Posts in ELCA
ELCA Worship's November 2023 Partner Organization Resources and Events
ELCA Worship's November 2023 Partner Organization Resources and Events

Discover a wealth of resources the latest roundup of ELCA Worship partner highlights. Engage with the Association of Lutheran Church Musicians (ALCM) at their upcoming conference, embrace free musical compositions from the Lutheran Summer Music Academy and Festival, explore the Institute of Liturgical Studies' focus on combating consumerism through liturgy, and navigate the path to discipleship with Journey to Baptismal Living's new website.

Plus, prepare for the seasons of gratitude and expectation with Music that Makes Community and delve into fresh perspectives on preaching, allyship, activism, and campus ministry with Augsburg Fortress. Join the Calvin Institute in their mission to rejuvenate worship with their grants program.

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ELCA, Resources, Worship Resources, NewsBrian FlatgardELCA Worship, Ecumenical and Inter-Religious RelationsComment
From Lamentation to Action: The Role of Faith in Climate Advocacy
From Lamentation to Action: The Role of Faith in Climate Advocacy

In an inspiring reflection from the ELCA Fall Climate Summit, Savannah Jorgensen calls us to acknowledge our lament for the climate crisis while also recognizing God's enduring presence and the hopeful, unifying call to action in Isaiah 43. As we face the realities of environmental injustice and degradation, Jorgensen reminds us that through faith, community, and advocacy, we can spark meaningful change and become a part of the "new thing" God is creating in the world.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardClimate Change, Advocacy, ELCA AdvocacyComment
For What Shall We Pray? 11/7/2023
For What Shall We Pray? 11/7/2023

  • For peace in our world…

  • For access to humanitarian aid amidst conflicts in Israel and Palestine, Russia and Ukraine, and all places of war and violence…

  • For all refugees, migrants, and asylum seekers…

  • For clean air and for the health of those living under pollution, especially in India…

  • For relief efforts following earthquakes in Nepal…

  • For areas affected by wildfires in West Virginia…

  • For peaceful elections and transitions in government, and for the repair of community relationship…

  • For all who are tasked with serving nations as members of the military, and for those who support and love them…

  • For the spiritual and emotional impact of changing seasons…

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ELCA, PrayersBrian FlatgardELCA Worship, For What Shall We PrayComment
Faith Lens: Listening for Hope
Faith Lens: Listening for Hope

In the wake of recent harrowing events in the world, the latest ELCA Faith Lens explores the complexities of coping with distressing news, seeking understanding, and finding hope amidst despair. Read this week’s Faith Lens for a profound discussion on the importance of empathy, justice, and maintaining faith when confronted with the world's stark realities, and discover ways to find solace and strength through community, prayer, and action.

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Worship Resources, ELCA, ResourcesBrian FlatgardYouth and Young Adult, Faith LensComment
October 2023 ELCA Mission Support Memo
October 2023 ELCA Mission Support Memo

ELCA Mission Support’s most recent memo (download PDF) reflects on the enriching "Walking Together 2023" event in Grand Rapids, where over 85 participants from the Northeastern Minnesota Synod came together to share inspiring encounters with Christ. They also share a reminder to mark your calendars for the upcoming webinar on Nov. 27, where Rev. Tim Brown will demystify creating a narrative budget for your community.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardELCA Mission Support TeamComment
All Creation Sings Resources for Advent, Christmas, and Time after Epiphany
All Creation Sings Resources for Advent, Christmas, and Time after Epiphany

This month we celebrate the third anniversary of All Creation Sings, the worship and song supplement to Evangelical Lutheran Worship. As you look ahead to the incarnation cycle of the church year (Advent, Christmas, Time after Epiphany), consider these resources to support your new or continued exploration of All Creation Sings.

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ELCA, Resources, Worship ResourcesBrian FlatgardAll Creation Sings, ELCA WorshipComment
Inside Augusta Victoria Hospital: A Safe Haven in a War-Torn Region
Inside Augusta Victoria Hospital: A Safe Haven in a War-Torn Region

In this article from The Lutheran World Federation, Dr. Fadi Atrash of Augusta Victoria Hospital in East Jerusalem gives a heart-rending account of the dire impact the Israel-Palestine conflict is having on patients and staff. With access to care hindered and the threat of a looming catastrophe, AVH appeals for a ceasefire and urgent international support.

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ELCA, Global Church, NewsBrian FlatgardIsrael and Palestine, August Victoria Hospital Comment
ELCA Global Links: October/November 2023
ELCA Global Links: October/November 2023

Amidst the turmoil of the Israel-Hamas conflict, we stand with our global family in prayer and support. Read the latest Global Links newsletter for updates on the crisis, mission stories of hope, and ways to get involved. They also share mission personnel updates, new Advent resources and the ongoing Truth and Healing Movement.

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ELCA, Global Church, NewsBrian FlatgardGlobal Links, Global Mission, Young Adults in Global Mission, Israel and PalestineComment
Honoring Indigenous Peoples and Alaska Natives in November
Honoring Indigenous Peoples and Alaska Natives in November

In the United States, November is Native American Heritage Month. Racial Justice Ministries would like to elevate the voices and work of our Indigenous siblings by bringing attention to the multitude of events by the ELCA’s Indigenous Ministries and Tribal Relations. A full list of offerings for this month can be found here, but there are two events that ELCA Racial Justice Ministries would especially like to highlight: the Vine Deloria Jr. Theological Symposium on 11/13/2023 and the 11/23/2023 Day of Mourning. Read more here.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardAmerican Indian and Alaska Native, ELCA Racial Justice Ministries, Racial JusticeComment
Reflections on the Israel-Hamas Conflict: Scarcity, Abundance, and Imagination
Reflections on the Israel-Hamas Conflict: Scarcity, Abundance, and Imagination

Confronting the heartbreak of the Israel-Hamas conflict, the ELCA urges a compassionate Christian response through the lenses of scarcity, abundance, and faith. Dr. Peter N. McLellan calls us to witness the suffering and respond with abundant life, extending beyond the political divides and into a realm of shared humanity. Discover ways to support, learn, and advocate for peace and justice in this time of crisis.

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ELCA, Letters, NewsBrian FlatgardIsrael and Palestine, ELCA World HungerComment
Bishop Hazelwood’s message about the shooting in Maine
Bishop Hazelwood’s message about the shooting in Maine

As Maine is added to the list of places that have experienced a mass shooting, we in the New England Synod raise our voices with the psalmist to cry out, “How long, O Lord? How long?” How much longer will gun violence ravage lives and rip apart communities?

We also lift up prayers for those affected by this tragedy in Lewiston. Those who have lost loved ones, are injured or in pain, as well as those who are tasked with the difficult work of helping to heal: first responders, medical personnel, chaplains, clergy, funeral directors, crime scene investigators, law enforcement officers, trauma counselors and more. We pray for them and all those affected.

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ELCA, Grand Canyon Synod, Letters, NewsBrian FlatgardGun ViolenceComment
A Statement from Bishop Eaton on the Conflict in the Holy Land
A Statement from Bishop Eaton on the Conflict in the Holy Land

The ELCA's commitments call on us to denounce unequivocally any attacks — past, present or future — by any party that lead to civilians becoming victims. Our hearts are with all those who have been killed or injured, and with their families and friends. Read the full statement here.

Here are worship resources and ways that you can be involved in advocacy. Join a prayer vigil hosted by Churches for Middle East Peace.

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Bishop Eaton, ELCA, News, LettersBrian FlatgardIsrael and Palestine, Bishop Eaton LettersComment
AI in Ministry: Enhancing Communication or Eroding Community?
AI in Ministry: Enhancing Communication or Eroding Community?

In his insightful piece in Living Lutheran, Ryan Panzer delves into the intersection of AI and the church, highlighting the potential benefits and challenges posed by AI's rise in ministry and its implications for communal faith. As AI tools like ChatGPT gain traction, the church must navigate the balance between technological advancement and the core values of community and liturgy.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardRyan Panzer, Living LutheranComment
ELCA Advocacy October 2023 Updates, U.N. and State Edition
ELCA Advocacy October 2023 Updates, U.N. and State Edition

In October's ELCA Advocacy updates, global Lutherans convened in Krakow, Poland, for the LWF Assembly, with U.N. discussions focusing on the Sustainable Development Goals. Arizona's LAMA hosted an influential retreat, welcomed a new advocacy fellow, and continued their efforts in addressing hunger. Meanwhile, states like California and Colorado witnessed legislative shifts and advocacy initiatives on various topics. Stay updated with these important developments across the ELCA network.

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ELCA, Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardAdvocacy, ELCA Advocacy, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA)Comment
For What Shall We Pray? 10/24/2023
For What Shall We Pray? 10/24/2023

  • For peace in our world…

  • For all casualties of the conflict in Israel and Palestine and for all in dire need of humanitarian aid…

  • For victims of gun violence, especially in Birmingham, AL; Fairland, MD; Charlotte, NC; Germantown, WI; Louisville, KY; and Gardner, MA…

  • For areas of the United States facing first winter storms of the season…

  • For victims of Louisiana’s I-55 interstate crash…

  • For all in the pathway of landfalling tropical cyclones moving toward Bangladesh, Yemen, Vanuatu, Nicaragua, and Mexico…

  • For ongoing drought in Brazil, and all areas suffering extreme weather…

  • For safe working conditions and fair wages for workers across the world…

  • For renewed hope and comfort for those who grieve…
    In gratitude for the leadership of pastors, bishops, deacons, and ecumenical partners…

  • For gifts of renewal and reformation in our churches and in our lives of faith…

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ELCA, PrayersBrian FlatgardELCA Worship, For What Shall We PrayComment
Faith Lens: A Matter of Perception
Faith Lens: A Matter of Perception

In this week’s Faith Lens, explore the intriguing realm of perception, from the color of a dress that once divided the internet to deeper questions about truth and freedom in the context of Reformation Sunday. Explore discussions about personal beliefs, discerning the real truth in an era of "truthiness", and the significance of Martin Luther's 95 theses in shaping our understanding of faith.

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Worship Resources, ELCA, ResourcesBrian FlatgardYouth and Young Adult, Faith LensComment