Earthquake relief in Haiti
Earthquake relief in Haiti

For over two decades, the ELCA has been present in southern Haiti. Lutheran Disaster Response is working in those communities to meet relief needs. In this post we share a letter from The Rev. Daniel Rift, Director of ELCA World Hunger and Lutheran Disaster Response Fund.

For many Haitians, their only source of aid throughout their lives has been the church. After the earthquake, presidential assassination and storms, many of those churches are in ruins, as we learn in this article and podcast from the New York Times.

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ELCA, News, LettersBrian FlatgardLutheran Disaster Response, ELCA World HungerComment
The 2020 Census of American Religion
The 2020 Census of American Religion

PRRI (Public Religion Research Institute) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to conducting independent research at the intersection of religion, culture, and public policy. Their 2020 Census of American Religion is a fascinating look at our changing nation.

One interesting takeaway? Navajo County in Arizona is the 4th most religiously diverse county in the nation. Read more on their site.

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Read · Watch · ListenBrian FlatgardPublic Religion Research InstituteComment
Prayers for Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church in Goodyear, and Alleluia Lutheran Church in Phoenix
Prayers for Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church in Goodyear, and Alleluia Lutheran Church in Phoenix

We pray for Rev. Jeffery Gallen, Intern Dan Wichert, and the people of Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church in Goodyear, and Alleluia Lutheran Church in Phoenix, part of the Cactus Conference. Visit their site at christevangelical.org, alleluiachurch.org, and their YouTube page.

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Prayers, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardChrist Evangelical Goodyear, Cactus Conference, Alleluia PhoenixComment
In Memoriam: ELCA Vice President William “Bill” Horne
In Memoriam: ELCA Vice President William “Bill” Horne

Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton wrote to the church, “With much sadness and shock I share with you the news of the sudden passing of Bill Horne, my friend and Vice President of the ELCA. He died Saturday afternoon of a suspected heart attack, according to the city press release. Please join me in praying for his wife Loretta and the rest of his family during this difficult time. We will always remember Bill as a faithful servant of God.”

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ELCA, In Memoriam, PrayersBrian Flatgard Comment
Part time music director wanted: Sierra Evangelical in Sierra Vista
Part time music director wanted: Sierra Evangelical in Sierra Vista

Sierra Evangelical Lutheran Church (SELC) is searching for a part-time music/choir director to lead the congregation in worshipful music and singing at regular and special services. This position supervises the SELC organist and the contemporary worship team leader(s) as well. Hours will vary as required. If interested please contact the church office at 520-459-0444, admin@selcaz.org or go to our website.

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News, Help Wanted, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardHelp Wanted, Sierra Lutheran Sierra Vista, Kino ConferenceComment
Support for wildfire relief in the Sierra Pacific Synod
Support for wildfire relief in the Sierra Pacific Synod

The Sierra Pacific Synod is collecting funds and working in partnership with Lutheran Disaster Relief and Lutheran Social Services of Northern California to provide immediate relief for those affected by the Dixie Fire and other fires expected to affect California and Nevada this season.

Your contributions will go to emergency relief support for congregations and members impacted by the wildfires. We invite you to make a donation here: https://tinyurl.com/SPSfiresupport

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NewsBrian FlatgardSierra Pacific Synod, Region 2, Lutheran Disaster ResponseComment
Mexican Lutheran Church leader shares his vision of a healing community of believers
Mexican Lutheran Church leader shares his vision of a healing community of believers

As we deepen our relationship with the Mexican Lutheran Church (ILM), we revisit this article from the Lutheran World Federation, featuring Rev. Roberto Trejo Haager, Pastor President of the ILM. Trejo will be our guest at the 2021 Bishop’s Fall Gathering.

“In whatever context,” Trejo says, “the Lutheran message has much value and is very important because the gospel message that we transmit is a message about the grace of God.”

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News, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardLutheran World Federation, 2021 Bishop's Fall Gathering, Roberto Trejo HaagerComment
Hunger Policy Podcast: International Aid
Hunger Policy Podcast: International Aid

In this episode of ELCA World Hunger’s Hunger Policy Podcast, Patricia Kisare, international policy advisor for the ELCA, and Kaari Reierson, the ELCA’s associate for corporate social responsibility, join Ryan Cumming, the program director for hunger education, to break down some of the myths and realities about US aid and the church’s witness when it comes to this part of the federal budget.

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ELCA, LettersBrian FlatgardHunger, ELCA World HungerComment
Could religion be fueling the gender pay gap?
Could religion be fueling the gender pay gap?

This Forbes article explores the gender pay gap, a thorny and persistent problem in society.

“In a recent series of studies, Drs. Traci Sitzmann (University of Colorado Denver) and Elizabeth Campbell (University of Minnesota) provide compelling evidence that tenets found in each of the world’s six major religions—Buddhism, Christianity, Folk, Hinduism, Islam, and Judaism—can create norms and expectations regarding the roles of men and women that fuel the gender pay gap.”

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Read · Watch · ListenBrian FlatgardComment
Bishop Eaton: The will to get going
Bishop Eaton: The will to get going

Especially as temperatures and wildfires are soaring all over the country, it is clear that our climate crisis is reaching a tipping point. Our Christian call and vocation include caring for creation, and Bishop Eaton encourages us to find ways to be part of the solution to this dire situation. Start with a read or re-read of the ELCA Social Statement, Caring for Creation: Vision, Hope and Justice.

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Bishop Eaton, ELCA, LettersBrian FlatgardBishop Elizabeth Eaton, Climate ChangeComment
Vida Nueva shares summer update
Vida Nueva shares summer update

In this post, we share a summer update from Iglesia Luterana Vida Nueva in Glendale, full of images and good news.

Thank God, Iglesia Luterana "Vida Nueva" survived Covid 19 and starting in May with new strength. We continue to minister to Christian people, the Hispanic community and in a special way to immigrants. We thank God and the Grand Canyon Synod for the spiritual and financial support that you give us, so we can continue the ministry of the Church, serve the community and be able to plan for growth and become self-reliant.

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Stories of Hope, News, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardLatino, Vida Nueva Phoenix, Capital ConferenceComment
Lonely no more: Questioning Christians find belonging on TikTok
Lonely no more: Questioning Christians find belonging on TikTok

Deconstructing the faith of one's childhood can be a lonely undertaking. For many of these church exiles, TikTok has filled the gap. Read more at Religion News Service.

“The TikTokers — known as creators — within this community come from different religious backgrounds and have different beliefs. But together, they are dissecting and rethinking the Christian theology they grew up with — a process many progressive Christians and former evangelicals call ‘deconstruction.’”

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Read · Watch · ListenBrian FlatgardReligious News ServiceComment