Posts in ELCA
Bishop Eaton Issues Message on the War in Gaza
Bishop Eaton Issues Message on the War in Gaza

For eight horrific months war has raged in Gaza. Thousands of people have died, and thousands more are suffering. In recent days we have seen unspeakable images of violence in Rafah and escalating violence in the West Bank. Like the prophet Isaiah, we lament, "How long, O Lord?" (Isaiah 6:11).

At times a just peace for Palestinians and Israelis doesn't seem possible, yet as Christians we believe that it is. The psalmist assures us that God "makes wars cease to the end of the earth" (Psalm 46:9). At times it seems that there is nothing we can do, yet through baptism God calls us to be peacemakers. We live out this calling in many ways, including through prayer, advocacy and accompaniment.

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Bishop Eaton, ELCA, Letters, NewsBrian FlatgardBishop Elizabeth Eaton, Bishop Eaton LettersComment
ELCA Hunger's Go and Do News: 50 Years of Commitment: ELCA World Hunger’s Journey and Our Path Forward
ELCA Hunger's Go and Do News: 50 Years of Commitment: ELCA World Hunger’s Journey and Our Path Forward

Join us in celebrating 50 years of ELCA World Hunger’s commitment to fighting global poverty in their latest Go and Do News. Engage with us at the upcoming ELCA Youth Gathering in New Orleans from July 16-20, where you can participate in transformative role-playing activities. Apply for our Domestic Hunger Grants by June 16, and explore new resources available for download to inspire your community. Together, let’s continue to ask, “What, then, should we do?” to promote justice and peace worldwide.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardHunger, ELCA World HungerComment
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, Burkina Faso, and South Sudan…

  • For elections and political transitions around the world…

  • At the 35th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square protests…

  • For those affected by severe flooding in southern Germany…

  • For those evacuated due to the eruption of Mount Kanlaon Monday night on Negros Island in the Philippines…

  • For safety and relief during extreme heat waves in Arizona and California…

  • For protection and compassion for refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants…

  • For victims of the mass shooting in Akron, Ohio…

  • For veterans and all military personnel and their families, at the 80th anniversary of D-Day…

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ELCA, PrayersBrian FlatgardELCA Worship, For What Shall We PrayComment
Civic Duty and Faith: Join Autumn Byars for Election Engagement Talks
Civic Duty and Faith: Join Autumn Byars for Election Engagement Talks

This June, join Autumn Byars every Thursday at 5:30 PM PDT/MST for a series of engaging discussions on the role of young Lutherans in electoral politics. These sessions aim to empower and prepare you for active participation in the upcoming elections. Register here and mark your calendars to be a part of this important civic engagement initiative.

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ELCA, Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardELCA Advocacy, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA), Elections and Voting RightsComment
Ecumenical Progress: ELCA and Partners Update Common Texts, Address Historical Bias
Ecumenical Progress: ELCA and Partners Update Common Texts, Address Historical Bias

The Consultation on Common Texts (CCT), which includes the ELCA among its members, recently convened to address revisions in the lectionary to combat anti-Jewish interpretations. Key updates and resources, such as the “Preaching and Teaching With Love and Respect for the Jewish People,” guide our community in respectful, inclusive worship planning. The CCT also plans to introduce a new feast celebrating divine creation, reflecting a broader ecumenical commitment.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardELCA WorshipComment
Lutheran Advocates Unite: A May Recap of Ecumenical Outreach and Policy Engagement
Lutheran Advocates Unite: A May Recap of Ecumenical Outreach and Policy Engagement

This May, Lutheran advocates have been active from the U.N. to local state legislatures, promoting sustainable development, justice, and community welfare. Highlights include the ECOSOC Youth Forum, California’s successful Lutheran Lobby Day, and significant legislative wins in Colorado. Join us for an upcoming event on June 13 to discuss the Farm Bill, a key policy affecting our communities. Read the full blog post on ELCA.org for more on how Lutherans are making a difference globally and locally.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardAdvocacy, ELCA AdvocacyComment
Pause and Reflect: Embracing Stewardship in the Midst of Summer
Pause and Reflect: Embracing Stewardship in the Midst of Summer

As we step into June, it’s a perfect time to pause and reflect. Congregational leaders often worry about attendance and engagement during the summer, but June offers a unique opportunity to take a moment to just be. The latest “Where Your Heart Is” newsletter from Tim Brown, ELCA’s Director of Congregational Stewardship, explores how to find peace, share community stories, and stay connected with upcoming stewardship events.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardWhere Your Heart Is, StewardshipComment
Unveiling the 2023 ELCA Foundation Annual Report: A Year of Growth and Generosity
Unveiling the 2023 ELCA Foundation Annual Report: A Year of Growth and Generosity

Explore the ELCA Foundation’s latest strides toward intentional generosity and financial stewardship in the newest issue of “Insights.” This edition includes the expanded 2023 annual report, featuring both gift planning and investment services. Learn about their new Vice President of Advancement role and find inspiring articles on leaving a legacy. Engage with the full content for more details and updates.

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ELCA, Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardELCA Foundation, StewardshipComment
Your Quilts & Kits offer warm hospitality to ships stuck in Baltimore after the Key Bridge collapse
Your Quilts & Kits offer warm hospitality to ships stuck in Baltimore after the Key Bridge collapse

The Port of Baltimore is the starting point for most shipments of Lutheran World Relief Quilts & Kits. From here, seafarers from all over the world transport them across the seas to ports in Africa, Asia, Latin America and beyond. 

But this spring, for the first time in LWR history, the ships themselves were the final destinations — and the seafarers were the intended recipients. Read the article and view the video at lwr.org.

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Global Church, ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardLutheran World ReliefComment
Explore Lutheran Values in Election Year: Join the Social Teachings Series
Explore Lutheran Values in Election Year: Join the Social Teachings Series

Join the ELCA’s online workshop series from June to October to delve into how our faith informs our actions and voting on critical social issues. Sessions include topics like corporate social responsibility, abortion, and climate crisis, led by knowledgeable speakers. View a PDF flyer and register now to engage deeply with our social teachings and lead community discussions.

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ELCA, Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardCreating Space for Conversations, Social Statements, Elections and Voting RightsComment
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, Burkina Faso, and South Sudan…

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

  • For all mourning the loss of life, home, livelihood, or property after mudslides in Papua New Guinea…

  • For all mourning the loss of life, home, livelihood, or property after tornadoes, heavy storms, flash flooding, and the loss of power across the United States…

  • For the integrity of public institutions, for all public servants, and for good governance in our national, state, and local governments…

  • For teachers and educators, students and their families in these waning days of the school year…

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ELCA, PrayersBrian FlatgardELCA Worship, For What Shall We PrayComment
Echoes of Lament: Memorial Day’s Call to Reflect and Remember
Echoes of Lament: Memorial Day’s Call to Reflect and Remember

Memorial Day, often seen as just the start of summer, carries a deeper and solemn history that is frequently overlooked. Originally established to honor fallen soldiers of the Civil War, the day was marked by community parades and remembrance ceremonies. However, today it is more commonly associated with leisure activities. This article from Living Lutheran invites us to remember the true meaning of Memorial Day—reflecting on the sacrifices made in wars and the personal losses that many families endure. The church stands as a sanctuary where the grief and pain of such losses can still be openly acknowledged and mourned, urging us to hold true to the day’s original purpose of solemn remembrance.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardVeterans, Living LutheranComment
ELCA Advocacy May Update: Urgent Action Required on Farm Bill and Environmental Policies
ELCA Advocacy May Update: Urgent Action Required on Farm Bill and Environmental Policies

May’s update from the ELCA Advocacy office details the latest on the Farm Bill, introduces new federal environmental rules, and addresses national security supplemental funding and the response to conditions in Haiti. Advocacy efforts focus on ensuring food security, environmental protection, and international humanitarian assistance align with the ELCA’s mission for a just world.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardAdvocacy, ELCA AdvocacyComment
ELCA Advocacy Pushes for Inclusive and Sustainable 2024 Farm Bill
ELCA Advocacy Pushes for Inclusive and Sustainable 2024 Farm Bill

As the 2024 Farm Bill is debated on Capitol Hill, the ELCA encourages advocacy for a bill that supports feeding the hungry, sustainable farming, and inclusive community development. The blog provides updates on the legislative process, highlights action alerts, and offers resources to engage ELCA members in advocacy for a just and effective Farm Bill.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardAdvocacy, ELCA Advocacy, HungerComment
Navigating the ELCA Youth Gathering: Encouragement and Tips for Leaders
Navigating the ELCA Youth Gathering: Encouragement and Tips for Leaders

In her heartfelt letter to youth leaders, Bobbi Cyr acknowledges the daunting yet rewarding journey of leading a youth group to the ELCA Gathering in New Orleans. She offers encouragement, practical advice on leadership, flexibility, and self-care, emphasizing the profound impact these leaders have on young lives through their dedication and bravery.

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ELCA, NewsBrian Flatgard2024 ELCA Youth Gathering, Youth and Young AdultComment
Faith Lens: The Holy Trinity
Faith Lens: The Holy Trinity

This week’s Faith Lens explores the profound implications of the Holy Trinity on personal relationships, especially in the context of today’s social challenges. Dave Delaney discusses the increasing isolation among teenagers and the essential nature of meaningful relationships that reflect the interconnectedness of the Holy Trinity. The session emphasizes the transformative power of relationships modeled after the divine fellowship of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

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Worship Resources, ELCA, ResourcesBrian FlatgardYouth and Young Adult, Faith LensComment