Dive into a meaningful Lenten season with our specially curated page full of resources, reflections, and the unique Region 2 Lenten Challenge. Join our community in a journey of faith, reflection, and renewal.
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The Native American Urban Ministry (NAUM) has been awarded a $10,000 grant from the Cook Native American Ministries Foundation for 2024. This grant will support the expansion of NAUM's "Living Our Values Everyday" (LOVE) Project, aimed at fostering personal development, leadership skills, and community service among Native American youth, adults, and elders in Phoenix.
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In the week of Valentine’s Day, the FBI’s Phoenix Field Office is taking this timely opportunity to warn Arizonans about confidence fraud – also known as “romance scams.”
According to the most recent available statistics, the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) reports 680 Arizona victims reported losses of more than $25.4 million in connection with confidence fraud/romance scams in 2022. Of that number, 379 victims suffering $17.7 million in losses were senior citizens.
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The Office of the Bishop works on our annual audit and continues to prepare for our 2024 synod assembly. We also include photos from the Installation of Pastor Kurt Fangmeier.
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This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Barbara Bengtson, who celebrates 30 years on February 20.
Rev. Miguel Gomez-Acosta, Office of the Bishop, Phoenix, who celebrates 15 years on February 22.
From their Crucible Newsletter for February 2024, we read of the The Church Leadership Institute's Spiritual Life and Leadership podcast, hosted by Markus Watson, which continues to be a beacon for pastors and church leaders seeking inspiration and guidance. With a mix of "Quick Conversations" featuring Tod Bolsinger and in-depth discussions with thought leaders in ministry, the podcast offers valuable insights into adaptive leadership, spiritual formation, and navigating ministry challenges.
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This week’s Arizona Faith Network newsletter highlights an array of engaging events and initiatives, from the inspirational "I, Too, Sing America" Black History Month Film Festival to the meaningful discussions at the "Honoring Our Past, Shaping Our Future" gathering. It also introduces opportunities for spiritual growth through AFN Meditation sessions, addresses pressing issues like American Christian Nationalism, and emphasizes community action in areas such as hunger advocacy and environmental stewardship.
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February's Good Green News from Lutherans Restoring Creation highlights the upcoming event on regenerating life and land stewardship, the #NoPlasticsforLent initiative, and recent environmental wins. Join the movement towards a more sustainable and just world.
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Some may find it strange, but I welcome Ash Wednesday. While I believe we are a resurrection people, I also feel we can’t have that joy of new life without contemplating the reality that life is broken, and that things have an ending as much as a beginning.
Ash Wednesday, as well as the season of Lent, invites us as to reflect on themes that our modern world often encourages us to evade: confession, grief, and mortality. These are not subjects to be feared or shunned but embraced as vital in shaping the richness and depth of our lives.
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Let our Region 2 Lenten Challenge be your guide in your Lenten journey. With four daily practices to choose from, join others in our synod and Region 2 in daily devotion, daily discipline, daily declutter, and daily giving.
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From Women of the ELCA’s Boldcafe blog, Rev. Ralen M. Robinson shares two writings for Lent.
Finding God in desolate places: We are called to step into the season of Lent for 40 days to fast, reflect, repent and sacrifice like Jesus did in the desert. We are called to find God in desolate places. Where are you finding God this winter?
Faith reflections: Finding something in nothing: How often do we challenge ourselves to see potential in the impossible? That is what we are called to do this Lenten season.
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Join Lutheran Social Services of Nevada in creating an unforgettable Easter experience for those they serve. For more details or to get involved by collecting items, volunteering, or sponsoring, visit their Event Page.
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Following a stay in ICU and treatment at St. Joseph/Barrow Hospital this past week, Pastor Richard Staats is now returning home for healing after an additional inpatient stay at rehab recovering from a traumatic brain injury. Prayers for strength, patience, and discovering root cause of health crisis that began last July.
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“Following the Way of Jesus: a Lenten Holy Land Journey” begins on the Sea of Galilee. The introduction week will invite you into this 6-week series. Through this journey you will explore the Holy Land, the theology of Sumud and what it means for Palestinian Christians today.
Sumud is the ELCA’s new name for our church’s engagement in accompaniment, awareness-building and advocacy for justice in Palestine and Israel.
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Be alert to a wave of phishing emails impersonating church leaders. Confirm the legitimacy of requests, especially involving money or gift cards, to avoid scams.
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Attend the third session of the 'Aging with Grace' series at Community of Grace on February 21st. Ms. Barbara Kvittiem-Barr, CPA, will cover 'Living with Grace,' focusing on financial and legal aspects of extended care. This session is crucial for those seeking guidance on managing the financial intricacies of elder care, along with the importance of personal self-care.
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.
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Looking for a way to enhance your leadership and spiritual journey? Join the Thriving Leadership Formation Cohorts, a series of 12 sessions starting 2/16/2024 designed to create community and foster growth among church leaders. Dive into enriching spiritual practices in a supportive environment, all at no cost. Contact Pastor Susan Dollinger at bethanypastorsusan@yahoo.com for more info.
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Rejuvenate your preaching spirit at the 2024 Festival of Homiletics in Pittsburgh. Sign up by February 15th for early bird rates and prepare for a nurturing, spirit-filled experience.
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As rostered ministers of the Grand Canyon Synod, you have a unique opportunity to share insights and feedback directly with Bishop Hutterer through the annual Report to the Bishop. Your thoughtful participation is not only a commitment but also a valuable contribution to the synod's mission and future planning.
The deadline for submission is March 1, 2024, and the process has been made accessible with online and Word document forms.
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The ELCA calls on congregations to submit the streamlined Annual Congregation Report, Form A, by March 1. This consolidated form simplifies the process, aiding in future church planning and identity assessment.
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