What does Reign of Christ Sunday mean for us today? Established less than a century ago in response to rising nationalism, this celebration reminds us that Christ’s authority transcends all worldly powers. Discover how this modern festival calls us to place our ultimate allegiance not in rulers, but in the One who reigns through sacrificial love.
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Young adults across the Grand Canyon Synod are invited to join the upcoming Winter Retreat at Camp ALOMA in Prescott, January 17-20. Enjoy faith-based learning, fellowship, and fun activities like Laser Tag, s’mores around the fire, and hiking. Connect with other young adults in a beautiful outdoor setting and grow in your faith. Spaces are limited—register today!
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After a fire displaced ministries and residents at Christ Lutheran Church in Baltimore, the congregation is working to restore critical community services, including a shelter for women and children. Drawing from Jesus’ reflections on the Jerusalem Temple’s fall, we reflect on how loss shapes faith and new beginnings. Join us in prayer and support for the resilient community at Christ Lutheran.
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This week’s Faith Lens focuses on the power of small acts of faith, inspired by the widow’s humble gift in the Gospel. When challenges feel too big, remember that even small actions—like the widow’s penny—can make a profound difference. We’re called to take one step at a time, trusting that God is at work, even in the smallest of our efforts. Read on to discover how your everyday actions can build toward lasting change.
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The ELCA has been awarded a $1.25 million grant from the Lilly Endowment Inc. to launch Curious Christian Children: Reimagining Kids in Worship. This new initiative will equip congregations with resources to foster inclusive worship spaces for all children, focusing especially on those with disabilities, families of color, and LGBTQIA+ families. Through resource sharing and leader support, the program aims to help our youngest members grow in faith and belonging.
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The 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering in New Orleans inspired young Lutherans like Hayden Gruenberg to consider careers dedicated to service. Through partnerships with organizations like Let’s Be BIGGER and Roots of Music, attendees formed lasting connections that transcend geography, enriching their faith and deepening their commitment to social justice.
These stories show how the Gathering continues to shape lives, building community and fostering a sense of shared purpose across the ELCA. Read the full story in Living Lutheran.
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You’re invited to nominate a student for LSM 2025! Lutheran Summer Music (LSM) is a faith-based residential music academy for high school students (grades 8-12) who come together from all over the country to immerse themselves in musical excellence and build an intentional, supportive, and FUN community.
LSM 2025 takes place at Valparaiso University in Indiana from June 22-July 20 (Full Session) or June 22-July 6 (Half Session). Priority Enrollment is open now through December 1. Nominate students at LSMacademy.org/nominate, and watch and share this LSM Experience Video to learn more!
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Grace Lutheran Church in Phoenix has awarded its first scholarships through the Grace and Grand Canyon Synod Scholarship Fund, established in 2023 to help ELCA members pursue higher education and professional growth. This fund honors Martin Luther’s legacy of learning, providing financial aid and community support. With matching funds available at many faith-based institutions, a single gift can make a significant impact. To learn about eligibility or contribute to the fund, contact Arizona Community Foundation at azfoundation.org or Grace Lutheran’s team at Treasurer@graceinthecity.com.
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The ELCA Ministry with Children Grants program is helping congregations revitalize their children’s ministries and outreach efforts. Grants awarded in 2023 have transformed spaces and expanded programs, from repurposing a school in Wisconsin to supporting foster youth in Colorado. Learn how these congregations are using their grants to reach children with God’s love at Living Lutheran.
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Reformation Sunday on October 27 reminds us of the transformative power of justification by grace through faith. As we reflect on Martin Luther’s legacy in this week’s Faith Lens, we are invited to consider how God’s grace continues to reform and shape us today. Join us in worship as we renew our commitment to live by grace, trusting that God’s presence calls us to be lights in the world.
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Discover how Lutheran summer camps like Rainbow Trail foster leadership and lasting faith in campers, connecting them to family and congregational life. Research from the Rhythms of Faith Project shows that camps play a vital role in influencing spiritual practices at home, offering innovative strategies to help parents and churches continue faith development long after the camp week ends. Explore the impactful partnerships between camps, families, and congregations in shaping the next generation’s faith. Read more at Living Lutheran.
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As election season nears, this week’s Faith Lens calls us to consider how Jesus’ model of servant leadership should influence the way we choose our leaders. Mark 10:45 reminds us that Christ came “not to be served, but to serve,” challenging us to prioritize the public good over personal gain. As we prepare to vote, let’s hold our leaders to this higher standard, asking why they lead and whom they serve.
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As hurricanes continue to ravage vacation destinations, it’s easy to forget the year-round residents who make these places thrive. Many struggle with poverty and insecurity, and now face additional threats from the storms. In the latest Faith Lens, we explore how our faith calls us to stand with these vulnerable communities—not just in times of disaster, but every day. Learn how you can support through Lutheran Disaster Response and live out the Gospel call to uplift those left behind.
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Under the theme “Created to Be,” Gathering Remix is a digital resource with 10 lessons featuring Mass Gathering recordings, exclusive interviews, discussion guides, and more, to enrich discussions with your middle school and high school groups.
Designed to sustain the energy from events such as the Gathering, this dynamic tool helps middle and high school groups stay engaged and inspired. To learn more or to purchase for your group, visit gLearn.
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Enrollment for LSM 2025 is open now! Lutheran Summer Music (LSM) is a faith-based residential music academy for high school students who come together to immerse themselves in musical excellence and build a supportive and fun community. Musical experiences include large ensembles (band, choir, orchestra), chamber music, private lessons, and electives like handbells, jazz, musical theatre, composition, conducting, church music and more. Priority enrollment deadline: December 1. Standard enrollment deadline: March 1. Learn more at LSMacademy.org.
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Jesus said, “Let the children come to me.” Are we doing the same in our congregations? In this week's Faith Lens, we explore how we can better listen to and empower children’s voices in faith, drawing from research on Gen Alpha. Learn how creating space for kids to share their perspectives can deepen their spiritual engagement—and ours. How will you welcome the youngest among us?
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This week’s Faith Lens from Mark 9:30-37 reminds us that true greatness is found in humility and service, not in competition or status. Jesus redefines success by challenging us to care for those often ignored. How can we embody this greatness in our own communities? Explore ways to serve and appreciate the “greatest” in God’s eyes.⬤
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In this week’s Faith Lens, we look at the story of Peter rebuking Jesus and the recent challenges in Springfield, Ohio, as immigrants and longtime residents navigate building a new home together. Just as Peter learned to follow God’s leadership, we are called to find our place in the greater story, trusting God’s guidance even when it challenges our assumptions.
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Explore how Jesus’ encounter with the Syrophoenician woman reveals His human struggles and divine grace. Discover lessons on faith, persistence, and the power of change in this week’s Faith Lens.
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