Posts in Resources
12/22/2020 Prayer: Remember in prayer the approximately 26 million refugees, immigrants and asylum-seekers around the world and at our borders
12/22/2020 Prayer: Remember in prayer the approximately 26 million refugees, immigrants and asylum-seekers around the world and at our borders

Remember in prayer the approximately 26 million refugees, immigrants and asylum-seekers around the world and at our borders, awaiting entry into safe, welcoming countries and communities so that they can rebuild their lives without threats of conflict, persecution, violence or economic crisis. Pray for their safety, that their spiritual, physical and emotional needs will be met, that they will find caring advocates, and that their faith and hope will be strengthened and sustained by siblings in Christ and our faith communities.

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Prayers, ResourcesBrian FlatgardDaily PrayerComment
12/21/2020 Prayer: Pray that we will be drawn to the eternal light of Christ born into the world
12/21/2020 Prayer: Pray that we will be drawn to the eternal light of Christ born into the world

Winter solstice On this day with the least amount of daylight, observed as the beginning of winter, pray that we will be drawn to the eternal light of Christ born into the world — a gift for all people and all generations that illuminates God’s redemptive love for us and God’s desire and intent for how we might live together.

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Prayers, ResourcesBrian FlatgardDaily PrayerComment
Let's Talk Faith and Climate
Let's Talk Faith and Climate

This PDF resource, Let's Talk Faith and Climate: Communication Guidance for Faith Leaders, is designed to be useful to both experienced and novice climate change and faith communicators.

From the ELCA and ecoAmerica, this guide synthesizes the latest academic research and message testing on climate communications into a practical guide to support meaningful discussions on climate change and faith among individuals and groups.

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ResourcesBrian FlatgardClimate ChangeComment
12/20/2020 Prayer: Pray that we will be receptive to angels sent by God to guide us and bring us good news
12/20/2020 Prayer: Pray that we will be receptive to angels sent by God to guide us and bring us good news

Pray that we will be receptive to angels and divine beings sent by God to guide us and bring us good news, as the angel Gabriel did to Mary and Elizabeth. Pray that we will hear God’s assurance that “nothing will be impossible with God” and that our response will echo Mary’s: “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.”

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Prayers, ResourcesBrian FlatgardDaily PrayerComment
Discipleship in a Democracy
Discipleship in a Democracy

In June, 2020, the ELCA adopted a social message on government and civic engagement titled “Government and Civic Engagement in the United States: Discipleship in a Democracy.” As we go through a transition in power, the next few weeks are a good time to review it.

To help dig into the text, there is a Study Guide, along with a Leader's Guide for those facilitating groups. A Spanish translation can be downloaded here.

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ResourcesBrian FlatgardComment
Sunday After Christmas worship service available
Sunday After Christmas worship service available

Concordia College in Moorhead is offering congregations a worship service recording for Sunday, Dec. 27, 2020. The service includes lessons, carols, poetic readings and music performed by Concordia students and alumni.

On December 21, 2020, the service may be viewed on the Concordia website or downloaded to share on your congregation's website. Participants are encouraged to have a candle available for the service.

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Worship Resources, ResourcesBrian FlatgardConcordia College, Advent and ChristmasComment
12/17/2020 Prayer: “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
12/17/2020 Prayer: “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” Pray that we will support and encourage each other in these good works and disciplines that keep our spirits, minds and bodies healthy and whole.

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Prayers, ResourcesBrian FlatgardDaily PrayerComment
Annual congregation meeting resources available
Annual congregation meeting resources available

What do you get when two lawyers, a Robert’s Rules of Order expert, and a Bishop walk into a Zoom room? A great set of resources for holding your congregation’s annual meeting online!

Visit our annual congregation meeting resources page to see a video of our resource meeting, our Zoom resources, Bryan Daum’s primer covering constitutions and state law, Pastor David Brandfass’s presentation on Robert’s Rules of Order, the ELCA’s FAQs, and our Q&A’s.

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ResourcesBrian FlatgardComment
12/16/2020 Prayer: Pray that our recollection of Mary and Joseph’s experience might prompt us to welcome strangers, immigrants and neighbors in need.
12/16/2020 Prayer: Pray that our recollection of Mary and Joseph’s experience might prompt us to welcome strangers, immigrants and neighbors in need.

Los Posadas This traditional celebration, popular in Mexico and observed by some ELCA congregations, uses lighted paths and processions to follow Mary and Joseph’s journey through Bethlehem in search of lodging. Pray that our recollection of Mary and Joseph’s experience might prompt us to welcome strangers, immigrants and neighbors in need.

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Prayers, ResourcesBrian FlatgardDaily PrayerComment
12/14/2020 Prayer: Give thanks that our church believes God is calling us into the world together to make a difference.
12/14/2020 Prayer: Give thanks that our church believes God is calling us into the world together to make a difference.

ELCA Good Gifts provide an opportunity for you to support the ministries and programs —domestic and global — that mean the most to you and the people you love. Give thanks that our church believes God is calling us into the world together and that, through our generosity and love, we can make a difference.

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Prayers, ResourcesBrian FlatgardDaily PrayerComment
12/12/2020 Prayer: Give thanks for the church traditions that inspire our faith, generosity and commitment to serve our neighbors in need.
12/12/2020 Prayer: Give thanks for the church traditions that inspire our faith, generosity and commitment to serve our neighbors in need.

Give thanks for the church traditions that remind us of God’s actions throughout history and inspire our faith, generosity and commitment to serve our neighbors in need. Pray that we will carry these meaningful traditions forward and create new rites and traditions that inspire and strengthen all generations in today’s changing contexts.

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Prayers, ResourcesBrian FlatgardDaily PrayerComment
12/10/2020 Prayer: Pray that neighbors, communities and nations will work together where the needs are most critical.
12/10/2020 Prayer: Pray that neighbors, communities and nations will work together where the needs are most critical.

This has been, and continues to be, a very difficult year of coping with and recovering from natural disasters across our country and around the world. Pray that the presence and hope of God will be evident where there is despair, grief and uncertainty over how to begin rebuilding and healing. Pray that neighbors, communities and nations will work together to provide assistance, resources and relief workers where the needs are most critical.

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Prayers, ResourcesBrian FlatgardDaily PrayerComment