Posts in ELCA
Faith Lens: We’re Going On An Adventure
Faith Lens: We’re Going On An Adventure

In the latest Faith Lens post, Kate Van Valkenburg shares a powerful story of an adventurous hike with a friend that turned into a lesson on trust, the unknown, and God's presence in difficult times. As they faced unexpected challenges, they encountered a group of women who provided the support they needed, reminding us that God shows up in surprising ways. The post also explores the Gospel of John, emphasizing the transformation and hope found in Jesus' teachings, and encourages us to be agents of change in the world.

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Worship Resources, ELCA, ResourcesBrian FlatgardYouth and Young Adult, Faith LensComment
ELCA's White Lutherans Gather to Forge Pathways for Racial Justice
ELCA's White Lutherans Gather to Forge Pathways for Racial Justice

The ELCA Association of White Lutherans for Racial Justice convened in Minneapolis from March 1-3, focusing on combating white supremacy within the church. The assembly, themed “Building Power Together,” led to a name change to better reflect the group’s mission and included workshops, worship, and strategic planning towards racial justice. Participants engaged with community members from George Floyd Square, emphasizing the importance of action in local communities and the necessity of hesed in justice work.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardLiving Lutheran, Racial Justice, ELCA Association of White Lutherans for Racial JusticeComment
2024 Youth Gathering registration open through April 15, 2024
2024 Youth Gathering registration open through April 15, 2024

You're not late — everyone else is just early! From now until April 15, ELCA Youth Gathering registration is $475. It’s not too late to get your krewe together to attend the Gathering this summer.

Registration will close on April 15. Join us for a week of faith formation, worship, fun, jazz and great food. Please contact Pr. Jacqui JPagel@gcsynod.org if you have any YouthGathering 2024 questions.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardYouth and Young Adult, 2024 ELCA Youth GatheringComment
March/April Highlights: ELCA Partners Offer Workshops, Conferences, and Musical Enrichment
March/April Highlights: ELCA Partners Offer Workshops, Conferences, and Musical Enrichment

ELCA Worship shines a spotlight on upcoming resources and events from Lutheran and ecumenical partners this March and April. Highlights include the ALCM's confectionary workshop, the Institute of Liturgical Studies' conference on liturgy in consumer culture, and Music That Makes Community's unique Soup Singing event. Additionally, the Lutheran Summer Music Academy offers a transformative experience for high school musicians, while Augsburg Fortress presents a wealth of resources and events to enrich congregational life.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardELCA Worship, Ecumenical and Inter-Religious RelationsComment
Shape the Future of the ELCA: Join the CRLC Survey by March 15
Shape the Future of the ELCA: Join the CRLC Survey by March 15

Your insights can help shape the future of the ELCA. Participate in the Commission for a Renewed Lutheran Church survey by March 15, 2024, and contribute to our church's mission of renewal and commitment to justice.

Don't miss your chance to contribute to this significant moment in the ELCA's history. The deadline for survey participation is March 15, 2024. For more details and to complete the survey, visit the official CRLC page: ELCA CRLC Survey. Questions and further inquiries can be directed to crlc@elca.org.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardCommission for a Renewed Lutheran ChurchComment
Your Voice Matters: Join the ELCA Disability Community Listening Session
Your Voice Matters: Join the ELCA Disability Community Listening Session

Join the ELCA's Commission for a Renewed Lutheran Church (CRLC) for a critical listening session with the disability community on March 15th, 2024. Share your insights to help guide the ELCA's future, focusing on inclusivity and dismantling racism. Register now to contribute to a more equitable church, and read more at ELCA.org.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardCommission for a Renewed Lutheran Church, ELCA Disability Ministries, Disability MinistriesComment
ELCA Global Links: Supporting Emerging Women Leaders Through Education and Entrepreneurship
ELCA Global Links: Supporting Emerging Women Leaders Through Education and Entrepreneurship

Discover how ELCA's Global Links celebrates International Women’s Day by uplifting women like Roza Mavlonova in Kyrgyzstan and women leaders worldwide. From entrepreneurial projects in Kyrgyzstan to scholarships for emerging leaders from global companion churches, ELCA is empowering women to transform their communities.

Plus, learn about the historic consecration of Rev. Paulina Hławiczka-Trotman in the Lutheran Church in Great Britain and how you can get involved in ELCA initiatives, including the new Lenten series Sumud: For Justice in Palestine and Israel. Read more in Global Links.

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ELCA, Global Church, NewsBrian FlatgardGlobal LinksComment
ELCA Bishops Unite for Peace and Migrant Solidarity in Latest Conference
ELCA Bishops Unite for Peace and Migrant Solidarity in Latest Conference

During their recent meeting, the ELCA Conference of Bishops addressed critical international and domestic issues, showing support for a cease-fire in Gaza and solidarity with migrants in Texas. They discussed the role of faith in advocacy, updates on Holy Communion practices, and progress from the Commission for a Renewed Lutheran Church. Other topics included synod diversity goals, tackling white supremacy and patriarchy, AMMPARO's expansion, and roster committee recommendations. Read more at ELCA.org.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardIsrael and Palestine, Conference of BishopsComment
Week 4 of ELCA World Hunger Lent Study: Restoring Hope and Community in Ethiopia
Week 4 of ELCA World Hunger Lent Study: Restoring Hope and Community in Ethiopia

Discover the transformative journey of Lalistu's family in Ethiopia through the lens of the ELCA World Hunger Lent Study for Week 4. Explore themes of restoration, the impact of community support, and the fight against stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS. Learn how ELCA World Hunger and its partners are investing in futures and changing perceptions to build a world where everyone belongs.

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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 the restoration of collaboration and compassion among political parties and leaders…

  • For hunger crises in Gaza, Sudan, and around the world…

  • For contentions in the South China Sea and the Red Sea…

  • For victims of the fatal plane crash in West Nashville, TN…

  • For storm and flood threats in the northeastern and southern United States…

  • For relief and recovery following wildfires in Texas and Minnesota…

  • For the continued doctor strike in South Korea…

  • For all victims of assault and abuse…

  • For Muslim communities preparing to enter the holy month of Ramadan…

  • In thanksgiving for the gifts and leadership of women across history and across disciplines…

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ELCA, PrayersBrian FlatgardELCA Worship, For What Shall We PrayComment
Living Lutheran: Celebrating Women’s History Month
Living Lutheran: Celebrating Women’s History Month

As we celebrate Women’s History Month, Living Lutheran is highlighting a few of the many programs and ministries that support women and promote gender justice. Visit these resources to explore how these programs bring awareness to, serve and equip women, and stay tuned throughout this month to learn more: Women of the ELCA, Justice for Women Resource Page, and 50 Years of Ordained Women.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardLiving LutheranComment
Your Voice Matters: Join the ELCA Disability Community Listening Session
Your Voice Matters: Join the ELCA Disability Community Listening Session

Join the ELCA's Commission for a Renewed Lutheran Church (CRLC) for a critical listening session with the disability community on March 15th, 2024. Share your insights to help guide the ELCA's future, focusing on inclusivity and dismantling racism. Register now to contribute to a more equitable church, and read more at ELCA.org.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardCommission for a Renewed Lutheran Church, ELCA Disability Ministries, Disability MinistriesComment
Faith Lens: Seeing the Puzzle of God’s Love
Faith Lens: Seeing the Puzzle of God’s Love

In this week's ELCA Faith Lens, Andrew Thompson shares a reflective piece on finding comfort and connection in assembling puzzles with family, drawing parallels to navigating the complex, interwoven stories of our world and scripture. The article, set against the backdrop of an increasingly digital and overwhelming news landscape, encourages taking a more focused and intimate approach to engaging with the vast "puzzle" of human stories and God’s unfolding narrative.

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Worship Resources, ELCA, ResourcesBrian FlatgardYouth and Young Adult, Faith LensComment
Legacy of Love: How One ELCA Member’s Estate Planning is Extending Her Husband’s Legacy
Legacy of Love: How One ELCA Member’s Estate Planning is Extending Her Husband’s Legacy

The ELCA Foundation's latest edition of "Insights" brings opportunities and tools for supporters to enhance their contributions to the church's vibrant ministries. Highlighting the rise in charitable gift annuity rates, the introduction of a new estate-planning resource, and inspiring stories of legacy, the newsletter underscores the impact of thoughtful giving.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardStewardship, ELCA FoundationComment
March Forward with ELCA Young Adult Ministry: Apprenticeships, Surveys, and Gatherings Await
March Forward with ELCA Young Adult Ministry: Apprenticeships, Surveys, and Gatherings Await

In the latest ELCA Young Adult Ministry Updates newsletter, March is bustling with opportunities for young adults in the ELCA! Apply for the Horizon Apprenticeship, share your thoughts with the Commission for a Renewed Lutheran Church, dive into next year's YAGM cohort, and don't miss registering for the 2024 Young Adult Gathering. Plus, a unique internship at Grace House in Atlanta offers a year of discovery and ministry.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardYouth and Young AdultComment
Horizon Awaits: Transform Your Summer with ELCA's Apprenticeship Program
Horizon Awaits: Transform Your Summer with ELCA's Apprenticeship Program

Seize a transformative summer with the ELCA's Horizon Apprenticeship Program. Designed for young adults of color or those whose primary language is not English, this initiative offers an enriching blend of internships, mentorship, and online learning from June 2 to July 28, 2024. Apply by March 12 to embark on a journey of growth, leadership, and deepened faith engagement.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardYouth and Young AdultComment
Beyond the Booth: Voting as a Testament to Justice and Equality
Beyond the Booth: Voting as a Testament to Justice and Equality

The ELCA Advocacy blog post by William Milner and Alex Parker explores the profound significance of election engagement from a faith-based perspective. Highlighting the enthusiasm for the democratic process and the sacred calling to steward democracy, the authors encourage active civic participation as an act of service to neighbors and a commitment to justice.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardAdvocacy, ELCA Advocacy, Elections and Voting RightsComment
Statement from the ELCA Conference of Bishops in solidarity with migrants in Texas
Statement from the ELCA Conference of Bishops in solidarity with migrants in Texas

We are deeply troubled by the actions of the Texas attorney general's office against Annunciation House, a volunteer-run faith-based organization that has been a pillar of welcome and hospitality in El Paso for more than 40 years. Annunciation House has been singled out by the attorney general's office over potential legal violations for the social services it provides to immigrants in Texas. We recognize Annunciation House's exemplary way of faith—by way of humanitarian works in close partnership with the federal government and other nonprofits in the region—that ensures migrants are treated with dignity and respect.

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ELCA, LettersBrian FlatgardConference of Bishops, Immigration and RefugeesComment
Shape the Future of the ELCA: Join the CRLC Survey by March 15
Shape the Future of the ELCA: Join the CRLC Survey by March 15

Your insights can help shape the future of the ELCA. Participate in the Commission for a Renewed Lutheran Church survey by March 15, 2024, and contribute to our church's mission of renewal and commitment to justice.

Don't miss your chance to contribute to this significant moment in the ELCA's history. The deadline for survey participation is March 15, 2024. For more details and to complete the survey, visit the official CRLC page: ELCA CRLC Survey. Questions and further inquiries can be directed to crlc@elca.org.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardCommission for a Renewed Lutheran ChurchComment