From Pulpit to Track: The Roller Derby Reverend’s Unique Calling
From Pulpit to Track: The Roller Derby Reverend’s Unique Calling

Pastor Andrew Tengwall isn’t just an interim pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lindstrom, Minnesota—he’s also “Reverend Killjoy,” an announcer for the Minnesota Roller Derby. For Tengwall, the connection between leading worship and calling roller derby matches is clear: both involve storytelling, presence, and pointing people toward something greater than himself. His journey from seminary to the derby track is a unique example of how faith and passion can intertwine in unexpected ways. Read more in Living Lutheran about how he balances pastoral ministry and the fast-paced world of roller derby.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardLiving LutheranComment
ELCA World Hunger: New Lenten Resources, Leadership Gathering, and More
ELCA World Hunger: New Lenten Resources, Leadership Gathering, and More

ELCA bishops gathered in Puerto Rico to discuss hunger, advocacy, and disaster response, engaging with local leaders and exploring the island’s rich history. New ELCA World Hunger Lenten resources are available, and the 2025 ELCA World Hunger Leadership Gathering is set for Sept. 18-21 in Columbus, Ohio. AMMPARO continues to accompany migrants amid shifting policies, while Lutheran Disaster Response offers free winter-spring trainings. Read about these initiatives and more in the latest Go and Do News newsletter. Read more here.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardELCA World Hunger, HungerComment
Urgent Appeal for Refugee Support Amid Policy Shifts
Urgent Appeal for Refugee Support Amid Policy Shifts

The recent halt on refugee resettlement and a stop-work order have left hundreds of refugee families in Arizona without critical support. Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest is responding to this crisis, but we need your help. Contact your representatives, educate your community, volunteer, or give to ensure that newly arrived refugees receive the support they need. Now is the time to stand together in faith and action. Read more to learn how you can make a difference, and visit LSS-SW’s Refugee Crisis page to act today.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardLutheran Social Services of the Southwest, Immigration and Refugees, Church and Society, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA), AdvocacyComment
Defending Our Call: Global Refuge Responds to Attacks on Humanitarian Work
Defending Our Call: Global Refuge Responds to Attacks on Humanitarian Work

Global Refuge, a faith-based humanitarian organization with deep Lutheran roots, condemns recent misinformation attacking their refugee support work. For over 85 years, they have faithfully welcomed persecuted individuals, including Afghan Allies and unaccompanied children, ensuring they receive safety, care, and opportunities to thrive. Their work is not only legally sound but biblically mandated—reflecting Jesus’ call to serve “the least of these” (Matthew 25:40). Read more about how we, as a synod, can stand in truth and support this vital mission.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardGlobal Refuge, Immigration and RefugeesComment
Call to Action: Support Global Health, Refugees, and Food Security Programs
Call to Action: Support Global Health, Refugees, and Food Security Programs

The foreign assistance funding freeze has halted critical global health, refugee, and disaster relief programs—including Lutheran-supported efforts like PEPFAR and Augusta Victoria Hospital. These disruptions put millions of lives at risk by suspending already-approved aid for refugees, famine prevention, and lifesaving medical care. Urge Congress to lift the freeze today. Learn more and take action here: ELCA Action Center.

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Brian FlatgardChurch and Society, Advocacy, ELCA Advocacy, Immigration and Refugees, August Victoria HospitalComment
Engage, Advocate, Act: Upcoming Faith & Justice Events in Arizona
Engage, Advocate, Act: Upcoming Faith & Justice Events in Arizona

From Lutheran Day at the Legislature to Environmental Day at the Capitol, February is full of opportunities for advocacy, learning, and faith-based action. Engage in social justice, care for creation, and interfaith dialogue through key gatherings hosted by the Arizona Faith Network and partners. Find out how you can get involved in shaping a just world.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardEcumenical and Inter-Religious Relations, Arizona Faith NetworkComment
Building Beloved Community: Join the ELCA Coaching Book Circle on Indigenous Wisdom
Building Beloved Community: Join the ELCA Coaching Book Circle on Indigenous Wisdom

Join ELCA Coaching’s yearlong journey through Custer Died for Your Sins: An Indian Manifesto by Vine Deloria Jr. Engage in monthly discussions on the second Wednesday of each month in 2025, exploring Indigenous wisdom, truth, and healing. Facilitated by Rev. Solveig Nilsen-Goodin and Jason O’Neill, these gatherings are open to all. Visit ELCA Coaching for details and past recordings.

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ELCA, News, Leadership ResourcesBrian FlatgardCoaching, ELCA Coaching, American Indian and Alaska NativeComment
Faith Lens: In God’s Economy, Nothing is Wasted
Faith Lens: In God’s Economy, Nothing is Wasted

Have you ever felt like your efforts were wasted? In Luke 5, the disciples had a fruitless day of fishing—until Jesus stepped in, transforming their empty nets into abundance. The same principle applies beyond the sea: even waste, like discarded food or manure, can become something life-giving. In God’s economy, nothing is useless. How can we invite God to bring renewal in places that feel like failure? In this week’s Faith Lens, read more on how faith, science, and trust in God’s abundance can reshape how we see the world.

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Worship Resources, ELCA, ResourcesBrian FlatgardFaith Lens, Youth and Young Adult, 2024 Advent and ChristmasComment
A Symphony of Prophetic Voices: Lutherans Advocating for Justice at the UN
A Symphony of Prophetic Voices: Lutherans Advocating for Justice at the UN

Lutherans are raising their prophetic voices for justice at the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69) this March, where the global church will review progress on the Beijing Declaration’s gender justice commitments. Deacon Erin Brown of the Lutheran Office for World Community reflects on the diverse ways Lutherans advocate for the common good, ensuring that God’s love, compassion, and justice are proclaimed. From pastors to students to international leaders, the Lutheran delegation amplifies stories and solutions that work toward a world free from violence and oppression. Read more about how faith informs advocacy and how you can support this vital mission.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardAdvocacy, ELCA AdvocacyComment
Still Black. Still Lutheran: Confronting the Challenges of Leadership in the ELCA
Still Black. Still Lutheran: Confronting the Challenges of Leadership in the ELCA

In honor of Black History Month, ELCA Racial Justice Ministries is amplifying the voices of African Descent Lutherans, highlighting the ongoing challenges Black women face in ministry and leadership. In Still Black. Still Lutheran, Nicolette Peñaranda reflects on the systemic barriers that Black women encounter within the ELCA and broader professional spaces. As we celebrate Black history, Peñaranda calls on congregations to move beyond conversation into action—watching Talks at the Desk, engaging with discussion guides, and committing financial support to Black-led ministries. Read more to explore the realities and ways to create lasting change.

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ELCA, News, LettersBrian Flatgard2025 Black History Month, Racial Justice, ELCA Racial Justice MinistriesComment
Office of the Bishop Updates
Office of the Bishop Updates

The Office of the Bishop Staff will be there with you at Lutheran Day at the AZ Legislature 2025, Feb 10, 2025, 8:30 AM – 1:00 PM, and don’t forget about Lutheran Lobby Day: Advocate for Justice in Nevada, Feb 10, 2025, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM. We’ll also see you at various congregations as we visit and preach. We share photos from Bishop Hutterer’s visit to celebrate the 50th anniversary celebration of American Lutheran Church in Sun City.

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News, Bishop Hutterer, Grand Canyon Synod, SpotlightBrian FlatgardOffice of the BishopComment
For What Shall We Pray?
For What Shall We Pray?

  • For areas of the world impacted by ongoing war, conflict, or political transition: Ukraine, Gaza, Lebanon, Syria…

  • For shooting victims in Örebro, Sweden…

  • For those experiencing earthquakes on the Greek island of Santorini…

  • For the victims of plane crashes in Washington D.C. and Philadelphia…

  • For the work of Lutheran Services in America, Global Refuge, and other Lutheran ministries…

  • For the the African Descent Lutheran Association and for ELCA staff at the Ministries of Diverse Cultures and Communities desk…

  • For all who are unemployed, underemployed, and unjustly removed from employment…

  • For migrants and all who travel, especially those seeking refuge from violence, injustice, and abuse…

  • For threats to human rights across the world…

  • For all who struggle with the challenges of winter, especially those without stable housing or heat and those who experience seasonal affective disorder…

  • For all who experience discrimination, violence, or injustice due to race, class, gender, sexuality, religion, or other identity…

  • For the United States in this time of political tension and transition…

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ELCA, Prayers, SpotlightBrian FlatgardELCA Worship, For What Shall We PrayComment
Journey Through Lent: ELCA World Hunger Resources Now Available
Journey Through Lent: ELCA World Hunger Resources Now Available

Prepare your congregation for Lent with free resources from ELCA World Hunger! From an action guide to a Lent devotional calendar and a five-session study, these tools will inspire reflection and action as we journey together to end hunger. Download or order resources today at ELCA.org/hunger/resources and learn how your congregation can make a difference this season.

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ELCA, Leadership Resources, News, ResourcesBrian Flatgard2025 Lent, Hunger, ELCA World HungerComment
Beyond the Walls: Reaching Neighbors with the Gospel in New Ways
Beyond the Walls: Reaching Neighbors with the Gospel in New Ways

Discover new ways to connect with your neighbors in a free webinar on Tuesday, February 25th, led by Dave Male, Director of Evangelism and Discipleship for the Church of England. Explore practical tools and spiritual practices to build genuine relationships and foster discipleship in today’s changing world. Learn more and register: faithlead.org/workshop/beyond-the-walls

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News, Grand Canyon Synod, Leadership ResourcesBrian Flatgardfaith+lead, Luther SeminaryComment
Religious Liberty at Risk: Protecting the Right to Preach Without Political Retribution
Religious Liberty at Risk: Protecting the Right to Preach Without Political Retribution

Religious freedom is under threat. House Resolution 59 seeks to condemn a sermon given by Bishop Mariann Budde, setting a dangerous precedent for government interference in matters of faith. As Lutherans, we believe the church must remain free to speak truth to power. Take action today by urging your representative to oppose H.R. 59 and defend the right to preach without political retribution.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardChristian Nationalism, Christians Against Christian Nationalism, The Episcopal Church, Ecumenical and Inter-Religious Relations, Church and SocietyComment