Mosaic International has been in partnership with Building a Caring Community(BCC) in Tanzania since 2007 to love and support children and young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). All of Mosaic International’s work and its Carman International Fellowship program are supported by donors and grants. Daniel Scherer-Emunds served as a Carman International Fellow from August 2022 to December 2023. He looks back upon his time there in this article for Mosaic.
Read MoreRevitalize your congregation's financial strategy with Faith+Lead Stewardship’s upcoming free webinar: Funding Forward: Why Tithes and Offerings May No Longer Be Enough.
Tuesday, January 23rd Webinar, 12-12:45pm MST, 11-11:45am PST. Register here.
Monday, January 29th Webinar, 6-6:45pm MST, 5-5:45pm PST. Register here.
Lutherans Restoring Creation invites you to be part of meaningful environmental action with upcoming events like "Sacred Grounds" on January 23rd and "Regenerating Life" on February 27th. These events, in partnership with Interfaith Power & Light and ELCA World Hunger, focus on utilizing sacred spaces and land for wildlife-friendly gardening and discussing the role of land in healing our planet. Join the journey towards a more sustainable and connected world.
Read MoreExplore a year of spiritual growth and advocacy with the Arizona Faith Network's 2024 events. From meditative practices to environmental advocacy and film festivals, AFN offers diverse opportunities for engagement. Join the community in events like the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity and the Black History Month Film Festival to deepen your understanding and impact. Read their full newsletter here.
Read MoreThe Office of the Bishop gathers for an in-person staff meeting, the Ordination and Installation of Pastor Judi Tyler, Jan 21, 2024, 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM at Our Saviors Lutheran Church, Phoenix, and celebrates the 2024 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. We also share photos from the Installation of Pastor David Sivecz and the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Service.
Read MoreThis week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Luis Ochoa, Santa Trinidad, Chandler, who celebrates 1 years on January 21.
Rev. Tina Mills, Our Savior’s, Mesa, who celebrates 13 years on January 25.
In their latest update, Lutheran Social Services of Nevada (LSSN) shares that their dedicated group of 70 active volunteers is crucial to serving 3500 people monthly. With opportunities in the pantry, senior meals, administration, and special events, there's a place for everyone to contribute. In 2024, they’re expanding ur services, including launching a food rescue truck and the JOURNEY Senior Services Center. Fill out their Volunteer Form, especially if you have special skills to offer, and join them in making a difference.
Read MoreJoin us at our upcoming Spring Gatherings under the theme “Embody the Word.” Set across various dates and locations, these gatherings are not only meetings but a chance for spiritual growth, learning, and fellowship.
Colorado River Conference: Jan 27, 2024, 10am at Good Samaritan at the Lakes in Las Vegas
Kino Conference: Feb 3, 2024, 10am at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church in Tucson
Cactus, Capital, Fiesta, Northeast Valley, and Rio Salado Conferences:
Feb 4, 2024, 2pm at Living Water Lutheran Church in Scottsdale
Mar 17, 2024, 2pm at St. Andrew Lutheran Church in Phoenix
High Country Conference: Mar 23, 2024, 11 am at Christ Lutheran Church in Sedona
Join others at the 2024 Festival of Homiletics for a spiritual refresh that goes beyond the pulpit. Embrace this unique opportunity for self-care, community, and innovation in preaching. Secure your spot by February 15 to benefit from early bird rates and prepare for a transformative experience in Pittsburgh.
Read MoreGet involved in the Region 2 Lenten Challenge by utilizing free promotional resources to encourage participation in your congregation and community. Visit lentenchallenge.org/promote to access a wide array of materials designed to help you share and celebrate this season of spiritual growth and fellowship.
Read MoreDon't miss out on West Valley Young Adults events! Start with "Coffee and Conversation" on Jan 22 and roll into "Great Skate Night" on Jan 23 for unlimited pizza and skating fun. Perfect for 19-35-year-olds looking to connect and hang out.
Read MoreEach year, the primary way that music students find their way to LSM is through the encouragement of their church musician! LSM offers opportunities for musicians of all kinds: brass, winds, strings, percussion, piano, organ, voice, harp, guitar, handbells, and more. Know a young person (grades 8-12) who would benefit from the life-giving and joyful musical community at LSM? Nominate them for LSM today at LSMacademy.org/nominate.
Read MoreThe Office of the Bishop will be closed on January 15, 2024, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. We honor the legacy of Dr. King and encourage everyone to reflect on his message of equality, justice, and peace on this important day. Regular office hours will resume the following day.
Read MoreDiscover Brenda Brown's heartwarming journey to happiness and belonging with Mosaic at Home. Transitioning from a life of uncertainty, Brenda finds joy, purpose, and a loving family environment that allows her to thrive. Read her full story of transformation and the power of compassionate care at Mosaic's blog.
Read MoreIn 2024, all of the ELCA synods in Region 2 are challenging one another to raise money for ELCA World Hunger in honor of ELCA World Hunger’s 50th year in mission and ministry. The challenge is to pledge to participate in some spiritual and physical practices during Lent and raise funds for ELCA World Hunger. The synod with the most participants wins!
Lent is 40 days to reflect, remember our dependence on God and one another, and look forward to the ways God calls us to be. Adding one or more of these small practices to your observation of Lent might help you feel more connected. A light-hearted challenge like this might help our synods be the Church together, and to see God’s vision and invitation for us to be a church for the world and share the good news of Jesus Christ. Visit lentenchallenge.org to learn more and take the pledge today!
Read MoreIt’s a full week for the Office of the Bishop with a Synod Council meeting, preaching at various congregations around the synod, the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Service, Jan 14, 2024, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM, and 2024 Lutheran Day at the Legislature, Jan 18, 2024, 9:30 AM – 1:30 PM.
Read MoreThis week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Stephen Springer, Dove of Peace, Tucson, who celebrates 27 years on January 12.
Rev. Annemarie Burke, Noble Hospice, Mesa, who celebrates 18 years on January 15.
Rev. Lourdes Olson, New Song, Henderson, who celebrates 2 years on January 15.
The latest edition of the Women of the ELCA’s Bold Cafe focuses on the concept of Sabbath and rest. We highlight two articles: Sabbath for this year and beyond, and Five steps for creating rest in a world of busyness.
Read MoreTake 30 minutes to boost your mental well-being by joining a live webinar led by the Learn to Live Clinical Team. January topics include making effective habit change, mindful eating, and creating a positive mindset by avoiding negative thinking traps. View the webinar schedule, as well as their library of previous topics, and use the access PORTICO to register.
Read MoreResolved to feel more financially prepared for the future? Check out Portico’s Retirement Readiness Series from Fidelity starting at the end of January. Register for live webinars coveringtopics like turning your savings into retirement income, understanding Social Security, and estate planning basics. Recorded versions of these topics – and many more – are available on demand on myPortico.
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