Defendiendo Espacios Sagrados: Declaración de los Ministerios Latinos de la ELCA | Defending Sacred Spaces, ELCA Latino Ministries Speak Out
Defendiendo Espacios Sagrados: Declaración de los Ministerios Latinos de la ELCA | Defending Sacred Spaces, ELCA Latino Ministries Speak Out

La Asociación de Ministerios Latinos de la ELCA ha respondido a recientes órdenes ejecutivas que amenazan a comunidades inmigrantes y espacios sagrados. Basada en fe y justicia, su declaración llama a la unidad, acción y abogacía, ofreciendo recursos esenciales para poblaciones vulnerables. Lea más aquí.

The ELCA Latino Ministries Association has responded to recent executive orders threatening immigrant communities and sacred spaces. Rooted in faith and justice, their statement calls for unity, action, and advocacy while providing essential resources for vulnerable populations. Read more here.

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ELCA, News, LettersBrian FlatgardEspañol, Asociación de Ministerios Latinos de la ELCA, Latino, Church and SocietyComment
From the Block to the Table: How Good Trouble Church Builds Community in Baltimore
From the Block to the Table: How Good Trouble Church Builds Community in Baltimore

Good Trouble Church in Baltimore, Maryland, embodies the call of Micah 6:8, creating “A Way Out of No Way” for those navigating systemic oppression, poverty, and housing insecurity. Led by Rev. Elazar Zavaletta, this ELCA congregation is a beacon of resilience and community care, offering initiatives like a Farm to Stoop Free Market, harm-reduction housing, and leadership workshops. Rooted in Afro-Indigenous wisdom and a “theology of the block,” Good Trouble Church demonstrates how faith can drive grassroots justice and liberation.

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ELCA, Letters, NewsBrian FlatgardHunger, ELCA World HungerComment
Daily Bread and Bold Witness: A Call from Presiding Bishop Eaton
Daily Bread and Bold Witness: A Call from Presiding Bishop Eaton

In her pastoral message, Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton reflects on the recent executive orders and their impact on communities, emphasizing prayer, advocacy, and action grounded in faith. Highlighting Martin Luther’s teachings on daily bread and leadership, she calls on the ELCA to advocate for policies that uphold justice and protect the dignity of all people. Resources like the social message on “Government and Civic Engagement” and AMMPARO are commended as tools for action in these uncertain times. Read the full message to explore how our church can respond faithfully to these challenges.

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Bishop Eaton, ELCA, Letters, NewsBrian FlatgardBishop Eaton Letters, Immigration and Refugees, Sumud, AMMPARO, Church and SocietyComment
Interfaith Dialogue: Free February Workshop on Mourning Rituals and Traditions
Interfaith Dialogue: Free February Workshop on Mourning Rituals and Traditions

Join the Islamic Speakers Bureau of Arizona for Living Our Faith, a free virtual event on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. MST. Discover how Jewish, Christian, and Islamic traditions navigate mourning rituals and customs, with insights from Rabbi Bonnie Sharfman, Pastor Judith Rainforth, and Imam Shahir Safi. Register now at www.isb-az.org/trifaith to participate in this inspiring evening of interfaith dialogue and understanding.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardEcumenical and Inter-Religious Relations, Islamic Speakers BureauComment
Know Your Rights: Essential Resources for Immigrant Neighbors
Know Your Rights: Essential Resources for Immigrant Neighbors

Amid heightened uncertainty, knowing your rights is vital for immigrants and their advocates. ELCA’s AMMPARO initiative and the Archdiocese of Dubuque offer multilingual tools like Red Cards, family safety plans, and legal support directories to help communities stay prepared. View these pages for a comprehensive list of resources and how to share them in your congregation.

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ELCA, Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardChurch and Society, Immigration and RefugeesComment
“We Survived the End of the World”: A Book Club on Apocalypse and Hope
“We Survived the End of the World”: A Book Club on Apocalypse and Hope

Join the Spirited Book Club this February to discuss Steven Charleston’s We Survived the End of the World, a compelling exploration of Native American resilience amid apocalyptic challenges. Learn from Indigenous prophets and sacred stories as we delve into strategies for courage and hope in times of crisis. Discussions are on February 6 and 20, from 3:00–4:00 PM AZ (MST). Register today to be part of this engaging conversation on faith, community, and survival.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardSpirited Book Club, American Indian and Alaska Native, Spirit in the Desert Retreat CenterComment
Reignite Your Ministry: Join the Missional Leadership Cohort (including an in-person gathering at Spirit in the Desert)
Reignite Your Ministry: Join the Missional Leadership Cohort (including an in-person gathering at Spirit in the Desert)

Discover new ways to lead in changing times! The Missional Leadership Cohort is a nine-month journey beginning March 2025 to equip clergy with tools for transformative leadership. With retreats (including an in-person gathering at Spirit in the Desert), coaching, and peer support, this program offers practical insights and theological grounding to help you move from “fixing” to faithful discernment. Scholarships available! Learn more today!

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Grand Canyon Synod, Leadership Resources, NewsBrian Flatgardfaith+lead, Luther Seminary, Spirit in the Desert Retreat CenterComment
Your Generosity Fuels Ministry: 2025 Mission Support Intent
Your Generosity Fuels Ministry: 2025 Mission Support Intent

The Grand Canyon Synod invites your congregation to submit its 2025 Mission Support Statement of Intent by February 1, 2025. Your gifts empower local, national, and global ministries, equipping leaders, transforming lives, and advancing God’s mission. Visit gcsynod.org/intent for forms and details. Together, we live into God’s vision of abundance and equality.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardMission SupportComment
Revisiting Human Sexuality: ELCA Seeks Input on Social Statement Edits
Revisiting Human Sexuality: ELCA Seeks Input on Social Statement Edits

The ELCA invites your feedback on proposed updates to Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust. These small editorial changes reflect shifts in marriage laws and family diversity while maintaining the statement’s theological core. Review the edits and share your thoughts by January 31, 2025 via an online survey or email. Resources are available at www.elca.org/reconsiderations in English, Spanish, and large print. Together, we can shape this important work of the church.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardHuman SexualityComment
Learn and Fail Like a Skateboarder: Building a Missional Church in Post-Christian America
Learn and Fail Like a Skateboarder: Building a Missional Church in Post-Christian America

In this episode of the Pivot Podcast, we ask, “Is innovation a helpful category for churches seeking to thrive in changing times?”

Are conventional church growth strategies falling short in today’s changing religious landscape? In this episode, we dive deep into the concept of “innovation” in church contexts, exploring whether it’s a helpful framework for ministry or a potential distraction from our core mission.

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Grand Canyon Synod, Leadership ResourcesBrian FlatgardPivot Podcast, Luther SeminaryComment
Join the Movement to Dismantle Christian Nationalism in Your Community
Join the Movement to Dismantle Christian Nationalism in Your Community

Christian nationalism threatens both the gospel and democracy, distorting faith and undermining religious liberty for all. The Christians Against Christian Nationalism campaign, led by BJC, is mobilizing local action to resist harmful policies nationwide. Join the movement to protect democracy and uphold true religious freedom in your community.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardChristian Nationalism, Christians Against Christian Nationalism, Church and SocietyComment
Nuestro Casa para Todos: A Safe Haven for Students in Puerto Rico
Nuestro Casa para Todos: A Safe Haven for Students in Puerto Rico

Nuestro Casa para Todos, a ministry near the University of Puerto Rico in Río Piedras, has transformed an empty church into a vibrant faith community for students and neighbors. Led by Pastor Ignacio Estrada, the ministry offers fellowship, meals, and worship while addressing the unique needs of the university population. With a focus on inclusion and service, Nuestro Casa provides a safe space where students can connect, learn, and grow in faith. Read more in Living Lutheran.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardLiving LutheranComment
Blessed Tomorrow Newsletter: February 2025
Blessed Tomorrow Newsletter: February 2025

As wildfires devastate Los Angeles, faith communities are stepping up with compassion and support. ecoAmerica’s latest research reveals rising climate concern across political divides, and President Jimmy Carter’s legacy inspires faith-rooted action. Explore how worship facilities can improve energy efficiency, join the 2025 National Faith + Climate Forum, and learn about powerful climate ambassador initiatives. Read more in Blessed Tomorrow’s February newsletter: Read Here.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardClimate Change, Blessed TomorrowComment
Join the 2025 Lenten Challenge: Be a Watered Garden This Lent
Join the 2025 Lenten Challenge: Be a Watered Garden This Lent

Join the Region 2 synods for the 2025 Lenten Challenge, focusing on hunger and water justice through daily devotions, water conservation, community engagement, and donations to support the Navajo Evangelical Lutheran Mission (NELM). Sign up your family and congregation today at lentenchallenge.org!

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian Flatgard2025 Lent, 2025 Lenten Challenge, Navajo Evangelical Lutheran MissionComment
The Grace in Letting Go: Embracing an Unbalanced Life of Purpose
The Grace in Letting Go: Embracing an Unbalanced Life of Purpose

Discover why balance might not be the answer to modern life’s demands. Pastor Angela Denker shares a New Year’s reflection on embracing the grace of an unbalanced, purpose-driven life rooted in Jesus’ call to mission. In this post from Café, learn how to prioritize what truly matters and give yourself—and others—permission to let go of the illusion of balance.

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ELCA, LettersBrian FlatgardCafé, Women of the ELCA (WELCA)Comment