ELCA Urges Faithful Advocacy as Congress Debates the 2026 Farm Bill
ELCA Urges Faithful Advocacy as Congress Debates the 2026 Farm Bill

Congress is currently debating the 2026 Farm Bill, one of the most significant pieces of legislation affecting agriculture, hunger programs, rural communities, and conservation in the United States and around the world. In a recent update, ELCA Advocacy outlines both encouraging provisions and ongoing concerns, urging lawmakers to adopt policies that reflect our shared faith commitments to feed hungry neighbors, support farmers and rural communities, and care for God’s creation.

The ELCA continues to call for stronger protections for programs like SNAP, international food aid, and conservation initiatives that promote soil health and sustainable agriculture. Learn more about the current status of the Farm Bill and how Lutherans can engage in advocacy by reading the full update. Read more at ELCA.org.

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ELCABrian FlatgardAdvocacy, ELCA AdvocacyComment
ELCA AMMPARO: The Heart of Accompaniment: Casa Tochan
ELCA AMMPARO: The Heart of Accompaniment: Casa Tochan

As part of the AMMPARO global migration strategy, the Iglesia Luterana Mexicana (ILM) provides a critical lifeline to those forced to flee their homes. This video highlights the ministry’s essential work in Mexico City's largest shelter, Casa Tochan, and showcases the amazing resilience of migrants seeking safety, dignity, and a better future. Download at bit.ly/4kWQ7RQ or view on YouTube.

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ELCABrian FlatgardAMMPARO, Immigration and Refugees, Mexican Lutheran ChurchComment
What is an AMMPARO Welcoming Congregation?
What is an AMMPARO Welcoming Congregation?

In this video, leaders from across the AMMPARO network share their experiences moving into ministry with migrants toward building deep, life-changing relationships with refugees, asylum seekers, and undocumented neighbors. Through stories of uncertainty into transformation, we see how congregations are being re-energized by seeing the face of Christ in everyone they accompany. Download at bit.ly/4rwuCcV and view on YouTube.

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ELCABrian FlatgardAMMPARO, Immigration and RefugeesComment
Mosaic: Language Shapes Attitudes Around Disabilities
Mosaic: Language Shapes Attitudes Around Disabilities

While people with disabilities, their family members, and advocates all agree our culture needs to change the attitudes that see disability as a negative thing, but they don’t always agree on how to talk about it. Learn why some advocate people-first language and others advocate identity-first language.

The post Language Shapes Attitudes Around Disabilities appeared first on Mosaic.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardMosaic, Disability MinistriesComment
Supporting Faith Formation in ELCA Schools: Sparkhouse Digital Webinar Announced
Supporting Faith Formation in ELCA Schools: Sparkhouse Digital Webinar Announced

ELCA school leaders are invited to a 30-minute webinar on March 18 at 1:00 p.m. CST introducing Sparkhouse Digital, a platform designed to help educators easily prepare meaningful chapel services and faith formation experiences. Hosted by the Evangelical Lutheran Education Association (ELEA) in partnership with Augsburg Fortress, the webinar will include an overview of the platform’s features and an exclusive offer for live attendees. Register here. All who register will receive the recording after the event.

ELCA Schools and Learning Centers have also launched a new online Community platform where members can connect, share resources, and collaborate with fellow Lutheran educators. Register and learn more through the links provided. More info here.

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Brian FlatgardEvangelical Lutheran Education Association (ELEA), Youth and Young AdultComment
Presiding Bishop Curry Calls Lutherans to Prayer and Advocacy as Iran War Intensifies
Presiding Bishop Curry Calls Lutherans to Prayer and Advocacy as Iran War Intensifies

In a March 4 pastoral statement, ELCA Presiding Bishop Rev. Yehiel Curry calls the church to prayer, advocacy, and renewed commitment to peace as war involving the United States, Israel, and Iran intensifies. Grounded in Scripture and Lutheran social teaching, Curry laments the loss of life—including Iranian schoolchildren and U.S. service members—and raises concern about the lack of congressional authorization prior to U.S. military engagement.

The bishop urges Lutherans to pray for peace, support diplomatic and humanitarian efforts, and stand in solidarity with companions in the Middle East, including the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land. Read the full statement from the ELCA Presiding Bishop.

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ELCA, Bishop Curry, LettersBrian FlatgardBishop Curry Letters, Church and SocietyComment
A City on a Hill: Staying Steady and Unhidden in Faithful Advocacy
A City on a Hill: Staying Steady and Unhidden in Faithful Advocacy

In a new ELCA Advocacy devotional, Daniella Garber reflects on Jesus’ image of a “city on a hill that cannot be hidden” and what it means for Christians to remain steady and visible in their advocacy for neighbors and God’s creation. Drawing on childhood memories of mountains that never move, Garber reminds readers that faithful advocacy is often slow and unseen—but our calling is to remain present, hopeful, and unhidden in the world.

This reflection invites us to consider where we find steady presence in our lives and how the church can remain a visible witness to God’s justice and compassion. Read the full devotional.

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ELCABrian FlatgardAdvocacy, ELCA AdvocacyComment
Faith Lens: Belonging
Faith Lens: Belonging

In this week’s Faith Lens reflection, Liz Dinkins explores John 4:5–42, where Jesus crosses deep social and cultural barriers to speak with the Samaritan woman at the well. Their conversation moves from physical thirst to spiritual belonging, revealing a powerful truth: in Christ, we are fully known and still welcomed. Rather than condemning the woman’s complicated story, Jesus offers “living water” and invites her into deeper relationship.

The encounter transforms her from someone arriving alone at the well into the first person in John’s Gospel to share the good news with her community. This reflection invites readers to consider how Christ’s grace creates space for honesty, belonging, and witness—and how we might make room at the well in our own lives for others who are seeking belonging.

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ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardFaith LensComment
Ordination celebrations
Ordination celebrations

This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:

  • Rev. Timothy Hansen, New Journey, Fountain Hills, who celebrates 39 years on March 8.

  • Rev. Stephen Talmage, Love of Christ, Mesa, who celebrates 41 years on March 10.

  • Rev. Patsy Koeneke, Epiphany of Christ, Apache Junction, who celebrates 19 years on March 11.

  • Rev. Bruce Ayers, who celebrates 64 years on March 11.

  • Rev. Steven Crittenden, who celebrates 17 years on March 12.

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Grand Canyon Synod, News, SpotlightBrian FlatgardOrdination AnniversariesComment
What’s Happening at Arizona Faith Network: March Events, Trainings, and Interfaith Opportunities
What’s Happening at Arizona Faith Network: March Events, Trainings, and Interfaith Opportunities

The latest Arizona Faith Network newsletter highlights upcoming opportunities for interfaith dialogue, advocacy, and community engagement across Arizona. Events include legislative training, an interfaith book study, Interfaith Day at the Capitol, sacred site visits, and other gatherings that bring people of faith together for learning and action.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardEcumenical and Inter-Religious Relations, Arizona Faith NetworkComment
185 Lutherans Gather at Arizona Capitol for 2026 Lutheran Day at the Legislature
185 Lutherans Gather at Arizona Capitol for 2026 Lutheran Day at the Legislature

On February 23, 2026, 185 advocates from 28 Arizona legislative districts gathered at the Arizona State Capitol for Lutheran Day at the Legislature, joining together as people of faith to advocate for their neighbors. The day included prayer and devotion led by Bishop Deborah Hutterer, remarks from lawmakers and community leaders, and meetings with legislators during the busy opening of Crossover Week. Participants built relationships, discussed key policy issues, and witnessed the impact of faithful public engagement.

The event also included opening prayers in both the House and Senate chambers, remarks from advocacy partners, and coordination by volunteers from across the state. Read more and view photos from the day.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardLutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA), AdvocacyComment
LAMA Update: Action Alert on War Powers Resolution and Key Arizona Advocacy Events
LAMA Update: Action Alert on War Powers Resolution and Key Arizona Advocacy Events

The latest Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA) newsletter highlights a new ELCA Action Alert urging Congress to vote YES on the War Powers Resolution, along with upcoming advocacy events, justice initiatives, and policy updates affecting Arizona communities.

The update also includes a recap of 2026 Lutheran Day at the Legislature, changes to SNAP eligibility guidelines, hunger advocacy resources, and worship materials for times of war. Read the full newsletter to learn how you and your congregation can engage in faithful advocacy.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardLutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA), AdvocacyComment
Starting the Conversation: Bringing Congregational Security to the Council Table
Starting the Conversation: Bringing Congregational Security to the Council Table

The next step in the Grand Canyon Synod’s 2026 Congregational Security & Preparedness series begins with a simple action: start the conversation. Congregation councils can take an important first step by placing security and preparedness on a meeting agenda and discussing how their church cares for the safety of staff, volunteers, and worshipers.

This article offers guidance on how councils can begin that conversation and points congregations to the synod’s Congregational Security & Preparedness Resources page as a starting place for practical tools and next steps.

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Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardSecurityComment
Jazz Vespers Returns March 8 at Mount of Olives: Music that Feeds Both Body and Spirit
Jazz Vespers Returns March 8 at Mount of Olives: Music that Feeds Both Body and Spirit

Mount of Olives Lutheran Church in Phoenix invites the community to Jazz Vespers on Sunday, March 8 from 5:30–6:30 p.m., featuring Beth Lederman and William “Gooch” on saxophone and vocals. Admission is free, with a freewill offering supporting the Olive Branch Community of Hope Food Pantry, which now helps over 250 families each week.

Part of the congregation’s Music for Food ministry, Jazz Vespers blends soulful jazz with prayer and service—an evening where music becomes a way to support neighbors in need and live out Christ’s call to feed the hungry.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardMount of Olives Phoenix, Capital ConferenceComment
March Into Ministry: Resources, Lutheran Schools Week, and Opportunities from ELCA Schools
March Into Ministry: Resources, Lutheran Schools Week, and Opportunities from ELCA Schools

ELCA Schools and Learning Centers has released its latest newsletter highlighting Lutheran Schools Week (March 1–7), ministry resources like Coins for Lent, leadership opportunities on the ELEA board, and a new School Spotlightcelebrating Lutheran early childhood ministry. The update also includes member resources, discounts, and upcoming events supporting Lutheran educators nationwide. Explore the resources and learn more about Lutheran education ministries at elcaschools.org.

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ELCABrian FlatgardEvangelical Lutheran Education Association (ELEA), Youth and Young AdultComment
New Guide Helps Congregations Respond Faithfully to Addiction and Recovery
New Guide Helps Congregations Respond Faithfully to Addiction and Recovery

Addiction affects every community—including our congregations. A new guide by the Rev. Dr. Ed Treat, Faith Communities and Addiction Recovery, offers practical, step-by-step guidance to help churches understand addiction, reduce stigma, and build sustainable recovery ministries rooted in compassion and faith.

The resource is available now on Amazon, and additional training and ministry support can be found through the Center of Addiction & Faith. Learn how your congregation can move from concern to meaningful action in supporting recovery.

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Brian FlatgardAddiction, The Center of Addiction & FaithComment