Posts in ELCA
ELCA Introduces “Now Is the Time” Study Guide
ELCA Introduces “Now Is the Time” Study Guide

With Black History Month approaching, the ELCA introduces "Now Is the Time: A Study Guide for ELCA Declaration to People of African Descent" to help congregations wrestle with the meaning of the declaration, adopted at the 2019 Churchwide Assembly, and its accompanying explanation.

The five-part study resource, with a guide and participant materials, is available at elca.org/Resources/Racial-Justice. Direct PDF links to the Explanation of the Declaration of the ELCA to People of African Descent are here: Document, Study Guide and Participant Materials.

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ELCA, News, ResourcesBrian FlatgardELCA Racial Justice Ministries, Racial Justice, 2022 Black History MonthComment
New episodes on Being Here podcast
New episodes on Being Here podcast

Being Here, a podcast through Portico that explores real world issues and topics important to professionals in the faith community, has added three new episodes.

Join host the Rev. Melissa Pohlman, as she welcomes three new guests to share their experiences and points of view on navigating retirement; Christian conversations about racial justice; and creative approaches to innovative ministry. Listen here.

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News, Resources, ELCABrian FlatgardPortico, Being Here podcastComment
Talks at the Desk
Talks at the Desk

Have you ever seen a grassroots campaign for affordable housing? What about a ten year old preacher and professional artist? This is future church. New. Young. Diverse.

African Descent Ministries of the ELCA is celebrating Black History Month with a new series “Talks at the Desk,” sharing the diverse expressions of the church. View video trailer here. Join us each Wednesday in February at 6:30pm MST, 5:30 PST. For more updates follow @ELCAADM on social or check out facebook.com/elcaadm.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardRacial Justice, 2022 Black History Month, African Descent MinistriesComment
Faith Lens: Home Crisis
Faith Lens: Home Crisis

The American Red Cross announced on January 11 that because U.S. blood supplies are at extremely low levels the country is facing an unprecedented blood crisis.

The agency said that the current surge in COVID-19 infections has caused its no-show rates to increase, as large numbers of people get sick. In addition, blood donations were already around 34% lower than before the pandemic because most blood drives are not being held.

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Worship Resources, ELCA, ResourcesBrian FlatgardFaith Lens, Youth and Young AdultComment
A Prophetic Call the Church: The Letter from Birmingham Jail
A Prophetic Call the Church: The Letter from Birmingham Jail

We revisit A Prophetic Call the Church: The Letter from Birmingham Jail, presented last year by the Metro D.C. Synod. Rev. Dr. King’s prophetic call to action to the Church and fellow clergy is grievously and regrettably relevant over 50 years later.

As we honor Rev. Dr. King’s dedication to reforming the Church and American culture, you are invited to listen to 20 African-American voices of rostered leaders of the ELCA.

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ELCA, LettersBrian FlatgardRacial JusticeComment
Faith Lens: Extravagant Light
Faith Lens: Extravagant Light

We are officially in the season of Epiphany: a season of bringing light. This time was marked at first by the magi visiting Jesus during the first Christmas, but the whole season is set to bring to light the reign of God in our world. It might just be because it’s been a long and dark couple of years, but it seemed like in my area there were more Christmas lights than ever.

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Worship Resources, ELCA, ResourcesBrian FlatgardFaith Lens, Youth and Young AdultComment
YAGM Update with Program Director Dan Beirne
YAGM Update with Program Director Dan Beirne

The Young Adults in Global Mission (YAGM) program has been paused since early 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Still, the YAGM staff have remained hard at work over the past two years, deepening relationships with global partners and asking important questions that will shape the future of the program. In this video message, YAGM program director Dan Beirne shares some of what he and the staff learned during that process. Find out more about YAGM at ELCA.org/YAGM.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardYoung Adults in Global Mission, Youth and Young AdultComment
Welcoming Afghan newcomers
Welcoming Afghan newcomers

Across the United States and over the years, places of worship and people of faith have been key partners in welcoming refugees, asylum seekers and others in need of hospitality. ELCA members and congregations have recently poured in their concern, prayers, and offers of assistance for uprooted Afghan neighbors following the end of the long war in Afghanistan.

We share a video and two posts from AMMPARO: an overview of the situation, and one on the Urgent Need for Congregational Accompaniment of Afghan refugees. An information session will be held February 8, 2022, at 6 p.m. Central time, and we’ll share the link when we receive it.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardAdvocacy, AMMPARO, Immigration and RefugeesComment
Week of Prayer for Christian Unity and Beyond: January 18-25, 2022
Week of Prayer for Christian Unity and Beyond: January 18-25, 2022

Please join the Franciscan Friars of the Atonement, Graymoor Ecumenical & Interreligious Institute, and the Interchurch Center Committee on Ecumenical, Interfaith, and Community Concerns, for a live-streamed Ecumenical Service of the Word in observation of the 2022 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.

Wednesday, January 19th, 2022, 10am MST, 9am PST, online via Facebook: Join Here. Free and open to the public; the service will remain available online for later viewing.

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ELCA, News, PrayersBrian FlatgardEcumenical and Inter-Religious RelationsComment
Rev. Amy E. Reumann: Anniversary beckons constructive civic engagement
Rev. Amy E. Reumann: Anniversary beckons constructive civic engagement

A year ago, I watched the storming of the U.S. Capitol with horror – outraged at the violence and assault on our democracy, fearful for the lives of public servants and appalled at the proliferation of Christian language and symbols used by the mob. I turned to the book of Isaiah that day, especially chapter 61 where the prophet promises comfort and restoration to those who mourn.

The prophet unveils a vision for rebuilding out of the rubble of national tragedy. The blog post “Actual Renewal and Repair After Capitol Breach” explored this vision and the work of the church after January 6, 2021.

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ELCA, LettersBrian FlatgardAdvocacy, ELCA AdvocacyComment
Prompts for Prayers of Intercession: January 9, 2022
Prompts for Prayers of Intercession: January 9, 2022

  • For those affected by snow, ice, and wind during recent winter storms…

  • For victims of the tragic house fire in Philadelphia…

  • For political unrest in Kazakhstan…

  • For the newly baptized and those preparing for baptism and affirmation of baptism…

  • For researchers and public health officials working to mitigate Covid variants and case count spikes…

  • For congregations, businesses, and institutions revising and canceling plans in order to stay healthy during this season of Covid…

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ELCA, PrayersBrian FlatgardELCA Worship, For What Shall We PrayComment
2020 ELCA Financial Picture
2020 ELCA Financial Picture

From the most recent Stories of Faith in Action (SOFIA), we share a snapshot of giving in the ELCA. In 2020, ELCA members gave $1.7 billion in unrestricted offerings to support God’s mission and ministry through the three expressions of the ELCA: congregations, synods, and the churchwide organization.

Thank you for your generosity that enable us to be communities together in Christ serving the world!

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardStories of Faith in Action (SOFIA), 2021-22 SofiaComment
Double your impact to end hunger
Double your impact to end hunger

Through Dec. 31, 2021, every gift made to ELCA World Hunger will be matched, dollar for dollar, until we reach $75,000! Will you give today?

The ministry of ELCA World Hunger is ready to respond to ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, participating creatively and courageously in the renewing work God is doing — even in the most difficult times. In 60 countries including the United States, ELCA World Hunger is working to end hunger and poverty.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardHunger, ELCA World Hunger, AdvocacyComment
Faith Lens: Alpine Angels of Grace
Faith Lens: Alpine Angels of Grace

Seeking safety, refuge, and opportunities for a better life, people fleeing conflict and oppression in various parts of the world sometimes brave the extreme hardships of crossing the Alps from Italy into France. Some of them perish in the effort. All are wary of encountering hostile border patrols intent on repelling their movement. Lately, however, some migrants have been astonished to encounter a different sort of presence in the Alps.

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Worship Resources, ELCA, ResourcesBrian FlatgardFaith Lens, Youth and Young AdultComment
The Journal of Lutheran Ethics: 2020-2021, A Retrospective
The Journal of Lutheran Ethics: 2020-2021, A Retrospective

As the secular year draws to a close and the new church year opens into the season of Advent it seems a fitting moment to take a pause and to reflect on the turbulent last two years. This issue of JLE, therefore, is not introducing a new topic but is instead drawing together some of the articles previously published on three issues that loom large this December: Climate Change, COVID 19, and Possibilities for Dialogue. Read more.

In addition, check out their new 2022 Call for Papers here. Read the current issue.

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ELCA, News, LettersBrian FlatgardJournal of Lutheran EthicsComment
Prompts for Prayers of Intercession: December 26, 2021
Prompts for Prayers of Intercession: December 26, 2021

  • For continued relief and recovery efforts after tornadoes and storms…

  • For those separated from loved ones and congregations revising and canceling plans in order to stay healthy during this season of Covid…

  • For all approaching a new year with hope and optimism…

  • For all who struggle with addiction, disordered eating, or body image…

  • For healthcare workers and support staff in their second pandemic winter…

  • For the very young and all others who are unable to access or receive vaccines…

  • For everyone who envisioned this holiday season differently than how it turned out…

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ELCA, PrayersBrian FlatgardELCA Worship, For What Shall We PrayComment