Bishop Eaton: A pastoral message on abortion

Our unity as Christians is through Jesus Christ, the One who embodies God's grace among us. Every day we dive into our baptism, through which God promises grace and mercy and draws us out to love and serve neighbors.

Yet, there are times when, even in our unity, we do not agree. The people of this church and this country have various and perhaps contrasting responses to the Supreme Court's leaked draft opinion on abortion. Regardless of where each of us stands on the issue, the ELCA's 1991 social statement on abortion speaks to all of us.

Bishop Eaton, ELCA, LettersBrian FlatgardMay 16, 2022AbortionComment

2022 Crossroads Lutheran assembly report

In this report, Rev. Charles Newman of Crossroads Lutheran Church in San Tan Valley shares the Crossroads story in this video.

2022 Borderlands Ministry report

In this report, Rev. David Chavez shares a video (English with Spanish subtitles) on the joint Episcopal/Lutheran Borderlands ministry, and we also share a slideshow from Cruzando Fronteras and Casa de la Misericordia y de Todos las Naciones.

Devotional: Regenerative Relationships Inspire Advocacy

It can be hard to feel God’s restorative presence in these times. In the midst of violence towards each other and the Earth, I often wonder how the Holy Spirit is realizing God’s promise of resurrection in our lives and in our world.

For me, one answer is with the people and relationships in my life.An opportunity for regenerative relationship in my position as a Hunger Advocacy Fellow comes from my work with the EcoFaith Network of the Northeastern Minnesota Synod.

ELCA, LettersBrian FlatgardMay 11, 2022Advocacy, ELCA Advocacy, Climate ChangeComment

Wanda Frenchman: After the Resurrection, learning to live again

In Café, a publication of the Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (WELCA), Wanda Frenchman shares her wisdom about learning to live again as she celebrates the joy of the Resurrection. Read in this post or at boldcafe.org.

The song, “Times like these” by the popular rock band, Foo Fighters, came to life for me recently as I heard it performed live at a concert—one of the few that I attended since the pandemic began.

2022 Diakonia assembly report

In this report, Diakonia shares a video with a great recap of Diakonia’s past, present, and exciting new future.

Grand Canyon Synod, LettersBrian FlatgardMay 10, 20222022 Assembly Reports, DiakoniaComment

2022 St. Raphael in the Valley assembly report

In this report, St. Raphael in the Valley in Benson shares how “Episcopal/Lutheran churches often tend to lean more toward one denomination than another. At St Raphael, we are embarked on a grand experiment to embrace more fully the richness of both the Episcopal and the ELCA Lutheran traditions. A year ago, we began a consultation with Bishop Hutterer and Bishop Reddall to develop a ministry support plan.”

Hannah Peterson: First, Learn. Next, Do.

I am not a practicing Lutheran. Although many of my relatives and ancestors are, I grew up in a secular family, attending church only for Christmas Eve services and the occasional baptism or funeral. As you might imagine, it was an unusual path that led me to this year of being an ELCA Hunger Advocacy Fellow, of learning to navigate through new communities, new opportunities and new insights.

ELCA, LettersBrian FlatgardMay 9, 2022Advocacy, ELCA AdvocacyComment

Bishop Eaton: Mental Health Awareness

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and Bishop Eaton reminds us that caring for our mental health is not a sign of weakness, it’s a sign of courage, faithfulness and hope.

Bishop Eaton, ELCA, LettersBrian FlatgardMay 9, 2022Mental HealthComment

2022 Thriving Leadership Formation Program assembly report

In this report, California Lutheran’s Thriving Leadership Formation Program shares an introduction video, and reminds anyone seeking spiritual community to join them to deepen friendship and your spiritual practice. Open to rostered and lay leaders.

2022 California Lutheran University and Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary assembly report

In this post, California Lutheran University and Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary say thank you via video, share PDF reports (Cal Lutheran, PLTS).

2022 Inside Out Network assembly report

Inside Out Network, new to our synod, shares their 2022 assembly report with two stories—one long and winding, and one short and sweet—both in the same Spirit.

Grand Canyon Synod, LettersBrian FlatgardMay 6, 20222022 Assembly Reports, Inside Out Network, PrisonComment

2022 ASU Lutheran Campus Ministry assembly report

The Arizona State University Lutheran Campus Ministry shares their 2022 assembly report in this video.

Deacon Tammy Jones West: Behind the curtain…

A message from Deacon Tammy Jones West, 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering Program Director…
First, there is no curtain but for a peek into the behind-the-scenes happenings of the ELCA Youth Gathering, let me start with my first few months on staff. Let me introduce you to the people who are called to serve this ministry at the ELCA.

2022 NAU Lutheran Campus Ministry | Canterbury assembly report

The Northern Arizona University Lutheran Campus Ministry | Canterbury shares their 2022 assembly report in this video.

2022 Global Engagement Team assembly report

The Global Engagement Team shares their 2022 synod assembly report in this post, including the news of the first two recipients of the Grand Canyon Synod International Travel Scholarship have been selected. Pastor Lourdes Olson (New Song) and Pastor Stephen Hilding (Tanque Verde).

Grand Canyon Synod, LettersBrian FlatgardMay 3, 20222022 Assembly Reports, Global Engagement TeamComment

2022 Lutheran Engagement and Advocacy in Nevada (LEAN) assembly report

Lutheran Engagement and Advocacy in Nevada (LEAN) shares their 2022 assembly report in this post.

Bishop Eaton: An open letter to the Muslim community

Greetings to you for a joyous Eid al-Fitr.

On this blessed occasion, I write to share "A Declaration of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America to the Muslim Community." Through this message to you, we recommit ourselves to the heart of both our theological traditions: love of God and love of neighbor.

Bishop Eaton, ELCA, LettersBrian FlatgardMay 2, 2022Ecumenical and Inter-Religious RelationsComment