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

  • For peace in our world, especially in Gaza and Israel, Ukraine and Russia, Syria, Sudan, Myanmar, and all areas of conflict…

  • For those in the path of Tropical Storm Francine…

  • For those affected by the wildfires in California and western states…

  • For victims of Typhoon Yagi in Vietnam and for relief and recovery efforts…

  • For families grieving victims of a capsized migrant boat off the coast of Senegal…

  • For victims of gun violence, especially in Winder, GA, and Omaha, NE, and London, KY…

  • For national politics during this election season…

  • For those navigating times of transition and in need of discernment…

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ELCA, Prayers, SpotlightBrian FlatgardELCA Worship, For What Shall We PrayComment
New Resources and Events for Worship Leaders and Musicians: September Update
New Resources and Events for Worship Leaders and Musicians: September Update

Explore new resources and events for worship leaders and musicians in this September’s ELCA Worship Partner Organization Resources and Events! Highlights include ALCM’s Fall Webinar Series, free sheet music from Lutheran Summer Music, and fall workshops from Music that Makes Community. Mark your calendars for key conferences in 2025 and discover fresh resources for the upcoming church year.

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Leadership Resources, News, ELCABrian FlatgardELCA WorshipComment
September 2024 Mission Support Memo: Surprising Support During Candidacy
September 2024 Mission Support Memo: Surprising Support During Candidacy

ELCA’s September 2024 Mission Support Memo gives you the opportunity to hear Rahim and Cecelia Brown's faithful journey of candidacy with the North Carolina Synod and the surprising and bounteous support they were given. Please also check out our new ELCA Mission Support: Deep Dive to learn how our churchwide organization stewards Mission Support dollars. We additionally celebrate "God's work. Our hands." Find the memo from Living Lutheran here too! 

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardMission Support, ELCA Mission Support TeamComment
Train the Trainer: How to Host an Anti-Racist Screening of "A Time for Burning"
Train the Trainer: How to Host an Anti-Racist Screening of "A Time for Burning"

Join White Lutherans for Racial Justice and the ELCA Office of Racial Justice for a free “train the trainer” event on Monday, 9/16/2024 at 5pm PDT/MST, 6pm MDT. This event will equip leaders to host anti-racist screenings of the documentary A Time for Burning, sparking important conversations in congregations across the synod. Sign up today to prepare for hosting screenings in October and November.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardRacial Justice, ELCA Racial Justice Ministries, ELCA Association of White Lutherans for Racial Justice, White Lutherans for Racial JusticeComment
ELCA Advocates Push for Just 2024 Farm Bill as Time Runs Short
ELCA Advocates Push for Just 2024 Farm Bill as Time Runs Short

The 2024 Farm Bill is at a critical juncture, and the ELCA is calling on Lutherans to advocate for hunger programs, rural community support, and conservation efforts. Congress will reconvene the week of September 9 for three weeks of legislative action. Take part by contacting your lawmakers and joining the ELCA Advocacy Network to ensure this vital bill reflects our faith values. Read more on the ELCA Advocacy blog.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardAdvocacy, ELCA AdvocacyComment
Luther Seminary Doctoral Student Prepares to Strengthen Caribbean Churches
Luther Seminary Doctoral Student Prepares to Strengthen Caribbean Churches

Rev. Danielle Dokman, supported by the ELCA’s International Leaders Program, is preparing to expand her leadership in Suriname and the Caribbean. Currently pursuing her doctorate in Old Testament at Luther Seminary, she aims to strengthen the visibility of the Lutheran church in society and train lay and clergy leaders. Read more about her journey and other updates from ELCA Global Mission in the latest edition of Global Links as well as updates on mission personnel and other news.

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ELCA, Global Church, NewsBrian FlatgardGlobal MissionComment
A New Feast of Creation: Churches Unite in Celebrating God’s Goodness
A New Feast of Creation: Churches Unite in Celebrating God’s Goodness

Churches across the globe may soon celebrate a new Feast of Creation. This proposed liturgical festival, championed by both Eastern and Western branches of Christianity, could be introduced in 2025 as part of the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicea. The festival would focus on honoring God’s creation and recognizing the urgent need for environmental healing. Read more at ELCA.org.

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ELCA, Global ChurchBrian FlatgardELCA Worship, Climate ChangeComment
Supporting Peace and Justice: Updates from the Ground in Palestine and Israel
Supporting Peace and Justice: Updates from the Ground in Palestine and Israel

The September Sumud Newsletter calls Lutherans to speak up for peace and justice in Palestine and Israel. Updates include a $250,000 donation from Lutheran Disaster Response to support children’s education in the Holy Land, reflections on the ongoing violence, and Bishop Meghan Aelabouni’s new role in the Rocky Mountain Synod. Join us for the Global Sunday of Mutual Flourishing on October 6th by accessing worship resources at mutualflourishing.com. Read the full newsletter here.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardSumud, Israel and PalestineComment
Dream with Women of the ELCA: Answer Strategic Planning Questions
Dream with Women of the ELCA: Answer Strategic Planning Questions

This is a transitional year! Women of the ELCA has an interim executive director. We are going to hit our goal for fundraising for Katie’s Fund! And we are all wondering about the next steps for the future of WELCA. You are invited to participate in a survey to gather ideas about what WELCA is and can be! We will use this time to reflect, dream and prepare together. Take the survey, share the survey and download the QR code!

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardWomen of the ELCA (WELCA)Comment
For What Shall We Pray?
For What Shall We Pray?

  • For those competing and assisting with the Paralympic Games….

  • For the ongoing wars in Ukraine and Gaza and the end of all such conflicts….

  • For the family of Hersh Goldberg Polin and all those who mourn those lost to terror and violence…

  • For those in Los Angeles affected by mudslides and all those affected by natural disaster…

  • For those injured or affected by the shooting at the West Indian Day Parade in NYC and an end to gun violence…

  • For efforts in the English Channel to rescue migrants from a capsized boat…

  • For wisdom and discernment as we engage with online resources…

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ELCA, Prayers, SpotlightBrian FlatgardELCA Worship, For What Shall We PrayComment
From Closure to New Beginnings: Navigating Church Transitions with Grace
From Closure to New Beginnings: Navigating Church Transitions with Grace

As some congregations face the difficult decision to close, new opportunities for community and ministry emerge. This article in Living Lutheran explores the emotional and practical aspects of church closures and highlights how congregations can offer support to new members during these transitions. By honoring the past and welcoming the future, both closing and receiving congregations can continue to share God’s love with the world.

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ELCA, Leadership Resources, NewsBrian FlatgardLiving Lutheran, Holy ClosureComment
Thrive 2024: Witness the Global Impact of Lutheran Disaster Response
Thrive 2024: Witness the Global Impact of Lutheran Disaster Response

Lutheran Disaster Response is actively working to bring hope and healing to communities impacted by disasters worldwide. In the latest edition of Thrive, discover how your support has made a difference—from aiding wildfire recovery in Maui to providing care for people with disabilities in the West Bank. Read more and learn how your generosity continues to change lives. Read Thrive 2024.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardLutheran Disaster ResponseComment
Recovering a lost Caribbean Lutheran history: José David Rodríguez
Recovering a lost Caribbean Lutheran history: José David Rodríguez

For José David Rodríguez, what began as a doctoral dissertation is now the first academic history of the Lutheran church by a Puerto Rican.

Rodríguez’s new book, Caribbean Lutherans: The History of the Church in Puerto Rico (Fortress Press, 2024), first took shape through a Ph.D. program in the Department of History at the University of the West Indies in Mona, Jamaica. An ELCA pastor and professor, Rodríguez had long hoped to put together a history of how the Lutheran mission in Puerto Rico began and evolved. But when he visited the Archivo General de Puerto Rico (General Archive of Puerto Rico) to begin his research, he found no information. Read the full story in Living Lutheran.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardLiving LutheranComment
My Identity is Not Up For Discussion
My Identity is Not Up For Discussion

In honor of International Day for People of African Descent, which is observed internationally on August 31 each year, ELCA Racial Justice Ministries invited ELCA Director for Innovation and Ideas Rahel Mwitula Williams to share some thoughts about being a person of African descent. For more information on International Day for People of African Descent, visit International Day for People of African Descent – EN | United Nations. Read the full post on the ELCA blog.

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ELCA, LettersBrian FlatgardELCA Racial Justice MinistriesComment
NEW DATE: Explore Lutheran Values in Election Year: 9/10/2024 discussion on abortion
NEW DATE: Explore Lutheran Values in Election Year: 9/10/2024 discussion on abortion

Join the ELCA’s online workshop series through October to delve into how our faith informs our actions and voting on critical social issues. September's focus is Abortion with Dr. Caryn Riswold, Professor of Religion/McCoy Family Distinguished Chair in Lutheran Heritage and Mission at Wartburg College.View a PDF flyer and register now to engage deeply with our social teachings and lead community discussions. Click here to join this Sunday’s webinar.

September 10 New Date! Sun, Sep 8, 2024 at 7:00pm.: Abortion with Dr. Caryn Riswold, Professor of Religion/McCoy Family Distinguished Chair in Lutheran Heritage and Mission at Wartburg College.

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ELCA, Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardCreating Space for Conversations, Social Statements, Elections and Voting Rights, Church and SocietyComment
Worship Resources for Navigating National Elections: Available Now
Worship Resources for Navigating National Elections: Available Now

The ELCA has released a comprehensive set of worship resources for the upcoming national elections, including scripture readings, prayers, and assembly song suggestions. These materials are designed to support congregations during prayer vigils, weekly worship, or personal devotions. Download the free resource to help guide your community through this important time.

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ELCA, Grand Canyon Synod, News, Leadership ResourcesBrian FlatgardChurch and Society, Elections and Voting RightsComment