A Just World Where All Are Fed – and Safe
A Just World Where All Are Fed – and Safe

The terrorist attacks of 9/11 brought into striking relief for Americans and neighbors the world over the vulnerability under which we live – and the threat posed by those who would exploit that vulnerability. In the days after, it became clear that the US and its allies would soon be at war, though few knew just how long the conflicts following 9/11 would last.

Against this background, the member nations of the UN laid out the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – a framework for encouraging development toward peace and prosperity for people and the planet.

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ELCA, ELCA World HungerBrian FlatgardComment
Hurricane Dorian update from Lutheran Disaster Response
Hurricane Dorian update from Lutheran Disaster Response

Hurricane Dorian hit the Bahamas with devastating force. The storm left more than 70,000 people homeless and nearly 50 people reported dead. The number is expected to grow. Pastor Cliff Lewis reported that Our Saviours Lutheran Church members were mostly unharmed, though the loss of family members was reported.

Lutheran Disaster Response, in partnership with the Florida-Bahamas Synod, North Carolina Synod, Lutheran Services Carolinas and other partners, is responding to this disaster. In the Bahamas, Lutheran Disaster Response has committed an initial $15,000 for water, food and non-food items. Staff will travel to do further assessment of needs on the Islands.

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ELCA, Lutheran Disaster ResponseBrian FlatgardComment
9/12 Prayer: Sustained in all we do
9/12 Prayer: Sustained in all we do

As members of the body of Christ we are like “trees planted by streams of water,” sustained in all that we do, nurtured to bear fruits of the Spirit and strengthened to follow the word and ways of God. Pray that we are not shy about inviting others to have faith in God’s redeeming love through Christ and enjoying the life-enriching blessings of being in a community of faith.

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Prayers, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardComment
We Are Church, We are Called: 50, 40, 10
We Are Church, We are Called: 50, 40, 10

In 2019 and 2020 we celebrate 50 years of Lutheran women being ordained in the United States, 40 years of women of color being ordained, and 10 years of LGBTQIA+ individuals being able to serve freely.

We lament that women have been barred from serving and have been bullied, dismissed and excluded. We also celebrate the gifts and service that women have brought to our church and our world as pastors.

Congregations are encouraged to hold commemorative events throughout the year! Resources are available to help congregations observe these anniversaries.

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ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian Flatgard50 • 40 • 10Comment
Announcing new grants for Accessibility Reinvestment Grants
Announcing new grants for Accessibility Reinvestment Grants

ELCA Disability Ministries introduces a new grant opportunity for ELCA congregations in diverse and divested communities for an Accessibility Reinvestment Grant. Applications will be accepted through Oct. 15, 2019, at https://elca.fluxx.io for up to $25,000 for small-scale property and large-impact programmatic plans. Questions can be directed to Disability.Ministry@elca.org.

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ELCA, Disability MinistryBrian FlatgardComment
9/9 Prayer: Central America
9/9 Prayer: Central America

Continue to pray for peace, justice, reconciliation and economic opportunity for the people and countries of Central America, and pray that the United States and other nations will respond to their needs with humanitarian and economic assistance, collaborative efforts to find effective, lasting solutions to the crises they are experiencing, and prayerful, enduring support. 

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Prayers, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardComment
Grant Dollars at Work: Holy Trinity, Chandler, AZ
Grant Dollars at Work: Holy Trinity, Chandler, AZ

As we take applications for 2020 GCS grants, we share stories from our 2019 Grant recipients, which you can see on our Grant Dollars at Work page.

Holy Trinity, in Chandler, AZ, held their Adventure Break Camp during March 18-25, 2019. “Although we didn’t have the numbers we were hoping for, the children we had were new to our community and they had a wonderful time. We look forward to following up with them and continuing to invite them to events at Holy Trinity. Another Break Camp is planned for the fall.”

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Grants, Z AdvocacyBrian FlatgardCovenant Quartzsite Comment
Hurricane Dorian Situation Report from the Florida-Bahamas Synod
Hurricane Dorian Situation Report from the Florida-Bahamas Synod

From the Office of Bishop Pedro M. Suarez in the Florida-Bahamas Synod, we receive this update (also available as PDF) on local churches, and a request for prayer and donations.

Hurricane Dorian has caused widespread destruction and flooding throughout the Bahamas and the U.S. Virgin Islands. We have received an initial report from Pr. Cliff Lewis of Our Saviour Lutheran Church in Freeport that his family is okay, but that information is still being gathered about extensive flooding and building destruction. While we wait for further details, we continue to surround all affected in prayer.

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ELCA, Lutheran Disaster ResponseBrian FlatgardComment
We pray for Community of Grace, Peoria, AZ
We pray for Community of Grace, Peoria, AZ

We lift up in prayer the congregation of Community of Grace Lutheran Church in Peoria, AZ. We pray for their leadership: Tim Wright, Senior Pastor; Kathleen Lotz, Associate Pastor; Michelle Halonen, Director of Administration; Kendrah Germundson, Volunteer Coordinator/Receptionist; Jeff Wright, Director of Church Operations; Tony Lake, Director of Worship; Lise Hopson, Performing Arts Director/Worship Assistant; Alan Gardiner, Director of Pastoral Care; Alycia Wright, Director of Missions; and Joshua Lotz, Student Ministry/Missions Assistant.

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Prayers, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardCommunity of Grace Peoria, Cactus ConferenceComment
9/5 Prayer: 2019 graduates of the ELCA International Women Leaders initiative
9/5 Prayer: 2019 graduates of the ELCA International Women Leaders initiative

Give thanks and praise to God as we celebrate with the 2019 graduates of the ELCA International Women Leaders initiative: Sthela Gun Holly Hanitrinirina (Malagasy Lutheran Church); Yuen Ching Lee, Abby Lai and Melissa Neo (Lutheran Church in Malaysia); and Elisa Pérez-Trejo (Mexican Lutheran Church). Give thanks for all who have supported them throughout the program, and ask God to bless their service and ministry as they move forward. 

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Prayers, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardComment
Faith, Sexism, and Justice Social Statement
Faith, Sexism, and Justice Social Statement

The 2019 Churchwide Assembly adopted a social statement focused on sexism and gender justice which reads in part: "We believe all people are created equally in the image of God. Every individual is dependent upon God, and all share in the God-given vocation to contribute their gifts to help all of creation flourish."

Why is the ELCA studying the topic of sexism and gender justice?

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ELCA, Z Churchwide AssemblyBrian FlatgardComment
Senegal Reflections: Nioko Bokk (We are Together)
Senegal Reflections: Nioko Bokk (We are Together)

From Stephanie Petrilli comes our first article on the Young Adult Exchange with Senegal. Petrilli and others recently returned from the program.

When I told people that I was going to Senegal with my church, I got a lot of “good for you” and “have a wonderful mission.” It was hard to explain to people why I was going, that I wasn’t going there to build a school or feed hungry children, I was going to just be. 

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Brian Flatgard Comments