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.
Read MoreSign 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.
Read MoreIn 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.
Read MoreJoin 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.
Read MoreLutheran 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.
Read MoreElection 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.
Read MoreThis 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.
Read MoreLutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA) has released a new video series featuring people of faith reflecting on the upcoming election. These short clips, filmed at the ELCA Youth Gathering in New Orleans, explore the connections between faith and voting. Key voices include Bishop Elizabeth Eaton and youth leaders like Taina Diaz-Reyes. Watch and share these videos on LAMA’s Facebook and YouTube channels to spark conversations in your congregation about the importance of voting as an act of faith and service.
Read MoreLutherans are stepping up advocacy efforts across the globe and at home. From shaping discussions at the U.N. Summit of the Future to promoting voter engagement in Arizona and Colorado, the ELCA is making a profound impact. Learn more about the issues we’re tackling and how faith is driving our work for justice and peace. Read the full updates here.
Read MoreLutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona reminds us that October 7, 2024 is the BIG CUTOFF DATE for registering to vote in Arizona general election. Check your registration status, check your friends and loved ones’ status, check, check, check!
Read MoreAnother new voter engagement video from LAMA! Filmed on location at the 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering, people of faith share their thoughts on the question, “Is voting important to you?”
Read MoreVoting by mail is a trusted option for many Arizonans, says this blog post from Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona. If you want to vote by mail in the November 5th General Election, be sure to request your ballot soon! Ballots will be mailed out starting October 7th, and the deadline to request yours is 11 days before the election. Act early to ensure your vote is counted!
Read MoreArizona voters will decide on 13 ballot measures this fall. LAMA’s 2024 Voter Guide helps voters navigate these measures through a faith-based lens focused on Hunger, Water, and Civic Engagement. As people of God, ELCA members are encouraged to participate in direct democracy and vote thoughtfully. Download the guide to make informed decisions on critical issues impacting our state. Read LAMA's blog post introducing the guide here.
Read MoreIntroducing a brand new voter engagement video series from Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona! Filmed on location at the 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering, people of faith share their thoughts on the question, “Does your faith influence your political opinion?”
Read MoreIn her own words. Autumn Byars' Hunger Advocacy Fellowship has come to an end. Read the engaging, insightful recap of her transformational year on the LAMA site.
Read MoreThe LAMA website has been refreshed! Prepare for the fall by checking out our "Get Involved" pages for LAMA Liaisons and for the Grand Canyon Synod Hunger Leader's Network. Read more here.
Read MoreSeptember is Hunger Action Month, a time to take collective action in the fight against hunger. This year, the Arizona Legislature invested $3.8 million to support low-income children’s meals, a milestone achieved with the help of the Arizona Food Bank Network. As the need for food accessibility grows, you can make a difference by supporting AzFBN through donations, the HungryFriend app, or joining their Grove of Good. Together, let’s end hunger in Arizona.
Read MoreThe end of the year is swiftly approaching, which means it will soon be time for the LAMA Policy Council to decide what our 2025 Policy Priorities will be.
Take our one-question survey now and let us know what you want LAMA to work on next year! We encourage you to share this survey with your ministries, small groups, and congregations. We want to hear from our community members across Arizona.
Read MoreWe extend our heartfelt thanks to Autumn Byars, our Grand Canyon Synod Hunger Advocacy Fellow, for her dedicated year of service with Lutheran Advocacy Ministry of Arizona (LAMA). Her work has been an inspiring example of how mission support from congregations flows through the synod and the ELCA to return as impactful ministry in our communities. We invite you to join us in praying for Autumn’s continued good work in the church and the world.
Reflecting on a year of impactful advocacy, Autumn shares key moments, including testimony against restrictive SNAP bills and support for the Grand Canyon Food Pantry. LAMA empowers congregations to turn their faith into action, advocating for justice and food security at all levels of government.
Read MoreJoin the Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona Liaison Roundtable on Monday, August 19, 2024, from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM via Zoom. This monthly discussion offers a platform for congregational leaders and members to explore topics like civic engagement, overcoming reticence about advocacy, and educating members on the importance of advocacy as part of our Lutheran heritage. Participate in shaping future discussions and equipping our congregations for meaningful advocacy. Join via Zoom using Meeting ID: 879 9811 3829.
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