Posts in ELCA
How a Small Iowa Church Became a Beacon of Energy Efficiency
How a Small Iowa Church Became a Beacon of Energy Efficiency

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Decorah, Iowa, has transformed its 1958 building into a model of sustainability. Through a comprehensive upgrade that includes solar panels and geothermal heat pumps, the church significantly lowered its carbon footprint and energy costs. This initiative not only garnered the church the 2024 Energy Saver award from Interfaith Power and Light but also sets a replicable example for other communities aiming to enhance their environmental stewardship. Learn more in this Living Lutheran article.

Read More
ELCA, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardLiving Lutheran, Climate ChangeComment
Cora Rose: A Beacon of Hope and Justice on the Oregon Coast
Cora Rose: A Beacon of Hope and Justice on the Oregon Coast

In this Living Lutheran article, we meet Cora Rose, an ELCA deacon and legal ministry attorney based in southern Oregon, wo serves as a vital community advocate providing legal aid and supporting local initiatives for those facing housing insecurity and other challenges. In her unique role, she integrates her legal expertise with her spiritual calling, making significant impacts on both individual and systemic levels, embodying a profound commitment to justice and community service.

Read More
ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardLiving LutheranComment
ELCA Commemorates Emanuel Nine with Special Worship Resources
ELCA Commemorates Emanuel Nine with Special Worship Resources

The ELCA Worship News for April 2024 features an array of resources to enhance worship experiences throughout the church calendar. Highlights include new blog posts on utilizing "All Creation Sings" for post-Pentecost services, commemorative resources for the Emanuel Nine, and insights into Lutheran hymns. Additionally, the Association of Lutheran Church Musicians is hosting a conference at Valparaiso University to delve deeper into church music leadership. Resources from Augsburg Fortress also offer vital support for congregations welcoming leaders of color. Read more here.

Read More
ELCA, News, Worship ResourcesBrian FlatgardELCA WorshipComment
Exploring Faith and Environment: ELCA Introduces 'Our Kairos Moment' Study Guide
Exploring Faith and Environment: ELCA Introduces 'Our Kairos Moment' Study Guide

This month's edition of ELCA Seeds Monthly offers a diverse range of educational and spiritual resources. Highlighting the new study guide "Our Kairos Moment" for Earth Day, Anthony Bateza's exploration of evangelical discomfort in "Beyond Evangelism," and the story of Hannah Wolfe-MacPike’s journey with Lutheran faith in "I'm a Lutheran." Additionally, discover various events and resources that support creation care, civic engagement, and global advocacy efforts within the ELCA community.

Read More
ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardSeeds Monthly, Climate ChangeComment
ELCA AMMPARO Goes Global: Expanding Migration Support Beyond the Americas
ELCA AMMPARO Goes Global: Expanding Migration Support Beyond the Americas

The ELCA's AMMPARO strategy, originally focused on the Americas, is expanding globally to address the increased needs of migrants worldwide. AMMPARO Global aims to enhance collaboration with international partners to provide comprehensive support for migrants. Recent visits to Serbian and Bosnian partners highlight the strategy's commitment to articulation and network building, crucial for addressing global migration challenges effectively. Read more at Living Lutheran.

Read More
ELCA, News, Global ChurchBrian FlatgardAMMPARO, Immigration and RefugeesComment
Linda Post Bushkofsky Announces Retirement After 22 Years at Helm of Women of the ELCA
Linda Post Bushkofsky Announces Retirement After 22 Years at Helm of Women of the ELCA

Linda Post Bushkofsky, executive director of Women of the ELCA, announces her retirement effective June 30, 2024, after 22 years of transformative leadership. During her tenure, she spearheaded major initiatives such as the Katie’s Fund capital campaign and maintained organizational stability through the pandemic, leaving a lasting legacy of growth and service within the church. Read more at the Women of the ELCA site.

Read More
ELCA, Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardWomen of the ELCA (WELCA)Comment
ELCA Coaching Webinar Tackles Political Divides in Congregations
ELCA Coaching Webinar Tackles Political Divides in Congregations

Join the ELCA Coaching network for a crucial session on "Responding to Polarization" with Dr. Matt Cook, exploring strategies for handling political and cultural divides within congregations. We share this as another resource that can be used as part of our "Creating Space for Conversation" series, aimed at fostering understanding and unity.

Read More
ELCA, Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardCoaching, ELCA Coaching, Creating Space for ConversationsComment
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 people in Central and South America affected by the dengue fever outbreak…

  • For farmers and farm laborers as spring arrives…

  • For peaceful and fair elections in India beginning this week…

  • For corals that will die and ecosystems that will suffer as ocean temperatures rise…

  • For communities grieving gun violence, especially New Orleans, Louisiana; Salisbury, North Carolina; and Chicago, Illinois…

  • For areas of the nation experiencing storms and severe weather…

  • For safety, understanding, and earnest dialogue amidst protests in Illinois, California, New York, and Oregon…

Read More
ELCA, PrayersBrian FlatgardELCA Worship, For What Shall We PrayComment
ELCA Church Council Advances Welcoming and Thriving Church Initiatives at Spring Meeting
ELCA Church Council Advances Welcoming and Thriving Church Initiatives at Spring Meeting

The ELCA Church Council convened for their spring meeting at the Lutheran Center in Chicago from April 11-14, focusing on enhancing the ELCA's commitment as a welcoming, thriving, and sustainable church. Key highlights included the reappointment of Rev. M. Wyvetta Bullock, the adoption of new social messages, and updates on ongoing dialogues and initiatives. The council also celebrated the ecumenical efforts and internal governance advancements. Read more at ELCA.org.

Read More
ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardELCA Church CouncilComment
ELCA and Episcopal Migration Ministries Team Up to Train Asylum-Seeker Sponsors
ELCA and Episcopal Migration Ministries Team Up to Train Asylum-Seeker Sponsors

Episcopal Migration Ministries (EMM) and AMMPARO, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's (ELCA) migrant ministry, have partnered to enhance training and support for asylum-seeker sponsors through the Neighbor to Neighbor program. This partnership aims to bolster community sponsorship efforts by offering practical support and fostering connections for asylum-seekers in areas such as housing, education, and employment. Read more at ELCA.org.

Read More
ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardThe Episcopal Church, Ecumenical and Inter-Religious Relations, Immigration and Refugees, AMMPAROComment
Sumud and Solidarity: ELCA Discusses New Approaches to Peace in the Middle East
Sumud and Solidarity: ELCA Discusses New Approaches to Peace in the Middle East

In the ELCA webinar "Go and Tell," held on April 13, 2024, Rev. Rodny Said provided a poignant update from Ramallah, highlighting the current situation in the West Bank. Rev. Dr. Meghan Aelabouni took center stage to discuss effective methods of advocating for justice in Palestine and Israel, addressing frequently asked questions and explaining the concept of Sumud—the ELCA's commitment to partnership, awareness, and advocacy in the region.

Read More
ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardSumud, Israel and PalestineComment
For What Shall We Pray?
For What Shall We Pray?

  • For peace among nations, especially Palestine and Israel, Myanmar, Iraq, Haiti, Russia and Ukraine, and South Sudan…

  • For victims of gun violence, especially in Minnetonka, MN; Washington D. C.; Chicago, IL; and West Philadelphia, PA…

  • For safety, protection, and compassion for all refugees, migrants, and those fleeing political violence…

  • For areas affected by storms and extreme weather, especially tornadoes and flooding along the Gulf Coast…

  • For Muslim communities celebrating Eid al-Fitr…

Read More
ELCA, PrayersBrian FlatgardELCA Worship, For What Shall We PrayComment
The Table: Pioneering Inclusive Worship in the Southeastern Synod
The Table: Pioneering Inclusive Worship in the Southeastern Synod

The Table in Nashville, led by Pastor Dawn Bennett, emerges as a pioneering ELCA congregation focused on the LGBTQ+ community's spiritual needs. Highlighting the creation of the first LGBTQ+ Women of the ELCA unit, this congregation’s journey underlines the importance of acceptance, love, and spiritual healing for marginalized individuals within the faith. Read the full article in Living Lutheran.

Read More
ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardLiving Lutheran, LGBTQIA+Comment
Exploring God's Call: Ministry Inspiration in the April 2024 Mission Support Memo
Exploring God's Call: Ministry Inspiration in the April 2024 Mission Support Memo

This month’s ELCA April 2024 Mission Support Memo inspires us to wonder how God might be calling us into ministry and explores how two neighboring synods are finding joy and strength in walking alongside folks in discernment cohorts.  Plus, you do not want to miss the opportunity on May 13th to learn best practices in creating and empowering stewardship teams. This is a time of deep appreciation for all leaders across our church.

Read More
ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardELCA Mission Support Team, Mission Support, stewComment