Posts in Advocacy
Grant Dollars at Work: Covenant Lutheran, Quartzite, AZ
Grant Dollars at Work: Covenant Lutheran, Quartzite, AZ

As we enter the 2020 GCS grant process (applications open 9/2/19), we share stories from our 2019 Grant recipients, which you can see on our Grant Dollars at Work page.

Covenant Lutheran, in Quartzsite, has established Carol’s Closet Ministry to distribute clothing to those in need at no cost to the client. This is done in conjunction with the Community Food Bank. Members of the congregation initiated the closet ministry, purchased clothing racks and other equipment, renovated the building, and staff Carol’s Closet. 

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Grants, AdvocacyBrian FlatgardCovenant QuartzsiteComment
Grant Dollars at Work: Emmanuel Sudanese Lutheran Fellowship
Grant Dollars at Work: Emmanuel Sudanese Lutheran Fellowship

As we enter the 2020 GCS grant process (applications open 9/2/19), we share stories from our 2019 Grant recipients, which you can see on our Grant Dollars at Work page. This week we share Emmanuel Sudanese Lutheran Fellowship, in Glendale, AZ, which uses its grant monies to provide Saturday School for children to learn the Bible, hymnals and songs in both the English and Dinka languages.

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Grants, AdvocacyBrian FlatgardEmmanuel Sudanese PhoenixComment
ELCA presiding bishop, Christian leaders issue statement against Christian nationalism
ELCA presiding bishop, Christian leaders issue statement against Christian nationalism

The Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton, presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), has joined Christian leaders in a statement against Christian nationalism.

An excerpt: "Whether we worship at a church, mosque, synagogue, or temple, America has no second-class faiths," their statement reads. "All are equal under the U.S. Constitution." Read and sign the statement at https://www.christiansagainstchristiannationalism.org.

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Bishop Eaton, ELCA, AdvocacyBrian FlatgardComment
Grant Dollars at Work: Iglesia Luterana San Juan Bautista
Grant Dollars at Work: Iglesia Luterana San Juan Bautista

As we enter the 2020 GCS grant process (applications open 9/2/19), we share stories from our 2019 Grant recipients, which you can see on our Grant Dollars at Work page. This week we share Iglesia Luterana San Juan Bautista, in Tucson. AZ.

“Since the beginning of the year, SJB has hosted two fundraiser events (Three Kings Day and Day of the children) and two courses on Hispanic Lutheran traditions (Christmas and Lent Hispanic Traditions) which were open to the public for a small fee. These events served as fundraisers and outreach to our community since all events welcomed the surrounding community.“

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Grants, AdvocacyBrian FlatgardEmmanuel Prescott Valley Comment
2019 ELCA Churchwide Assembly wrap-up: Summary of actions and photos
2019 ELCA Churchwide Assembly wrap-up: Summary of actions and photos

Gathering under the theme "We are church," voting members of the 2019 Churchwide Assembly of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) made a number of key decisions to further the mission and ministry of this church. The assembly, the chief legislative authority of the church, met Aug. 5-10 at the Wisconsin Center in Milwaukee. 

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Bishop Hutterer, ELCA, Churchwide Assembly, Region 2, AdvocacyBrian FlatgardComment
August Update: Advocacy Connections
August Update: Advocacy Connections

Posted on August 9, 2019 from the ELCA Advocacy office in Washington, D.C. – the Rev. Amy E. Reumann, director, we have the following updates: AUGUST RECESS ADVOCACY OPPORTUNITIES  |  LIMITS PROPOSED TO SNAP HUNGER PROGRAM  |  KEEPING GIRLS IN SCHOOL ACT  |  FAITH-BASED PRESENCE AROUND U.N. CLIMATE CONFERENCE  |  FEDERAL BUDGET DEAL REACHED  |  STANDING AGAINST #CHRISTIANNATIONALISM  | HUNGER ADVOCACY FELLOWS  | VISITING D.C.

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ELCA, AdvocacyBrian FlatgardComment
ELCA as a sanctuary church: What does this mean?
ELCA as a sanctuary church: What does this mean?

In this statement, Presiding Bishop Eaton provides clarifications and helpful talking points:

Dear siblings in Christ, as many of you know, last week the ELCA Churchwide Assembly adopted a resolution that, among other things, declared the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) a sanctuary denomination. Many of you are asking, “What does this mean?”

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Bishop Eaton, Immigration, Advocacy, LettersBrian Flatgard Comments
Thursdays in Black formally endorsed at Churchwide Assembly
Thursdays in Black formally endorsed at Churchwide Assembly

The campaign is simple but profound: wear black on Thursdays, and declare you are part of the global movement resisting attitudes and practices that permit rape and violence.

Speaking during a plenary session at the ELCA Churchwide Assembly, World Council of Churches (WCC) moderator Dr Agnes Abuom saluted those assembled for their collaborative work in embracing Thursdays in Black. “The decision of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America to endorse Thursdays in Black is timely,” said Abuom.

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Churchwide Assembly, ELCA, AdvocacyBrian FlatgardComment
Catie and Josh Sondrol of Mount Olive Lutheran prepare to serve in Thailand
Catie and Josh Sondrol of Mount Olive Lutheran prepare to serve in Thailand

For the past 2 years Catie and Josh Sondrol have traveled to Chiang Mia, Thailand to serve with Joni & Friends at their International Family Retreat which is sponsored by Jasmine and & Joey Tells’ Christian church in Thailand. The International Family Retreat offers 4 days of “a safe and accepting Christ-centered environment for individuals affected by disability and their families” (www.joniandfriends.org).

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Colorado River Conference, AdvocacyBrian FlatgardMount Olive Lake Havasu CityComment
Who Won the Peanut Butter Wars? 39,019 pounds gathered!
Who Won the Peanut Butter Wars? 39,019 pounds gathered!

After a hard, month-long battle, the war is finally over! Lutheran Social Services of Nevada is humbled by the outpouring of support they received from our congregations. With the help of six local churches, they collected 39,019 pounds of peanut butter over the course of July-- by far their greatest total yet! Who won?

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AdvocacyBrian FlatgardLutheran Social Services of Nevada, The Lakes Las Vegas, St. Andrew Las Vegas, Holy Spirit Las Vegas, Christ the Servant Henderson, New Song Henderson, Good Samaritan Las VegasComment
Congregation Raises Faith Voice Against Gun Violence
Congregation Raises Faith Voice Against Gun Violence

A member of Lord of the Mountain Lutheran Church in Dillion, Colo. was called to action after the inaugural National Gun Violence Prevention Sabbath Weekend in March 2014. “As people of faith, we are directed to do so,” said Diane Luellen. “These things are important. If we don’t do it, who will?”  

Luellen and her congregation’s story mirrors the prodding of Paul in Acts 18, “Do not be afraid, but go on speaking and do not be silent, for I am with you.”

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AdvocacyBrian FlatgardComment
Key moments for day two of 2019 ELCA Churchwide Assembly
Key moments for day two of 2019 ELCA Churchwide Assembly

On day two of their gathering, the 2019 ELCA Churchwide Assembly took key actions and received reports that set the stage for how the denomination wants to move into the future.

The assembly re-elected the Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton as presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) Aug. 6. The assembly approved 26 en bloc memorials on topics including gun violence, engagement in the Holy Land and income inequality. A Declaration to People of African Descent was presented to representatives of the African Descent Lutheran Association.

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Churchwide Assembly, ELCA, AdvocacyBrian FlatgardComment
LSSN August Newsletter: 12 new employees!
LSSN August Newsletter: 12 new employees!

The August 2019 newsletter from Lutheran Social Services of Nevada brings the great news of a BOOM in employees ranging from Directors to Intake Coordinators and everyone in between!

Over the next few weeks we will be posting profiles on our new teammates every Monday on our Facebook page! Be sure to like our page and check it for updates to learn more about the newest members of the LSSN family. 

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AdvocacyBrian FlatgardLutheran Social Services of NevadaComment
ELCA Churchwide Assembly Passes Assembly Actions Related to Israel and Palestine
ELCA Churchwide Assembly Passes Assembly Actions Related to Israel and Palestine

On August 6, 2019, at the ELCA’s 2019 Churchwide Assembly in Milwaukee, the assembly approved four Assembly Actions related to Israel and Palestine.

The Assembly Actions deal with the human rights social investment screen, the detention of Palestinian children by Israel, funding for Augusta Victoria Hospital, and continuing to listen to various perspectives on the conflict. Read the full article »

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Churchwide Assembly, ELCA, AdvocacyBrian FlatgardComment
Grant Dollars at Work: Open Space
Grant Dollars at Work: Open Space

As we enter the 2020 GCS grant process (applications open 9/2/19), we share stories from our 2019 Grant recipients, which you can see on our Grant Dollars at Work page. This week we share Open Space, in Tucson. AZ.

“One positive result has been some our new people taking the initiative to invite people and do evangelism themselves. They are not finding unchurched, urban, young adults a whole lot easier to invite to church than I do as a pastor, but they do get a better response. One member goes to raves and invites people there. And, believe it or not, had brought several totally non-Christian people to Open Space this way.”

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Grants, AdvocacyBrian FlatgardEmmanuel Prescott ValleyComment
Grant Dollars at Work: Native American Urban Ministry
Grant Dollars at Work: Native American Urban Ministry

As we enter the 2020 GCS grant process, we have assembled stories from our 2019 Grant recipients, which you can see on our Grant Dollars at Work page.

This week we look at Native American Urban Ministry (NAUM), Phoenix.

“In our visit during Saturday worship, we heard of addictions and celebrated recovery. We heard of being lost and finding a home at NAUM. We heard of brokenness and God’s healing.”

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Grants, AdvocacyBrian FlatgardEmmanuel Prescott ValleyComment
7/31 Prayer: United Nations World Day Against Trafficking in Persons 
7/31 Prayer: United Nations World Day Against Trafficking in Persons 

United Nations World Day Against Trafficking in Persons Human trafficking for forced labor and sexual exploitation is a global issue affecting every nation. Women and girls account for almost three-quarters of all trafficking victims. Pray that the ELCA, our congregations and communities continue to work to end human trafficking, care for survivors and address root causes of trafficking, such as poverty, hunger and sexism.

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Prayers, Advocacy, ResourcesBrian FlatgardComment