Episode 4, Talks at the Desk Season 3: Black History Month video series

Episode 4 of Talks at the Desk features truth and power from the Rev. Christina Montgomery on the theme of Liberate. We also hear from a collection of other wise voices from Day 4 of the Reclaim gathering from September 2023. Reclaim featured workshops, praise and worship, shared meals and engaged conversations. We also share a highlight from last week in which Black Lutherans share their experiences of being part of a predominantly White church and discuss ways the Church can be more welcoming.

Episode 3, Talks at the Desk Season 3: Black History Month video series

Episode 3 of Talks at the Desk features a powerful sermon by the Rev. Solomon Missouri talking on Embody. In particular, he says bodily pleasure is not to be feared but rather can be seen as a form of prophecy. Check on this and more from Day 3 of the Reclaim gathering from September 2023. Reclaim featured workshops, praise and worship, shared meals and engaged conversations. We also share two highlights from last week: I am: Sharei Green and I am: Reclaimed.

Episode 2, Talks at the Desk Season 3: Black History Month video series

Episode 2 of Talks at the Desk celebrates and lifts up African Descent voices speaking on the theme of Embolden. It highlights Day 2 of the Reclaim gathering from September 2023. Reclaim featured workshops, praise and worship, shared meals and engaged conversations. We also share two highlights from last week: Struggles in the ELCA and What Black people don't play about.

African Descent Ministries of the ELCA celebrates Black History Month Talks at the Desk, a four-part video series that will explore diverse expressions of the church. A new video will premiere each Wednesday in February at 6:30pm MST, 5:30pm PST. Watch live at youtube.com/ELCA or download them at ELCA.org/ADM.

Beyond Marble Halls: Finding True Power in Community and Compassion

In the devotional "Shared Power" by Tomo Duke for the ELCA Hunger Advocacy Fellows, the focus is on the transformative power of community unity through Christ, beyond the illusions of worldly power at the governmental level. Duke emphasizes the need for leaders who ground their authority in spiritual power and share it generously, highlighting the importance of recognizing our common fragility and humanity.

ELCA, LettersBrian FlatgardFebruary 14, 2024ELCA World HungerComment

Bishop Hutterer: 40 Days of Contemplating Mortality and Embracing Life

Some may find it strange, but I welcome Ash Wednesday. While I believe we are a resurrection people, I also feel we can’t have that joy of new life without contemplating the reality that life is broken, and that things have an ending as much as a beginning.

Ash Wednesday, as well as the season of Lent, invites us as to reflect on themes that our modern world often encourages us to evade: confession, grief, and mortality. These are not subjects to be feared or shunned but embraced as vital in shaping the richness and depth of our lives.

Bishop Hutterer, Letters, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardFebruary 14, 2024Bishop Hutterer Letters, 2024 LentComment

Rev. Ralen M. Robinson: Finding God in desolate places

From Women of the ELCA’s Boldcafe blog, Rev. Ralen M. Robinson shares two writings for Lent.

Finding God in desolate places: We are called to step into the season of Lent for 40 days to fast, reflect, repent and sacrifice like Jesus did in the desert. We are called to find God in desolate places. Where are you finding God this winter?

Faith reflections: Finding something in nothing: How often do we challenge ourselves to see potential in the impossible? That is what we are called to do this Lenten season.

Grand Canyon Synod, LettersBrian FlatgardFebruary 13, 2024Women of the ELCA (WELCA), 2024 LentComment

Episode 1, Talks at the Desk Season 3: Black History Month video series

Welcome to Episode 1 of Talks at the Desk, season 3. Talks at the Desk is a four-part video series by African Descent Ministries of the ELCA. This season focuses on the Reclaim Gathering and will explore its themes: reclaim, embolden, embody and liberate. A new video will premiere each Wednesday in February at 6:30pm MST, 5:30pm PST, beginning 2/7/2024. Watch live at youtube.com/ELCA, and view the trailer in this post.

Embracing Justice, Kindness, and Humility: A Devotional on Leadership

In the latest devotional series from ELCA Hunger Advocacy Fellows, Frances Dobbs reflects on the biblical values that should be embodied by leaders, drawing on Ephesians 3 and other scriptures. Justice, kindness, and humility are highlighted as key virtues, with the ultimate exemplar found in Christ. Dobbs underscores the importance of these values for those in authority, emphasizing that true leadership is marked by a commitment to the poor and a heart oriented towards God's justice.

ELCA, LettersBrian FlatgardFebruary 7, 2024Hunger, ELCA World HungerComment

Why Black History Month Matters: A Seminarian's Reflection

In a compelling piece for Black History Month, Seminarian Clair Minson reflects on the significance of this observance, rooted in Dr. Carter G. Woodson's initiative to educate African Americans about their heritage. Minson emphasizes the transformative power of understanding one's history, paralleling the importance of biblical stories in nurturing faith. Black History Month, for Minson, is a call to remember the resilience and contributions of African Americans, urging a reevaluation of its meaning within our faith communities and a commitment to honor and value the lives of people of African descent.

Bishop Hutterer invites congregations and ministries to join the Lenten Challenge

In this video available for sharing with your ministries and congregations, Bishop Hutterer invites synod members to join the 40-day Lenten Challenge, marking ELCA World Hunger's 50th year. Participants are encouraged to engage in daily devotion, discipline, decluttering, and donations to ELCA World Hunger.

This initiative reflects on Lent's spirit, fostering connection and awareness of global hunger. The challenge aims to surpass last year's engagement, competing with partner Synods for the most participants. For details and to join, visit lentenchallenge.org.

Bishop Hutterer, Grand Canyon Synod, LettersBrian FlatgardFebruary 1, 20242024 Lenten Challenge, 2024 Lent, Hunger, ELCA World HungerComment

Young Voters' Vision: Advocacy for Justice and Progressive Change

William Milner's ELCA Advocacy blog post calls for political leaders who address the pivotal concerns of young voters, such as the Israel-Gaza conflict, student debt relief, gun violence, and equitable education funding. It emphasizes the significant electoral potential of Gen Z and young millennials, urging them to support candidates that resonate with their vision for social justice and a progressive society. Read more at ELCA.org.

ELCA, LettersBrian FlatgardFebruary 1, 2024Advocacy, ELCA AdvocacyComment

Talks at the Desk Season 3: Black History Month video series

Celebrate Black History Month with season three of “Talks at the Desk,” a four-part video series by African Descent Ministries of the ELCA. This season focuses on the Reclaim Gathering and will explore its themes: reclaim, embolden, embody and liberate. A new video will premiere each Wednesday in February at 6:30pm MST, 5:30pm PST, beginning 2/7/2024. Watch live at youtube.com/ELCA, and view the trailer in this post.

Disruptive Compassion: Autumn Byars’ Vision for a Kinder Election Cycle

In her poignant reflection, Autumn Byars, an ELCA Hunger Advocacy Fellow with the Lutheran Advocacy Ministry in Arizona, part of our Grand Canyon Synod, calls for a disruption in the exhausting cycles of the federal election process through the power of compassion. Byars challenges candidates and constituents alike to approach the political arena with understanding and grace, fostering solutions grounded in our shared humanity rather than divisive rhetoric.

Transforming Tragedy into Hope: LOWC's Message of Peaceful Change

In the spirit of advocating for peace, the Lutheran Office for World Community (LOWC) participates in weekly prayers at the Church Center for the United Nations. Recently, they joined in reflection with the Flame of Hope organization, honoring a flame from Hiroshima as a symbol of transformation and peace.

This devotional from ELCA Advocacy at ELCA.org emphasizes the need for brave leaders who pursue peace and resist violence. As we remember Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy, LOWC calls for leadership committed to understanding, action, and the illumination of hope, transforming our world into one of justice and peace for all.

ELCA, LettersBrian FlatgardJanuary 17, 2024Advocacy, ELCA AdvocacyComment

I shared Dr. King’s last day

Following the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. on April 4, 1968, The Lutheran ran this article in its May 8, 1968, edition. The piece is a first-person account by then-Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago student Harold Wesley Varner, who was feet away from King when he was killed. Varner, who died in 1996, served as a Lutheran pastor in the 1960s and 1970s.

ELCA, Letters, NewsBrian FlatgardJanuary 17, 2024MLK, Racial Justice, Living LutheranComment

Rev. Thomas's Call to Action on the National Day of Racial Healing

In recognition of the National Day of Racial Healing, Rev. Jennifer Thomas reflects on her ongoing journey to address white supremacy and racial justice. A proponent of continuous learning, Rev. Thomas emphasizes the importance of understanding and actively working against the structures that harm our global neighbors.

She shares insights from her involvement with the ELCA's racial justice initiatives and invites others of European descent within the ELCA to join in the anti-racism efforts. Discover more about the ELCA's Truth and Healing Movement and find resources to support your congregation's journey towards racial equity.

Seeking Common Ground: A Call for Prayer and Openness in Politics

In a recent ELCA Advocacy blog post, Quentin Bernhard reflects on the complexity of praying for elected leaders amidst political polarization. He shares insights from a Lutheran Advocacy Ministry in Pennsylvania workshop, discussing the importance of seeing everyone as fully human and loved by God, despite differing views. This devotion is a call to open our hearts and minds, and act as agents of change in God's world. Discover the full reflection and join the conversation on depolarization as an act of discipleship at ELCA Advocacy's blog.

Letters, ELCABrian FlatgardJanuary 10, 2024Advocacy, ELCA Advocacy, Creating Space for ConversationsComment

Celebrating Our Synod’s Journey in 2023!

As this year draws to a close, I continue to be surprised and delighted by the spirit of generosity and commitment that is present throughout our church community. Your support and dedication have been the bedrock of our many achievements in 2023.

Bishop Hutterer, Letters, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardDecember 28, 2023Bishop Hutterer Letters, 2023 Advent and ChristmasComment

Spiritual Rest

“When God created the seventh day, God did not rest because God did all the work of creation in the six days prior. God rested because rest is intrinsically built in the rhythm of life. That means, if we choose Sunday to be the seventh day, then no matter what happened the past week, whether we fall to illness, or lose track of time, or projects and schedules fail in the many ways they often do, we still must rest. Rest allows us to be human, understanding that production may not work the way we need it to, but days of work will always come back around.”

ELCA, LettersBrian FlatgardDecember 27, 20232023 Advent and Christmas, Lutheran Disaster ResponseComment

Honoring International Migrants Day: “Where Are You From?” by Rev. Menzi Nkambule

What is your response when someone asks, “Where are you from?” Mine is a joke and reality. I often reply with my Eswatini accent, “I am from Decorah, Iowa.” I was raised in Eswatini, attended Luther College in Decorah and Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minn., and am now a Lutheran pastor in Jersey City, N.J. For most people in America, “Where are you from?” is a tricky question. We need a different question if we are to be hospitable to one another.

ELCA, LettersBrian FlatgardDecember 20, 2023Racial Justice, ELCA Racial Justice MinistriesComment

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