Posts in News
Happy Thanksgiving from Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona
Happy Thanksgiving from Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona

“We at the LAMA office want to wish you a happy and blessed Thanksgiving! We hope you take this holiday to enjoy God’s bountiful gifts of friends, family, and food— however those things may be present in your life. This year, we give thanks for our wonderful community of advocates and liaisons, for all the congregations who have welcomed us and joined us in our work, for all of our partner networks, and for the opportunities we have been given to do God’s work through advocacy.” Read the full post on the LAMA website.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardLutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA), AdvocacyComment
ELCA Church Council appoints the Rev. Michael Burk as Presiding Bishop Pro Tempore
ELCA Church Council appoints the Rev. Michael Burk as Presiding Bishop Pro Tempore

The Church Council of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) appointed the Rev. Michael Burk as presiding bishop pro tempore after its Executive Committee approved Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton's request for a four- to six-month leave of absence, to begin Nov. 17. The council, which serves as the ELCA churchwide organization's board of directors and interim legislative authority between meetings of a churchwide assembly, gathered at the Lutheran Center in Chicago, Nov. 9-12, 2023. Read the full post for other actions taken.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardComment
North American and Holy Land Heads of Churches Meet in Solidarity, Prayer
North American and Holy Land Heads of Churches Meet in Solidarity, Prayer

​On Nov. 16, 2023, the North American heads of Churches Beyond Borders met online with their Lutheran and Episcopal counterparts in the Holy Land for a time of solidarity and prayer. The six churches renewed their commitment to mutual accompaniment, solidarity and prayer as a witness to Christ's justice and peace, uniting our churches beyond all borders.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardEcumenical and Inter-Religious Relations, Bishop Azar, Israel and PalestineComment
Embrace a Soulful Advent with "My Soul Magnifies the Lord"
Embrace a Soulful Advent with "My Soul Magnifies the Lord"

Join us Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center online for "Spirited Advent: My Soul Magnifies the Lord!" – a soulful Zoom journey this Advent. Hosted by Sheri Brown, each Sunday session offers a sacred space for reflection and connection, exploring themes of hope, peace, joy, and love. Inspired by Mary's Magnificat, these 30-minute gatherings provide a much-needed spiritual respite during the busy holiday season. Register now for this enriching, free series and discover your soul's unique begotten-ness.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardSpirit in the Desert Retreat Center, 2023 Advent and ChristmasComment
Stewardship in the Winter Months: Moving from Sun to Hearth
Stewardship in the Winter Months: Moving from Sun to Hearth

The latest edition of ELCA Stewardship's "Where Your Heart Is" newsletter explores the theme of stewardship from a heartfelt and spiritual perspective. It delves into the changing focus from outdoor activities to introspective and communal engagements as seasons shift. The newsletter includes practical advice on stewardship, emphasizing the importance of storytelling and connecting with congregational members through meaningful narratives.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardStewardship, ELCA Congregational Stewardship Support, Where Your Heart IsComment
Living Lutheran goes fully digital in 2024
Living Lutheran goes fully digital in 2024

Living Lutheran will soon cease production of its print publication. Living Lutheran’s final print issue will arrive in mailboxes the first week of December. Content will shift to an all-digital platform, with new articles appearing daily (no subscription or login required). View livinglutheran.org for more info.

To continue to receive content, you can sign up for LL Stories, a free email digest, at livinglutheran.org/subscribe, and get Living Lutheran stories sent right to your inbox.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardLiving LutheranComment
Humanity on a Highway: A Tale of Compassion Amidst Migrant Struggles
Humanity on a Highway: A Tale of Compassion Amidst Migrant Struggles

Read about the stark realities of migrant experiences in "Witnessing Cruelty and Compassion on a Dominican Highway." This powerful blog post by Stephen Deal from ELCA's AMMPARO shares a vivid account of a journey in the Dominican Republic, where the author encounters the inhumane treatment of Haitian migrants. Amidst this harsh reality, the story also highlights a moment of profound compassion from a local woman, offering a glimmer of hope and humanity.

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ELCA, Letters, NewsBrian FlatgardImmigration and Refugees, AMMPAROComment
Building Inclusive Spaces: The Art of Ground Rules in Meetings
Building Inclusive Spaces: The Art of Ground Rules in Meetings

Explore Mark K. Smutny’s insightful approach to establishing ground rules in meetings (view as a PDF), a vital tool for enhancing dialogue and understanding in our diverse society. Discover how empathy, respect, and inclusivity can transform group interactions. We share this as part of our Creating Space for Conversations resource page. Mark Smutny is founder of Civic Reinventions.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardCreating Space for ConversationsComment
Embrace Global Mission: The ELCA Young Adults in Global Mission Program Awaits You
Embrace Global Mission: The ELCA Young Adults in Global Mission Program Awaits You

Discover how the ELCA’s Young Adults in Global Mission program offers young adults a transformative journey of faith, service, and global understanding. Applications are open for an August 2024 start with priority given to those applying by January 15, 2024. Learn more about this incredible opportunity at ELCA.org/YAGM.

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ELCA, Global Church, NewsBrian FlatgardYoung Adults in Global Mission, Youth and Young AdultComment
Illuminate Advent & Lent with ELCA World Hunger's New Resources
Illuminate Advent & Lent with ELCA World Hunger's New Resources

ELCA World Hunger introduces fresh resources for Advent 2023 and Lent 2024, themed "The glory of the Lord shall be revealed." From Advent studies to Lenten devotionals, these tools are designed to actively involve congregations in addressing global hunger. Sample packs are soon to be dispatched, and free versions are accessible on the ELCA website. Your dedication and creativity can further the mission to aid those in dire need.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardHunger, ELCA World Hunger, 2023 Advent and Christmas, 2024 LentComment
Embracing the Power of Compassionate Care in Ministry
Embracing the Power of Compassionate Care in Ministry

Explore the art of spiritual caregiving with Luther Seminary's course for community members and leaders, "Embodying Thoughts and Prayers." Equip yourself with tools for meaningful care visits, empathetic listening, and self-care techniques to strengthen your ministry and community bonds. Dive into this enriching 6.5-hour course to uplift and empower your spiritual care practice.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardLay Leadershipo, faith+lead, Luther SeminaryComment
Navigating Change: Essential Strategies from 'Pivots and Pitfalls for Church Leaders'
Navigating Change: Essential Strategies from 'Pivots and Pitfalls for Church Leaders'

Find enriching resources for church leaders in this edition of Faith + Lead's Resource Roundup. Explore pivotal insights from the latest Pivot Podcast episode, delve into the powerful practice of storytelling, and download the essential ebook on "Pivots and Pitfalls for Church Leaders."

Plus, learn about upcoming events designed to enhance your spiritual grounding and leadership skills. Use these transformative tools and insights for guiding your congregation in these changing times.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardLay Leadershipo, faith+lead, Luther SeminaryComment