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

  • For peace in our world, especially in Gaza and Israel, Ukraine and Russia, Syria, Sudan, Myanmar, Lebanon, and all areas of conflict…

  • For renewed efforts for peace at the anniversary of the current violence in the Middle East on October 7…

  • For communities devastated by hurricane and flooding, especially in Florida, Tennessee, and North Carolina…

  • For extreme heat in California and for all suffering negative effects of climate change…
    For grieving families following a school bus fire in Thailand…

  • For renewed commitment to compassion and the common good…

Read More
ELCA, Prayers, SpotlightBrian FlatgardELCA Worship, For What Shall We PrayComment
Southeastern Iowa Synod Service of Lamentation and Remembrance: praying for Peace in the Holy Land
Southeastern Iowa Synod Service of Lamentation and Remembrance: praying for Peace in the Holy Land

The Southeastern Iowa Synod Sumud working group and Pastor Peter Petit have developed a liturgy for congregations to use for a service of lamentation and remembrance to be used on or near Sunday, October 6, 2024. Bishop Current has provided a pre-recorded sermon to use as part of this service.

Additionally, the pre-recorded PowerPoint introduction to the Israel-Hamas war, including history of the area, the current conflict, and some ministry perspectives. These are great to use as an accompanying adult forum or study in your congregation. Download all the resources using links in our post.

Read More
Grand Canyon Synod, News, Leadership ResourcesBrian FlatgardSumud, Israel and Palestine, Southeastern Iowa SynodComment
Wearing Orange In Remembrance of Indian Boarding Schools
Wearing Orange In Remembrance of Indian Boarding Schools

On September 30, the National Day of Remembrance for Indian Boarding Schools invites us to honor Indigenous survivors and their families. Wearing orange is a powerful symbol of solidarity with those affected by the trauma of forced assimilation. Learn how you can participate and engage with the ELCA’s ongoing Truth and Healing initiatives in this post from Wanda K. Frenchman, vicar for Native American Urban Ministry in Phoenix.

Read More
ELCA, Grand Canyon Synod, Letters, NewsBrian FlatgardNative American Urban Ministry Phoenix, American Indian and Alaska Native, Wanda Frenchman, Women of the ELCA (WELCA)Comment
Farm Bill, Environmental Justice, and Sudan: Key Advocacy Updates from ELCA
Farm Bill, Environmental Justice, and Sudan: Key Advocacy Updates from ELCA

ELCA Advocacy is pushing for critical actions on the Farm Bill, environmental justice, and humanitarian aid in Sudan. As hunger impacts nearly 47.4 million Americans and the environment faces budget cuts, the ELCA calls for urgent action. Read how our advocacy continues to make a difference and learn how you can take part in the latest update.

Read More
ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardAdvocacy, ELCA Advocacy, HungerComment
Worship Resources: Anniversary of the Ongoing War in the Middle East
Worship Resources: Anniversary of the Ongoing War in the Middle East

As we approach the anniversary of Oct. 7, 2023, we remember a day of heartbreaking grief for the people of Israel and Palestine, devastated by Hamas attacks on civilians and by the bombardment of Gaza. Mindful that the people of the Holy Land are still living in anguish and in war one year later, congregations may consider incorporating prayers and laments in worship on Sunday, October 6 or at other times near the anniversary, in public worship or for devotional use at home or in other settings.

Read More
ELCA, Leadership Resources, NewsBrian FlatgardIsrael and PalestineComment
ELCA Conference of Bishops Emphasizes the Need to Speak the Truth
ELCA Conference of Bishops Emphasizes the Need to Speak the Truth

We, the members of the Conference of Bishops of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, speak with one voice to condemn the hateful, deceptive, violent speech that has too readily found a place in our national discourse. We lament the ways this language has led to hate-fueled action.

We refuse to accept the ongoing normalization of lies and deceit.

Read More
Bishop Hutterer, ELCA, Letters, NewsBrian FlatgardChurch and Society, Conference of BishopsComment
Bishop Eaton statement on Haitian community in Ohio
Bishop Eaton statement on Haitian community in Ohio

The recent national spotlight on Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio, clearly has fanned flames of hate and stoked threats of violence. The rhetoric has created discord and mistrust of people who have already suffered civil unrest in their nation and been granted legal protection in the United States. History shows us that this kind of hatred often carries negative national and global consequences. Our church teaches that immigrants are children of God, made in God's image and worthy of respect and lives of dignity. God calls us to witness boldly to this truth when people tell dehumanizing lies that perpetuate racist tropes and support white supremacist narratives. 

Read More
Bishop Eaton, ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardBishop Eaton Letters, Church and SocietyComment
Faith Lens: Connecting with Kids
Faith Lens: Connecting with Kids

Jesus said, “Let the children come to me.” Are we doing the same in our congregations? In this week's Faith Lens, we explore how we can better listen to and empower children’s voices in faith, drawing from research on Gen Alpha. Learn how creating space for kids to share their perspectives can deepen their spiritual engagement—and ours. How will you welcome the youngest among us?

Read More
Worship Resources, ELCA, ResourcesBrian FlatgardFaith Lens, Youth and Young AdultComment
Bishop Eaton: Praying for Peace Amid Ongoing War in the Middle East
Bishop Eaton: Praying for Peace Amid Ongoing War in the Middle East

In observance of the one-year anniversary of the start of the current conflict in the Holy Land, Bishop Eaton offers prayers for peace, healing and justice for all people in Israel and Palestine, and the regions where the war has escalated. “We grieve this violence and loss of life with all people of the Holy Land — and with the Palestinian community of the ELCA, our Jewish and Muslim neighbors, and all who live in fear, pain and anguish. We believe the presence and love of God in Jesus Christ can always be found in the places of the cross. Wherever violence, injustice and death seem to have the last word, God is there and has not abandoned the people.”

Read More
Bishop Eaton, ELCA, Letters, NewsBrian FlatgardBishop Eaton Letters, Israel and Palestine, Church and SocietyComment
Bishop Eaton: Civic engagement and loving-kindness
Bishop Eaton: Civic engagement and loving-kindness

In anticipation of Election Day in the United States, Bishop Eaton reminds us that “civic engagement through political and nonpolitical processes is how we live into our baptism and share Christ’s love as we work to make a difference in our communities and strive for justice and peace across the globe.”

Read More
Bishop Eaton, ELCA, Letters, NewsBrian FlatgardChurch and Society, Elections and Voting Rights, Bishop Eaton LettersComment
Poll Monitors Needed for General Election
Poll Monitors Needed for General Election

Join Arizona Faith Network and the Election Protection Arizona as a nonpartisan, volunteer poll monitor for the 2024 General Election! Sign up to be an EPAZ volunteer at allvoting.org/afn2024. Zoom-based training dates are on the form.

As a nonpartisan volunteer poll monitor, you will assist voters on Election Day should they encounter any problems voting.

Read More
Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardElections and Voting Rights, Church and Society, Arizona Faith Network, Ecumenical and Inter-Religious RelationsComment
Plan Ahead: Early Voting Starts Soon Across Arizona, Nevada, and Utah
Plan Ahead: Early Voting Starts Soon Across Arizona, Nevada, and Utah

Early voting for the 2024 General Election begins soon! Arizona voters can start as early as October 9, with early voting starting in Nevada on 10/19/2024 and Utah on 10/22/2024. Early voting ends on 11/1/2024 for all three states.

Find out key early voting dates, locations, and how to sign up for mail ballots in our latest blog post, and be sure to make your voice heard before Election Day!

Read More
Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardElections and Voting Rights, Church and SocietyComment
Voter registration deadlines include 10/8/2024 for Nevada, and 10/25/2024 for Utah
Voter registration deadlines include 10/8/2024 for Nevada, and 10/25/2024 for Utah

You can check your voter registration status and find more information on Nevada’s election website and Utah’s election website. Vote411.org also has clear information for Arizona, Utah, and Nevada.

  • Nevada registration deadlines are postmarked by 10/8/2024 by mail, and Election Day, 11/5/2024 for online and in-person.

  • Utah registration deadlines are 10/25/2024 by mail and online, and Election Day, 11/5/2024 for in-person.

  • The Navajo Nation spans multiple states, so voter registration follows the respective state guidelines (Arizona, New Mexico, or Utah). Contact the Navajo Election Administration for localized information.

Read More
Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardChurch and Society, Elections and Voting RightsComment
Worship Resources for Navigating National Elections: Available
Worship Resources for Navigating National Elections: Available

The ELCA has released a comprehensive set of worship resources for the upcoming national elections, including scripture readings, prayers, and assembly song suggestions. These materials are designed to support congregations during prayer vigils, weekly worship, or personal devotions. Download the free resource to help guide your community through this important time.

Read More
ELCA, Grand Canyon Synod, News, Leadership ResourcesBrian FlatgardChurch and Society, Elections and Voting RightsComment
Navigating Election Season with Faith: Tools for Congregational Peace and Understanding
Navigating Election Season with Faith: Tools for Congregational Peace and Understanding

The 2024 Election Season Toolkit from Faith+Lead provides essential resources to help church leaders guide their congregations through the political tensions of election season. Learn how to foster empathy, promote peace, and ground conversations in Gospel values. Access the toolkit and subscribe for updates at faithlead.org/toolkit/2024election.

Read More
Grand Canyon Synod, Leadership Resources, NewsBrian FlatgardChurch and Society, Elections and Voting RightsComment