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“Drawn In! Moving Out!” at the 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering

“Drawn In! Moving Out!” at the 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering

At the 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering where the theme “Created to Be” inspired young people to be their brave, free, authentic, disruptive, and discipling selves, there was a place in the Interactive Learning space that invited them to be “Drawn In! Moving Out!” It was an absolute joy to once again bring the vision of a worship learning experience I brainstormed in 2016 to life for the 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering in New Orleans. We staffed the booth with an incredible team from the ELCA Worship Staff, Lutheran Summer Music, the Association of Lutheran Church Musicians, and the ELCA Spiritual Renewal Team.

ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardAugust 15, 20242024 ELCA Youth Gathering, Youth and Young AdultComment

For What Shall We Pray?

For What Shall We Pray?

For those caught in the midst of warfare and conflict, especially in Gaza, Israel, Lebanon, Iran, Iraq, Myanmar, Haiti, Russia, Ukraine, Burkina Faso, Sudan, and South Sudan…
For protection for all in the path of Tropical Storm Ernesto…
For those affected by wildfires in Greece…
For safety following the earthquake felt in Syria, Jordan, and Lebanon…
For victims of stabbings in London, England and Eskisehir, Turkey…
For those grieving plane crash victims in Sao Paulo, Brazil…
For the United States and other countries preparing for government elections…
For those beginning or preparing for a new school year…
For those affected by the earthquake in Los Angeles and the wider area…
For the protection of creation, wildlife, and water sources…

ELCA, Prayers, SpotlightBrian FlatgardAugust 15, 2024ELCA Worship, For What Shall We PrayComment

August Worship Updates: Conferences, Workshops, and New Music Resources

August Worship Updates: Conferences, Workshops, and New Music Resources

Discover new resources and events for worship leaders and musicians this fall! From workshops hosted by Music that Makes Community to the latest video interviews from the Center for Church Music, explore ways to deepen your worship leadership. Plus, mark your calendars for ALCM’s 2025 Summer Conference and revisit LSM 2024 performances online. Read the full list of resources and events highlighted by ELCA Worship here.

ELCA, News, Worship Resources, ResourcesBrian FlatgardAugust 14, 2024Worship Resources, ELCA WorshipComment

Meet Bishop-elect Nathan Pipho: A Vision for Justice and Community

Meet Bishop-elect Nathan Pipho: A Vision for Justice and Community

Meet Bishop-elect Nathan Pipho, who has clear priorities for the New England Synod: proclaiming Jesus, building community, and pursuing racial justice. With over 20 years of ministry experience and a master’s from Harvard, Pipho is prepared to lead. His term begins August 1, with installation on September 7. Discover his vision and commitment to embodying God’s healing and love in the world in this Living Lutheran article.

ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardAugust 12, 2024Living LutheranComment

From Coaching to Construction: How Sam Swenson-Reinhold Serves His Community

From Coaching to Construction: How Sam Swenson-Reinhold Serves His Community

Service has always been integral to Sam Swenson-Reinhold’s life, growing up as the son of two ELCA pastors. Now, he serves as an ELCA coach and project coordinator for Operation Backyard with the Knoxville Leadership Foundation. Through his roles, he mentors individuals, oversees construction projects for those in need, and finds spiritual nourishment in church and nature. Swenson-Reinhold’s dedication to community and faith exemplifies the Lutheran commitment to service and personal growth. Read more about his inspiring journey and impact in Living Lutheran.

ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardAugust 11, 2024Living LutheranComment

HopeWood Outdoors: Embracing Change with an ELCA Innovation Grant

HopeWood Outdoors: Embracing Change with an ELCA Innovation Grant

HopeWood Outdoors, a vibrant ELCA outdoor ministry in Ohio, is redefining how they welcome diverse campers with the help of a $40,000 ELCA Innovation Grant. Under the leadership of Drew Tucker, HopeWood is focusing on accessibility, cultural training, and sustainability. This initiative is part of their mission to connect people with nature and faith, inspiring them to embrace their callings. Discover more about HopeWood’s transformative journey and their commitment to growth and inclusion in this Living Lutheran article.

ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardAugust 10, 2024Living Lutheran, Outdoor MinistryComment

Faith and Politics: Lutheran Legislators Advocate for Respectful Discourse

Faith and Politics: Lutheran Legislators Advocate for Respectful Discourse

Washington State Senators Annette Cleveland and Ron Muzzall, both Lutherans, are advocating for civility in politics, inspired by their faith. Emphasizing grace, respect, and love, they aim to foster respectful dialogue across political divides. Their efforts align with the ELCA’s mission to promote healthy civic engagement, highlighted in recent social messages and draft statements. Read about their efforts in Living Lutheran.

ELCA, News, LettersBrian FlatgardAugust 9, 2024Creating Space for Conversations, Living Lutheran, Elections and Voting Rights, Church and SocietyComment

Faith in Action: How ELCA is Leading Civic Engagement in 2024

Faith in Action: How ELCA is Leading Civic Engagement in 2024

Engage in the 2024 election year with the ELCA’s robust initiatives and training opportunities. From online workshops like “Crucial Conversations” to the NCC Freedom Summer campaign, there are numerous ways to get involved. Discover resources and reflections designed to inspire and guide your civic engagement. Visit ELCA.org/votes for more information and read the full post from ELCA Advocacy here..

ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardAugust 8, 2024Advocacy, ELCA Advocacy, Lutheran CitizenshipComment

Letters from Sweden: A Unique Lutheran Love Story

Letters from Sweden: A Unique Lutheran Love Story

Explore an extraordinary Lutheran love story in David Schaeffer’s Letters from Sweden. Through his father’s wartime and postwar letters to his fiancée, Mary, this book unveils a journey of faith, love, and commitment. Schaeffer’s reflections offer insights into the resilience of the “Greatest Generation” and the enduring power of handwritten letters. Read the article in Living Lutheran.

Letters, News, ELCABrian FlatgardAugust 8, 2024Living LutheranComment

I’m a Lutheran: Bill Bamford

I’m a Lutheran: Bill Bamford

In this article in Living Lutheran, Bill Bamford, an aerospace engineer and member of Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church in Millersville, MD, shares his journey of faith and service. For 18 years, Bill and his family have been active in their church community, deeply valuing the support and connection they found there. Professionally, Bill works at NASA, focusing on satellite navigation, and believes in the power of community both in his work and faith. His journey from a “Chreaster” Catholic to a dedicated Lutheran highlights his appreciation for forming a personal relationship with God, a key value in his life.

ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardAugust 7, 2024Living LutheranComment

For What Shall We Pray?

For What Shall We Pray?

For justice and peace among nations where war and conflict rage, especially Palestine and Israel, Iran, Lebanon, Iraq, Myanmar, Haiti, Russia and Ukraine, Burkina Faso, Sudan, and South Sudan…
For de-escalation of political protests in Bangladesh and anti-immigration protests in England…
For relief and recovery efforts and for all affected by the path of Hurricane Debby…
For victims of flooding and landslides in China…
For collaboration, civility, and compassion in national and international politics…
For protection for those fighting wildfires in California and the Pacific Northwest, and for safety for all evacuees…
In thanksgiving for the diversity, camaraderie, and international good will demonstrated during the Olympic Games…

ELCA, PrayersBrian FlatgardAugust 7, 2024ELCA Worship, For What Shall We PrayComment

Youth Gathering 2024: A Week of Gratitude and Growth in New Orleans

Youth Gathering 2024: A Week of Gratitude and Growth in New Orleans

The 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering in New Orleans was an incredible week of faith, fun, and fellowship. We extend our deepest thanks to everyone who contributed, from the city’s warm hospitality to the adult leaders, volunteers, and participants. Highlights included inspiring speeches, engaging activities, and raising nearly $100,000 for ELCA World Hunger’s Generation Zero-Hunger. Looking ahead, mark your calendars for the next gathering in Minneapolis from June 28 to July 2, 2027. Thank you for making this event a success!

ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardAugust 6, 20242024 ELCA Youth Gathering, Youth and Young AdultComment

Engage with Your Representatives: August Recess Toolkit Available Now

Engage with Your Representatives: August Recess Toolkit Available Now

August is a key time to meet with your U.S. representatives and advocate for your policy priorities. Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona provides a 2-page toolkit with tips on arranging, preparing for, and following up on in-district meetings. Download the toolkit here and make your voice heard this August.

ELCA, News, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardAugust 1, 2024Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA), Advocacy, ELCA AdvocacyComment

Living That Summer Life: Embracing Faith and Planning

Living That Summer Life: Embracing Faith and Planning

ELCA’s Congregational Stewardship Support team shares their monthly "Where Your Heart Is" newsletter. The excitement of July, filled with images from the ELCA Youth Gathering and mission trips, highlights the importance of early and strategic planning. Congregational leaders are encouraged to channel their community’s energy into living out the gospel through thoughtful preparation and resource management.

Upcoming events include a grant writing webinar on August 19 and the Stewardship Kaleidoscope conference in Portland from September 23-25. Embrace this season with dedication and faith, making July memorable and impactful through careful planning and stewardship.

ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardAugust 1, 2024Where Your Heart Is, ELCA Congregational Stewardship Support, StewardshipComment

For What Shall We Pray?

For What Shall We Pray?

For justice and peace among nations where war and conflict rage, especially Palestine and Israel, Iran, Lebanon, Myanmar, Iraq, Haiti, Russia and Ukraine, Burkina Faso, Sudan, and South Sudan; for an end to occupation and oppression…
For de-escalation of political tensions around the world…
For victims of violence, especially those affected by the stabbings in the UK…
For communities devastated by natural disasters, particularly those brought about by climate change…
For all impacted by landslides in Ethiopia and India, flooding in North Korea, and storms and wildfires in the USA and Canada…
For the safety and wellbeing of all involved in the Olympic games…
For the safety, wellbeing, and just treatment of agricultural workers…

ELCA, PrayersBrian FlatgardJuly 31, 2024ELCA Worship, For What Shall We PrayComment

Lutherans Restoring Creation Good Green News: July 2024

Lutherans Restoring Creation Good Green News: July 2024

Lutherans Restoring Creation shares their Good Green News for July, 2024, featuring their Youth Gathering wrap-up. You can also join in rayer and celebration as Pr. Nick Utphall walks the Ice Age Trail and raises funds for their work along the way. Register for their upcoming connections call, learn how to celebrate the upcoming season of creation, and discover other events.

ELCA, News, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardJuly 26, 2024Climate Change, Lutherans Restoring CreationComment

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…

ELCA, PrayersBrian FlatgardJuly 24, 2024ELCA 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.

ELCA, Global Church, NewsBrian FlatgardJuly 24, 2024Global 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.

ELCA, News, Worship ResourcesBrian FlatgardJuly 24, 2024ELCA 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!

Worship Resources, ELCA, ResourcesBrian FlatgardJuly 22, 2024Youth and Young Adult, Faith Lens, 2024 ELCA Youth GatheringComment