Posts in ELCA
ELCA Delegates Share Insights from COP28: Join the Upcoming Webinar
ELCA Delegates Share Insights from COP28: Join the Upcoming Webinar

Explore ELCA's vital role at COP28 in Dubai, where Lutheran Disaster Response (LDR) representatives joined global leaders to address climate change's existential threat. Learn about their efforts in disaster risk reduction, mitigation, and preparation as part of their commitment to responding to increasing climate-related disasters. Don't miss the upcoming webinar on Jan. 24 to hear firsthand experiences and impacts from the ELCA delegation at COP28. Register here for the webinar, and read the full article at ELCA.org.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardLutheran Disaster Response, Climate ChangeComment
ELCA Seeds Monthly: Embracing New Beginnings and Reflecting on the Past Year's Highlights
ELCA Seeds Monthly: Embracing New Beginnings and Reflecting on the Past Year's Highlights

Discover impactful stories and vital updates in the latest issue of ELCA's Seeds Monthly newsletter. Highlights include the legacy of Living Lutheran publications, an invitation to participate in the reconsiderations of the Human Sexuality social statement, top articles from 2023, and insights into building up African Descent Leaders. Plus, learn about upcoming events like the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity and the Youth Gathering, and explore new resources for contemplative practices and Lent.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardSeeds MonthlyComment
Join Lutherans Restoring Creation for 'Sacred Grounds' – Transforming Holy Spaces into Wildlife Sanctuaries
Join Lutherans Restoring Creation for 'Sacred Grounds' – Transforming Holy Spaces into Wildlife Sanctuaries

Lutherans Restoring Creation invites you to be part of meaningful environmental action with upcoming events like "Sacred Grounds" on January 23rd and "Regenerating Life" on February 27th. These events, in partnership with Interfaith Power & Light and ELCA World Hunger, focus on utilizing sacred spaces and land for wildlife-friendly gardening and discussing the role of land in healing our planet. Join the journey towards a more sustainable and connected world.

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ELCA, Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardLutherans Restoring Creation, Climate Change Comment
2024: A Year of Ecumenical Engagement and Inter-Religious Learning
2024: A Year of Ecumenical Engagement and Inter-Religious Learning

The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity is upon us once again. To commemorate this time of collective witness, the Ecumenical and Inter-Religious Perspectives blog at ELCA.org has compiled a list of ecumenical and inter-religious opportunities for you and your congregation to connect with throughout the year!

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ELCA, NewsBrian Flatgard2024 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, Ecumenical and Inter-Religious RelationsComment
Transforming Tragedy into Hope: LOWC's Message of Peaceful Change
Transforming Tragedy into Hope: LOWC's Message of Peaceful Change

In the spirit of advocating for peace, the Lutheran Office for World Community (LOWC) participates in weekly prayers at the Church Center for the United Nations. Recently, they joined in reflection with the Flame of Hope organization, honoring a flame from Hiroshima as a symbol of transformation and peace.

This devotional from ELCA Advocacy at ELCA.org emphasizes the need for brave leaders who pursue peace and resist violence. As we remember Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy, LOWC calls for leadership committed to understanding, action, and the illumination of hope, transforming our world into one of justice and peace for all.

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ELCA, LettersBrian FlatgardAdvocacy, ELCA AdvocacyComment
Khader El-Yateem appointed Executive Director for ELCA Service and Justice
Khader El-Yateem appointed Executive Director for ELCA Service and Justice

The Rev. Khader El-Yateem has been appointed executive director of the Service and Justice home area of the ELCA. El-Yateem will begin his service March 18, 2024.

"I am excited about Pastor El-Yateem bringing his relationship-building skills to the churchwide organization," said the Rev. Michael Burk, ELCA presiding bishop pro tempore. "Khader's love of Jesus is contagious and his commitment to sharing God's love for the world will enhance the good work already being done by the people he has been selected to lead."

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardComment
I shared Dr. King’s last day
I shared Dr. King’s last day

Following the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. on April 4, 1968, The Lutheran ran this article in its May 8, 1968, edition. The piece is a first-person account by then-Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago student Harold Wesley Varner, who was feet away from King when he was killed. Varner, who died in 1996, served as a Lutheran pastor in the 1960s and 1970s.

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ELCA, Letters, NewsBrian FlatgardMLK, Racial Justice, Living LutheranComment
For What Shall We Pray?
For What Shall We Pray?

  • For peace among nations, especially between Israel and Palestine, Russia and Ukraine…

  • For areas of the world facing conflict and violence, especially Syria and Iraq…

  • For fair elections and for the compassion and integrity of world leaders…

  • For damages caused by volcanic eruptions in Grindavik, Iceland…

  • For safe evacuation and successful recovery efforts after avalanches in northwestern China…

  • For relief and recovery efforts in Mauritius and Réunion following Cyclone Belal…

  • For areas of the United States facing extreme cold and snow, and especially for those without reliable housing, heat, transportation, or other basic needs…

  • For those who have suffered religious trauma…

  • For cooperation and unity in the church, centered on Christ’s model of sacrificial love…

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ELCA, PrayersBrian FlatgardELCA Worship, For What Shall We PrayComment
Ready for 2024: ELCA Administration Matters Unveils Essential Church Leadership Resources
Ready for 2024: ELCA Administration Matters Unveils Essential Church Leadership Resources

The January 2024 issue of Administration Matters offers key leadership tools, including registration details for the ELCA Youth Gathering in New Orleans, a new year checklist from Portico, compelling Stories of Faith in Action, IRS mileage updates, and the importance of having a finance committee. Read the full issue for more church management strategies.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardAdministration MattersComment
Rev. Thomas's Call to Action on the National Day of Racial Healing
Rev. Thomas's Call to Action on the National Day of Racial Healing

In recognition of the National Day of Racial Healing, Rev. Jennifer Thomas reflects on her ongoing journey to address white supremacy and racial justice. A proponent of continuous learning, Rev. Thomas emphasizes the importance of understanding and actively working against the structures that harm our global neighbors.

She shares insights from her involvement with the ELCA's racial justice initiatives and invites others of European descent within the ELCA to join in the anti-racism efforts. Discover more about the ELCA's Truth and Healing Movement and find resources to support your congregation's journey towards racial equity.

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ELCA, LettersBrian FlatgardRacial Justice, ELCA Racial Justice Ministries, ELCA European Descent Lutheran Association for Racial Justice (EDLARJ)Comment
Elevate Your Worship Experience with ELCA's Music Resources
Elevate Your Worship Experience with ELCA's Music Resources

Explore a wealth of worship and music resources from ELCA partners, including new leadership at Music that Makes Community and transformative events like the Messy Church conference. Embrace the spirit of Lent with dedicated workshops and enrich your congregation's musical journey with Lutheran Summer Music Academy. Engage with the Calvin Institute's grant program to invigorate your worship services. Discover these and more, offering guidance and inspiration for your faith community's worship experiences. Dive deeper into the full array of resources and events detailed on the ELCA Worship’s blog.

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ELCA, Worship Resources, NewsBrian Flatgard2024 Lent, Worship Resources, ELCA WorshipComment
New Lent resources from ELCA World Hunger
New Lent resources from ELCA World Hunger

New resources are now available from ELCA World Hunger to enrich the life of your congregation during Lent. As congregations across the ELCA creatively find new ways to lean into the future, we are eager to equip leaders with ELCA World Hunger resources during the season of Lent.

The theme for our seasonal materials is "The glory of the Lord shall be revealed.” Where and how do you encounter God? Through the prophet Isaiah, God urges us to take comfort, trusting that “the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together” (Isaiah 40:5).

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ELCA, NewsBrian Flatgard2024 Lent, Hunger, ELCA World HungerComment
Seeking Common Ground: A Call for Prayer and Openness in Politics
Seeking Common Ground: A Call for Prayer and Openness in Politics

In a recent ELCA Advocacy blog post, Quentin Bernhard reflects on the complexity of praying for elected leaders amidst political polarization. He shares insights from a Lutheran Advocacy Ministry in Pennsylvania workshop, discussing the importance of seeing everyone as fully human and loved by God, despite differing views. This devotion is a call to open our hearts and minds, and act as agents of change in God's world. Discover the full reflection and join the conversation on depolarization as an act of discipleship at ELCA Advocacy's blog.

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Letters, ELCABrian FlatgardAdvocacy, ELCA Advocacy, Creating Space for ConversationsComment
For What Shall We Pray?
For What Shall We Pray?

  • For peace among nations, especially between Israel and Palestine, Russia and Ukraine…

  • For areas of the world facing conflict and violence, especially Ecuador…

  • For peaceful elections and political transitions around the world…

  • For victims of gun violence, especially in Perry, IA; Chicago, IL; Cloquet, MN; Kansas City, MO; St. Peters, MO; and Bessemer, AL…

  • For cleanup efforts following the explosion at the Sandman Hotel in Fort Worth, TX…

  • For areas of the United States facing blizzards, tornadoes, high winds, and other stormy weather…

  • For the legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and for all who advocate for racial justice…

  • For the church across the world and for shared peace and purpose among congregations and denominations…

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ELCA, PrayersBrian FlatgardELCA Worship, For What Shall We PrayComment
December 2023 ELCA Mission Support Memo
December 2023 ELCA Mission Support Memo

This month’s ELCA Mission Support Memo highlights the "Cultivating Generous Congregations" training available in partnership with their Stewardship ministry and the Lake Institute on Faith and Giving. Plus there is an online training on Wednesday, Jan 10th for Synod Treasurers, Bookkeepers and Leaders with Lori Fedyk. View as a PDF here. 

They would love to hear 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, NewsBrian FlatgardELCA Mission Support Team, Mission SupportComment