Posts in ELCA
How the 2024 Youth Gathering Inspired Lifelong Service and Connection
How the 2024 Youth Gathering Inspired Lifelong Service and Connection

The 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering in New Orleans inspired young Lutherans like Hayden Gruenberg to consider careers dedicated to service. Through partnerships with organizations like Let’s Be BIGGER and Roots of Music, attendees formed lasting connections that transcend geography, enriching their faith and deepening their commitment to social justice.

These stories show how the Gathering continues to shape lives, building community and fostering a sense of shared purpose across the ELCA. Read the full story in Living Lutheran.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardLiving Lutheran, 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering, Youth and Young AdultComment
I’m a Lutheran: Nate Engle
I’m a Lutheran: Nate Engle

Nate Engle’s journey with faith is woven into his family life, work, and commitment to service at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Lansing, Michigan. As he lives out Lutheran values through both his career and personal life, Nate embodies the transformative power of grace, finding God’s presence in small moments and tough decisions alike. Reflecting Martin Luther’s teachings, he shares that “God’s got this,” a simple yet powerful reminder of faith’s assurance in every step. Read more in Living Lutheran.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardLiving LutheranComment
For What Shall We Pray?
For What Shall We Pray?

  • For peace between nations, especially Ukraine, Russia, Palestine, Israel, and Lebanon…

  • For an end to violence and violent rhetoric in our nation and in our world…

  • For areas of hailstorms and flooding in Spain…

  • For crews battling brush fires in Massachusetts…

  • For free, fair, safe, and accessible election access for all United States citizens, and for safety for election workers…

  • For all victims of gun violence, especially in Atlanta, GA…

  • For the memory of all the saints in glory…

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ELCA, Prayers, SpotlightBrian FlatgardELCA Worship, For What Shall We PrayComment
ELCA Advocacy Inspires Faithful Civic Action for the 2024 Election
ELCA Advocacy Inspires Faithful Civic Action for the 2024 Election

As we approach Election Day, the ELCA offers resources for thoughtful, faith-based civic engagement, such as nonpartisan guides on immigration, tools for peacebuilding, and worship resources. Our Lutheran commitment to justice and compassion remains steadfast. Join us in taking part through ELCA.org/votes and help support a positive, respectful dialogue in our communities. Read the latest Election Engagement Updates from ELCA Advocacy here.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardAdvocacy, ELCA Advocacy, Church and Society, Elections and Voting RightsComment
From Addiction to Advocacy: Women Find New Beginnings with Lutheran Support
From Addiction to Advocacy: Women Find New Beginnings with Lutheran Support

Starr Edwards’ path from addiction and incarceration to healing and hope has been supported by Friends of Guest House (FoGH) and Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. As Edwards prepares to graduate from the reentry program on October 26, this partnership celebrates the ELCA’s commitment to restorative justice. Congregants at Good Shepherd provide ongoing support, embodying the Lutheran call to serve. Read the full story in Living Lutheran.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardLiving LutheranComment
ELCA Grants Empower Congregations to Transform Children's Ministries
ELCA Grants Empower Congregations to Transform Children's Ministries

The ELCA Ministry with Children Grants program is helping congregations revitalize their children’s ministries and outreach efforts. Grants awarded in 2023 have transformed spaces and expanded programs, from repurposing a school in Wisconsin to supporting foster youth in Colorado. Learn how these congregations are using their grants to reach children with God’s love at Living Lutheran.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardYouth and Young Adult, Living LutheranComment
From Catholic Roots to Lutheran Grace: A Spiritual Journey Unboxed
From Catholic Roots to Lutheran Grace: A Spiritual Journey Unboxed

In a blog post for Women of the ELCA’s Café, Becca Ehrlich shares her journey from an interfaith upbringing to discovering the Lutheran emphasis on salvation by grace through faith. Her story explores the challenges of not fitting into traditional boxes of what being Lutheran is "supposed to look like," and invites us to reflect on how our own expectations may limit the work of the Holy Spirit.

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ELCA, Letters, NewsBrian FlatgardCafé, Women of the ELCA (WELCA)Comment
Lutheran Culture Through Indigenous Eyes: A Call for Genuine Inclusion
Lutheran Culture Through Indigenous Eyes: A Call for Genuine Inclusion

In her compelling reflection in Women of the ELCA’s Café blog post, Wanda Frenchman shares her journey from a non-Christian Indigenous upbringing to embracing Lutheran faith. Raised in a Lakota household, she highlights the significance of community, food, and genuine welcome in her transition to Grace Lutheran Church.

As a leader in Native American Urban Ministry, Wanda emphasizes the need for authentic inclusion in the church, encouraging congregations to embrace newcomers’ diverse traditions and identities. Her story serves as a powerful reminder of the love of Christ and the importance of welcoming all people into our faith communities.

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ELCA, Grand Canyon Synod, Letters, NewsBrian FlatgardWanda Frenchman, Native American Urban Ministry Phoenix, American Indian and Alaska Native, Grace Phoenix, Capital Conference, Women of the ELCA (WELCA), CaféComment
From South Dakota to Mexico: Reflections on a Year of Service
From South Dakota to Mexico: Reflections on a Year of Service

This year, YAGM Mexico welcomes a new cohort of young adults, ready to serve and grow in their faith through diverse service opportunities. After a transformative year with the first cohort, we reflect on their impact while preparing these new volunteers for their mission. Learn how the YAGM program continues to make a difference through faith, service, and justice, and how you can support their work in Mexico in the latest newsletter (PDF) from Soliette Lopez, YAGM Mexico Country Coordinator.

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ELCA, Letters, NewsBrian FlatgardYoung Adults in Global Mission, Mexican Lutheran ChurchComment
Advocating for Justice: The New Faces of Hunger Advocacy in the ELCA
Advocating for Justice: The New Faces of Hunger Advocacy in the ELCA

Meet the six new ELCA Hunger Advocacy Fellows for 2024-2025, who will work tirelessly to address issues of hunger and poverty at both state and national levels. Their year-long fellowship combines professional development and faith formation, integrating Lutheran values with public advocacy. Learn more about these passionate advocates and their work to create a more just world at ELCA.org.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardHunger, ELCA World HungerComment
Seeds Monthly: October, 2024
Seeds Monthly: October, 2024

The latest Seeds Monthly from ELCA features: ELCA Conference of Bishops emphasizes the need to speak the truth; Truth & Healing Movement; and Be a good steward of the planet — and your congregation’s bottom line.

You’ll also find a story on the Fort Wayne Food Truck, upcoming calendar events, bulletin blurbs, and featured resources of hurricane response, the full report of “Sexual Boundary Violations in the ELCA,” and ELCA Good Gifts.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardSeeds MonthlyComment
Lutherans at the Forefront of Global and Local Advocacy: October Updates from the ELCA
Lutherans at the Forefront of Global and Local Advocacy: October Updates from the ELCA

Lutherans are stepping up advocacy efforts across the globe and at home. From shaping discussions at the U.N. Summit of the Future to promoting voter engagement in Arizona and Colorado, the ELCA is making a profound impact. Learn more about the issues we’re tackling and how faith is driving our work for justice and peace. Read the full updates here.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardAdvocacy, ELCA Advocacy, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA)Comment
Faith Lens: Justification by Grace through Faith
Faith Lens: Justification by Grace through Faith

Reformation Sunday on October 27 reminds us of the transformative power of justification by grace through faith. As we reflect on Martin Luther’s legacy in this week’s Faith Lens, we are invited to consider how God’s grace continues to reform and shape us today. Join us in worship as we renew our commitment to live by grace, trusting that God’s presence calls us to be lights in the world.

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Worship Resources, ELCA, ResourcesBrian FlatgardFaith Lens, Youth and Young AdultComment
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 renewal in the church and in the hearts of all Christians, as we follow Jesus in ways of healing, compassion, forgiveness, and concrete acts of love for our neighbors…

  • For victims of extremist attacks in Turkey…

  • For the safety of those targeted by politically-motivated violence in Arizona…

  • For all victims of gun violence, especially in Fall City, Washington…

  • For the United States in this divided political season, for all who are exercising their right to vote, and for safety for all election workers…

  • For the triumph of truth over falsehood, and for all working diligently to combat misinformation and manipulation in our politics, media, and public discourse…

  • For continued relief, recovery, and rebuilding efforts following Hurricanes Helene and Milton…

  • In gratitude for ELCA partner ministries, who accompany communities around the world in order to alleviate suffering, promote well-being, rebuild after destruction, and work tirelessly for the dignity and flourishing of all…

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ELCA, Prayers, SpotlightBrian FlatgardELCA Worship, For What Shall We PrayComment
Watch the World Food Day celebration!
Watch the World Food Day celebration!

Thank you to those of you who attended the online World Food Day celebration on Tuesday. What an incredible time we had looking back on the impact of 50 years of ELCA World Hunger and reflecting on how God is calling all of us into the bold pursuit of ending hunger in our world.

If you missed the event or want to rewatch it, you can view it on demand. Share the video with friends and family, host a watch party with your congregation and use it to get inspired for the work ahead.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardHunger, ELCA World HungerComment
Bishop Eaton: Casting Ballots as People of Faith
Bishop Eaton: Casting Ballots as People of Faith

During this election season and as we prepare to vote as part of our civic responsibility and commitment to the Gospel, Bishop Eaton reminds us, "We are not defined by our political affiliations but by our shared baptism and our commitment to the Gospel. As people of faith, we are called to engage in our communities and work for justice and to advocate for the dignity and well-being of all people. One way we do this is by voting, ensuring that our voices are heard, as we shape our society together." To read more, visit https://www.ELCA.org/CivicEngagement.

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ELCA, Letters, News, Bishop EatonBrian FlatgardBishop Eaton Letters, Church and Society, Elections and Voting RightsComment
Filling in a history too long overlooked: An interview with author James R. Thomas
Filling in a history too long overlooked: An interview with author James R. Thomas

The important contributions of African American leaders to the story of Lutheranism in the United States has a regrettably under-documented history. James R. Thomas’ new book A Rumor of Black Lutherans: The Formation of Black Leadership in Early American Lutheranism (Fortress Press) aims to change that.

By tracing the stories of 10 leaders of African descent whose ministry and service shaped the Lutheran church, Thomas allows Lutherans and general students of U.S. religious history to have, in his words, “a more expansive understanding of Lutheran history.” Unfortunately, many of the painful experiences of the leaders Thomas profiles will feel familiar to African American Lutherans who continue to lead our predominantly white church at all levels today. Read the full story in Living Lutheran.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardAfrican Descent Lutheran Association, Living LutheranComment