Posts in ELCA
For What Shall We Pray?
For What Shall We Pray?

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

  • For all facing mudslides, floods, storms, and power outages in southern California…

  • For those experiencing the destruction caused by wildfires in Chile…

  • For elections and government transitions around the world, especially in Pakistan and Senegal…

  • For victims of a shooting attack in Istanbul, Turkey…

  • For those injured or killed in a factory explosion in Harda, India…

  • For those stranded by storms in China…

  • For all victims of gun violence, and for all areas of conflict in the world…

  • In thanksgiving for the gifts of BIPOC leaders in our churches and communities…

  • For the church, as we enter the spiritual disciplines and reflections of Lent…

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ELCA, PrayersBrian FlatgardELCA Worship, For What Shall We PrayComment
Embracing Justice, Kindness, and Humility: A Devotional on Leadership
Embracing Justice, Kindness, and Humility: A Devotional on Leadership

In the latest devotional series from ELCA Hunger Advocacy Fellows, Frances Dobbs reflects on the biblical values that should be embodied by leaders, drawing on Ephesians 3 and other scriptures. Justice, kindness, and humility are highlighted as key virtues, with the ultimate exemplar found in Christ. Dobbs underscores the importance of these values for those in authority, emphasizing that true leadership is marked by a commitment to the poor and a heart oriented towards God's justice.

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ELCA, LettersBrian FlatgardHunger, ELCA World HungerComment
Love in deed and truth: 50 years of ELCA World Hunger
Love in deed and truth: 50 years of ELCA World Hunger

In this celebratory video, we celebrate the 50 years we have joined together as Lutherans to address the root causes of hunger and poverty around the world through ELCA World Hunger. As we reflect on our last 50 years of ministry together, we know God calls us to respond to the needs of the world now more than ever. Will you join us? Learn more at ELCA.org/WH50.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardHunger, ELCA World HungerComment
Faith Lens: Affirmation
Faith Lens: Affirmation

This week’s "Faith Lens" blog post by Rachel Larson discusses the power of affirmation, especially within the context of faith. Reflecting on personal experiences of both receiving encouragement and facing criticism, the post delves into how these interactions can impact one's sense of self and calling. It connects this concept to the Transfiguration of Jesus, where God's affirming voice declares Jesus as His beloved son, setting the stage for Jesus' mission.

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Worship Resources, ELCA, ResourcesBrian FlatgardYouth and Young Adult, Faith LensComment
Early 2024 Advocacy Highlights: ELCA's State-by-State Efforts for Change
Early 2024 Advocacy Highlights: ELCA's State-by-State Efforts for Change

The ELCA Advocacy blog shares crucial updates from various State Public Policy Offices, focusing on legislative efforts across states like California, Ohio, Texas, and Washington. From budget challenges to advocacy victories and ongoing community engagement events, the updates underscore the collaborative work for justice and public policy reform.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardAdvocacy, ELCA AdvocacyComment
Why Black History Month Matters: A Seminarian's Reflection
Why Black History Month Matters: A Seminarian's Reflection

In a compelling piece for Black History Month, Seminarian Clair Minson reflects on the significance of this observance, rooted in Dr. Carter G. Woodson's initiative to educate African Americans about their heritage. Minson emphasizes the transformative power of understanding one's history, paralleling the importance of biblical stories in nurturing faith. Black History Month, for Minson, is a call to remember the resilience and contributions of African Americans, urging a reevaluation of its meaning within our faith communities and a commitment to honor and value the lives of people of African descent.

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ELCA, News, LettersBrian Flatgard2024 Black History Month, Racial Justice, ELCA Racial Justice Ministries, Racial Justice MinistriesComment
Embrace Winter's Stillness with Strategic Stewardship Planning, Suggests ELCA's Tim Brown
Embrace Winter's Stillness with Strategic Stewardship Planning, Suggests ELCA's Tim Brown

In the latest Where Your Heart Is newsletter, Rev. Tim Brown invites congregations to actively engage in stewardship planning during the winter season, suggesting the creation of a year-round stewardship calendar. This approach aligns church activities with its mission, integrating stewardship discussions throughout the year.

Upcoming webinars and events, including one on constructing a stewardship calendar and another on deepening relationships with fundraising, aim to equip leaders with the skills for impactful ministry. These initiatives underscore the importance of continuous stewardship education and the embrace of holistic financial practices within church communities.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardWhere Your Heart Is, StewardshipComment
ELCA Coaching's Weekly Gatherings: Where Faith Leaders Grow Together"
ELCA Coaching's Weekly Gatherings: Where Faith Leaders Grow Together"

ELCA Coaching is hosting weekly Wednesday gatherings (noon MST, 11am PST) for faith leaders to engage in meaningful discussions on topics like navigating political diversity in congregations, dealing with institutional decline, fostering community collaboration, addressing race relations, and enhancing stewardship among overworked members. Get more info and login information here.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardCoaching, ELCA CoachingComment
Young Voters' Vision: Advocacy for Justice and Progressive Change
Young Voters' Vision: Advocacy for Justice and Progressive Change

William Milner's ELCA Advocacy blog post calls for political leaders who address the pivotal concerns of young voters, such as the Israel-Gaza conflict, student debt relief, gun violence, and equitable education funding. It emphasizes the significant electoral potential of Gen Z and young millennials, urging them to support candidates that resonate with their vision for social justice and a progressive society. Read more at ELCA.org.

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ELCA, LettersBrian FlatgardAdvocacy, ELCA AdvocacyComment
Talks at the Desk Season 3: Black History Month video series
Talks at the Desk Season 3: Black History Month video series

Celebrate Black History Month with season three of “Talks at the Desk,” a four-part video series by African Descent Ministries of the ELCA. This season focuses on the Reclaim Gathering and will explore its themes: reclaim, embolden, embody and liberate. A new video will premiere each Wednesday in February at 6:30pm MST, 5:30pm PST, beginning 2/7/2024. Watch live at youtube.com/ELCA, and view the trailer in this post.

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ELCA, News, LettersBrian FlatgardTalks At the Desk, Racial Justice, African Descent Lutheran Association, 2024 Black History MonthComment
For What Shall We Pray?
For What Shall We Pray?

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

  • For victims of violence in Myanmar, Iran, and all areas of conflict…

  • For ongoing protests in France…

  • For those in the path of atmospheric river storms in California…

  • For victims of abuse, harassment, and trauma…

  • For deescalation among nations, governments, and political parties…

  • For safety and compassion for refugees and all migrants…

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ELCA, PrayersBrian FlatgardELCA Worship, For What Shall We PrayComment
Following the way of Jesus: A Lenten Holy Land journey
Following the way of Jesus: A Lenten Holy Land journey

The ELCA's new initiative, Sumud: For Justice in Palestine and Israel, presents “Following the Way of Jesus: A Lenten Holy Land Journey.” This Lenten video series for individuals and congregations consists of six short videos that introduce people to the land, the theology of sumud and its significance through Scripture as the “way of Jesus.” Each video will be available in both English and Arabic.

Sumud is the ELCA’s new name for our church’s engagement in accompaniment, awareness-building and advocacy for justice in Palestine and Israel. Sign up for updates about Sumud here.

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ELCA, NewsBrian Flatgard2024 Lent, Sumud, Israel and PalestineComment
35 Years of Lutheran Missions: Empowering Central America
35 Years of Lutheran Missions: Empowering Central America

We share this Living Lutheran article, which spotlights the ELCA's 35-year mission alongside Central American Lutheran churches, addressing social and environmental issues. It highlights the Salvadoran Lutheran Synod's educational and advocacy efforts against climate change, the Christian Lutheran Church of Honduras' focus on education, the Augustinian Lutheran Church of Guatemala's women's education program, and the Nicaraguan Lutheran Church of Faith and Hope's work on gender issues and community development.

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ELCA, Global ChurchBrian FlatgardLiving LutheranComment
Maximize Your Ministry's Impact: Five Exciting Stewardship and Leadership Growth Opportunities
Maximize Your Ministry's Impact: Five Exciting Stewardship and Leadership Growth Opportunities

Elevate your church leadership and stewardship skills with ELCA's exciting opportunities. Join webinars, seminars, and learning communities starting February 2024, to enhance donor relations, financial empowerment, and much more.

Register today to transform your ministry's financial and leadership capabilities with one of the five offerings: Cultivating the Craft of Asking; African Descent and African National Financial Empowerment; Deepening Our Relationship with the Spirituality of Fundraising; Financial Best Practices Learning Community, and Financial Empowerment for Missional Leaders.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardStewardshipComment
Streamlined Annual Congregation Reports for ELCA are now open
Streamlined Annual Congregation Reports for ELCA are now open

The ELCA has revamped the Annual Congregation Report for 2024, consolidating it into a single, more readable form, Form A. This effort simplifies the reporting process, which is now open and accessible, aiding in our mission to understand and plan for the church's future. Your timely submission by March 1 enables us to assess our vitality and resources, so we invite you to contribute to this essential task. Access the easy to use forms and worksheets here.

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ELCA, News, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardComment