Posts in ELCA
May 2024 ELCA Mission Support Memo: Parkside Lutheran Risks for the Sake of the Gospel
May 2024 ELCA Mission Support Memo: Parkside Lutheran Risks for the Sake of the Gospel

This month the May 2024 ELCA Mission Support Memo follows the journey of Parkside Lutheran Church, nestled in North Buffalo, NY, where over the last six years they have been experimenting, risking, and building connections to show "God's doors are open for all" and all are invited to come early and stay late! Plus join us Monday, May 20th for a fabulous webinar on "STORY MATTERS" from Rev. Heather Roth-Johnson, a storyteller, a public speaker, a workshop leader, a writer and in general just a creative soul. We also share our gratitude for all the staff and volunteers who work so hard to plan and execute synod assemblies. Read the memo here! 

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardMission Support, ELCA Mission Support TeamComment
Honoring Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
Honoring Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

In May, we celebrate National AAPI Heritage Month. The Asian and Pacific Islander Ministries of the ELCA, in conjunction with the Minneapolis Area Synod, the St. Paul Area Synod, and their API leaders will be hosting a 4-person panel on Thursday, May 23 at 7pm to discuss the joys and challenges of being API. The panel will be live streamed on zoom and you can log on by clicking here.

For more information on ELCA API Ministries, visit:  Asian and Pacific Islander – Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (elca.org)and Association of Asians and Pacific Islanders of the ELCA

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardAsian and Pacific Islander Association of the ELCAComment
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 all who are engaging in diplomacy to bring this about…

  • For all people who must leave their homes to preserve their safety, especially in Rafah…

  • For safety and sensitivity in the midst of campus protests…

  • For the people, plants, and animals harmed by flooding in South Texas and Kenya…

  • For those affected by tornadoes in Oklahoma and Michigan…

  • For victims of an apartment building collapse in southern South Africa, and for continued recovery efforts…

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

  • For the United Methodist Church as they step into a future that embraces the gifts and leadership of LGBTQ+ clergy…

  • For those in our country without access to healthcare, and for those who must travel to get the care they need…

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ELCA, PrayersBrian FlatgardELCA Worship, For What Shall We PrayComment
Act Now for a Just Future: Advocate for the 2024 Farm Bill
Act Now for a Just Future: Advocate for the 2024 Farm Bill

The ELCA is actively advocating for the 2024 Farm Bill, urging Congress to pass legislation that provides food security, supports sustainable farming, and promotes inclusivity and environmental stewardship. With the current bill expiring in September 2024, now is a crucial time for action. Engage through the ELCA Action Center, participate in upcoming advocacy webinars, and help shape a Farm Bill that reflects our Lutheran values of care and compassion. Join us in making a difference in our communities and beyond. Read more and learn how @ elca.org.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardAdvocacy, ELCA AdvocacyComment
Faith Lens: We’ll See
Faith Lens: We’ll See

If you have a preschool aged child in your household, then it’s likely you’ve watched the recently-released episode of Bluey called “The Sign.” In the first week of its release, it was viewed 10.4 million times! Without giving too much away, the episode begins with all of the children in Bluey’s class hearing their teacher, Calypso, read a Taoist parable called “The Farmer.”

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Worship Resources, ELCA, ResourcesBrian FlatgardYouth and Young Adult, Faith LensComment
This is: Ministries of Diverse Cultures and Communities
This is: Ministries of Diverse Cultures and Communities

Living Lutheran shares a brief article about each of the following Ministries of Diverse Cultures and Communities, their mission strategies, and related associations:

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardLiving Lutheran, ELCA Indigenous Ministries and Tribal Relations, African Descent Ministries, Association of Lutherans of Arab and Middle Eastern Heritage (ALAMEH), Asian and Pacific Islander Association of the ELCA, ELCA European Descent Lutheran Association for Racial Justice (EDLARJ), Latino, Cross Cultural ConversationsComment
From Trauma to Transformation: A Theology of the Cross in Everyday Life
From Trauma to Transformation: A Theology of the Cross in Everyday Life

Mindy Makant shares a poignant narrative in Living Lutheran about her son's traumatic car accident and the transformative power of remembering through a theology of the cross. She illustrates how a simple act of kindness—a firefighter giving her son a teddy bear—helped shift his memory of the event from trauma to gratitude, embodying the Lutheran belief that Christ is present in suffering, offering hope and transformation.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardLiving LutheranComment
From Zimbabwe to Serbia: ELCA's Active Role in Global Humanitarian Efforts
From Zimbabwe to Serbia: ELCA's Active Role in Global Humanitarian Efforts

In their May/June 2024 Global Links update, ELCA Global Mission highlights its enduring commitment to addressing global hunger and poverty through initiatives like AMMPARO, which supports migrants and refugees worldwide. The program, alongside other ELCA efforts such as advocacy for a ceasefire in Gaza and the deployment of missionaries globally, reflects the church's proactive engagement in fostering justice and peace across nations.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardGlobal Mission, ELCA Global MissionComment
Bishop Eaton's synod assembly letter: Embody God's love
Bishop Eaton's synod assembly letter: Embody God's love

In her assembly letter (English, Spanish), Bishop Eaton a emphasizes the transformative power of God’s love and grace, resonating deeply with our assembly theme, "Embody the Word." Bishop Eaton reflects on how inviting others into our faith communities and engaging them in service and worship allows them to experience God's profound love. This call to share and embody God's grace in daily actions highlights our collective mission to foster healing, peace, and justice within our communities.

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ELCA, Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian Flatgard2024 Assembly Stories, Bishop Eaton Letters, Bishop Elizabeth EatonComment
Apply Now: ELCA World Hunger’s Domestic Hunger Grants Open for 2024
Apply Now: ELCA World Hunger’s Domestic Hunger Grants Open for 2024

ELCA World Hunger's Domestic Hunger Grants are opening for applications starting May 1, 2024. This year, the application process remains the same as last year, with extended timeframes for applicants and reviewers based on feedback. An informational webinar was held on May 2, 2024, to assist potential applicants, video recording available. Additionally, Daily Bread Matching Grants will prioritize ministries in certain states to supplement food-based ministries. For more information or to apply, visit ELCA World Hunger's Domestic Hunger Grants.

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ELCA, Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardGrants, ELCA World Hunger Domestic Hunger GrantsComment
Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) day of recognition is May 5, 2024
Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) day of recognition is May 5, 2024

The ELCA is encouraging congregations and individuals to learn more about the issue of Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women (MMIW). Visit ELCA.org/MMIW for a full list of resources to educate yourself and your community and plan a recognition of May 5, MMIW day. We also share info from ELCA Racial Justice’s latest blog post.

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ELCA, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardMMIW, American Indian and Alaska NativeComment
Generation Zero-Hunger: Be Part of the Story
Generation Zero-Hunger: Be Part of the Story

Join the Generation Zero-Hunger movement with ELCA World Hunger and make a difference at the 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering. As part of a 50-year legacy, engage in a national fundraising challenge that aims to create sustainable change and end hunger. Be part of a generation committed to action and hope. Learn more at ELCA.org/GenZeroHunger.

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News, ELCABrian FlatgardYouth and Young Adult, 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering, Hunger, ELCA World HungerComment
Timothy Oslovich Elected Bishop of the ELCA Alaska Synod
Timothy Oslovich Elected Bishop of the ELCA Alaska Synod

The Rev. Timothy R. Oslovich, Vernon, Conn., was elected April 27 to serve a six-year term as bishop of the Alaska Synod. The bishop-elect has served as pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Vernon since 2003. From 1997 to 2003, he was pastor of Shishmaref Lutheran Church in Shishmaref, Alaska, and from 2009 until this year he was an adjunct professor at Bay Path University, Longmeadow, Mass.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardComment
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