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, Lebanon, and all areas of conflict…

  • For those in the path of Hurricane Milton, and for continued recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene…

  • For first responders and essential personnel…
    For all working to educate, research, and mitigate the effects of climate change…

  • In thanksgiving for the work of scientists and researchers, especially new Nobel Prize winners…

  • For those grieving political violence in southern Mexico…

  • For victims of gun violence, domestic violence, abuse, and bullying…

  • For Jewish communities preparing for Yom Kippur, and for all acts of repentance and forgiveness…

  • For Hindu communities celebrating Durga Puja and Dussehra…

Read More
ELCA, Prayers, SpotlightBrian FlatgardELCA Worship, For What Shall We PrayComment
Seeds Monthly: October, 2024
Seeds Monthly: October, 2024

This edition of Seeds Monthly invites you to celebrate World Food Day and 50 years of ELCA World Hunger with a special online event on October 15. Plus, explore the latest Living Lutheran feature on a unique Lutheran love story, read about the draft social statement on civic life and faith, and get involved in the Truth and Healing Movement. Don’t miss updates on upcoming events like the Addiction & Faith Conference and more resources to support your ministry and civic engagement!

Read More
ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardSeeds MonthlyComment
Empowering Accessibility: Disability Ministries Grant News & Key Dates
Empowering Accessibility: Disability Ministries Grant News & Key Dates

The ELCA Disability Ministries team is reviewing applications for the 2024 grants, with decisions expected by October 25. These grants support inclusive ministry across our church. Plus, don’t miss National White Cane Safety Day on October 15 and reflect on National Disability Employment Awareness Month throughout October. Read the latest ELCA Disability updates for full details.

Read More
ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardDisability Ministries, ELCA Disability MinistriesComment
October "Go and Do News" from ELCA World Hunger
October "Go and Do News" from ELCA World Hunger

Join ELCA World Hunger in celebrating the 50th anniversary of ELCA World Hunger! On October 15th, the eve of World Food Day, the ELCA will host a special online event featuring stories from global and local partners working to end hunger. Explore new resources for Advent 2024 and Lent 2025, and learn how your congregation can deepen its engagement with hunger relief. Discover how ministries like Central Lutheran in Alaska are tackling the root causes of hunger with creative solutions. Be part of the movement — read more in the October Go and Do News from ELCA World Hunger.

Read More
ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardHunger, ELCA World HungerComment
Gathering Remix: Created to Be
Gathering Remix: Created to Be

Under the theme “Created to Be,” Gathering Remix is a digital resource with 10 lessons featuring Mass Gathering recordings, exclusive interviews, discussion guides, and more, to enrich discussions with your middle school and high school groups.

Designed to sustain the energy from events such as the Gathering, this dynamic tool helps middle and high school groups stay engaged and inspired. To learn more or to purchase for your group, visit gLearn.

Read More
ELCA, News, Leadership ResourcesBrian FlatgardYouth and Young Adult, ELCA Youth GatheringComment
ELCA Bishops Address Church Growth and Truth in a Changing World
ELCA Bishops Address Church Growth and Truth in a Changing World

The ELCA Conference of Bishops recently met to address church growth, ministry, and truth in a changing world. Presiding Bishop Eaton called for expanding ministry beyond traditional church buildings while reaffirming the importance of congregational life. The bishops also issued a statement condemning deceitful public discourse and committing to truth-telling in society.

Read More
ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardConference of BishopsComment
A Familiar Name, New Resources: Augsburg Fortress Publishers is Back
A Familiar Name, New Resources: Augsburg Fortress Publishers is Back

This fall, Augsburg Fortress Publishers is reverting to its familiar name and introducing exciting new resources for Lutheran congregations. From updated worship tools and digital resources to new book series that address today’s pressing social issues, Augsburg Fortress continues to support ministry at every level. Discover the latest in worship renewal, Bible study, and more, as the publishing house deepens its commitment to serving congregations and leaders across the ELCA.

Read More
ELCA, NewsBrian Flatgard1517 Media, Augsburg FortressComment
Celebrating 50 Years of ELCA World Hunger on World Food Day
Celebrating 50 Years of ELCA World Hunger on World Food Day

Join ELCA World Hunger on Tuesday, October 15, at 5pm PST/MDT, 6pm MST, for a special Zoom webinar celebrating 50 years of hunger ministry. Hear inspiring stories from ELCA World Hunger partners and learn how our shared commitment has made an impact on communities worldwide. Register now to receive event updates and resources, and help continue the work toward a just world where all are fed.

Read More
ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardHunger, ELCA World HungerComment
Where Your Heart Is: A Change Will Do You Good
Where Your Heart Is: A Change Will Do You Good

As we enter the season of change, it’s the perfect time for congregations to reimagine their approach to stewardship. Drawing from Jesus’ words in Matthew 6:21, we’re reminded that where our treasure is, our hearts follow. Are your current practices in generosity still sparking joy and connection? If not, this might be the moment to explore new strategies—narrative budgets, fresh offering moments, or seasonal shifts in appeals. Let this autumn be a time of transformation, as we align our stewardship efforts with God’s mission in our communities. Read more in this month's "Where Your Heart Is."

Read More
ELCA, News, Leadership ResourcesBrian FlatgardStewardship, Where Your Heart IsComment
Hurricane Helene Relief through Lutheran Disaster Response
Hurricane Helene Relief through Lutheran Disaster Response

Lutheran Disaster Response has strong relationships in the region and is already at work on the ground. Working alongside synods and other partners, Lutheran Disaster Response is prepared to expand to all impacted areas. We anticipate that our greatest impact will be reaching those in underserved and rural areas.

By giving to Lutheran Disaster Response, you enable the ELCA to act quickly after disasters such as Hurricane Helene and to remain for as long as the recovery takes. Will you help Lutheran Disaster Response care for those in need?

Read More
ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardLutheran Disaster ResponseComment
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, Lebanon, and all areas of conflict…

  • For renewed efforts for peace at the anniversary of the current violence in the Middle East on October 7…

  • For communities devastated by hurricane and flooding, especially in Florida, Tennessee, and North Carolina…

  • For extreme heat in California and for all suffering negative effects of climate change…
    For grieving families following a school bus fire in Thailand…

  • For renewed commitment to compassion and the common good…

Read More
ELCA, Prayers, SpotlightBrian FlatgardELCA Worship, For What Shall We PrayComment
Wearing Orange In Remembrance of Indian Boarding Schools
Wearing Orange In Remembrance of Indian Boarding Schools

On September 30, the National Day of Remembrance for Indian Boarding Schools invites us to honor Indigenous survivors and their families. Wearing orange is a powerful symbol of solidarity with those affected by the trauma of forced assimilation. Learn how you can participate and engage with the ELCA’s ongoing Truth and Healing initiatives in this post from Wanda K. Frenchman, vicar for Native American Urban Ministry in Phoenix.

Read More
ELCA, Grand Canyon Synod, Letters, NewsBrian FlatgardNative American Urban Ministry Phoenix, American Indian and Alaska Native, Wanda Frenchman, Women of the ELCA (WELCA)Comment
Farm Bill, Environmental Justice, and Sudan: Key Advocacy Updates from ELCA
Farm Bill, Environmental Justice, and Sudan: Key Advocacy Updates from ELCA

ELCA Advocacy is pushing for critical actions on the Farm Bill, environmental justice, and humanitarian aid in Sudan. As hunger impacts nearly 47.4 million Americans and the environment faces budget cuts, the ELCA calls for urgent action. Read how our advocacy continues to make a difference and learn how you can take part in the latest update.

Read More
ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardAdvocacy, ELCA Advocacy, HungerComment
Worship Resources: Anniversary of the Ongoing War in the Middle East
Worship Resources: Anniversary of the Ongoing War in the Middle East

As we approach the anniversary of Oct. 7, 2023, we remember a day of heartbreaking grief for the people of Israel and Palestine, devastated by Hamas attacks on civilians and by the bombardment of Gaza. Mindful that the people of the Holy Land are still living in anguish and in war one year later, congregations may consider incorporating prayers and laments in worship on Sunday, October 6 or at other times near the anniversary, in public worship or for devotional use at home or in other settings.

Read More
ELCA, Leadership Resources, NewsBrian FlatgardIsrael and PalestineComment
ELCA Conference of Bishops Emphasizes the Need to Speak the Truth
ELCA Conference of Bishops Emphasizes the Need to Speak the Truth

We, the members of the Conference of Bishops of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, speak with one voice to condemn the hateful, deceptive, violent speech that has too readily found a place in our national discourse. We lament the ways this language has led to hate-fueled action.

We refuse to accept the ongoing normalization of lies and deceit.

Read More
Bishop Hutterer, ELCA, Letters, NewsBrian FlatgardChurch and Society, Conference of BishopsComment
Bishop Eaton statement on Haitian community in Ohio
Bishop Eaton statement on Haitian community in Ohio

The recent national spotlight on Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio, clearly has fanned flames of hate and stoked threats of violence. The rhetoric has created discord and mistrust of people who have already suffered civil unrest in their nation and been granted legal protection in the United States. History shows us that this kind of hatred often carries negative national and global consequences. Our church teaches that immigrants are children of God, made in God's image and worthy of respect and lives of dignity. God calls us to witness boldly to this truth when people tell dehumanizing lies that perpetuate racist tropes and support white supremacist narratives. 

Read More
Bishop Eaton, ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardBishop Eaton Letters, Church and SocietyComment
Faith Lens: Connecting with Kids
Faith Lens: Connecting with Kids

Jesus said, “Let the children come to me.” Are we doing the same in our congregations? In this week's Faith Lens, we explore how we can better listen to and empower children’s voices in faith, drawing from research on Gen Alpha. Learn how creating space for kids to share their perspectives can deepen their spiritual engagement—and ours. How will you welcome the youngest among us?

Read More
Worship Resources, ELCA, ResourcesBrian FlatgardFaith Lens, Youth and Young AdultComment
Bishop Eaton: Praying for Peace Amid Ongoing War in the Middle East
Bishop Eaton: Praying for Peace Amid Ongoing War in the Middle East

In observance of the one-year anniversary of the start of the current conflict in the Holy Land, Bishop Eaton offers prayers for peace, healing and justice for all people in Israel and Palestine, and the regions where the war has escalated. “We grieve this violence and loss of life with all people of the Holy Land — and with the Palestinian community of the ELCA, our Jewish and Muslim neighbors, and all who live in fear, pain and anguish. We believe the presence and love of God in Jesus Christ can always be found in the places of the cross. Wherever violence, injustice and death seem to have the last word, God is there and has not abandoned the people.”

Read More
Bishop Eaton, ELCA, Letters, NewsBrian FlatgardBishop Eaton Letters, Israel and Palestine, Church and SocietyComment