Posts in ELCA
Faith Lens: Prepare a Place For You
Faith Lens: Prepare a Place For You

In this week’s Faith Lens, reflecting on John 14:1–14, Jesus offers words of comfort to anxious disciples facing an uncertain future: “Do not let your hearts be troubled.” As today’s world continues to wrestle with violence and fear, this reflection invites us to consider where true safety is found—not in circumstances, but in Christ’s enduring promise to prepare a place for us.

Grounded in Lutheran hope, this resource encourages conversation, reflection, and faithful action—reminding us that even in times of uncertainty, we are called to trust in God’s promise and to become safe, welcoming places for our neighbors.

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ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardFaith Lens, 2026 Lent and EasterComment
You Are Beloved: Young Adult Leaders Share Global Ministry Stories (May 6)
You Are Beloved: Young Adult Leaders Share Global Ministry Stories (May 6)

Young adults are invited to a special Women of the ELCA webinar on Wednesday, May 6 at 4:30 p.m. (AZ/NV time). Hear from three young leaders—Naomi Mbise, Rebeca Amaro Trevino, and Bliss Tungnung—who have launched ministries supporting women and girls around the world through Seed Grants.

Learn how they discerned their call, started their work, and how you can make a difference in the church and world. Register now to join this inspiring conversation.

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ELCA, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardWomen of the ELCA (WELCA), Youth and Young Adult, Young Adults in Global MissionComment
Faithful Stewardship of Space: Introducing the Church Property Resource Hub
Faithful Stewardship of Space: Introducing the Church Property Resource Hub

The Church Property Resource Hub is a new ELCA initiative offering tools, training, and shared wisdom to help congregations steward buildings and land faithfully. Designed in response to real needs across the church, CPRH equips leaders to reimagine property as a resource for mission. Learn more about CPRH.

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Grand Canyon Synod, ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian Flatgard2026 Assembly Stories, Church Property Resource Hub (CPRH)Comment
“No More Stolen Sisters”: ELCA Toolkit Guides May 5 MMIW Observance
“No More Stolen Sisters”: ELCA Toolkit Guides May 5 MMIW Observance

May 5, 2026 is the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Relatives (MMIWGR). The ELCA invites congregations and leaders to participate by wearing red, sharing resources, and engaging in prayer, learning, and advocacy. A new toolkit provides practical ways to take part and extend awareness beyond a single day.

Rooted in our call to justice and solidarity, this is an opportunity for the Grand Canyon Synod to stand with Indigenous communities, honor those who are missing, and support ongoing efforts for healing and change.

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ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardELCA Indigenous Ministries and Tribal Relations, MMIW, Church and SocietyComment
A Sacred Journey: Faith, Aging, and Care at LFCNA’s Annual Educational Event
A Sacred Journey: Faith, Aging, and Care at LFCNA’s Annual Educational Event

The Lutheran Faith Community Nurse Association invites you to its 5th Annual Valborg Tollefsrud Educational Event, Holy Transitions: Spirituality, Aging, and the Work of Accompaniment, on May 7 (5–7 pm MT via Zoom). Led by Rev. Dr. Lorraine Leist, this two-hour session explores aging as a deeply spiritual journey shaped by loss, meaning, resilience, and hope.

Open to Faith Community Nurses, clergy, lay leaders, and all who care for others, this event offers theological reflection and practical insight into accompanying people with dignity in later life. Register today.

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ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardLutheran Faith Community Nurse Association (LFCNA), ElderlyComment
Register Now: ELCA Rostered Ministers Gathering Set for July 6–9 in Indianapolis
Register Now: ELCA Rostered Ministers Gathering Set for July 6–9 in Indianapolis

The 2026 Rostered Ministers Gathering will take place July 6–9 in Indianapolis, inviting pastors, deacons, bishops, and candidates for call into a time of renewal, connection, and reflection under the theme “Woven Together.” Registration is open through June 5, with early and regular pricing available.

Featuring worship, workshops, keynote speakers, and opportunities for fellowship, the gathering offers space to reconnect with colleagues and be renewed for ministry. Participants may also contribute to a shared fabric art project, symbolizing the diverse stories woven together across the ELCA.

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ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian Flatgard2026 Rostered Ministers GatheringComment
ELCA Advocacy Addresses Farm Bill, Voting Rights, and War Concerns
ELCA Advocacy Addresses Farm Bill, Voting Rights, and War Concerns

The April Advocacy Connections update outlines major federal policy issues, including hunger provisions in the Farm Bill, voting access concerns, climate policy changes, and global conflicts. ELCA advocacy continues to engage lawmakers and mobilize faith-based action on issues affecting vulnerable communities.

Action alerts and ongoing advocacy efforts invite Lutherans to speak out on hunger, immigration accountability, and voting rights. Read more and take action through ELCA Advocacy.

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ELCABrian FlatgardAdvocacy, ELCA Advocacy, Church and SocietyComment
Global Crises Intensify: Climate Disasters and Conflict Impact Millions
Global Crises Intensify: Climate Disasters and Conflict Impact Millions

Recent climate disasters and escalating conflicts across multiple regions have displaced millions and increased urgent humanitarian needs worldwide. From flooding in Africa and South America to ongoing conflict in the Middle East and beyond, the scale of crisis continues to grow.

Lutheran Disaster Response is accompanying affected communities through relief, recovery, and long-term resilience efforts. Read more about the global situation and how to support this work.

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ELCABrian FlatgardLutheran Disaster ResponseComment
ELCA Leaders Share Faith and Climate Stories in New Film Series
ELCA Leaders Share Faith and Climate Stories in New Film Series

A new seven-part film series, Caring for the Earth: Stories From Faith Communities, premieres April 25 as part of the National Faith + Climate Forum. Featuring ELCA leaders alongside interfaith partners, the series explores how faith shapes commitment to creation care, with free study guides for congregational use.

The forum gathers over 2,000 participants across 80+ locations, offering resources and conversation tools for faith-based climate action. Read more and access the series and resources.

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ELCABrian FlatgardClimate ChangeComment
ELCA Council Acts on Leadership, Policy, and Future Church Priorities
ELCA Council Acts on Leadership, Policy, and Future Church Priorities

At its April 16 meeting, the ELCA Church Council elected Rachel Wind as executive for administration and took action on a wide range of priorities, including climate justice commitments, ministry strategies, and governance updates. Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry emphasized building a more connected and sustainable church through 2028.

The council also addressed policy updates, affirmed global and ecumenical commitments, and continued work on major churchwide initiatives. Read more about the council’s actions and priorities.

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ELCABrian FlatgardELCA Church CouncilComment
Rachel Wind Elected ELCA Executive for Administration
Rachel Wind Elected ELCA Executive for Administration

The ELCA Church Council has elected Rachel Wind as executive for administration, with her term aligned with the presiding bishop. Wind, who has served in multiple development and philanthropy roles within the ELCA, will begin her new position on Sept. 8.

She succeeds the Rev. Wyvetta Bullock, who has served the churchwide organization for more than 30 years. Read more about Wind’s background and this leadership transition.

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ELCABrian FlatgardComment
For What Shall We Pray?
For What Shall We Pray?

  • For peace and reconciliation among the nations, especially in Iran, Lebanon, Gaza, South Sudan, Ukraine, and Venezuela…

  • For all immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers…

  • For an end to gun violence, and for all victims of gun violence, especially in the communities of Shreveport, Louisiana and Winston-Salem, North Carolina, as well as tourists visiting the Teotihuacán site near Mexico City…

  • For healing, resilience, and rebuilding in Midwestern communities recovering from tornadoes, and for all living in areas facing wildfires and wildfire risk…

  • For the wellbeing of our planet as we celebrate Earth Week, and for human hearts, minds, and wills to work for its health…

  • For Christian unity as we celebrate the season Easter, and for an end to interreligious conflict and religious persecution…

  • For farmers and farm workers, and for all who work with the land to provide food…

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ELCA, Prayers, SpotlightBrian FlatgardELCA Worship, For What Shall We PrayComment
ELCA Action Alert: Protect Employment Authorization for Those Seeking Asylum
ELCA Action Alert: Protect Employment Authorization for Those Seeking Asylum

LAMA is highlighting an ELCA Action Alert urging action by April 24 against a proposed federal rule that would severely restrict work permits for people seeking asylum. The ELCA is calling on Lutherans to submit a public comment and contact members of Congress in support of protecting asylum seekers’ ability to work and meet their needs safely in our communities. Read the full post for background, theological grounding, and links to take action.

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ELCA, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardImmigration and Refugees, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA), Church and SocietyComment
Faith Lens: Awe and Belonging
Faith Lens: Awe and Belonging

The April 26 Faith Lens reflection, Awe and Belonging, explores Acts of the Apostles 2:42–47 and the early Christian community where “no one was in need.” Rather than beginning with rules or expectations, this community was formed through awe at God’s presence—an awe that led to deep sharing, trust, and belonging. The reflection challenges common assumptions about faith, inviting us to see that authentic Christian community is rooted not in human effort, but in encountering Christ already at work among us.

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ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardFaith Lens, 2026 Lent and EasterComment
A Call to Protect: Presiding Bishop Curry on Child Abuse Prevention Month
A Call to Protect: Presiding Bishop Curry on Child Abuse Prevention Month

In a pastoral message for Child Abuse Prevention Month, Presiding Bishop Rev. Yehiel Curry calls the church to protect children, support survivors, and confront the realities of abuse with honesty and faith. Grounded in resurrection hope, the message invites congregations to review policies, strengthen practices, and embody Christ’s care for the most vulnerable. Read the full message and explore how your congregation can respond.

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Bishop Curry, ELCA, LettersBrian FlatgardBishop Curry LettersComment
April Mission Support Memo: Palm Sunday Path
April Mission Support Memo: Palm Sunday Path

Our April 2026 Mission Support memo takes us back to Palm Sunday where this year many palm waving processions continued into the afternoon with journeys through downtown areas, around state buildings, in amphitheaters and in parking lots, as we and our denominational partners cried out for justice, peace and love, during the Palm Sunday Path. Our story focuses on activites in Wisconsin and specifically Northwest Synod of Wisconsin ~ learn about the day with dance, prayer, and calls to action. Also check out how to participate in the May 18 in the evening for a webinar on The Stewardship of AI: Benefits and Concerns.

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ELCABrian FlatgardMission Support, ELCA Mission Support Team, StewardshipComment
You Are Beloved: Young Adult Leaders Share Global Ministry Stories (May 6)
You Are Beloved: Young Adult Leaders Share Global Ministry Stories (May 6)

Young adults are invited to a special Women of the ELCA webinar on Wednesday, May 6 at 4:30 p.m. (AZ/NV time). Hear from three young leaders—Naomi Mbise, Rebeca Amaro Trevino, and Bliss Tungnung—who have launched ministries supporting women and girls around the world through Seed Grants.

Learn how they discerned their call, started their work, and how you can make a difference in the church and world. Register now to join this inspiring conversation.

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ELCA, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardWomen of the ELCA (WELCA), Youth and Young Adult, Young Adults in Global MissionComment
ELCA Receives $1M Grant to Expand Inclusive Outdoor Ministry
ELCA Receives $1M Grant to Expand Inclusive Outdoor Ministry

The ELCA has been awarded a $1 million grant to continue Total Inclusion!: Widening the Welcome, supporting outdoor ministries in creating more inclusive spaces for youth of all backgrounds and abilities. The funding will expand scholarships, accessibility improvements, staff training, and programs that center youth of color, LGBTQIA+ youth, and youth with disabilities. Learn more about how this work is shaping the future of outdoor ministry.

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ELCABrian FlatgardOutdoor Ministry, GrantsComment
April “Good Green News”: Stay Connected, Take Action, and Celebrate Earth Day
April “Good Green News”: Stay Connected, Take Action, and Celebrate Earth Day

Lutherans Restoring Creation’s April “Good Green News” highlights upcoming opportunities to stay engaged in climate justice, including the April 28 “Afterglow” Connections Call, the April 25 National Faith + Climate Forum, and new resources for congregational action. With invitations to submit synod resolutions, apply for leadership programs, and celebrate Earth Day through giving, this month’s update offers practical ways to carry forward the church’s call to care for creation.

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ELCABrian FlatgardClimate Change, Lutherans Restoring CreationComment
April 29 Zoom Event: Completing the ELCA DEI Learning Journey
April 29 Zoom Event: Completing the ELCA DEI Learning Journey

The fourth and final ELCA Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion learning module will take place Wednesday, April 29 via Zoom. Featuring Rev. Dr. Andrea L. Walker and Rev. Sonja Ware, this 90-minute session will integrate previous learning, explore bias in coaching, and include a live Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI) demonstration. Advance registration is required.

This concluding session invites faith leaders to move from awareness to action, equipping them to embody DEI principles in ministry and coaching contexts. Recordings of previous modules are available for those who wish to prepare or review.

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ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardCoaching, ELCA CoachingComment