Posts in ELCA
Faith Lens: Peace Be With You
Faith Lens: Peace Be With You

In this week’s Faith Lens reflection on John 20:19–31, we encounter disciples paralyzed by fear and uncertainty—until the risen Christ appears with a simple but transformative message: “Peace be with you.” Though their circumstances do not immediately change, Jesus’ presence reshapes their fear into purpose, empowering them to move forward in faith.

As we pray for peace in a world marked by violence and division, this reflection reminds us that Christ’s peace is not passive—it sends us out. Grounded in hope and trust in God’s presence, we are called to embody that peace in our congregations, communities, and daily lives: “Let there be peace on earth—and let it begin with us.”

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ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardFaith Lens, 2026 Lent and EasterComment
Thank You, Region 2: 400+ Join Lenten Challenge to Serve Christ in Our Neighbor
Thank You, Region 2: 400+ Join Lenten Challenge to Serve Christ in Our Neighbor

More than 400 participants across ELCA Region 2 joined this year’s 40-40-40 Lenten Challenge, reflecting on Matthew 25 and responding through prayer, devotion, and generosity. The online giving portal for ELCA World Hunger remains open through May 31, offering continued opportunity for individuals and congregations to participate.

Gifts of any size make a meaningful difference. Donate online or give by check using Appeal Code R2LENT2026 as this shared Lenten witness continues beyond the season.

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ELCA, Region 2, Grand Canyon SynodBrian Flatgard2026 Lenten Challenge, 2026 Lent and EasterComment
For What Shall We Pray?
For What Shall We Pray?

  • For peace and reconciliation among the nations, especially in Iran, Lebanon, Gaza, South Sudan, Ukraine, and Venezuela…

  • For the Artemis crew and all who are guiding the mission…

  • For protests in the West Bank against death penalty laws…

  • For victims of a Russian military plane crash in Crimea…

  • For casualties of a migrant boat capsize near Turkey…

  • For families of those killed in gang attacks in Haiti…

  • For Pope Leo XIV, the Dali Lama, and all faith leaders speaking hopes for peace in the world…

  • For all immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers…

  • For all affected by rising fuel and food costs and access…

  • For support, visibility, and civil rights for transgender individuals…

  • For all who have experienced religious trauma and feel alienated from the church…

  • For the church in every place as we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ…

  • For Jewish siblings during the observance of Passover…

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ELCA, Prayers, SpotlightBrian FlatgardELCA Worship, For What Shall We PrayComment
Faith Lens: The Interruption of Easter
Faith Lens: The Interruption of Easter

In this week’s Faith Lens reflection, Pastor Tim Wright explores how Easter is not just a celebration—but a divine interruption that transforms everything. Drawing from Matthew 28 and a personal story of injury and recovery, Wright reflects on how both joyful and painful interruptions shape our lives, and how God’s grace ultimately interrupts despair with hope, death with life, and fear with peace.

Grounded in the resurrection, this reflection invites readers to consider how Jesus continues to interrupt our lives today—with love that cannot be undone—and challenges us to share that same grace with others in tangible ways.

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ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardFaith Lens, 2026 Lent and EasterComment
March Mission Support Memo: Post-its Create Shared Encounters
March Mission Support Memo: Post-its Create Shared Encounters

Our March 2026 Mission Support memo takes us into a two-day training on Facilitation Fundamentals by our ELCA innovation team. It’s a room full of ELCA staff from across the country, across churchwide units, in all levels of positions. Read to hear how valuable folks are finding this approach. Also a tool for our synods is included in the memo, the Thank You Certificate, to celebrate our congregations generosity.  

 We cherish hearing about the inspiring stories in your synods, regions and congregations - feel free to reach out to Karen at karen.kretschmann@elca.org.

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ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardMission Support, ELCA Mission Support Team, StewardshipComment
The Joy of Alleluia | Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry | Easter 2026
The Joy of Alleluia | Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry | Easter 2026

In his Easter message (download: bit.ly/4c9zxv4) , Presiding Bishop Curry says that even though we consider ourselves to be an Easter church, we must remember that we are also a Lenten church, a time when we live in uncertainty, waiting and hoping for renewal. Curry reminds us that in the midst of that uncertainty, comes God’s promise of reassurance and hope. Death does not have the final word.

“Yes, we are Easter people. Even when the ground below us is shaking, we will not grow weary. We know that Jesus is our foundation. Christ is risen, and that truth strengthens us. It gives us courage to live, to hope, and to proclaim joy. Christ is risen. Christ is risen indeed. Alleluia!”

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Bishop Curry, ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian Flatgard2026 Lent and Easter, Bishop Curry LettersComment
April 29 Zoom Event: Completing the ELCA DEI Learning Journey
April 29 Zoom Event: Completing the ELCA DEI Learning Journey

The fourth and final ELCA Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion learning module will take place Wednesday, April 29 via Zoom. Featuring Rev. Dr. Andrea L. Walker and Rev. Sonja Ware, this 90-minute session will integrate previous learning, explore bias in coaching, and include a live Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI) demonstration. Advance registration is required.

This concluding session invites faith leaders to move from awareness to action, equipping them to embody DEI principles in ministry and coaching contexts. Recordings of previous modules are available for those who wish to prepare or review.

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ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardCoaching, ELCA CoachingComment
Presiding Bishop Curry Calls Church to Love and Justice on Transgender Day of Visibility
Presiding Bishop Curry Calls Church to Love and Justice on Transgender Day of Visibility

In a March 31 message for Transgender Day of Visibility, Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry calls the ELCA to prayer, advocacy, and solidarity with transgender people, affirming that all are “fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139).

Amid rising anti-trans legislation, the message urges congregations to act through love, learning, and justice, and points to key ELCA resources that support this ongoing work of dignity and inclusion.

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Bishop Curry, ELCABrian FlatgardLGBTQIA+, Bishop Curry Letters, Church and SocietyComment
New April Worship Resources from Augsburg Fortress to Strengthen Your Ministry
New April Worship Resources from Augsburg Fortress to Strengthen Your Ministry

Augsburg Fortress’s April 2026 worship resources offer new tools for pastors, musicians, and worship leaders, including books on the Psalms, choir leadership, and preaching for special occasions, along with a children’s music collection. Free summer music clinics are also available in multiple cities.

These resources support congregations in deepening worship, strengthening musical leadership, and proclaiming the gospel in ways that are both grounded and responsive to today’s context. Read more at ELCA.org.

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ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardELCA worshipComment
2027 ELCA Youth Gathering Webinar: Recruiting the Right Adult Leaders (and Avoiding the Wrong Ones!)
2027 ELCA Youth Gathering Webinar: Recruiting the Right Adult Leaders (and Avoiding the Wrong Ones!)

Gathering Webinars are designed to provide timely, relevant information as you prepare for the Gathering. Each session is led by Gathering leadership and includes a presentation followed by a live Q&A. Webinars begin at 7:00 p.m. CST and run approximately 45 minutes. For those unable to attend live, recordings will be available online several days following the webinar. To learn more about upcoming webinars, visit our Key Dates page.

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ELCABrian Flatgard2027 ELCA Youth Gathering, Youth and Young AdultComment
Registration Open: Western States Youth Gathering 2026 Returns to Southern California
Registration Open: Western States Youth Gathering 2026 Returns to Southern California

Registration is now open for the 2026 Western States Youth Gathering, happening June 28–July 1, 2026, at California Lutheran University in Southern California. Youth graduating 8th–12th grade and their adult leaders are invited to gather for worship, service, learning, and connection in this faith-forming regional event.

Held the summer before the ELCA Youth Gathering, WSYG 2026 offers a meaningful opportunity for congregations to invest in youth ministry and prepare young people for a larger churchwide experience. Registration includes housing, meals, and programming. Learn more and register at westernstatesyg.org.

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ELCA, Region 2, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardYouth and Young Adult, California Lutheran UniversityComment
Faith, Bodies, and Resistance: A Lenten Call to Discernment
Faith, Bodies, and Resistance: A Lenten Call to Discernment

In this Boldcafe reflection, Saint Browder explores how cultural signals—including beauty standards—can reinforce political power and exclusion, even within religious spaces. Drawing on scripture, the article calls Christians back to a deeper truth: our bodies are not projects to perfect, but sacred vessels created by God.

Especially in this Lenten season, the reflection challenges us to practice discernment, resist harmful narratives, and live out a Gospel rooted in love, justice, and courage. Read more from Boldcafe.

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ELCABrian FlatgardWomen of the ELCA (WELCA), 2026 Lent and EasterComment
From Human Rights to Holy Calling: Why Our Voice Matters
From Human Rights to Holy Calling: Why Our Voice Matters

In this ELCA Advocacy devotional, Abigail Raghunath reflects on the Lutheran connection to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the church’s ongoing role in advocating for justice. Drawing from her experience at the 2026 UN Commission on the Status of Women, she highlights both the challenges and renewed commitments to dignity and equity for women and girls worldwide.

Grounded in scripture and Lutheran tradition, this piece invites us to see advocacy not as optional, but as part of our shared calling to love our neighbor and protect human dignity. Read more from ELCA Advocacy.

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ELCABrian FlatgardAdvocacy, ELCA AdvocacyComment