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, Iran, Myanmar, Iraq, Haiti, Russia and Ukraine, Burkina Faso, Sudan, and South Sudan…

  • For an end to gun violence, and for all affected by shootings in Croatia, Mississippi, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin…

  • For families and loved ones of those killed in the Nepal plane crash…

  • For those grieving after mudslides in Ethiopia…

  • For all in the path of super typhoon Gaemi in Taiwan and the Philippines…

  • For the safety of travelers and for the work of geologists following the hydrothermal eruption in Yellowstone National Park…

  • For our nation, and especially for renewed compassion and kindness in our political deliberations…

  • For athletes, national representatives, and spectators traveling to Paris, France for the Olympic Games…

  • For wildfires in the US Pacific Northwest and western Canada…

  • For all who struggle with asthma and severe allergies and other chronic breathing disorders…

  • For travelers still stranded amidst flight cancellations and delays, and especially for youth and leaders still waiting to travel home from the ELCA Youth Gathering…

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ELCA, PrayersBrian FlatgardELCA Worship, For What Shall We PrayComment
ELCA World Hunger Supports Chilean Community Garden Revival
ELCA World Hunger Supports Chilean Community Garden Revival

In Santiago’s El Bosque subdivision, a community garden has transformed lives. Led by EPES health monitors and supported by ELCA World Hunger, the Amajudisa Community Gardening Group grows fresh produce on a once-neglected strip of patio. This garden symbolizes hope and renewal, fostering community spirit and empowering local women. Read more in the spring 2024 issue of “LifeLines.” Read this story and more in the latest Global Links from ELCA for July/August 2024.

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ELCA, Global Church, NewsBrian FlatgardGlobal Mission, Global LinksComment
ELCA Worship News: July 2024
ELCA Worship News: July 2024

ELCA’s monthly Worship news for July features: All Creation Sings resources for Time after Pentecost–Autumn, Reformation and All Saints; “God’s work. Our hands.” Resources; ELW Narrative Holy Communion; Narrative Holy Communion; Living Lutheran “Hymn of the Month”; ELCA Worship blog; Lutheran Summer Music Academy & Festival; and Assembly Song Companion to All Creation Sings.

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ELCA, News, Worship ResourcesBrian FlatgardELCA WorshipComment
Faith Lens: And Then There Were Flight Delays
Faith Lens: And Then There Were Flight Delays

Just small mistake in a few lines of code. That’s all it took to cancel thousands of flights, lock hospital computers, freeze bank operations, and even temporarily shut down government operations. Throughout the globe, millions upon millions of people’s lives were impacted by just a small mistake in a few lines of code.

Some of you reading this may have dealt with the impacts directly. As I write this, I’m in a hotel room, hoping to make it home only 36 hours late, while others have been delayed as much as five days!

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Worship Resources, ELCA, ResourcesBrian FlatgardYouth and Young Adult, Faith Lens, 2024 ELCA Youth GatheringComment
Youth Gathering 2024: Transformative Encounters in New Orleans
Youth Gathering 2024: Transformative Encounters in New Orleans

The 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering in New Orleans has transformed participants through deep conversations, community engagement, and inspiring worship. Highlighted by Bishop Eaton’s powerful closing message and a living Good Samaritan story, the week exemplified discipleship and the call to see Jesus in every neighbor. As we return home, we embrace the Spirit of courage and authenticity, ready to serve and love as disciples of Christ.

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ELCA, NewsBrian Flatgard2024 ELCA Youth Gathering, Youth and Young AdultComment
Accompaniment Day: Building Bridges in New Orleans
Accompaniment Day: Building Bridges in New Orleans

On July 18, over 5,000 participants at the 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering in New Orleans took part in “Accompaniment Day,” engaging in community service and building meaningful relationships. Despite torrential rain, the day concluded with an inspiring Mass Gathering. Highlights included powerful speeches on justice and freedom, emphasizing the theme “Created to Be Free.”

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ELCA, NewsBrian Flatgard2024 ELCA Youth Gathering, Youth and Young AdultComment
Double Your Gift: ELCA World Hunger’s Match at the Youth Gathering
Double Your Gift: ELCA World Hunger’s Match at the Youth Gathering

Join us at the 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering in New Orleans to support ELCA World Hunger in a significant way. Dive into an immersive role-playing experience in the Interactive Learning Space and learn about the daily challenges of those living in poverty. Take part in a special offering where your donation will be matched up to $250,000, doubling your impact. Donate via ELCA.org/GiveGZH or bring your contributions to the Gathering, and share your journey on social media with #GenZeroHunger. Together, we can strive for a world without hunger.

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ELCA, News, Grand Canyon SynodBrian Flatgard2024 ELCA Youth Gathering, Hunger, ELCA World HungerComment
Lutherans Restoring Creation at the 2024 Youth Gathering
Lutherans Restoring Creation at the 2024 Youth Gathering

We are here at ELCA's Youth Gathering 2024 where we're learning, lamenting, listening, and loving along with 16,000 young people from across the country! Lutherans Restoring Creation was asked to help support ELCA's World Hunger's area in the Interactive Center as we make the connections between climate, natural disaster, hunger and migration.

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ELCA, News, Grand Canyon SynodBrian Flatgard2024 ELCA Youth Gathering, Lutherans Restoring Creation, Climate ChangeComment
‘Created to Be Authentic’: A Day of Unity and Discovery at the ELCA Youth Gathering
‘Created to Be Authentic’: A Day of Unity and Discovery at the ELCA Youth Gathering

During the ELCA Youth Gathering in New Orleans on July 17, 2024, participants explored the city’s rich culture through a scavenger hunt, engaging in activities that highlighted local history and embraced the theme “Created to Be Authentic.” Highlights included Bishop Eaton’s interactions with youth, powerful worship led by Bishop Regina Hassanally, and vibrant discussions on identity and faith. The day ended with an uplifting Mass Gathering, reinforcing the call to authenticity and inclusion within the church.

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ELCA, NewsBrian Flatgard2024 ELCA Youth Gathering, Youth and Young AdultComment
16,000 Youth Ignite New Orleans with Spirit of Bravery at 2024 ELCA Gathering
16,000 Youth Ignite New Orleans with Spirit of Bravery at 2024 ELCA Gathering

The 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering in New Orleans brings together over 16,000 Lutheran youth and leaders, transforming the city into a vibrant scene of worship, play, and community. As the Gathering kicked off for the first time this week, the event featured engaging activities, powerful Mass Gatherings, and inspirational speeches from church leaders and speakers.

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ELCA, NewsBrian Flatgard2024 ELCA Youth Gathering, Youth and Young Adult Comment
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, Burkina Faso, Sudan, and South Sudan…

  • For all affected by political violence, and for healing for our divided nation…

  • For all impacted by gun violence, especially the families of those killed in Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Mississippi, Alabama, and Oman…

  • For relief and recovery efforts following severe storms and tornadoes in the midwestern United States…

  • For those living in areas of extreme heat, especially those who lack adequate shelter…For children and youth who are being detained as part of mass arrests in El Salvador…

  • For student protests in Bangladesh…

  • For Muslims as they observe Ashura…

  • For youth, adult leaders, staff, volunteers, and all who have traveled to New Orleans for the 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering…

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ELCA, PrayersBrian FlatgardELCA Worship, For What Shall We PrayComment
Bishop Eaton Addresses Political Violence
Bishop Eaton Addresses Political Violence

Just a few weeks ago in my June column for Living Lutheran I wrote, "I can't think of an election cycle more fraught and divisive than this one. People all across the political spectrum claim that life as we know it is on the line. It's not possible to agree to disagree—one must decide and put a stake in the ground. There is the potential for violence." That potential is now a reality after last weekend's shooting at a Trump campaign rally that killed Corey D. Comperatore and injured other attendees. I am thankful that former President Trump's injury was minor and pray for his recovery alongside those affected. 

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Bishop Eaton, ELCA, Letters, NewsBrian FlatgardBishop Eaton LettersComment
The Spirit Moves in New Orleans: Closing Moments of MYLE and the tAble
The Spirit Moves in New Orleans: Closing Moments of MYLE and the tAble

The 2024 MYLE and the tAble events concluded on a high note in New Orleans, marking an impactful four days of spiritual growth and community building. Bishop Felix Malpica inspired the youth with messages of inclusion and God’s miraculous disruptions. Participants explored diversity and acceptance, with activities like building Lego figures reflecting their unique identities. As these events wrapped up, the connections formed promise to inspire further gatherings and continued faith journeys. Let’s carry the spirit of these moments forward as we step into the broader 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering. Be sure to watch the MYLE 2024 Recap Video the tAble 2024 Recap Video.

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ELCA, NewsBrian Flatgard2024 ELCA Youth Gathering, Youth and Young AdultComment
Administration Matters: July, 2024
Administration Matters: July, 2024

The bimonthly e-newsletter for ELCA congregational and synodical leaders addresses common, practical issues including finance, governance, risk management, tax, legal concerns and topics of interest about day to day operations and management in church settings. The July, 2024 issue highlights:

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardAdministration MattersComment
New resources available for “God’s work. Our hands.” Sunday: 9/8/2024
New resources available for “God’s work. Our hands.” Sunday: 9/8/2024

On Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024, congregations of the ELCA will join together for our annual day of service, “God’s work. Our hands.” This day continues to be an opportunity to celebrate who we are as the ELCA — one church, freed in Christ to serve and love our neighbor. As you explore opportunities to participate in your community, explore these resources to plan and promote your day

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardGod's Work Our Hands SundayComment
Embracing Freedom and Diversity: Highlights from the Final Full Day of MYLE and the tAble 2024
Embracing Freedom and Diversity: Highlights from the Final Full Day of MYLE and the tAble 2024

The final day of MYLE and the tAble at the 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering in New Orleans was a celebration of diversity, creativity, and community. Highlights included Dr. Moses Penumaka’s inspiring sermon on freedom in Christ, a variety of creative and cultural showcases, and a field trip to the Smoothie King Center to prepare for the Mass Gathering. As the events concluded, the community’s spirit of inclusivity and support was evident, with participants and volunteers alike sharing moments of joy and gratitude.

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