Posts in ELCA
Faith Lens: Achtung Baby
Faith Lens: Achtung Baby

In this week's Faith Lens, Kris Litman-Koon discusses the importance of teaching independence and conflict resolution to children, drawing parallels with spiritual growth in the Christian faith. The reflection emphasizes how, like children learning to resolve their disputes, Christians are called to love and support each other based on the teachings of Jesus. The passage from John 15:9-17 serves as a reminder that love and community are central to our faith, urging us to bear fruit by abiding in Christ's love and extending it to others within and beyond the church.

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

  • For a ceasefire in Gaza, for hostages to be freed, and for strength and persistence among all who are engaging in diplomacy…

  • For compassion, safety, and productive discourse amidst campus protests…

  • For rescue and relief efforts amidst flooding in Kenya…

  • For casualties of a highway collapse in southern China and for continued recovery efforts…

  • For evacuees and all who are continue to be affected by the eruption of Mount Ruang in Indonesia…

  • For synods of the ELCA as they gather in their assemblies, that the Spirit would enliven and guide them…

  • For the community of Charlotte, North Carolina after the killing of 3 law enforcement officers and the shooting of 5 others…

  • For fair labor practices and economic justice for all workers…

  • For an end to interreligious hatred and strife, and for deepened interfaith friendships…

  • For scientists, activists, and policymakers as they study, build momentum, and craft regulation to slow climate change…

  • For farmers as they respond to bird flu, and for all sick animals…

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ELCA, PrayersBrian FlatgardELCA Worship, For What Shall We PrayComment
ELCA Advocacy April Update: Urgent Actions on Hunger, Health, and Peace
ELCA Advocacy April Update: Urgent Actions on Hunger, Health, and Peace

April's updates from the Lutheran Office for World Community and various state public policy offices reveal significant advocacy efforts on critical issues like gender justice at the UN, environmental sustainability, and public health across the United States. Key activities included legislative engagements, advocacy training, and impactful community discussions aiming to influence policy at both state and national levels.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardAdvocacy, ELCA AdvocacyComment
ELCA Advocacy Highlights: From UN Gender Equality to State-Level Legislative Wins
ELCA Advocacy Highlights: From UN Gender Equality to State-Level Legislative Wins

April's updates from the Lutheran Office for World Community and various state public policy offices reveal significant advocacy efforts on critical issues like gender justice at the UN, environmental sustainability, and public health across the United States. Key activities included legislative engagements, advocacy training, and impactful community discussions aiming to influence policy at both state and national levels.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardAdvocacy, ELCA AdvocacyComment
Sign up today for Women of the ELCA annual leadership event
Sign up today for Women of the ELCA annual leadership event

You are invited to Servant Leader: Present, Equipped, Here—this year’s churchwide-sponsored leadership online event—Saturday, May 4 from 11am – 3:30pm PST/MDT. It’s open to all, whether involved in Women of the ELCA or not.

Including worship, Bible study, speakers and breakout sessions, this year’s leadership event will reintroduce the servant leader concept and its connection to relationships and community while acknowledging the many challenges facing organizations like ours in our current context.

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Grand Canyon Synod, News, ELCABrian FlatgardWomen of the ELCA (WELCA)Comment
Double Your Impact: Matched Donations at ELCA World Hunger's Youth Challenge
Double Your Impact: Matched Donations at ELCA World Hunger's Youth Challenge

Join ELCA World Hunger’s Generation Zero-Hunger initiative and contribute to ending global hunger. This youth-led fundraising challenge, which will see contributions matched dollar for dollar up to $250,000, invites congregations and individuals to support vital hunger relief efforts. Participants can bring their offerings to the upcoming ELCA Youth Gathering in New Orleans or engage through various fundraising activities, amplifying their impact on this global crisis. Read more on the Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona blog.

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ELCA, Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardLutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA), Advocacy, Hunger, ELCA World HungerComment
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, Iran, Myanmar, Iraq, Haiti, Russia and Ukraine, and South Sudan…

  • For safety, understanding, and productive resolution to student war protests at Columbia, Yale, and other institutions…

  • For evacuees and all who are affected by the eruption of Mount Ruang in Indonesia…

  • For a fair judicial system in our nation, and for all people serving in the court system…

  • For people to be provided for, for animals and plants to endure, and for rain to come amidst the drought in southern Africa…

  • For all who grieve and work for recovery after flooding in UAE and Oman…

  • For those who seek justice in the workplace…

  • For all who take risks and incur costs when taking a stand for the sake of their conscience…

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ELCA, PrayersBrian FlatgardELCA Worship, For What Shall We PrayComment
Faith Lens: Growing and Bearing
Faith Lens: Growing and Bearing

In this week's Faith Lens, we explore how, like toddlers trying to read before they fully understand, we often emulate spiritual practices without full comprehension. The article reflects on Acts 8:26-40, emphasizing that God appreciates our earnest attempts to live faithfully, even when we falter. Through discussion questions and activities, we are encouraged to embrace our spiritual journey with humility and trust, much like a child learning to navigate the world, and to draw nearer to Jesus to bear fruit in our lives.

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Worship Resources, ELCA, ResourcesBrian FlatgardYouth and Young Adult, Faith LensComment
How a Small Iowa Church Became a Beacon of Energy Efficiency
How a Small Iowa Church Became a Beacon of Energy Efficiency

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Decorah, Iowa, has transformed its 1958 building into a model of sustainability. Through a comprehensive upgrade that includes solar panels and geothermal heat pumps, the church significantly lowered its carbon footprint and energy costs. This initiative not only garnered the church the 2024 Energy Saver award from Interfaith Power and Light but also sets a replicable example for other communities aiming to enhance their environmental stewardship. Learn more in this Living Lutheran article.

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ELCA, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardLiving Lutheran, Climate ChangeComment
Cora Rose: A Beacon of Hope and Justice on the Oregon Coast
Cora Rose: A Beacon of Hope and Justice on the Oregon Coast

In this Living Lutheran article, we meet Cora Rose, an ELCA deacon and legal ministry attorney based in southern Oregon, wo serves as a vital community advocate providing legal aid and supporting local initiatives for those facing housing insecurity and other challenges. In her unique role, she integrates her legal expertise with her spiritual calling, making significant impacts on both individual and systemic levels, embodying a profound commitment to justice and community service.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardLiving LutheranComment
ELCA Commemorates Emanuel Nine with Special Worship Resources
ELCA Commemorates Emanuel Nine with Special Worship Resources

The ELCA Worship News for April 2024 features an array of resources to enhance worship experiences throughout the church calendar. Highlights include new blog posts on utilizing "All Creation Sings" for post-Pentecost services, commemorative resources for the Emanuel Nine, and insights into Lutheran hymns. Additionally, the Association of Lutheran Church Musicians is hosting a conference at Valparaiso University to delve deeper into church music leadership. Resources from Augsburg Fortress also offer vital support for congregations welcoming leaders of color. Read more here.

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ELCA, News, Worship ResourcesBrian FlatgardELCA WorshipComment
Exploring Faith and Environment: ELCA Introduces 'Our Kairos Moment' Study Guide
Exploring Faith and Environment: ELCA Introduces 'Our Kairos Moment' Study Guide

This month's edition of ELCA Seeds Monthly offers a diverse range of educational and spiritual resources. Highlighting the new study guide "Our Kairos Moment" for Earth Day, Anthony Bateza's exploration of evangelical discomfort in "Beyond Evangelism," and the story of Hannah Wolfe-MacPike’s journey with Lutheran faith in "I'm a Lutheran." Additionally, discover various events and resources that support creation care, civic engagement, and global advocacy efforts within the ELCA community.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardSeeds Monthly, Climate ChangeComment
ELCA AMMPARO Goes Global: Expanding Migration Support Beyond the Americas
ELCA AMMPARO Goes Global: Expanding Migration Support Beyond the Americas

The ELCA's AMMPARO strategy, originally focused on the Americas, is expanding globally to address the increased needs of migrants worldwide. AMMPARO Global aims to enhance collaboration with international partners to provide comprehensive support for migrants. Recent visits to Serbian and Bosnian partners highlight the strategy's commitment to articulation and network building, crucial for addressing global migration challenges effectively. Read more at Living Lutheran.

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ELCA, News, Global ChurchBrian FlatgardAMMPARO, Immigration and RefugeesComment
Linda Post Bushkofsky Announces Retirement After 22 Years at Helm of Women of the ELCA
Linda Post Bushkofsky Announces Retirement After 22 Years at Helm of Women of the ELCA

Linda Post Bushkofsky, executive director of Women of the ELCA, announces her retirement effective June 30, 2024, after 22 years of transformative leadership. During her tenure, she spearheaded major initiatives such as the Katie’s Fund capital campaign and maintained organizational stability through the pandemic, leaving a lasting legacy of growth and service within the church. Read more at the Women of the ELCA site.

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ELCA, Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardWomen of the ELCA (WELCA)Comment
ELCA Coaching Webinar Tackles Political Divides in Congregations
ELCA Coaching Webinar Tackles Political Divides in Congregations

Join the ELCA Coaching network for a crucial session on "Responding to Polarization" with Dr. Matt Cook, exploring strategies for handling political and cultural divides within congregations. We share this as another resource that can be used as part of our "Creating Space for Conversation" series, aimed at fostering understanding and unity.

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ELCA, Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardCoaching, ELCA Coaching, Creating Space for ConversationsComment
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, Iran, Myanmar, Iraq, Haiti, Russia and Ukraine, and South Sudan…

  • For people in Central and South America affected by the dengue fever outbreak…

  • For farmers and farm laborers as spring arrives…

  • For peaceful and fair elections in India beginning this week…

  • For corals that will die and ecosystems that will suffer as ocean temperatures rise…

  • For communities grieving gun violence, especially New Orleans, Louisiana; Salisbury, North Carolina; and Chicago, Illinois…

  • For areas of the nation experiencing storms and severe weather…

  • For safety, understanding, and earnest dialogue amidst protests in Illinois, California, New York, and Oregon…

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ELCA, PrayersBrian FlatgardELCA Worship, For What Shall We PrayComment