Posts in News
Living Lutheran goes fully digital in 2024
Living Lutheran goes fully digital in 2024

Living Lutheran will soon cease production of its print publication. Living Lutheran’s final print issue will arrive in mailboxes the first week of December. Content will shift to an all-digital platform, with new articles appearing daily (no subscription or login required). View livinglutheran.org for more info.

To continue to receive content, you can sign up for LL Stories, a free email digest, at livinglutheran.org/subscribe, and get Living Lutheran stories sent right to your inbox.

Read More
ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardLiving LutheranComment
Humanity on a Highway: A Tale of Compassion Amidst Migrant Struggles
Humanity on a Highway: A Tale of Compassion Amidst Migrant Struggles

Read about the stark realities of migrant experiences in "Witnessing Cruelty and Compassion on a Dominican Highway." This powerful blog post by Stephen Deal from ELCA's AMMPARO shares a vivid account of a journey in the Dominican Republic, where the author encounters the inhumane treatment of Haitian migrants. Amidst this harsh reality, the story also highlights a moment of profound compassion from a local woman, offering a glimmer of hope and humanity.

Read More
ELCA, Letters, NewsBrian FlatgardImmigration and Refugees, AMMPAROComment
Building Inclusive Spaces: The Art of Ground Rules in Meetings
Building Inclusive Spaces: The Art of Ground Rules in Meetings

Explore Mark K. Smutny’s insightful approach to establishing ground rules in meetings (view as a PDF), a vital tool for enhancing dialogue and understanding in our diverse society. Discover how empathy, respect, and inclusivity can transform group interactions. We share this as part of our Creating Space for Conversations resource page. Mark Smutny is founder of Civic Reinventions.

Read More
Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardCreating Space for ConversationsComment
Embrace Global Mission: The ELCA Young Adults in Global Mission Program Awaits You
Embrace Global Mission: The ELCA Young Adults in Global Mission Program Awaits You

Discover how the ELCA’s Young Adults in Global Mission program offers young adults a transformative journey of faith, service, and global understanding. Applications are open for an August 2024 start with priority given to those applying by January 15, 2024. Learn more about this incredible opportunity at ELCA.org/YAGM.

Read More
ELCA, Global Church, NewsBrian FlatgardYoung Adults in Global Mission, Youth and Young AdultComment
Illuminate Advent & Lent with ELCA World Hunger's New Resources
Illuminate Advent & Lent with ELCA World Hunger's New Resources

ELCA World Hunger introduces fresh resources for Advent 2023 and Lent 2024, themed "The glory of the Lord shall be revealed." From Advent studies to Lenten devotionals, these tools are designed to actively involve congregations in addressing global hunger. Sample packs are soon to be dispatched, and free versions are accessible on the ELCA website. Your dedication and creativity can further the mission to aid those in dire need.

Read More
ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardHunger, ELCA World Hunger, 2023 Advent and Christmas, 2024 LentComment
Embracing the Power of Compassionate Care in Ministry
Embracing the Power of Compassionate Care in Ministry

Explore the art of spiritual caregiving with Luther Seminary's course for community members and leaders, "Embodying Thoughts and Prayers." Equip yourself with tools for meaningful care visits, empathetic listening, and self-care techniques to strengthen your ministry and community bonds. Dive into this enriching 6.5-hour course to uplift and empower your spiritual care practice.

Read More
Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardLay Leadershipo, faith+lead, Luther SeminaryComment
Navigating Change: Essential Strategies from 'Pivots and Pitfalls for Church Leaders'
Navigating Change: Essential Strategies from 'Pivots and Pitfalls for Church Leaders'

Find enriching resources for church leaders in this edition of Faith + Lead's Resource Roundup. Explore pivotal insights from the latest Pivot Podcast episode, delve into the powerful practice of storytelling, and download the essential ebook on "Pivots and Pitfalls for Church Leaders."

Plus, learn about upcoming events designed to enhance your spiritual grounding and leadership skills. Use these transformative tools and insights for guiding your congregation in these changing times.

Read More
Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardLay Leadershipo, faith+lead, Luther SeminaryComment
Making the Most of the 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering: Tips for First-Timers
Making the Most of the 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering: Tips for First-Timers

In the latest news from the 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering, we learn regular registration is in full swing!, with the regular registration fee of $425 per person until February 14, 2024. Discover five easy steps to kickstart your planning, from holding an information meeting to exploring the Getting Ready Materials. Plus, learn about the upcoming registration deadlines and the chance to experience the city before the Gathering at the ELCA Youth Ministry Network Extravaganza in January.

Read More
ELCA, NewsBrian Flatgard2024 ELCA Youth Gathering, Youth and Young AdultComment
Rediscovering Myself at the Well: A Tale of Grief and Grace
Rediscovering Myself at the Well: A Tale of Grief and Grace

In her article for Living Lutheran, discover Maria K. Miller's journey of self-exploration and healing at the "Living Water" retreat in Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camp. Drawing parallels from Jesus' encounter with the Samaritan woman, Miller's powerful story of emotional release and finding faith in the midst of grief is a testament to the transformative power of spiritual surrender and the healing properties of nature.

Read More
ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardLiving LutheranComment
Maximizing Your Year-End Giving: Tips from the ELCA Foundation
Maximizing Your Year-End Giving: Tips from the ELCA Foundation

The ELCA Foundation's recent Insights newsletter highlights the importance of generosity during this season of thankfulness. It offers smart ways to give before 2023 ends, critical factors to consider when giving, a recorded webinar on estate planning and charitable giving, and information about the Ministry Growth Fund for ELCA congregations and affiliates. Additionally, it spotlights ELCA Good Gifts, offering unique charitable gifts to honor loved ones while making a difference globally.

Read More
ELCA, Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardELCA Foundation, StewardshipComment
‘Blessed Together’: A Tapestry of Faith at the All Saints Sunday Unity Celebration
‘Blessed Together’: A Tapestry of Faith at the All Saints Sunday Unity Celebration

Join us in celebrating the unity and diversity of our faith at the “Blessed Together” All Saints Sunday event. Members from Emmanuel Sudanese Lutheran Fellowship, St. John’s Lutheran Church, and Vida Nueva Iglesia Luterana gathered in a vibrant worship and picnic, sharing cultures, traditions, and the spirit of stewardship. We share photos and reflections on the blessing of community, from the joy of baptism to the honored memory of those we've lost.

Read More
ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardSt. John's Glendale, Cactus Conference, Emmanuel Sudanese Phoenix, Vida Nueva PhoenixComment
Transforma tu Fe en Acción Climática: Curso de Certificación 2024
Transforma tu Fe en Acción Climática: Curso de Certificación 2024

Potencia tu liderazgo en justicia climática con nuestro programa de certificación en línea transcontinental, disponible de febrero a noviembre de 2024 (PDF). Desarrolla habilidades morales, espirituales y prácticas para impulsar el cambio en tu comunidad. Comprométete solo 2-4 horas semanales para ser parte de un movimiento que fusiona el bienestar ecológico con la justicia social. Aplica antes del 30 de noviembre de 2023.

Empower your leadership in climate justice with our transcontinental online certification program, available February - November 2024 (PDF). Develop moral, spiritual, and practical skills to drive change in your community. Commit just 2-4 hours weekly to become a part of a movement merging ecological wellbeing with social justice. Apply by November 30, 2023.

Read More
Grand Canyon Synod, Region 2, NewsBrian FlatgardClimate Change, Latino, Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary, Lay LeadershipoComment