Posts in ELCA
Situation Report #2: Maui Wildfires
Situation Report #2: Maui Wildfires

On Aug. 8, 2023, multiple wildfires broke out on Maui. Exacerbated by strong winds, they destroyed homes, businesses, and lines of communication. The town of Lahaina was the most impacted, although there was also damage from smaller fires near Kihei and Kula.

Lutheran Disaster Response is supporting the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement (CNHA). The grant will assist their continuing work with fire survivors through the Kākoʻo Maui Relief & Aid Services Center, the resource center CNHA opened within weeks of the fire at the Maui Mall.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardLutheran Disaster ResponseComment
ELCA Conference of Bishops calls for permanent bilateral cease-fire in Gaza
ELCA Conference of Bishops calls for permanent bilateral cease-fire in Gaza

The Conference of Bishops of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) is adding its voice to the growing group of faith leaders urgently calling for a permanent bilateral cease-fire in Gaza. We urge President Joe Biden, our legislators, and all who lead and make decisions on behalf of the United States to do everything in their power to bring an end to the current suffering and lay the foundation for lasting peace with justice. 

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ELCA, News, LettersBrian FlatgardIsrael and Palestine, Conference of BishopsComment
Episode 4, Talks at the Desk Season 3: Black History Month video series
Episode 4, Talks at the Desk Season 3: Black History Month video series

Episode 4 of Talks at the Desk features truth and power from the Rev. Christina Montgomery on the theme of Liberate. We also hear from a collection of other wise voices from Day 4 of the Reclaim gathering from September 2023. Reclaim featured workshops, praise and worship, shared meals and engaged conversations. We also share a highlight from last week in which Black Lutherans share their experiences of being part of a predominantly White church and discuss ways the Church can be more welcoming.

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ELCA, News, LettersBrian FlatgardTalks At the Desk, Racial Justice, African Descent Lutheran Association, 2024 Black History MonthComment
Feeding Hope: How Bethlehem Lutheran's Community Table Combats Food Insecurity
Feeding Hope: How Bethlehem Lutheran's Community Table Combats Food Insecurity

The third week of the 2024 ELCA World Hunger Lent Study focuses on "Christ crucified" and its call to confront systemic oppression. Highlighting Bethlehem Lutheran Church's Community Table in New Orleans, the study explores encountering God in crucifixion and community resilience. It challenges participants to see God's presence in suffering and to engage in acts of compassion and solidarity.

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ELCA, NewsBrian Flatgard2024 Lent, Hunger, ELCA World HungerComment
For What Shall We Pray?
For What Shall We Pray?

  • For peace among nations where war and violence rage, especially Palestine and Israel, Syria, Myanmar, Russia and Ukraine, and Sudan…

  • For cease-fires and for safe return of hostages…

  • For nations in political transition, including Italy and Palestine…

  • For safe and just resolution to protests in Nigeria, South Korea, and across Europe…

  • For those grieving Laken Hope Riley and for the Augusta University and University of Georgia campus communities…

  • For all experiencing unseasonable, unstable, and extreme weather across the United States…

  • For those battling wildfires, especially in Nebraska and Texas…

  • For safety, compassion, and welcome for refugees, asylum seekers, and all migrants…

  • For victims of hate crimes, violence, and abuse…

  • For medical professionals, researchers, and scientists…

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ELCA, PrayersBrian FlatgardELCA Worship, For What Shall We PrayComment
Faith Lens: Changes in Leadership
Faith Lens: Changes in Leadership

This week's Faith Lens explores transitions in leadership, coinciding with the retirement of the respected editor, Rev. William H. King, affectionately known as Bill. Bill's tenure saw Faith Lens flourish, becoming a well-visited resource that connected scripture with current events. Welcoming Drew Tucker as the new editor, the post outlines the future of Faith Lens, promising the same valuable insights with a year-round publishing schedule and inclusion of personal reflection activities.

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Worship Resources, ELCA, ResourcesBrian FlatgardYouth and Young Adult, Faith LensComment
ELCA Advocacy Highlights Urgent Legislative Actions in February Update
ELCA Advocacy Highlights Urgent Legislative Actions in February Update

February's Advocacy Connections from the ELCA Advocacy office outlines critical updates on social justice initiatives, including the expansion of the Child Tax Credit, potential funding shortfalls for the WIC program, and legislative efforts to protect human rights defenders. The update also highlights ongoing advocacy for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas and concerns over proposed changes to immigration law, emphasizing the ELCA's commitment to social justice and humanitarian aid.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardImmigration and Refugees, Advocacy, ELCA AdvocacyComment
Exploring the Physical and Spiritual in ELCA's Second Week Lent Study
Exploring the Physical and Spiritual in ELCA's Second Week Lent Study

The ELCA World Hunger's Lent Study for the second week focuses on the theme of Transfiguration, exploring how encounters with God, as demonstrated in Mark 9:2-9, inspire both spiritual and physical responses to injustice. Through stories like Ahmed's, a youth supported by Church World Service and ELCA World Hunger, the study urges a faith that not only transforms perception but also motivates action in the real world, especially in supporting vulnerable migrants.

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ELCA, NewsBrian Flatgard2024 Lent, Hunger, ELCA World HungerComment
Annual Congregation Reports for ELCA are due Friday, 3/1/2024
Annual Congregation Reports for ELCA are due Friday, 3/1/2024

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
Seeds Monthly: Key ELCA Events and Advocacy Alerts
Seeds Monthly: Key ELCA Events and Advocacy Alerts

Seeds Monthly highlights new initiatives and celebrates Black History Month with stories, resources, and videos. Engage with a draft social statement on civic life and faith, explore Black Lutheran narratives, and mark your calendars for key ELCA events. Discover resources for peacekeeping, Lent, and advocacy opportunities, alongside job openings in global service.

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ELCA, NewsBrian Flatgard2024 Lent, Seeds MonthlyComment
Episode 3, Talks at the Desk Season 3: Black History Month video series
Episode 3, Talks at the Desk Season 3: Black History Month video series

Episode 3 of Talks at the Desk features a powerful sermon by the Rev. Solomon Missouri talking on Embody. In particular, he says bodily pleasure is not to be feared but rather can be seen as a form of prophecy. Check on this and more from Day 3 of the Reclaim gathering from September 2023. Reclaim featured workshops, praise and worship, shared meals and engaged conversations. We also share two highlights from last week: I am: Sharei Green and I am: Reclaimed.

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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 where war and violence rage, especially Palestine and Israel, Syria, Myanmar, Russia and Ukraine, and Sudan…

  • For those facing infertility…

  • For safe and just resolution to protests in India, South Korea, and Poland…

  • For the memory of Nex Benedict, and for all who face bullying and violence…

  • For those who suffer abuse…

  • For those experiencing continued flooding and mudslides in California…

  • For all victims of gun violence, especially in Burnsville, MN; Tooele, UT; Allentown, PA; Overland Park, KS; Colorado Springs, CO; and Hollywood, FL…

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ELCA, PrayersBrian FlatgardELCA Worship, For What Shall We PrayComment
Ministry that honors the body: The holiness of simply being
Ministry that honors the body: The holiness of simply being

In part one of an interview, Living Lutheran spoke with Rachel Young Binter about how embodied spiritual practices inform her work as pastor of the Corner House, the Lutheran campus ministry of the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee. The second part of her interview focuses on the specifics of those practices, resources she recommends and a meditation she offered our readers.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardLiving LutheranComment
Faith Lens: Lose Your Life
Faith Lens: Lose Your Life

This week's Faith Lens explores the challenging call of discipleship through the lens of Mark 8:31-38, examining the concept of losing to win in the realm of faith and life. Reflecting on personal experiences with winning, losing, and the profound lessons of showing up, the discussion delves into Jesus' teachings on the cost of following Him, inviting us to embrace sacrifice for the sake of God's Word and the restoration of our relationship with the Divine.

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Worship Resources, ELCA, ResourcesBrian FlatgardYouth and Young Adult, Faith LensComment
From Brazil's Kilombo Monjolo to Your Lenten Reflection: A Story of Reconciliation
From Brazil's Kilombo Monjolo to Your Lenten Reflection: A Story of Reconciliation

Explore the theme of reconciliation in ELCA World Hunger's 2024 Lent Study. This week focuses on the transformative journey of Jerri Eliano de Quevedo and Sirlei Eloí in Kilombo Monjolo, Brazil, and the vital role of reconciliation in addressing hunger through the story of their community's resilience and partnership with the Igreja Evangélica de Confissão Luterana no Brasil.

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ELCA, Worship ResourcesBrian FlatgardHunger, ELCA World Hunger, 2024 LentComment
Enhance Your Lent and Easter Worship with ELCA's Latest Resources
Enhance Your Lent and Easter Worship with ELCA's Latest Resources

In the latest monthly worship news from ELCA Worship, explore a diverse range of resources for Lent and Easter, including special materials for International Women's Day, enriching discussions on worship and culture, and the "All Creation Sings" worship guide. Join the journey through Lent with insightful conferences and the revival of ancient liturgies to enrich your congregation's worship experience.

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ELCA, Resources, Worship ResourcesBrian Flatgard2024 Lent, 2024 Holy WeekComment
March 1 Marks Important Reporting Deadlines
March 1 Marks Important Reporting Deadlines

The ELCA calls on its congregations and rostered ministers to complete the simplified Annual Congregation Report by March 1, 2024. This streamlined Form A is crucial for the ELCA's understanding of church vitality and planning. For forms and assistance, visit the ELCA website or contact the secretary's office.

Additionally, the Rostered Minister Report to the Bishop offers a direct communication line to Bishop Hutterer, also due by March 1. Your timely submissions reflect our collective identity and resourcefulness, helping us be a united church in mission.

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Grand Canyon Synod, ELCABrian FlatgardComment