, from 5–7 p.m. MST (4–6 p.m. PST). This free event will be offered online and in person in Naperville, Ill., featuring sacred storytelling that invites deep listening, reflection, and renewed commitment to racial healing.

Online participation requires no registration, while in-person attendance is limited and requires advance registration. The event will be recorded and shared later via the ELCA’s YouTube channel.

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ELCABrian FlatgardRacial JusticeComment
The ELCA 2025 Annual Report Cover Has Arrived: Just in Time for Annual Meetings
The ELCA 2025 Annual Report Cover Has Arrived: Just in Time for Annual Meetings

The ELCA 2025 Annual Report cover is now available for congregational use. Congregations are encouraged to use this cover for annual reports and meetings as a way to connect local ministry with the wider work of the ELCA.

The 2025 report highlights our shared life in Christ, grounded in Colossians 2:6–7, and offers a snapshot of how Mission Support, ELCA World Hunger, Lutheran Disaster Response, and Where Needed Most help carry out God’s work across the church and the world. Download the cover and preview what’s inside.

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ELCA, Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardComment
Faith Lens: Who Do We Say God Is?
Faith Lens: Who Do We Say God Is?

On the Second Sunday after Epiphany, Faith Lens invites us to reflect on how we name and symbolize God. Drawing from John 1:29–42 and Psalm 40, this week’s reflection explores the powerful images used for Jesus—Lamb of God, Messiah, Rabbi, Spirit like a dove—and asks how our language, symbols, and art shape what we believe and proclaim about God in the world today.

In a time marked by fear, despair, and constant noise, this reflection encourages communities to consider how words, images, and creative prayer can point again to Christ in our midst. Through discussion, poetry, and practices like Anne Lamotte’s “Help, Thanks, Wow” prayer, participants are invited to name God with intention—and to let those names become a witness of hope, gratitude, and praise.

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ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardFaith LensComment
For What Shall We Pray?
For What Shall We Pray?

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

  • For victims of gun violence, especially in Minneapolis, MN; Greensboro, NC; Chicago, IL; Boynton Beach, FL; Salt Lake City, UT; and Philadelphia, PA…

  • For migrants, travelers, and all who live away from their nations of origin…

  • For law enforcement officers, government officials, and all civic workers who bear the privilege and sworn responsibility of seeking the common good and maintaining the welfare of all people…

  • For travel disruptions due to ice and freezing rain in eastern and central Europe…

  • For areas of the nation and world experiencing severe weather…

  • For the newly baptized, for families of all shapes and sizes, and for care and safety for all children and young people…

  • For the safety of advocates, peacemakers, and protestors who are Spirit-led to speak out for justice…

  • For honesty, humility, confession, and collaboration in the work of racial healing…

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ELCA, Prayers, SpotlightBrian FlatgardELCA Worship, For What Shall We PrayComment
Conferences, Festivals, and Formation Opportunities in 2026
Conferences, Festivals, and Formation Opportunities in 2026

ELCA Worship shares upcoming opportunities from partner organizations, including the Institute of Liturgical Studies’ 2026 conference at Valparaiso University, the Association of Lutheran Church Musicians conference at St. Olaf College, Lutheran Summer Music 2026, and student awards from the Center for Church Music.

Registration deadlines, nomination opportunities, and awards for young musicians and artists are approaching. Learn more and explore upcoming events →

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ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardELCA worshipComment
New Lent, Music, and Worship Resources from Augsburg Fortress
New Lent, Music, and Worship Resources from Augsburg Fortress

ELCA Worship highlights new offerings from Augsburg Fortress, including Love Outpoured: Devotions for Lent 2026, a free webinar series on hymn improvisation with David Cherwien, Martin Luther’s Easter Book, and Bible People: Monologues for Lent.

These resources support worship planners, musicians, and congregations seeking fresh, faithful approaches to the church year. See what’s new for 2026.

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ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian Flatgard2026 Lent and Easter, ELCA WorshipComment
Proposed RCL Update Addresses Anti-Jewish Interpretation
Proposed RCL Update Addresses Anti-Jewish Interpretation

The Consultation on Common Texts has approved a provisional update to the Revised Common Lectionary addressing passages historically misused to justify anti-Judaism. The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America encourages congregations to test these texts during a three-year trial beginning Advent 2025.

New preaching guidance, hymn suggestions, and worship resources are available, and congregations are invited to offer feedback during the trial period. Explore the resources and learn how to respond.

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ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardWorship Resources, ELCA worshipComment