Posts in Resources
Four ways to use Stories of Faith in Action
Four ways to use Stories of Faith in Action

Stories of Faith in Action is a free, annual publication highlighting how God is changing lives through the ministries funded by your congregation’s Mission Support offering, shared with your synod and ELCA churchwide. Visit our SOFIA 2021-2022 page for all resources.

How can you inspire ELCA members with this publication? View this how-to PDF resource or this post which has: links for the digital and print PDF; one-page stories for printing; three videos for social media or mission moment with your congregation (1, 2, 3); and prompts for devotional time.

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ELCA, ResourcesBrian FlatgardStories of Faith in Action (SOFIA), 2021-22 SofiaComment
Conflict resolution skills used to bridge partisan divide
Conflict resolution skills used to bridge partisan divide

The morning after the 2016 presidential election, Bruce MacKenzie had a line from the “Prayer of St. Francis” running through his mind: “Seek as much … to be understood as to understand.”

He came across an article that mentioned Braver Angels (formerly “Better Angels”), an organization trying to bridge the partisan divide and depolarize America, and signed up for a “Red/Blue Workshop,” which brings together an equal number of conservatives and liberals to discover common values.

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ELCA, ResourcesBrian FlatgardLiving LutheranComment
Introducing Stories of Faith in Action (Sofia) 2021-2022
Introducing Stories of Faith in Action (Sofia) 2021-2022

The 2021-2022 Stories of Faith in Action resources are available at ELCA.org/SOFIA. Dive into the latest issue, which is now available in its digital edition or print edition, and includes:

  • A special message from ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton.

  • Nine inspiring stories from around the country and the world.

  • Your 2020 financial report on Mission Support — the portion of your offering your congregation shares with your synod, and your synod shares with the churchwide organization.

  • A story-based devotional for use at Bible studies or committee meetings.

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ELCA, Resources, LettersBrian FlatgardStories of Faith in Action (SOFIA), 2021-22 SofiaComment
Transitioning Older and Historic Sacred Places
Transitioning Older and Historic Sacred Places

It’s becoming increasingly apparent to civic leaders across America that many churches are shrinking and that their buildings are suffering from deferred maintenance. A new resource has been published that presents community-minded options and alternatives that can help you retain the civic value of sacred places even if they change use or ownership.

Transitioning Older and Historic Sacred Places is available in digital and print versions at sacredplaces.org/transitionguide.

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News, ResourcesBrian FlatgardPartners for Sacred SpacesComment
Living Lutheran September series: Difficult conversations
Living Lutheran September series: Difficult conversations

In September, Living Lutheran is looking at some of the topics that may be hard to handle and how we engage with those we disagree with They start with one of our newest synod bishops, Megan Rohrer of the Sierra Pacific Synod, who says regarding the difficult topics they encounter, “All I have to do in the conversation is to be faithful.”

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ELCA, Resources, LettersBrian FlatgardLiving Lutheran, Bishop Rohrer, Sierra Pacific Synod, Region 2Comment
Tap into your vocation
Tap into your vocation

The Christian answer to the question “What shall I do with my life,” asserts Dorothy C. Bass, is vocation. In other words: “Respond to God’s call.”

This article from Living Lutheran provides great resources, insights into Martin Luther’s view of vocation, and the insight that “congregations are wonderful little laboratories of vocation.”

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ELCA, ResourcesBrian FlatgardLiving LutheranComment
GCS Grant application starts 9/13/2021, webinar info available
GCS Grant application starts 9/13/2021, webinar info available

The Grand Canyon Synod Grant application submission window opens Monday, September 13, 2021. Learn more and apply at gcsynod.org/grants.

In case you missed our grant application webinar, presentation slides are available in PowerPoint or PDF, and in this post. View the webinar video here with passcode peP0ACb=

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News, Resources, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardGrants, GCS Grants Program, 2022 Grand Canyon Synod GrantsComment