Posts in ELCA
Join the Movement: ELCA’s 2025 National Day of Racial Healing Event
Join the Movement: ELCA’s 2025 National Day of Racial Healing Event

On Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025, the ELCA will host a free online event from 9am-1pm MST, 8am-noon PST, featuring worship, workshops, music, and guided reflection. Centering the voices of ELCA leaders of color, the event seeks to raise awareness of the need for racial healing and inspire collective action toward justice and equity. Open to all ELCA members and partners, this event aligns with the work of Truth, Racial Healing & Transformation. Visit ELCA.org/NDORH to learn more and register today!

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardRacial JusticeComment
Join the Effort: Supporting Lutheran Disaster Response for Wildfire Relief
Join the Effort: Supporting Lutheran Disaster Response for Wildfire Relief

Wildfires have devastated Los Angeles County, California, leaving tens of thousands displaced. Lutheran Disaster Response is actively working with synods and local partners to address immediate needs and plan long-term recovery efforts. Learn how you can pray, give, and share to support those affected. Visit ELCA.org/wildfires to donate and find resources.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardSouthwest California Synod, Lutheran Disaster Response, Climate ChangeComment
Faith Amid Flames: Bishop Eaton’s Call to Prayer for California Wildfire Relief
Faith Amid Flames: Bishop Eaton’s Call to Prayer for California Wildfire Relief

The devastating California wildfires have displaced thousands and destroyed homes, businesses, and places of worship. Bishop Brenda Bos of the Southwest California Synod is among those personally impacted. Presiding Bishop Eaton calls for prayers, accompaniment, and action as Lutheran Disaster Response mobilizes to bring aid and hope to affected communities. Learn more about how you can help: Lutheran Disaster Response.

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ELCA, News, Letters, PrayersBrian FlatgardBishop Eaton Letters, Southwest California Synod, Climate Change Comment
Empowering Communities: How ELCA Global Mission is Changing Lives Worldwide
Empowering Communities: How ELCA Global Mission is Changing Lives Worldwide

Bliss Tungnung, a former ELCA scholar, returned to her conflict-stricken home in Manipur, India, to offer psychosocial care and education to children. She founded Bliss International School in 2023 to foster emotional and academic growth. This month’s ELCA Global Mission newsletter also celebrates the ordination of women in the Lutheran Church of Australia and the 25th anniversary of the ELCA Wittenberg Center. Discover global service opportunities and Lenten resources, and read more inspiring stories at ELCA Global Mission.

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ELCA, Global Church, NewsBrian FlatgardELCA Global MissionComment
Join the Movement: ELCA’s 2025 National Day of Racial Healing Event
Join the Movement: ELCA’s 2025 National Day of Racial Healing Event

On Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025, the ELCA will host a free online event from 9am-1pm MST, 8am-noon PST, featuring worship, workshops, music, and guided reflection. Centering the voices of ELCA leaders of color, the event seeks to raise awareness of the need for racial healing and inspire collective action toward justice and equity. Open to all ELCA members and partners, this event aligns with the work of Truth, Racial Healing & Transformation. Visit ELCA.org/NDORH to learn more and register today!

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardRacial JusticeComment
For What Shall We Pray?
For What Shall We Pray?

  • For areas of the world impacted by ongoing war and conflict: Gaza, Syria, Ukraine…

  • For evacuees and all threatened by the Pacific Palisades fire in California…

  • For earthquake victims in Tibet…

  • For political transitions and the advancement of peace across the world…

  • For severe winter weather affecting areas of the United States…

  • For refugees, migrants, and all who journey for safety…

  • For daily affirmation of our baptismal calling: to live among God’s faithful people; to hear the word of God and share in the holy supper; to share the good news of God in Christ through word and deed; to serve all people, following the example of Jesus; and to strive for justice and peace in all the world…

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ELCA, Prayers, SpotlightBrian FlatgardELCA Worship, For What Shall We PrayComment
A Feast for Community: Building Bridges Beyond Politics
A Feast for Community: Building Bridges Beyond Politics

Love Anyway Feasts offer a fresh way to bring neighbors together in divided times. Learn how ELCA members in Pennsylvania used shared meals to build bridges and model Christ’s teaching to love our neighbors. With resources from Lutheran Advocacy Ministry in Pennsylvania, you too can join this movement of connection and hope. Read more in this article from Living Lutheran.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardLiving LutheranComment
Living Lutheran's top five articles from 2024
Living Lutheran's top five articles from 2024

As Living Lutheran wrapped up 2024, they took a look at some of our top stories from the year. Below are Living Lutheran‘s five most-read articles from the last 12 months.

  1. Inside Out 2 and the peace that passes understanding

  2. ELCA Conference of Bishops emphasizes the need to speak the truth

  3. 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering kicks off in New Orleans

  4. “This has allowed us to go back to church”

  5. Civility in politics

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardLiving LutheranComment
Sumud Winter Newsletter: A Call to Peace and Justice in the Holy Land
Sumud Winter Newsletter: A Call to Peace and Justice in the Holy Land

This Christmas season, ELCA Sumud reflects on a year of advocacy and accompaniment with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land (ELCJHL). From Rev. Gabi Aelabouni’s solidarity visit to impactful ministries like the Olive Harvest Festival and Beit Jala’s hot meals program, our Palestinian siblings inspire hope amid hardship. Read Bishop Azar’s powerful Christmas message, explore ways to advocate for justice, and learn how you can support the ELCJHL Christmas Appeal in this season of peace. Read more in their Winter Newsletter.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardSumud, Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land, Israel and PalestineComment
For What Shall We Pray?
For What Shall We Pray?

  • For areas of the world impacted by ongoing war and conflict: Gaza, Syria, Ukraine…

  • For the family of Jimmy Carter and all those who mourn…

  • For the families of those killed in the Jeju Air plane crash…

  • For those affected by tornadoes in Texas, North Carolina, and Louisiana…

  • For those experiencing homelessness in the US…

  • For Trinidad & Tobago in the face of rising violence…

  • For victims of violence in New Orleans…

  • For the new year and transitions of all varieties…

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ELCA, Prayers, SpotlightBrian FlatgardELCA Worship, For What Shall We PrayComment
January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month
January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month

Seventy-one percent of victims of human trafficking are women and girls. National Human Trafficking Prevention Month is an opportunity to educate others about identifying human trafficking, prevention and supporting victims. This blog post contained articles and resources from Women of the ELCA to raise awareness of human trafficking and engage in advocacy in your congregation and community.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardWomen of the ELCA (WELCA)Comment
I’m a Lutheran: Glory Godwin Lekashu
I’m a Lutheran: Glory Godwin Lekashu

Meet Glory Godwin Lekashu, a medical laboratory technician, student, and Lutheran whose journey spans continents and calls to service. From her youth ministry roots in Tanzania to her studies in biology and public health, Glory integrates faith and science to heal body, soul, and world. In this Living Lutheran article, learn how this International Women Leaders scholar is living her Lutheran values by fostering health care justice, inspiring youth, and shining Christ’s light in her community.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardLiving LutheranComment
Trusting Women: Revisiting the ELCA’s Social Statement on Abortion
Trusting Women: Revisiting the ELCA’s Social Statement on Abortion

In a post-Dobbs world, the ELCA’s 1991 social statement on abortion offers a compassionate, theologically grounded response to the complexities of reproductive rights. Rooted in trust, understanding, and a commitment to relationships, the statement calls Lutherans to discernment, advocacy, and accompaniment. Explore how this powerful framework equips us for faithful action today in this Living Lutheran article.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardAbortion, Living LutheranComment
Empowering Communities: Lutheran Disaster Response Training in Indonesia
Empowering Communities: Lutheran Disaster Response Training in Indonesia

Lutheran Disaster Response is transforming lives in Indonesia through disaster preparedness training for church members in vulnerable communities. With over 40 participants engaged in November 2024, this ELCA-supported initiative equips churches to act as first responders, spreading God’s love and building resilience in one of the world’s most disaster-prone regions. Read more at ELCA.org.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardLutheran Disaster ResponseComment
Living Lutheran Returns to Print, Plus More Highlights from Seeds Monthly
Living Lutheran Returns to Print, Plus More Highlights from Seeds Monthly

Living Lutheran returns to print in spring 2025, offering quarterly issues filled with inspiring stories and church updates. Subscribe individually or as a congregation today. Plus, explore meaningful holiday gifts with the ELCA Good Gifts catalog, join the National Day of Racial Healing on Jan. 21, and prepare for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity starting Jan. 18. Find these updates and more in this month’s Seeds Monthly.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardSeeds MonthlyComment
Faith Lens: A New Way for All to Win
Faith Lens: A New Way for All to Win

How do we define success? As college football celebrates a new twelve-team playoff, Advent invites us to reflect on a very different kind of victory. Mary’s song in Luke 1:39–55 reminds us that God lifts up the lowly so that all may share in divine blessings. As we approach the manger this week, let us celebrate the true meaning of success: God’s victory for all.

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Worship Resources, ELCA, ResourcesBrian FlatgardFaith Lens, Youth and Young Adult, 2024 Advent and ChristmasComment