Holy Mischief: An Unlikely Assembly by Rev. Dr. Yolanda Denson-Byers
Holy Mischief: An Unlikely Assembly by Rev. Dr. Yolanda Denson-Byers

Synopsis from a sermon preached by the Rev. Dr. Yolanda Denson-Byers at the historic “Lift Every Voice” African Descent Lutheran Association (ADLA) & Extraordinary Lutheran Ministries (ELM) Worship Service on Friday, August 2, 2019 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

I come before you with a pastor’s heart to address the hurt, pain, and suffering that I am aware is present in this room. As a human being who identifies as female, Black, and queer, I recognize that as African descent Lutherans, allies, and queer folks we make an unlikely assembly.

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ELCABrian FlatgardComment
October Newsletter from Pastor Kristin Engstrom in Senegal
October Newsletter from Pastor Kristin Engstrom in Senegal

Hello dear sisters and brothers in Christ, I hope and pray that as you and your congregations come back from summer holidays, that the rhythm of church life brings much joy and life to you all.

You can access (and share with others!) my October 2019 Newsletter at the YAGM Senegal blog or download as a PDF, and get a glimpse into some of the goings on—both sending the previous YAGM back to the US and welcoming a new group of YAGM to Senegal.

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ELCA, Global Church, Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardPastor Kristin Engstrom, Senegal, Young Adults in Global Mission, Global MissionComment
2019 LDR Consultation: Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation
2019 LDR Consultation: Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation

Last year, the Lutheran Disaster Response-US (LDR) network discussed climate change – what it is and why we care. We were inspired by the stories of the communities we accompany and driven to action by the questions that were asked. The network asked us, “What does this mean for our work?” We heard their question and happy to announce the 2019 LDR Consultation: Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation. The event will be held October 14-17 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardClimate Change, Lutheran Disaster ResponseComment
An interview with musician Peter Mayer
An interview with musician Peter Mayer

Peter Mayer’s new album Passages (Little Flock Music) showcases his poetic approach to faith-based songwriting.

Some of Passages’ proceeds will benefit ELCA World Hunger projects and International Partners in Mission, an interfaith global service organization co-founded by Mayer’s missionary parents.

Living Lutheran spoke with Mayer, a member of First Evangelical Lutheran Church, Nashville, Tenn., about how he practices his music and his faith. Read the full story »

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Living LutheranBrian FlatgardComment
DEM United States – Mexico Border Experience
DEM United States – Mexico Border Experience

The Congregational Vitality Team is reaching out to Directors for Evangelical Mission and their mission partners with a special opportunity to worship together on the beach at the United States – Mexico border.

San Diego, CA, February 18, 2020: This experience will take place the day before the Congregational Vitality Training Event in San Diego in February 2020. Reservations are due by November 15, 2019.

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Immigration, ELCABrian FlatgardComment
Lutheran Disaster Response Facilitator Attends Climate Reality Project Training
Lutheran Disaster Response Facilitator Attends Climate Reality Project Training

I grew up the daughter of a water and wastewater engineer. On summer vacations and road trips of any length, our family made detours to visit water treatment plants.

I think it was by osmosis that I came to know that there is a relationship between human activity and the natural environment and so it is not surprising that I ended up as one of the Disaster Response Coordinators in the Lutheran Disaster Response (LDR) network. Read the full story »

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News, Letters, ELCABrian FlatgardClimate Change, Lutheran Disaster ResponseComment
Mountain View Lutheran hosts Pan-Asian ministry
Mountain View Lutheran hosts Pan-Asian ministry

The Pan-Asian Ministry is holding its next event on Sunday, Oct. 13, 4:30-6:30 p.m. at Mountain View Lutheran Church, 11002 S. 48th St., Ahwatukee.

This exploratory, synodically-authorized Worshipping Community Ministry will connect Asians in the ELCA congregations in the Phoenix Metro Area, offering them a way to build grace-filled relationships through fellowship, and to develop disciples of Jesus Christ through the building of community together. 

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In the News, Fiesta ConferenceBrian FlatgardComment
ELCA Conference of Bishops welcomes greater diversity
ELCA Conference of Bishops welcomes greater diversity

The Conference of Bishops of the ELCA met in Chicago Sept. 26–Sept. 30 under a theme from 2 Corinthians: "We have this treasure in clay jars." The conference, an advisory body of the ELCA, comprises 65 synod bishops, the presiding bishop and the secretary.

"Thanks to the work of the Holy Spirit and the wisdom of God's people, the Conference of Bishops is now more diverse in more ways than it has ever been," said the Rev. William O. Gafkjen, bishop of the ELCA Indiana-Kentucky Synod and chair of the conference.

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Bishop Eaton, Bishop Hutterer, ELCABrian FlatgardComment
Hurricane Dorian updates from Bishop Eaton and Lutheran Disaster Response
Hurricane Dorian updates from Bishop Eaton and Lutheran Disaster Response

Hurricane Dorian hit the Bahamas with devastating force, lingering over the islands for over 24 hours. One month later, over 50 people have been reported dead with hundreds still missing and thousands left homeless in the Bahamas. Crippled infrastructure, closed businesses, and a tainted water supply are exacerbating. In North Carolina, many homes have been damaged and assessments are ongoing.

In this post, Bishop Elizabeth Eaton shares an overview of the last two years of hurricane relief, and Lutheran Disaster Response provides a situation update on Hurricane Dorian.

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Bishop Eaton, ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardClimate Change, Lutheran Disaster ResponseComment
What is a divested community, and what do persons with disability and ethnic members of the ELCA have in common?
What is a divested community, and what do persons with disability and ethnic members of the ELCA have in common?

Carol Josefowski, coordinator for ELCA Disability Ministries, shares this personal story about what is meant by a divested community…

“As a child, I grew up in Harvey, Ill., a diverse yet segregated town 20 miles south of Chicago. Each week on my way to church I passed by a weathered historical marker honoring Amanda Berry Smith, an African American woman freed by her formerly enslaved father.”

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ELCA, Disability MinistryBrian FlatgardComment
10/11 Prayer: The God-given gifts of science and technology
10/11 Prayer: The God-given gifts of science and technology

We are a church that believes the God-given gifts of science and technology should be used to respect and promote communities, life and human dignity. Pray that the Spirit will guide us in conversations about how faith and science intersect and that we will be mindful of the impact of technology — intended and unintended — on humanity and creation.

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Prayers, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardDaily PrayerComment
Faith Lens: Gratitude, Good for the Heart
Faith Lens: Gratitude, Good for the Heart

Want to live longer?  It turns out that looking on the bright side could save your life.  A study recently published in the medical journal, JAMA, found that people who look at life from a positive perspective have about a 35% lower risk of major heart complications, such as a cardiac death, stroke, or a heart attack, compared to those whose outlooks were pessimistic. 

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ELCABrian FlatgardFaith LensComment
In memoriam: Pastor Carol J. Reed
In memoriam: Pastor Carol J. Reed

Carol was born in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, November 3, 1942. She passed away in her dream home in Coolidge, Arizona, September 16, 2019.

In 2004 Carol purchased a house in Strawberry, Arizona, fully intending to retire there. However, plans changed and she become a pastor with the ELCA, ordained on April 17, 2010. She served in the Grand Canyon Synod prior to going to the Pacifica Synod in late 2014.

At Carol's request, a Celebration of Life will be held on November 2nd, 2019 at 11am, at Clairemont Lutheran Church, 4271 Clairemont Mesa Blvd, San Diego, CA 92117. All are welcome to join in this celebration.

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Brian FlatgardComment
The Forgotten Luther III: Reclaiming a Vision of Global Community
The Forgotten Luther III: Reclaiming a Vision of Global Community

Held on October 25 and 26, 2019 at St. Luke Lutheran Church in Silver Spring, MD, this symposium might be of particular interest to anyone interested in the challenges of global engagements. More info at www.fliii.us.

Importantly, for your convenience, this symposium will have a live-streaming capacity. Write to ForgottenLuther@saintluke.us and/or contacting Deacon Kyle Warfield at kwarfield@saintluke.us to find out about live streaming.

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ELCABrian FlatgardComment
Breaking News in Syria — Families at Risk
Breaking News in Syria — Families at Risk

Lutheran World Relief staff based in the region are preparing for an influx of refugees, and share this message:

With bombs falling on northeastern Syria, as many as 300,000 people living in the area could be forced to flee their homes. Help us be ready to respond to families in need who will be desperately seeking safety, shelter and emergency supplies such as food and water.

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Lutheran World Relief, Z AdvocacyBrian FlatgardComment