Posts in ELCA
Faith Lens: Blessed by Presence, Not Circumstance
Faith Lens: Blessed by Presence, Not Circumstance

For February 1, 2026, the lectionary invites us to reconsider what it truly means to be “blessed.” Drawing from Micah 6:8, Psalm 15, 1 Corinthians 1, and Matthew 5:1–12, this week’s Faith Lens reflection reminds us that blessedness is not earned through success or circumstance, but promised through God’s steadfast presence—especially among those who mourn, hunger for justice, and are pushed to the margins.

In Jesus’ Beatitudes, God’s promise is clear: God is with those the world overlooks, calling us not inward toward self-interest, but outward toward justice, kindness, humility, and solidarity. Grounded in grace, we are freed and transformed to live as God’s people—bearing witness to a kin-dom where abundant life is for all.

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ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardFaith LensComment
Wayfinding in the Commons: The Next Chapter of ELCA Coaching Ministry
Wayfinding in the Commons: The Next Chapter of ELCA Coaching Ministry

ELCA Coaching is launching a new chapter—Wayfinding in the Commons—a monthly online gathering inviting faith leaders to navigate uncertainty together through shared wisdom, spiritual practice, and community. Beginning February 4, participants will meet on First Wednesdays for 45 minutes across time zones.

Grounded in the Lutheran conviction of the priesthood of all believers, these gatherings welcome all members of the Body of Christ. Learn more and register at elcacoaching.org/events/wayfinding-in-the-commons.

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ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardCoaching, ELCA CoachingComment
Lutheran Men in Mission Celebrates a Milestone—and Invites Men into Deeper Discipleship
Lutheran Men in Mission Celebrates a Milestone—and Invites Men into Deeper Discipleship

Lutheran Men in Mission has released its Winter 2026 Ambassador-Gram, celebrating the successful completion of the $1 million Hal Derrick Memorial Initiative and announcing new discipleship opportunities for the year ahead. Highlights include a 12-session online discipleship course launching in March, multiple Men’s Weekend Experience retreats across the U.S., and weekday Lenten prayers beginning February 18.

The newsletter also features ongoing Bible and book studies, resources for congregational men’s groups, and ways to stay connected with LMM. Read the full Ambassador-Gram to learn more and get involved.

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ELCABrian FlatgardLutheran Men in MissionComment
Perfect Peace in Troubled Times: A Call to Lament, Prayer, and Courage
Perfect Peace in Troubled Times: A Call to Lament, Prayer, and Courage

In a time marked by fear, violence, and division, Women of the ELCA calls the church to peace rooted in prayer, lament, and faithful engagement. Reflecting on recent deaths, detentions, and rising fear in communities, this message invites Lutherans to resist dehumanization and choose a deeper trust in God—through two upcoming online conversations focused on truth, prayer, and faithful response.

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ELCA, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardWomen of the ELCA (WELCA), Church and SocietyComment
Bearing Witness in Challenging Times: Get Curious. Speak Truthfully. Act Boldly.
Bearing Witness in Challenging Times: Get Curious. Speak Truthfully. Act Boldly.

In the January 2026 Deeper Understandings column from Living Lutheran, theologian Krista E. Hughes explores what it means for Lutherans to bear faithful witness in a time of deep social fracture, political polarization, and widespread misinformation. Drawing on Martin Luther’s theology of the cross and contemporary voices like Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Hughes calls the church to resist false and “single” stories that diminish our neighbors and instead to name sin and injustice honestly while recognizing the full humanity of every person.

Bearing true witness, Hughes writes, begins with seeing clearly, continues with speaking truthfully—even when uncomfortable—and culminates in embodied, courageous action rooted in God’s grace. As we move into 2026, this reflection offers a timely Lutheran framework for faithful living and public discipleship: get curious, speak truthfully, and act boldly. Read the full column on Living Lutheran →

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ELCABrian FlatgardLiving LutheranComment
“We Will Not Grow Weary”: Lutheran Bishops Condemn Aggressive Immigration Actions
“We Will Not Grow Weary”: Lutheran Bishops Condemn Aggressive Immigration Actions

Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry and Minnesota ELCA synod bishops have released a joint pastoral video condemning aggressive immigration activity and addressing the fear and uncertainty experienced by many communities. Grounded in Christ’s promises, the bishops call the church to faithful lament, moral clarity, and continued witness rooted in human dignity.

Watch and share the video message as an act of prayerful solidarity and hope.

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ELCA, Bishop CurryBrian FlatgardImmigration and Refugees, Bishop Curry Letters, Church and SocietyComment
Annual Congregation Report Due March 1: What Every ELCA Community Needs to Know
Annual Congregation Report Due March 1: What Every ELCA Community Needs to Know

The Annual Congregation Report is due March 1 for all ELCA congregations, new starts, and synod-authorized worshiping communities. This report provides essential data about people, finances, and resources and ensures your congregation is included in synod and churchwide planning and reporting.

Congregations should submit the report online at elca.org/congregationreport using the ID and password mailed in mid-January. Instructions, Form A, and support resources are available at elca.org/reportinstructions. If you are not receiving ELCA emails, be sure to update your contact information to stay informed.

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ELCA, Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardComment
Intergenerational by Design: Women of the ELCA Expands Campus Connections
Intergenerational by Design: Women of the ELCA Expands Campus Connections

Women of the ELCA is expanding its intergenerational work through the Campus Ambassador Program, connecting with women on 10 college campuses this year. Grounded in inclusivity, anti-racism, and shared leadership, the initiative intentionally invites girls and women under 40 into new forms of participation while honoring the wisdom and gifts of long-time leaders. Learn more about intergenerational programs and how to get involved.

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ELCABrian FlatgardWomen of the ELCA (WELCA)Comment
For Such a Time as This: Discovering Passion and Purpose
For Such a Time as This: Discovering Passion and Purpose

In seasons of weariness or restlessness, passion can feel distant—or suddenly awaken us. Using the story of Queen Esther, Pastor Lee Ann Pomrenke reflects on how identity, timing, relationships, and self-interest converge to call God’s people into courageous action. This reflection invites readers to consider where the Holy Spirit may be stirring them to act for such a time as this. Read the full reflection, prayer, and discussion questions at Boldcafe.

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ELCABrian FlatgardWomen of the ELCA (WELCA)Comment
When Passion Calls Your Name: Listening for the Spirit’s Stirring
When Passion Calls Your Name: Listening for the Spirit’s Stirring

What happens when passion doesn’t emerge gently—but arrives suddenly, insistently, or even painfully? In this deeply personal reflection, the Rev. Angela T. !Khabeb explores vocation as something that often chooses us, shaped by life’s joys, griefs, and unexpected turns. Drawing on Scripture, ministry experience, and profound personal loss, she invites readers to reflect on how the Holy Spirit continues to ignite calling across seasons of life. Read the full reflection and discussion questions at Boldcafe.

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ELCABrian FlatgardWomen of the ELCA (WELCA)Comment
Free ELCA Coaching Opportunities in January: Support, Training, and Growth for Leaders
Free ELCA Coaching Opportunities in January: Support, Training, and Growth for Leaders

ELCA Coaching is offering a full month of free January opportunities for ministry leaders, including gatherings, workshops, formation offerings, and racial justice and wellness training opportunities—most requiring advance registration. Additional subsidized leadership trainings begin in April. These resources support leaders across the ELCA, helping strengthen ministry, deepen resilience, and remind us that nobody journeys alone. Learn more at elcacoaching.org/events.

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ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardCoaching, ELCA CoachingComment
Faithfulness Amidst Change: Pastor Kristin Engstrom’s Expanding Call in Global Mission
Faithfulness Amidst Change: Pastor Kristin Engstrom’s Expanding Call in Global Mission

Pastor Kristin Engstrom, ELCA global missionary, shares an update on her expanding call as ELCA Regional Representative for Madagascar and English-speaking West Africa. Her January 2026 newsletter highlights recent travels, companion church ministries, and how Lutheran mission is rooted in relationship and accompaniment.

Read the full newsletter, view additional photos and stories, and watch Pastor Kristin’s new ELCA video reflecting on global mission—all pointing to God’s faithfulness in changing times and our shared call to walk together in Christ.

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ELCA, Global Church, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardPastor Kristin EngstromComment
From COP to Congregations: New Opportunities for Climate Faithfulness
From COP to Congregations: New Opportunities for Climate Faithfulness

January Good Green News highlights new opportunities to live out our faith through climate justice, learning, and community. From the World Council of Churches’ Ecumenical Decade of Climate Justice to upcoming retreats, coffee conversations on environmental policy, and calls for eco-lectionary writers, there are meaningful ways for congregations and leaders to engage.

Explore resources, register for upcoming events, and learn how your congregation can take faithful action—read the full newsletter for details and links.

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ELCABrian FlatgardClimate Change, Lutherans Restoring CreationComment
January Mission Support Memo: Bridge-builder for Justice
January Mission Support Memo: Bridge-builder for Justice

Our January 2026 Mission Support memo connects us to Community Lutheran Church in Sussex County, Delaware where they are working to build-bridges for justice and love. Read about how they deeply care for their community through being a feeding hub, offering English classes and advocacy, caring for creation, and working toward dismantling racism, building equity, and empowering inclusion.

Learn how to join our new ELCA  Church Property Hub on Feb. 12th for Property Development 101 for Synods. In these times, staying connected through our stories seems vitally important, so please share your stories by contacting us at missionsupport@elca.org. Here is a pdf version too!

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ELCABrian FlatgardMission Support, ELCA Mission Support TeamComment
From Forest to Family: How Beekeeping Is Transforming Lives in Indonesia
From Forest to Family: How Beekeeping Is Transforming Lives in Indonesia

In the Mentawai Islands of Indonesia, a simple yet powerful initiative is changing lives. Through a forest bee farming program supported by Lutheran partners, Pak Esli—a fisherman and father of two—has gained new skills, sustainable income, and hope for his family and community. What began as unfamiliar work has become a source of economic stability, environmental care, and shared opportunity for an entire village.

This story from ELCA World Hunger highlights how faith-rooted global partnerships support livelihoods that honor both people and creation. Read more at ELCA.org to explore how forest beekeeping is helping communities thrive while caring for the land God has entrusted to them.

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ELCABrian FlatgardHunger, ELCA World HungerComment
January 2026 Administration Matters: Start the Year Strong with Key Church Admin Updates
January 2026 Administration Matters: Start the Year Strong with Key Church Admin Updates

The January 2026 issue of Administration Matters offers timely guidance to help congregations and church leaders start the year with clarity and confidence. Highlights include Portico’s 2026 New Year Checklist for benefits administration, updated Internal Revenue Service mileage rates effective January 1, best practices for church benevolence programs, and practical insights on repurposing aging church buildings.

Also featured are tips for more productive meetings and essential considerations for secure digital giving in an increasingly complex online landscape. These concise resources are designed to support faithful stewardship, sound governance, and effective ministry administration. Read the full January 2026 issue of Administration Matters to learn more.

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ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardAdministration MattersComment
What’s New from ELEA This January: BRAVE Resources, Legal Updates, and Member-Only Tools
What’s New from ELEA This January: BRAVE Resources, Legal Updates, and Member-Only Tools

The January ELEA newsletter is full of resources to help Lutheran educators start the year strong. Highlights include the Lutheran Schools Week 2026 “BRAVE” toolkit, grounded in John 13:34–35; a call for workshop proposals for the 2026 Biennial Conference in Los Angeles (due January 16); member-only Community conversations; and timely employment law updates through Zywave.

The issue also features a School Spotlight on Peace Lutheran Preschool, upcoming events, and reminders about ELEA membership benefits. Read the full newsletter for links, tools, and opportunities to connect with educators across the church.

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ELCABrian FlatgardYouth and Young Adult, Evangelical Lutheran Education Association (ELEA)Comment
Living Out the Dream: Faithful Witness in the Way of Martin Luther King Jr.
Living Out the Dream: Faithful Witness in the Way of Martin Luther King Jr.

In this Voices of Faith reflection, Bishop emeritus Abraham D. Allende recalls gathering in Washington, D.C., on the 50th anniversary of the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr., and challenges the church to move beyond honoring his memory to living out his dream. Drawing on Scripture, poetry, and King’s deep grounding in the gospel, Allende reminds us that King’s vision was never only political—it was profoundly Christian, rooted in love of neighbor, repentance, and transformation.

As Lutherans, our baptismal covenant calls us to defend the dignity of every human being, resist discrimination, and work for justice and peace. This timely reflection invites us to examine how God’s love can shape our common life and witness today. Read more in Living Lutheran.

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ELCABrian FlatgardRacial Justice, Living LutheranComment