Embrace the spirit of Advent with Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona's inspiring message. This season, delve into the profound ways the Bible encourages us to prepare for meeting God - not just spiritually, but through active service. Explore various ways to incorporate advocacy into your daily spiritual practice, and learn how you can contribute to meaningful change.
Read More“O Little Town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie.” If you’re like me, when we enter the liminal season of Advent, this is the song that slows me down to a time of waiting and reflection. I imagine the quiet of Bethlehem, a world waiting for the birth of Jesus, waiting for the profound message of peace and reconciliation he brought into our world.
With the world, we are still waiting.
Read MoreAs part of our Creating Space for Conversations series, we share a PDF of an article by Will Fredstrom, Bonhoeffer’s Stellvertretung: A Christ-Like Ecclesial Ethic for Serving “Galilean” Neighbors, from A Chosen Nation?, an issue of Word and World, Luther Seminary’s journal of theology.
Read More“The ideas of America as either a “Christian” or “post-Christian” nation both reduce a complex relationship between church and state to a simplistic one. If the church is, as Bonhoeffer states, a representative of Christ’s redemptive presence in the world, then the church is primarily bound to serving all neighbors, both directly and through cooperation with the state.” —Will Fredstrom
Blessed Tomorrow's latest newsletter is brimming with opportunities for climate action and community engagement. Highlights include the screening of 'The Letter,' a film documenting the impact of climate change, and the 2024 American Climate Leadership Awards for both leaders and high school students. Additionally, listen to ELCA's Vance Blackfox discuss indigenous perspectives on climate action and discover how Blessed Tomorrow Ambassador Sharee Wharton is empowering churches through an energy efficiency webinar series.
Read MoreNew Year’s Bash for Youth! Join the crew at Camp ALOMA from Dec 29, 2023, to Jan 1, 2024, for an epic New Year's retreat for 7th-12th graders. Games, fellowship, and festive fun await! Book your spot at $110 per camper now: https://forms.gle/PPmWgqRokVKq7iky9
Read MoreThe Office of the Bishop staff gives thanks, travels, and works on year-end projects. We also share a photo from the recent First Call retreat with Region 2.
Read More“We at the LAMA office want to wish you a happy and blessed Thanksgiving! We hope you take this holiday to enjoy God’s bountiful gifts of friends, family, and food— however those things may be present in your life. This year, we give thanks for our wonderful community of advocates and liaisons, for all the congregations who have welcomed us and joined us in our work, for all of our partner networks, and for the opportunities we have been given to do God’s work through advocacy.” Read the full post on the LAMA website.
Read MoreThis week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Brian Weinberger, Bethlehem, Mesa, who celebrates 15 years on November 29.
Rev. Naomi Hartman, Church of the Foothills, Tucson, who celebrates 14 years on November 29.
As you gather this Thanksgiving season with friends and family—whether they be relatives or connections as family in Christ—I want to express my deep gratitude to each congregation and individual for your support and commitment to our mission as church together. Through prayer, presence, and financial gifts, your generous support has allowed the Grand Canyon Synod to accomplish so much this year. I am continually inspired by the way you live the call to love God and serve our neighbor.
Read MoreWe pray for the family and friends of Rev. Dr. Carl Braaten, who died October 28, 2023.
A memorial service will be held November 25, 2023, 1pm, at Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Sun City West, 13724 W. Meeker Boulevard, Sun City West, AZ 85375.
Read MoreJoin us Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center online for "Spirited Advent: My Soul Magnifies the Lord!" – a soulful Zoom journey this Advent. Hosted by Sheri Brown, each Sunday session offers a sacred space for reflection and connection, exploring themes of hope, peace, joy, and love. Inspired by Mary's Magnificat, these 30-minute gatherings provide a much-needed spiritual respite during the busy holiday season. Register now for this enriching, free series and discover your soul's unique begotten-ness.
Read MoreThe Office of the Bishop staff takes time to give thanks this upcoming week. We also share photos from the Latin American Consultation with ILM President Roberto Trejo Haager, Trinity Lutheran’s 75th anniversary, and the Grand Canyon Women of the ELCA convention.
Read MoreThis week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Carl Sirotzki, Mount Cross, Payson, who celebrates 8 years on November 21.
Rev. Leonard Hoffmann, who celebrates 48 years on November 23.
Rev. Mari Larson, St. Andrew, Las Vegas, who celebrates 27 years on November 23.
We pray for the family and friends of Deacon Sonnee Ann Olson Steveson, who died October 7, 2023, after a brief illness. Memorial services will be held at Mountain View Lutheran in Phoenix on Nov. 25, 2023 at 2pm.
Read MoreExplore Mark K. Smutny’s insightful approach to establishing ground rules in meetings (view as a PDF), a vital tool for enhancing dialogue and understanding in our diverse society. Discover how empathy, respect, and inclusivity can transform group interactions. We share this as part of our Creating Space for Conversations resource page. Mark Smutny is founder of Civic Reinventions.
Read MoreExplore the art of spiritual caregiving with Luther Seminary's course for community members and leaders, "Embodying Thoughts and Prayers." Equip yourself with tools for meaningful care visits, empathetic listening, and self-care techniques to strengthen your ministry and community bonds. Dive into this enriching 6.5-hour course to uplift and empower your spiritual care practice.
Read MoreFind enriching resources for church leaders in this edition of Faith + Lead's Resource Roundup. Explore pivotal insights from the latest Pivot Podcast episode, delve into the powerful practice of storytelling, and download the essential ebook on "Pivots and Pitfalls for Church Leaders."
Plus, learn about upcoming events designed to enhance your spiritual grounding and leadership skills. Use these transformative tools and insights for guiding your congregation in these changing times.
Read MoreMaximize the impact of your year-end charitable giving with Thrivent Choice. Contribute to the Grand Canyon Synod or choose from over 40,000 organizations, and Thrivent will cover all processing fees, ensuring your entire donation benefits your chosen cause. Visit the GCS page to give through Thrivent Choice to make your contribution count.
Read MoreThe ELCA Foundation's recent Insights newsletter highlights the importance of generosity during this season of thankfulness. It offers smart ways to give before 2023 ends, critical factors to consider when giving, a recorded webinar on estate planning and charitable giving, and information about the Ministry Growth Fund for ELCA congregations and affiliates. Additionally, it spotlights ELCA Good Gifts, offering unique charitable gifts to honor loved ones while making a difference globally.
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