For What Shall We Pray?
For What Shall We Pray?

  • For peace among nations, especially among Israel/Palestine and Russia/Ukraine…

  • For resolution and reconciliation in all areas of persistent violence and conflict…

  • For victims of Indonesia’s Mount Marapi volcano eruption…

  • For victims of a drone attack in Nigeria…

  • For those facing excessive rain and flood threats in Seattle, WA, and for all facing winter storms…

  • For aid, compassion, and protection for refugees and all migrants…

  • For the easing of political tensions in our nation and around the world…

  • For Jewish neighbors and friends as they prepare for Hanukkah…

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ELCA, PrayersBrian FlatgardELCA Worship, For What Shall We PrayComment
Faith Lens: An Unsettling Call
Faith Lens: An Unsettling Call

Explore the challenging yet enriching call to step beyond our comfort zones in the latest Faith Lens blog, which delves into the history and current impacts of Indigenous people’s subjugation, drawing parallels to John the Baptist's unsettling call for change and repentance. Engage with thought-provoking questions and activities that encourage embracing Jesus' liberating message of love and justice.

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ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardYouth and Young Adult, Faith LensComment
Faith+Lead's 5-Day Advent Challenge
Faith+Lead's 5-Day Advent Challenge

Are you surprised that it's already time for Advent? Luther Seminary’s faith+lead would like to extend some support and encouragement to help you start this holiday season centered on Jesus. Get ready to take a daily pause to breathe in their free 5-Day Advent Challenge: Season of Hope. Discover Your Place in God’s Story in just 20 minutes per day. 

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian Flatgard2023 Advent and Christmas, Luther Seminary, faith+leadComment
Give Yourself the Gift of Resources
Give Yourself the Gift of Resources

Amidst the joy and celebration – and, yes, stress – of this season, your body can use all the help it can get. Whether it’s treatment for a pesky cough, a listening ear to help process impostor syndrome or budget worries, or ideas for a new healthy holiday tradition, check out Portico’s curated list of resources to support you and your family this season (and Advent blessings to you!)

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian Flatgard2023 Advent and Christmas, PorticoComment
Lutheran World Federation newsletter: 12/1/2023
Lutheran World Federation newsletter: 12/1/2023
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News, Global ChurchBrian FlatgardLutheran World Federation, 2023 Advent and ChristmasComment
November/December 2023 Update: Advocacy Connections
November/December 2023 Update: Advocacy Connections

The ELCA Advocacy office's latest update includes critical efforts towards peace in the Israel-Hamas conflict, advocacy for the 2018 Farm Bill extension, support for climate-smart farming, U.S. commitment to end child marriage, and legislative progress on immigration reform. These actions reflect ELCA’s commitment to global justice, environmental stewardship, and gender equality.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardAdvocacy, ELCA AdvocacyComment
ELCA Presence in Far-Reaching Efforts of COP28
ELCA Presence in Far-Reaching Efforts of COP28

The ELCA has actively participated in the United Nations Conference of Parties (COP28) meeting in Dubai, showcasing its commitment to addressing climate change. Six ELCA representatives, including experts in environmental science, policy, and advocacy, joined global leaders to discuss and devise strategies to combat the climate crisis. The ELCA's engagement at COP28 highlights our church’s dedication to environmental stewardship and its role in contributing to crucial global dialogues on environmental challenges.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardClimate Change, Advocacy, ELCA AdvocacyComment
Spiritual Solidarity: Preparing for Advent in Community
Spiritual Solidarity: Preparing for Advent in Community

Refresh your spirit this Advent with "Journeying Together -- Spiritual Practices in Community." Join Thriving Leadership Formation on Dec 7, 2023, from 10am-1pm MST, 9am to Noon PST, for a free virtual event focused on grounding spiritual practices. Perfect for ministry leaders seeking respite and connection. Register now for a serene start to your Advent journey. Register here. Questions? Email thriving@callutheran.edu.

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Grand Canyon Synod, Region 2, NewsBrian FlatgardThriving Leadership Formation Program, California Lutheran University, 2023 Advent and Christmas, Lay LeadershipoComment
Welcoming Rev. Benjamin B. Bergren to the ELCA Church Council
Welcoming Rev. Benjamin B. Bergren to the ELCA Church Council

We're excited to announce the election of Rev. Benjamin B. Bergren to the ELCA Church Council, serving until August 2025. Join us in thanking Pastor Karn Carroll for her impactful service and in welcoming Pastor Bergren, as he brings his ministry experience from Community Lutheran Church in Las Vegas and elsewhere to our churchwide leadership.

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ELCA, Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardCommunity Las Vegas, Colorado River Conference, ELCA Church CouncilComment
North American Church Leaders Call for Peace in Holy Land in Advent Prayer Resource
North American Church Leaders Call for Peace in Holy Land in Advent Prayer Resource

The leaders of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (ELCIC), the Anglican Church of Canada (ACC) and The Episcopal Church (TEC) have released the Churches Beyond Borders 2023 Advent Cycle of Prayer.

The prayer resource calls for justice and peace, especially for churches impacted by the war in the Holy Land, and for lifting up Palestinian Christian communities and ministries and the congregations and institutions of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land and the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem.

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ELCA, NewsBrian Flatgard2023 Advent and Christmas, Israel and Palestine, Ecumenical and Inter-Religious RelationsComment
Standing in Hope: A Call to Support ELCJHL Schools in Need
Standing in Hope: A Call to Support ELCJHL Schools in Need

Join us in supporting the "Standing in Hope" campaign by Opportunity Palestine to aid the ELCJHL schools in the West Bank during the current crisis. With schools closed and families facing economic hardships, your generosity can provide essential scholarship assistance. Learn more about how you can contribute to this vital cause and stand in solidarity with the students and educators during this Advent Season.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardEvangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land, Israel and Palestine, 2023 advComment
Lead with Courage: Transformative Insights from the Excellence in Leadership Program
Lead with Courage: Transformative Insights from the Excellence in Leadership Program

Elevate your leadership skills with the Rocky Mountain Synod, ELCA's "Excellence in Leadership" program. Starting January 5, 2024, this 13-month cohort offers bi-weekly online sessions every Friday morning to nurture courageous, resilient, and faithful leaders.

Explore adaptive leadership, emotional intelligence, and spiritual practices in a community of diverse participants. Transform how you respond to challenges and conflicts, both personally and professionally. Don't miss this chance to journey towards emotional and spiritual wholeness. Enroll now and step boldly into the future, and view a PDF brochure for more info.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardExcellence in Leadership, Rocky Mountain Synod, Region 2, Lay LeadershipoComment