Honoring Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
Honoring Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

In May, we celebrate National AAPI Heritage Month. The Asian and Pacific Islander Ministries of the ELCA, in conjunction with the Minneapolis Area Synod, the St. Paul Area Synod, and their API leaders will be hosting a 4-person panel on Thursday, May 23 at 7pm to discuss the joys and challenges of being API. The panel will be live streamed on zoom and you can log on by clicking here.

For more information on ELCA API Ministries, visit:  Asian and Pacific Islander – Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (elca.org)and Association of Asians and Pacific Islanders of the ELCA

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardAsian and Pacific Islander Association of the ELCAComment
For What Shall We Pray?
For What Shall We Pray?

  • For justice and peace among nations where war and violence rage, especially Palestine and Israel, Iran, Myanmar, Iraq, Haiti, Russia and Ukraine, and South Sudan…

  • For a ceasefire in Gaza, for hostages to be freed, and for all who are engaging in diplomacy to bring this about…

  • For all people who must leave their homes to preserve their safety, especially in Rafah…

  • For safety and sensitivity in the midst of campus protests…

  • For the people, plants, and animals harmed by flooding in South Texas and Kenya…

  • For those affected by tornadoes in Oklahoma and Michigan…

  • For victims of an apartment building collapse in southern South Africa, and for continued recovery efforts…

  • For synods of the ELCA as they gather in their assemblies, that the Spirit would enliven and guide them…

  • For the United Methodist Church as they step into a future that embraces the gifts and leadership of LGBTQ+ clergy…

  • For those in our country without access to healthcare, and for those who must travel to get the care they need…

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ELCA, PrayersBrian FlatgardELCA Worship, For What Shall We PrayComment
Act Now for a Just Future: Advocate for the 2024 Farm Bill
Act Now for a Just Future: Advocate for the 2024 Farm Bill

The ELCA is actively advocating for the 2024 Farm Bill, urging Congress to pass legislation that provides food security, supports sustainable farming, and promotes inclusivity and environmental stewardship. With the current bill expiring in September 2024, now is a crucial time for action. Engage through the ELCA Action Center, participate in upcoming advocacy webinars, and help shape a Farm Bill that reflects our Lutheran values of care and compassion. Join us in making a difference in our communities and beyond. Read more and learn how @ elca.org.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardAdvocacy, ELCA AdvocacyComment
Faith Lens: We’ll See
Faith Lens: We’ll See

If you have a preschool aged child in your household, then it’s likely you’ve watched the recently-released episode of Bluey called “The Sign.” In the first week of its release, it was viewed 10.4 million times! Without giving too much away, the episode begins with all of the children in Bluey’s class hearing their teacher, Calypso, read a Taoist parable called “The Farmer.”

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Worship Resources, ELCA, ResourcesBrian FlatgardYouth and Young Adult, Faith LensComment
This is: Ministries of Diverse Cultures and Communities
This is: Ministries of Diverse Cultures and Communities

Living Lutheran shares a brief article about each of the following Ministries of Diverse Cultures and Communities, their mission strategies, and related associations:

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardLiving Lutheran, ELCA Indigenous Ministries and Tribal Relations, African Descent Ministries, Association of Lutherans of Arab and Middle Eastern Heritage (ALAMEH), Asian and Pacific Islander Association of the ELCA, ELCA European Descent Lutheran Association for Racial Justice (EDLARJ), Latino, Cross Cultural ConversationsComment
Final Call for Campformation 2024: Registration Ends 5/31/2024
Final Call for Campformation 2024: Registration Ends 5/31/2024

Secure your spot for an unforgettable faith-filled adventure at Campformation 2024 in Prescott, AZ. With the registration deadline on May 31, 2024, don’t miss out on this opportunity for spiritual growth and fun in nature. Ideal for 6th to 9th graders, with programs for older GAP campers and counselors too. For more details, view this PDF or visit Lutheran Campformation.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardCampformation, Outdoor MinistryComment
Spring Forward: LMM Gears Up for Strategic Plan Completion and New Initiatives
Spring Forward: LMM Gears Up for Strategic Plan Completion and New Initiatives

The Spring 2024 edition of the Ambassador-Gram from Lutheran Men in Mission highlights key developments including the nearing completion of the current three-year strategic plan, innovative rebranding efforts, and the launch of an exciting new discipleship training program. Additionally, details for the LMM 2024 Annual Meeting scheduled for June 11 are provided, along with upcoming retreat dates and ongoing weekly Bible and book studies.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardLutheran Men in Mission, Ambassador-GramComment
Gather magazine spotlights mental health
Gather magazine spotlights mental health

The May/June 2024 issue of Gather magazine spotlights the topic of mental health and wellness through articles, reflections and a free, downloadable devotional called, “Compassionate companions.” Share this resource with members of your congregation or use it in your home or Bible study group in May to observe Mental Health Awareness Month. Learn how to subscribe to Gather here.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardWomen of the ELCA (WELCA), Gather magazineComment
From Trauma to Transformation: A Theology of the Cross in Everyday Life
From Trauma to Transformation: A Theology of the Cross in Everyday Life

Mindy Makant shares a poignant narrative in Living Lutheran about her son's traumatic car accident and the transformative power of remembering through a theology of the cross. She illustrates how a simple act of kindness—a firefighter giving her son a teddy bear—helped shift his memory of the event from trauma to gratitude, embodying the Lutheran belief that Christ is present in suffering, offering hope and transformation.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardLiving LutheranComment
2024 Festival of Homiletics online participation and viewing available
2024 Festival of Homiletics online participation and viewing available

While registration for in-person participation has now closed, you still have time to join online for this year's Festival of Homiletics! Get ready to lean into learning, restoration, and community on May 13-16, 2024, digitally from anywhere. Learn More & Register for the Digital Festival. On the fence? There is a free livestream option. Check it out here.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardFestival of HomileticsComment
From Zimbabwe to Serbia: ELCA's Active Role in Global Humanitarian Efforts
From Zimbabwe to Serbia: ELCA's Active Role in Global Humanitarian Efforts

In their May/June 2024 Global Links update, ELCA Global Mission highlights its enduring commitment to addressing global hunger and poverty through initiatives like AMMPARO, which supports migrants and refugees worldwide. The program, alongside other ELCA efforts such as advocacy for a ceasefire in Gaza and the deployment of missionaries globally, reflects the church's proactive engagement in fostering justice and peace across nations.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardGlobal Mission, ELCA Global MissionComment