Lutherans Across the Country Mobilize for Policy Change and Community Care

ELCA state public policy offices nationwide are actively advocating for justice, equity, and compassion. Recent highlights include Arizona's Lutheran Day at the Legislature, Minnesota's housing and environmental initiatives, New Mexico's broad social justice agenda, Pennsylvania's defense of vulnerable communities, Texas's robust advocacy teams, and Virginia's focus on healthcare and criminal justice reform. Explore how Lutherans across the U.S. continue to make a difference. Read the full update here.

ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardFebruary 25, 2025Advocacy, ELCA Advocacy, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA)Comment

Join Us for a Lenten Challenge Deep Dive: The Story Behind NELM and LDR

Join us on March 5 at 12:00 p.m. MT for a special LDR Partner Spotlight featuring Solveig Muus as she shares how the 40-40-40 Lenten Challenge supports the Navajo Evangelical Lutheran Mission (NELM) in Rock Point, AZ. Learn how Lutheran Disaster Response and ELCA World Hunger intersect to provide safe drinking water and vital resourcesfor our siblings in Christ. Register now to be part of the conversation! Sign up here.

200 Lutherans, 40 Lawmakers, 3 Bills: A Day of Faithful Advocacy

On February 10, 200 Lutherans from 29 districts gathered at the Arizona State Capitol for a day of advocacy, meeting with over 40 lawmakers and speaking out on key issues. Guided by faith, participants attended legislative meetings, engaged in training, and shared in prayer and fellowship. Read the full recap on the LAMA site and see photos from this inspiring day of action.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardFebruary 12, 2025Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA), Advocacy, Church and SocietyComment

Urgent Appeal for Refugee Support Amid Policy Shifts

The recent halt on refugee resettlement and a stop-work order have left hundreds of refugee families in Arizona without critical support. Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest is responding to this crisis, but we need your help. Contact your representatives, educate your community, volunteer, or give to ensure that newly arrived refugees receive the support they need. Now is the time to stand together in faith and action. Read more to learn how you can make a difference, and visit LSS-SW’s Refugee Crisis page to act today.

Make Your Voice Heard: Lutheran Day at the Arizona Legislature 2025

Join Lutherans from across Arizona on February 10, 2025, for Lutheran Day at the Legislature. From 9:30 am to 1:30 pm at Wesley Bolin Plaza in Phoenix, we’ll advocate for LAMA’s 2025 policy priorities. Prepare with training sessions on January 23, February 6, and February 20. Visit lamaz.org/lutheran-day-2025 to register today!

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardFebruary 3, 2025Advocacy, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA)Comment

Foreign & Domestic Nutrition Aid Paused—What You Can Do

The administration has issued an executive order temporarily pausing U.S. foreign aid, including vital nutrition programs that support millions globally. Domestic food programs such as SNAP and WIC may also be impacted, putting 48 million people at risk. Bread for the World urges immediate action—contact your members of Congress today to call for an end to this pause and to protect life-saving food assistance. Read more on the LAMAZ.org site about this action alert from our coalition partners at Bread for the World.

Standing Strong: How You Can Support Refugees in Arizona Today

Recent cuts to humanitarian parole and the suspension of refugee resettlement threaten the safety and future of countless families. As people of faith, we are called to welcome the stranger and stand firm in our commitment to hope and hospitality. Refugees who have already arrived need our continued support—through volunteering, donations, and advocacy.

Learn how you can make a difference today and help keep the flame of hope alive in Arizona in this article from Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest, reprinted on the LAMAZ.org site.

Welcoming Carly Chamberlain: A New Voice for Justice on the LAMA Policy Council

Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA) welcomes Carly Chamberlain to its Policy Council. A ministry student at LSTC and longtime member of Faith-La Fe in Phoenix, Carly brings her passion for justice, ecofeminist perspective, and commitment to advocacy to this three-year role. Join us in praying for Carly as she begins this important work of activating faith in love in the public square. Read more on the LAMA website.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardJanuary 16, 2025Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA), AdvocacyComment

Make Your Voice Heard: Lutheran Day at the Arizona Legislature 2025

Join Lutherans from across Arizona on February 10, 2025, for Lutheran Day at the Legislature. From 9:30 am to 1:30 pm at Wesley Bolin Plaza in Phoenix, we’ll advocate for LAMA’s 2025 policy priorities. Prepare with training sessions on January 23, February 6, and February 20. Visit lamaz.org/lutheran-day-2025 to register today!

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardJanuary 16, 2025Advocacy, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA)Comment

Lutheran Advocacy Day 2025: Join Us at the Arizona Capitol for Justice and Faith

Join Lutherans and friends across Arizona for Lutheran Advocacy Day on February 10, 2025, at Wesley Bolin Plaza in Phoenix. From 8:30 am to 1:00 pm, engage in our call to justice as we meet legislators, pray for those who serve, and connect with Lutheran Advocacy Ministry in Arizona leaders. Register today to be part of this impactful day of faith and advocacy.

Step Up as a District Coordinator for Lutheran Day at the Legislature

Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona is seeking district coordinators for Lutheran Day at the Legislature on February 10, 2025, at Wesley Bolin Plaza in Phoenix. Coordinators will play a critical role in organizing district efforts, securing legislative appointments, and leading conversations with representatives. Training and support are provided. Ready to make a difference? Learn more and register here or email director@lamaz.org.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardDecember 30, 2024Advocacy, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA)Comment

A Year of Advocacy and Blessings: Reflecting on LAMA’s 2024 Impact

2024 was a year of remarkable advocacy through the Lutheran Advocacy Ministry of Arizona (LAMA), with record participation at Lutheran Day at the Legislature and impactful work in areas like hunger, housing, and international aid. As we celebrate Christmas, we reflect on the Nativity’s call to care for the vulnerable and recommit to advocacy in 2025. Read more for highlights from LAMA Director Solveig Muus and an inspiring message from Hunger Advocacy Fellow Autumn Byars.

Advocate for Justice in 2025: Sign Up for Arizona’s Request to Speak System

The Request to Speak (RTS) program empowers Arizona residents to engage with legislative decisions from home. Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona makes it easy to sign up by creating your account for you. Get involved in advocacy for justice in 2025 by registering your opinions and tracking bills online. Learn more and apply today at lamaz.org/request-to-speak.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardDecember 11, 2024Advocacy, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA)Comment

Northeast Valley Consortium Supports Hunger Advocacy with $2,000 Grant

The Northeast Valley Consortium, a coalition of five Phoenix-area Lutheran churches, has pledged $2,000 to support the Grand Canyon Synod Hunger Leaders Network’s participation in the 2025 ELCA World Hunger Leaders Gathering. In addition to hunger advocacy, NEVC expanded its summer lunch packs and heat relief efforts in 2024, showcasing the power of collaboration in combating food insecurity and building resilient communities. Read more about how this partnership embodies being “church together” on the Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona site.

LAMA 2025 Priorities: A Commitment to Justice, Education, and Dignity

The Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA) Policy Council convened November 17–18 to discern priorities for the coming year. Their 2025 focus includes food insecurity, civic engagement, public schools, immigration, housing, and informed Christian engagement. Guided by Lutheran teachings, LAMA is committed to addressing critical issues affecting Arizona communities. Interested in joining the Policy Council? Read the full post on the LAMA site for more info.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardNovember 20, 2024Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA), AdvocacyComment

Sign Bread’s ‘Nourish Our Future’ petition to end child hunger

Sign the Southwest-specific Nourish Our Future petition urging our senators and representatives to end child hunger in the U.S. and around the world. Read more on the LAMA site.

Serving Democracy: A Lutheran Poll Worker’s Story from the 2024 Election

In the polarized climate of the 2024 Presidential Election, University Lutheran’s Paul Westermann shares his experiences as a poll worker in Maricopa County, where voters and poll workers alike upheld a neutral, civil atmosphere. Amid concerns about ballot security, Paul and his colleagues reassured voters, providing resources and ensuring every voice was heard. His story underscores the Lutheran commitment to serving our neighbors and the importance of civic duty in safeguarding democracy. Read more to learn how Paul’s work exemplifies faith in action at the polls in the Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona blog post.

What are your hopes post-election?

Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona drops another voter engagement video. Filmed on location at the 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering, people of faith share their thoughts on the question, “What are your hopes post-election?” Find the whole series of videos here.

Lutherans: Your Vote Matters! Discover Essential Resources for Election Day

Election day is just around the corner! Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA) offers essential resources for informed voting, including a voter guide, tips for choosing judges, and ballot tracking. With these tools, make sure your vote counts and aligns with your values.

37 Arizona Lutheran Congregations Answer the Call to Serve as Voting Centers

This election season, 37 Lutheran congregations across Arizona, including 24 ELCA churches, have stepped up to serve as voting centers. From Chandler to Prescott, these congregations provide accessible voting locations, embodying the Lutheran tradition of community service and civic engagement. Read the full article from Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona.

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