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

  • For justice and peace among nations where war and violence rage, especially Palestine and Israel, Myanmar, Iraq, Haiti, Russia and Ukraine, and South Sudan…

  • For relief and recovery efforts following the earthquake in Taiwan, and for those injured and those grieving the loss of family members and friends…

  • For all aid groups who risk their own safety as they deliver food and supplies, especially World Central Kitchen as they grieve the killing of 7 workers in Gaza…

  • For health care workers and epidemiologists as we continue to understand, treat, and prevent COVID, bird flu, and other diseases…
    For high school and college seniors as they discern where God will lead them after graduation…

  • For all people in recovery from alcohol abuse in this Alcohol Awareness month…

  • For all communities grieving gun violence, especially Vantaa, Finland, after a school shooting…

  • For journalists in places where the press’s freedom is threatened, and for consumers of the news in places where misinformation is rife…

  • For our praise to rise at the wonders of creation, especially for the solar eclipse this week…

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ELCA, PrayersBrian FlatgardELCA Worship, For What Shall We PrayComment
Spring into Generosity: ELCA Invites Congregations to Deepen Stewardship Practices
Spring into Generosity: ELCA Invites Congregations to Deepen Stewardship Practices

This month's "Where Your Heart Is" newsletter from the ELCA Stewardship team emphasizes the importance of slowing down amidst the busyness of life, especially during the Holy Week and tax season.

The newsletter also introduces valuable stewardship resources and invites engagement with stewardship themes in upcoming lectionary readings, underscoring stewardship as a holistic approach to living out our faith.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardStewardship, Where Your Heart IsComment
ELCA Youth Gathering 2024 Shifts to Smoothie King Center Amidst Superdome Construction
ELCA Youth Gathering 2024 Shifts to Smoothie King Center Amidst Superdome Construction

The 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering is making an exciting move to the Smoothie King Center, right next door to the initially planned Caesars Superdome, due to ongoing construction. Deacon Tammy Jones West assures that faith formation and participant experience remain the top priority, and this venue change presents a unique opportunity to fill the arena to capacity for the first time in Gathering history.

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ELCA, NewsBrian Flatgard2024 ELCA Youth Gathering, Youth and Young AdultComment
Faith Lens: What is Watered, Will Grow
Faith Lens: What is Watered, Will Grow

In this week's Faith Lens, Kelsey Green from Baltimore, MD, offers reflections for Easter Sunday amidst the tiredness and worry of the world's current state. She explores the assurance that nothing is too big for God, drawing from Paul's words to the Corinthians about the cross's power. The discussion centers around personal powerlessness, the need for reminders that death does not win, and the joy of resurrection as seen through the women at the tomb in Mark's Gospel. This post encourages readers to find joy, share the good news, and support those in grief with the message that death does not have the last word.

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Worship Resources, ELCA, ResourcesBrian FlatgardYouth and Young Adult, Faith LensComment
For What Shall We Pray?
For What Shall We Pray?

  • For victims of the Francis Scott Key bridge collapse in Baltimore, MD and for emergency personnel, government agencies, and all organizations offering services and support

  • For the family and loved ones of the Moscow Concert Hall attack in Russia…

  • For justice and peace among nations where war and violence rage, especially Palestine and Israel, Myanmar, Iraq, Haiti, Russia and Ukraine, and South Sudan…

  • For aid and food to successfully enter Gaza, along with a permanent ceasefire…

  • For the thoughtful and compassionate discernment of our courts…

  • For resurrection hope this Holy Week as we move toward Easter…

  • For the eradication of racism and hate crimes; may we learn to celebrate one another…

  • For new immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers in the United States…

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ELCA, PrayersBrian FlatgardELCA Worship, For What Shall We PrayComment
Bishop Eaton's Easter 2024 message
Bishop Eaton's Easter 2024 message

In her Easter message to the church, Bishop Eaton focuses on three words that describe what the women at tomb experienced when the angel announced that Jesus had been raised from the dead: fear, amazement and being seized or possessed.

“These three words really say something about the women, and I think about us and, most especially, about Easter…I think it's very important to take time to be a little amazed, to be standing in a different place, to have a sense of this awe and trembling before the Lord, and to allow ourselves to be possessed by the Spirit, who will give us power and courage in these times.”

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Bishop Eaton, ELCA, Letters, NewsBrian FlatgardBishop Eaton Letters, 2024 Holy WeekComment
Seeds Monthly: March 2024
Seeds Monthly: March 2024

The ELCA commemorates 50 years of dedicated service through ELCA World Hunger, introduces a new initiative for justice in Palestine and Israel named Sumud, celebrates the recognition of Lutheran Eagle Scout Samuel L. Jones after 60 years, and highlights important updates including calls for a ceasefire in Gaza, registration reminders for the 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering, and insights into Lutheran-Catholic dialogues in "Seeds Monthly" March 2024.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardSeeds MonthlyComment
Rev. Aimée Appell: Embracing Active Love to Combat Racial Injustice
Rev. Aimée Appell: Embracing Active Love to Combat Racial Injustice

Reflect on the insights shared by Rev. Aimée Appell on the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, as she discusses the vital work of the European Descent Lutheran Association for Racial Justice. Appell highlights the transformative power of action-love observed at the George Floyd Global Square and emphasizes the importance of standing in solidarity with marginalized communities. Through personal experiences and scriptural wisdom, she inspires us to embody God's active love in our efforts to dismantle racism and white supremacy.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardRacial Justice, ELCA Racial Justice MinistriesComment
ELCA Advocacy March Update: Budget Wins and Housing Initiatives
ELCA Advocacy March Update: Budget Wins and Housing Initiatives

Explore the ELCA Advocacy's March 2024 updates on pressing legislative matters, including the Federal Budget's impact on hunger and housing, the progress of the Yes In God's Back Yard Act for affordable housing, and the efforts towards wildlife conservation and Uyghur human rights. Discover the ELCA's call for ceasefire and support for UNRWA funding, along with its solidarity with Annunciation House, reflecting its commitment to peace, human rights, and support for the vulnerable.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardAdvocacy, ELCA AdvocacyComment
Uncover Ancient Wisdom for Today's Church in 'The Ever-Expanding Church' Course
Uncover Ancient Wisdom for Today's Church in 'The Ever-Expanding Church' Course

From faith+lead, "The Book of Acts: The Ever-Expanding Church" online course rediscovers the early church's vitality and its relevance to our lives today. Through engaging discussions and creative illustrations, participants will explore the Holy Spirit's power, learn to embody Scripture in daily life, and envision a church that continuously expands and embraces diversity, just like the early Christians did.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardLuther Seminary, faith+leadComment
ELCA Mission Support Memo for March 2024
ELCA Mission Support Memo for March 2024

This month our ELCA Mission Support Memo for March 2024 explores how the Central States Synod is equipping leaders through their Ministry Lab ~ an active place to ask questions, learn new ideas, work with different “tools” or resources, and experiment to see what works. They welcome anyone from anywhere to engage in the lab. Also learn about how congregations can join in a Cultivating Generous Congregations Cohort starting in April. We also share our gratitude for congregations submitting Annual Congregational Reports. Read the memo here! 

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardMission Support, ELCA Mission Support TeamComment
ELCA Worship News: March, 2024
ELCA Worship News: March, 2024

ELCA Worship’s monthly highlights include resources for navigating the worship through national elections, integrating "All Creation Sings" into Lent and Easter services, and spotlighting partner organizations' events that further worship education. Additionally, explore "Love Astounding: Hymns of Jeannette M. Lindholm," a collection inviting deeper reflection on God's mystery and our expression of faith.

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ELCA, Resources, Worship ResourcesBrian FlatgardELCA worship, 2024 Lent, 2024 Holy WeekComment
For What Shall We Pray?
For What Shall We Pray?

  • For peace among nations where war and violence rage, especially lifting up Palestine and Israel, Myanmar, Iraq, Haiti, Russia and Ukraine, and South Sudan…

  • For all who recovering, rebuilding, and grieving after severe storms and tornadoes in Ohio, Indiana, Missouri, and Illinois…

  • For those who are starving and injured waiting for aid in Gaza…

  • For our Muslim neighbors as they observe Ramadan…

  • For this Lenten season as we move into Holy Week…

  • For those who have suffered from gun violence especially in Chicago, District of Columbia, Ohio, California, Indiana, Alabama, Tennessee and Florida…

  • For our policy makers as they make important decisions about healthcare, education, safety, and justice…

  • For all those participating in the global Gaza Ceasefire Pilgrimage….

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ELCA, PrayersBrian FlatgardELCA Worship, For What Shall We PrayComment
A Reflection on the 2024 ELCA Youth Ministry Network Extravaganza from Rev. Peter Heide 
A Reflection on the 2024 ELCA Youth Ministry Network Extravaganza from Rev. Peter Heide 

Discover the impactful presence of Disability Ministries at the 2024 ELCA Youth Ministry Network Extravaganza, highlighted by three insightful workshops, a groundbreaking Thanksgiving for Baptism service utilizing Braille, and enhanced accessibility features. Explore how these firsts in the ELCA community are paving the way for more inclusive worship and participation, marking significant strides towards embracing all members of the church.

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ELCA, News, LettersBrian FlatgardDisability Ministries, ELCA Disability Ministries, Youth and Young Adult, 2024 ELCA Youth GatheringComment
Get Ready for New Orleans: Youth Gathering Updates and Key Dates
Get Ready for New Orleans: Youth Gathering Updates and Key Dates

Excitement is building for the 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering in New Orleans! Remember to update your check-in and checkout dates, reserve your spot for airport shuttle service, and note the venue policies for a seamless experience. Don't miss out on catered meals for your group and invite a friend before registration closes on April 15. Mark your calendar for key dates and get ready for an unforgettable week of faith, worship, and community!

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ELCA, NewsBrian Flatgard2024 ELCA Youth Gathering, Youth and Young AdultComment