Posts in ELCA
January 2025 Mission Support Memo: Unidad ~ Unity
January 2025 Mission Support Memo: Unidad ~ Unity

In our January 2025 Mission Support Memo you will meet Rev. Leticia Alanis, pastor of Unidad y Fe Lutheran Mission in the Queens borough of New York City.  Have you ever met a person of faith who shines with the light of Christ even in the hardest of times and places? After meeting Pastor Leticia, you will expereince awe of her experiences, her challenges, her love for others and her profound mission of building community and immigration justice.

Our memo also invites you to a reunion, yes a time to experience "The Generosity of The Generosity Project" on Monday, Feb, 3rd. Join to reminisce, to learn, to have fun! We also want to encourage you to share in gratitude the ways we are church together by accessing this years ELCA Annual Report Cover, Our Deep Dive or Thank You Certificate and lots of other relevant resources. 

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardMission SupportComment
Faith Leaders Unite: ELCA Coaching’s January 29 Gathering
Faith Leaders Unite: ELCA Coaching’s January 29 Gathering

Join the January 29 Beloved Community Gathering hosted by ELCA Coaching to reflect, discern, and take faithful action. This virtual event invites all faith leaders—rostered or not—to move from head to heart to hands in living out their faith. Inspired by Scripture, Martin Luther King Jr., and bell hooks, we’ll explore what it means to build trust and communion in our communities. Details and recordings at ELCA Coaching’s website.

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ELCA, News, Leadership ResourcesBrian FlatgardCoaching, ELCA CoachingComment
NRSVue Bible, Lent Resources, and More: Highlights from ELCA Worship
NRSVue Bible, Lent Resources, and More: Highlights from ELCA Worship

This month’s ELCA Worship newsletter highlights new Arabic-language worship resources, updated guidance on navigating musical decisions amid abuse allegations, and the availability of the NRSVue Bible on SundaysandSeasons.com. Register now for the 2025 Institute of Liturgical Studies conference to explore how the church engages with occasional practitioners. Plus, discover essential Lent music resources and the latest Living Lutheran hymn feature. Discover more on the ELCA Worship blog.

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ELCA, News, Worship ResourcesBrian FlatgardELCA WorshipComment
Strength in Numbers: A Devotional Reflection on Liberation and Community
Strength in Numbers: A Devotional Reflection on Liberation and Community

How can we harness our individual gifts to create lasting change in our communities? Drawing on their experiences as an ELCA Hunger Advocacy Fellow, Sagi Rudnick reflects on the intersection of self, community, and liberation, inspired by the wisdom of Ecclesiastes. Their journey offers a powerful reminder that “two are better than one,” and that together, we can build a stronger, more equitable world. Read more on the ELCA blog.

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ELCA, Letters, NewsBrian FlatgardELCA Advocacy, Hunger, ELCA World HungerComment
ELCA Advocacy Update: Critical Federal Decisions Impact Housing, Climate, and Peace
ELCA Advocacy Update: Critical Federal Decisions Impact Housing, Climate, and Peace

This month’s ELCA Advocacy update highlights urgent issues, including the impact of federal budget delays on housing programs, historic climate finance commitments from COP29, and efforts to block arms sales fueling conflict in Sudan. Learn how Lutheran values are shaping advocacy and how you can act for justice. Read the full update: ELCA Advocacy Blog.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardAdvocacy, ELCA AdvocacyComment
Faith Lens: Something Old and Something New
Faith Lens: Something Old and Something New

As trends and traditions from the past reemerge in today’s world, this week’s Gospel reading from Luke 4 reminds us of the eternal renewal found in Jesus. Unlike fleeting trends, Christ’s fulfillment of ancient promises brings lasting transformation, making all things new. Where do we place our ultimate allegiance?

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Worship Resources, ELCA, ResourcesBrian FlatgardFaith Lens, Youth and Young Adult, 2024 Advent and ChristmasComment
For What Shall We Pray?
For What Shall We Pray?

  • For areas of the world impacted by ongoing war and political conflict: Ukraine, Syria, South Sudan, Colombia…

  • For ceasefire in Gaza and for release of prisoners and hostages…

  • For the United States in this time of political tension and transition…

  • For victims of a ski resort fire in Turkey…

  • For those celebrating marriage equality in Thailand…

  • For blizzard warnings along the Gulf Coast of the United States…

  • For recovery and rebuilding efforts following wildfires in California…

  • For immigrants, refugees, and all migrants…

  • For all who face prejudice, hatred, and violence due to race, ethnicity, religion, class, or gender identity and sexual orientation…

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ELCA, Prayers, SpotlightBrian FlatgardELCA Worship, For What Shall We PrayComment
Revisiting Human Sexuality: ELCA Seeks Input on Social Statement Edits
Revisiting Human Sexuality: ELCA Seeks Input on Social Statement Edits

The ELCA invites your feedback on proposed updates to Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust. These small editorial changes reflect shifts in marriage laws and family diversity while maintaining the statement’s theological core. Review the edits and share your thoughts by January 31, 2025 via an online survey or email. Resources are available at www.elca.org/reconsiderations in English, Spanish, and large print. Together, we can shape this important work of the church.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardHuman SexualityComment
From Bethlehem to Iowa: Answering God’s Call to Serve
From Bethlehem to Iowa: Answering God’s Call to Serve

Jamil Zoughbi and Claudine Faltas’ journey from the West Bank to Wartburg Theological Seminary in Iowa is a testament to faith and resilience. Trusting in God’s plan, the couple overcame challenges, including visa hurdles and the pain of leaving family behind, to pursue rostered ministry in the ELCA. Their story highlights the power of community, the support of the church, and the transformative call to serve. In this article from Living Lutheran, read how their faith continues to inspire their mission to serve marginalized communities and empower others to lead.

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ELCA, News, LettersBrian FlatgardLiving LutheranComment
Grounded in Grace: Finding Strength in Life’s Challenges
Grounded in Grace: Finding Strength in Life’s Challenges

How do we stay grounded in grace when life’s challenges seem unending? In this reflection in Living Lutheran, Mindy Holland shares how the promises of Scripture, the love of a faith community, and the songs of worship have anchored her through life’s storms. With Philippians 4:6-7 as her guiding verse, she invites us to embrace God’s peace and remember that Jesus is always with us. Read more about how grace sustains us and how we can share this grounding truth with others.

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ELCA, News, LettersBrian FlatgardLiving LutheranComment
Facing the Storms of Life: Isaiah’s Hope for a Changing Climate
Facing the Storms of Life: Isaiah’s Hope for a Changing Climate

When a bomb cyclone devastated parts of the Pacific Northwest, Isaiah 43:1-3 offered hope: God is with us through every storm. This promise guided young Lutheran advocates who met with federal leaders to address climate change. As we enter a new year, let us act boldly for the common good, rooted in faith and God’s abiding presence. Read more in the latest ELCA Advocacy Fellows Devotional.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardAdvocacy, ELCA AdvocacyComment
Advocating for Justice in Agriculture: The Farm Bill and Our Faith
Advocating for Justice in Agriculture: The Farm Bill and Our Faith

The American Relief Act, 2025, passed in December, narrowly avoided a government shutdown and extended key parts of the 2018 Farm Bill through March 14, 2024, while providing $110 billion in disaster relief, including $31 billion for agriculture producers. However, the deal also cut $177 million from USDA’s “orphan” programs, leaving communities and farmers who rely on these initiatives at risk. As Congress prepares to draft a new Farm Bill in 2025, the ELCA urges action to ensure policies reflect faith-based values of equity, sustainability, and care for creation. Learn how you can advocate for a just future in ELCA Advocacy’s Farm Bill blog post.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardAdvocacy, ELCA Advocacy, Church and Society, hungerComment
For What Shall We Pray?
For What Shall We Pray?

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

  • For ceasefire in Gaza…

  • For victims, evacuees, and firefighters facing wildfires in California…

  • For victims, survivors, and rescue workers involved with the mine disaster in South Africa…

  • For immigrants and all who travel for stability, opportunity, and safety…

  • For peaceful political transitions in the United States and around the world…

  • For the continued work of antiracism…

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ELCA, Prayers, SpotlightBrian FlatgardELCA Worship, For What Shall We PrayComment
Faith Lens: An Urgent Answer
Faith Lens: An Urgent Answer

As wildfires devastate Los Angeles, we are reminded of our call to step in during times of need, just as Jesus did at the wedding in Cana. Whether through prayer, financial support for Lutheran Disaster Response, or opening our homes to those displaced, our actions embody God’s abundant love. In this week’s Faith Lens, explore how this week’s Gospel inspires us to act with grace and compassion in the face of crisis.

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Worship Resources, ELCA, ResourcesBrian FlatgardFaith Lens, Youth and Young Adult, 2024 Advent and ChristmasComment
Navigating Immigration Challenges: Free Webinar for Ministry Leaders
Navigating Immigration Challenges: Free Webinar for Ministry Leaders

Join ELCA AMMPARO and Episcopal Migration Ministries on January 17, 2025, for an essential webinar equipping ministry leaders to support migrants and undocumented individuals. Featuring expert immigration lawyers, the session covers “Know Your Rights” guidance, navigating immigration steps, and preparing for ICE interactions. Register today for this free online event and learn how your ministry can make a difference.

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ELCA, Leadership Resources, NewsBrian FlatgardImmigration and Refugees, AMMPARO, Ecumenical and Inter-Religious RelationsComment
Choosing Hymns with Care: Addressing Abuse Allegations in Worship Music
Choosing Hymns with Care: Addressing Abuse Allegations in Worship Music

The ELCA has discontinued recommending hymns by David Haas and Cesáreo Gabaráin following allegations of misconduct. Rooted in theological commitments to love and justice, this survivor-centered approach prioritizes the well-being of those harmed by gender-based violence. Learn how these decisions impact worship and explore resources to support survivor-centered practices in your congregation in the latest ELCA Worship blog post.

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ELCA, Leadership Resources, NewsBrian FlatgardELCA WorshipComment