Posts in ELCA
Faith Lens: With honor and gentleness

Just before midnight on November 19, 2022, a gunman entered Club Q, an LGBTQ nightclub in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and opened fire. Five people died and at least 18 were injured. .

As a queer person who began coming out  just before the 2016 mass shooting at Pulse, an LGBTQ nightclub in Florida, I am inspired by the bravery of the people at Club Q who confronted the gunman and almost certainly saved lives in the process.

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ELCA Receives Lilly Grant to Support Compelling Preaching Initiative

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) has received a $1 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. to help establish the ELCA Compelling Preaching: Transformed Listeners Initiative.

The goal of the initiative is to cultivate persuasive preaching by inviting ELCA ministry leaders to review research findings about current preaching settings; propose innovative ways to apply those learnings in their individual ministry contexts; participate in funded cohort learning initiatives; and produce successful preaching foundations for all lay leaders and rostered ministers seeking to transform lives through the gospel.

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The Christmas Story, read by Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton

Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton reads the Christmas story from Luke 2:1-20. Merry Christmas and a blessed Advent! This is a season of preparation. As we prepare for family gatherings, homecooked meals, and Christ’s birth, let us take a moment to relax, breathe, and receive the Christmas story. Merry Christmas, dear church!

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Prompts for Prayers of Intercession: 12/11/2022
  • For rail workers and all struggling to make a just wage…

  • For those who are alone or grieving during this season…

  • For people, plants, and animals in the path of Mauna Loa and Mount Semeru’s eruptions…

  • For the celebration of the feast of the Virgin of Guadalupe…

  • For political turmoil and transition, especially in Peru…

  • For those without homes who face harsh climates and harsh local governments…

  • For those who are overworked and for those who are underemployed…

  • For an end to human trafficking and modern slavery…

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Faith Lens: Like me, like Christ

Shoppers across the country are buying toys for Christmas presents for the children in their lives. While many toy manufacturers have increased the racial diversity of their dolls and action figures, there is a segment of children who still don’t see themselves in the toys they find under the tree on Christmas day. Children with disabilities and medical conditions.

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Kojo, James and Esther: Stories from the Horn of Africa

The Horn of Africa is experiencing its worst drought in decades. Through the Lutheran World Federation (LWF), ELCA World Hunger is working in the Kakuma region in Kenya alongside the local government to help build the capacity of families to respond to and withstand worsening droughts in the region. These stories reflect the impact of our work together to end hunger through ELCA World Hunger.

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2023 Rostered Ministers Gathering registration is open

The Planning Team shares a letter of invitation to the Rostered Ministers Gathering in Phoenix next summer, July 17-20, 2023. You’re invited to join colleagues under the theme of "Rekindle the gift within you" (2 Timothy 1:6).

If you like to welcome people, help with registration, or have the gift of hospitality, please connect with Pastor Doug Dill: pastordoug@centrallutheranaz.org or 402-235-6969.

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Prompts for Prayers of Intercession: 12/4/2022
  • For rebuilding and recovery work following tornadoes in the southern United States…

  • For families grieving children killed in a school bombing in northern Afghanistan…

  • For an end to continued war in Ukraine…

  • For an end to gun violence in our nation…

  • For nations and governments in leadership transitions…

  • For all who are struggling with and recovering from RSV, Covid, and other illnesses…

  • For strength and stability in marriages and all partnered relationships…

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