This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. David Sivecz, Grace, Phoenix, who celebrates 6 years on January 27.
Deacon Carol Arnold, who celebrates 42 years on January 27.
Rev. Janice Von Rappard, who celebrates 19 years on January 30.
Rev. Paul Nordeen, who celebrates 47 years on January 30.
Rev. Jose Valenzuela, Community of Grace, Peoria, who celebrates 15 years on January 31.
The ELCA has revamped the Annual Congregation Report for 2024, consolidating it into a single, more readable form, Form A. This effort simplifies the reporting process, which is now open and accessible, aiding in our mission to understand and plan for the church's future. Your timely submission by March 1 enables us to assess our vitality and resources, so we invite you to contribute to this essential task. Access the easy to use forms and worksheets here.
Read MoreRev. Dr. Jim Antal’s blog post, featured by Blessed Tomorrow, a faith-based environmental advocacy group, revives the tradition of the ‘Election Sermon’ to guide faith communities through the 2024 elections with integrity and compassion, underscoring the importance of political participation as a reflection of our core spiritual values. Read the post on the Blessed Tomorrow web site.
Read MoreJoin AFN’s array of January and February events, from the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity to Environmental Day at the Capitol. Engage in meditative practices, advocate for voting rights, celebrate Black History Month, and more. Sign up for the newsletter to stay connected and read all the news here.
Read MoreMaximize your impact on Arizona’s legislative process with LAMA’s RTS training on January 26, 2024, from 2-2:30 pm. Learn to use the RTS system to voice your opinions on legislative bills effectively. Register for the webinar and become a proactive citizen in shaping state policies.
Read MoreIn her poignant reflection, Autumn Byars, an ELCA Hunger Advocacy Fellow with the Lutheran Advocacy Ministry in Arizona, part of our Grand Canyon Synod, calls for a disruption in the exhausting cycles of the federal election process through the power of compassion. Byars challenges candidates and constituents alike to approach the political arena with understanding and grace, fostering solutions grounded in our shared humanity rather than divisive rhetoric.
Read MoreAttend an information session webinar on Thursday, February 1st at 12:00 PM EST to learn more about the National Fund for Sacred Places and whether your sacred place (or the sacred places in your community or judicatory) may qualify.
The National Fund for Sacred Places is a grant-making program that provides capital grants ranging from $50,000 to $500,000 as well as wrap-around support services to congregations undertaking once-in-a-generation preservation projects. To learn more, please visit us at fundforsacredplaces.org.
Read MoreJoin Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Chandler for the Walking Wet Discipleship Day on February 3, 2024. A day of learning, fellowship, and faith exploration, featuring keynote speakers Rev. Miguel Gomez-Acosta and Rev. Peter Perry. Registration includes meals, with childcare available upon request. Dive deeper into your faith journey with us! Register now at bit.ly/discipleship2024.
Read MoreDiscover how our recent achievement of the Candid Platinum Seal of Transparency underscores our dedication to openness in our mission. Access detailed insights on our nonprofit's goals and achievements at our Candid profile, ensuring your support is always grounded in trust and confidence.
Read MoreJoin the West Valley Young Adults for a week of lively conversation and friendly competition! Catch up over coffee at Black Sheep Coffee on January 29th and hit the lanes at Bowlero on January 31st for unlimited bowling. Connect, relax, and enjoy the community vibe!
Read MoreAs part of our Creating Space for Conversations series, we share a PDF of an article by Mark A. Granquist, Rereading Niebuhr’s The Kingdom of God in America, from A Chosen Nation?, an issue of Word and World, Luther Seminary’s journal of theology.
Read MoreThis seminal work, now eighty-six years old, by American theologian H. Richard Niebuhr, remains a crucial text informing Christians about how they should understand the kingdom of God, especially as it relates to the Chris- tian faith. Niebuhr emphasizes how this concept refers to the primacy of God’s sovereignty in the world over all other allegiances.—Mark A. Granquist
Join us for our Spring Gatherings themed “Embody the Word,” starting with the Colorado River Conference on Jan 27, 2024, in Las Vegas. Watch livestream at goodsamlv.org or YouTube.
These gatherings are not just meetings, but an opportunity for spiritual growth, learning, and community engagement, centered on the transformative message of John 1:14. Don't miss this chance to deepen your faith and connect with your synod community.
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.
Join Community of Grace for their "Aging with Grace" Adult Education Series every Wednesday in February, where expert speakers will guide you through the various aspects of elder care, from navigating daily challenges to end-of-life care. Bring your lunch and engage in meaningful discussions followed by a Q&A session.
For a deep dive into each weekly topic and to connect with valuable resources, visit the full series details at Community of Grace or in this PDF.
Read MoreMosaic 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.
