This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Peter Perry, St. John’s, Glendale, who celebrates 27 years on February 23.
Rev. Kaila Armbruster, Crossroads, San Tan Valley, who celebrates 10 years on February 23.
Rev. Paul Block, New Song, Henderson, who celebrates 23 years on February 24.
Rev. Robert Crabb, who celebrates 29 years on February 26.
Rev. Christopher Heller, Mountain View, Phoenix, who celebrates 14 years on February 28.
March 2024's Blessed Tomorrow newsletter emphasizes the urgent need for faith communities to engage in climate action. Highlights include the National Faith + Climate Forum on April 16, ecoAmerica ACLA semifinalists announcement, Earth Day tabling kits, and resources for the 2024 election to motivate climate-conscious voting. Additionally, it features insights from Rev. Jim Antal on the significance of election sermons in faith communities and showcases the impactful actions of Blessed Tomorrow Ambassadors.
Read MoreExplore enriching events and initiatives with the Arizona Faith Network in their latest newsletter. From the 'Connection to Nature' community gathering and the 'I, Too, Sing America' Black History Month Film Festival to insightful webinars on American Christian Nationalism and engaging youth in interfaith dialogue. Plus, opportunities for poll monitors for the upcoming elections.
Read MoreJoin Dr. Alicia Granholm for Faith+Lead's free video series, 'How to Take Your Next Faithful Step,' starting Feb. 19, 2024. This four-part series, each less than 20 minutes a day, explores the cultural and church challenges impacting ministry today. Discover theological commitments, core tasks of ministry, and key pivots for a faithful future in ministry. Ideal for leaders seeking resources, facing leadership burdens, or longing for active congregational participation. Register for insights on transforming challenges into opportunities.
Read More"Segment Two Coach Training" by Faith+Lead is an advanced eight-week live program designed for coaches and faith leaders looking to deepen their expertise. Participants who have completed Segment One or are in the process can earn 16 ICF credits, refining skills for transformative ministry and leadership. This $375 course, led by Dr. Dawn Alitz, offers immersive labs, personalized feedback, and a path to ICF credentialing, preparing leaders for lasting impact in their communities. Sessions run March 11th - May 6th and September 30th - November 18th, 2024.
Read MoreIn "Segment One Basic Skills Coach Training," faith leaders learn empowering coaching methods to support their communities. This comprehensive program, spanning nine sessions, teaches skills like powerful questioning and affirming language. Participants practice real-life coaching, work towards ICF credentialing, and explore how to facilitate growth and active listening. Offered at $375, the course aims to equip leaders with tools to help others identify their paths aligned with God's calling. Courses are led by experienced instructors, Rev. Dr. Nathan Swenson-Reinhold and Rev. Dr. Dawn Alitz, providing a rich learning environment.
Read More"Dare to Lead for Faith Leaders" offers faith leaders an opportunity to apply Brené Brown's insights to their roles. Starting March 5th, 2024, this six-session training focuses on developing daring leadership skills, enhancing self-awareness, and fostering authentic connections. Participants will explore the balance between vulnerability and professional authenticity, aiming to lead their faith communities with courage and integrity. The program, led by Sarah Ciavarri, aims to equip leaders with practical wisdom for the 21st-century church.
Read MoreJoin Jorge Acevedo for "Burned Out and Overwhelmed: Experiencing God’s Healing Presence on the Ancient Paths," a workshop offering practical wisdom and ancient spiritual practices to combat pastoral burnout. Scheduled for February 29, 2024, this session aims to reconnect Christian leaders with foundational spiritual disciplines, providing tools for peace, resilience, and holistic well-being amidst the challenges of modern ministry.
Read MoreJoin the Office of the Bishop this Black History Month in exploring MasterClass's "Black History, Black Freedom, and Black Love," a powerful series led by seven preeminent Black scholars. This initiative aims to deepen our understanding of America's racial history and present, and envision a future anchored in justice and love.
Read MoreAs part of our Creating Space for Conversations series, we share a PDF of an article by Miles Hopgood, Sacred Histories: Martin Luther on the Chosenness of Nations, from A Chosen Nation?, an issue of Word and World, Luther Seminary’s journal of theology.
Read MoreIn considering the idea of any nation as “chosen” of God, Martin Luther understands that such a relationship would have to be relational at its core, a relation between God and a group of people. But this relationship would be proclaimed by God and not something that individuals or groups could claim. Though Israel was chosen by God, this passed to the true, invisible church.—Miles Hopgood
Religious leaders across Arizona, including Bishop Hutterer, rallied at the state Capitol to support legislative efforts aimed at alleviating the affordable housing crisis. They advocated for a bill, “Yes in God’s Backyard,” to permit religious institutions to develop affordable housing on their properties. Read or listen to the article from KJZZ here, and read the Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona article here.
Read MoreThe Center of Addiction & Faith is set to host an enlightening webinar titled "Addiction & Ending It For Good," featuring Christina Dent, the visionary founder of End It For Good, on Wednesday, Feb. 28th, 2024 1pm MST, 2pm PST. This free, one-hour session will explore revolutionary approaches to understanding and addressing drug addiction—a journey from a punitive to a health-centered perspective. Register here.
Read MoreWeek 1 of “Following the Way of Jesus: A Lenten Holy Land Journey” is: Sumud the Way of Jesus with Ranan Issa Abu Shanab at the Church of Annunciation.
Sumud is the ELCA’s new name for our church’s engagement in accompaniment, awareness-building and advocacy for justice in Palestine and Israel. Sign up for updates about Sumud and upcoming events at: https://www.bit.ly/SumudSubscribe You can also learn more at https://www.ELCA.org/sumud.
Read MoreJoin Region 2's 2024 Lenten Challenge and embrace "Daily Declutter" as a path to spiritual renewal. Simplify your space and mind, making room for growth this Lenten season.
Read MoreJoin Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest for a day of inspiration and community at their Building Foundations Luncheon on February 29th, 2024, 11:15 am at the Hilton Double Tree - Reid Park, in Tucson. The theme is A Journey Of Faith.
Read MoreDon’t miss the last chance to apply for the Scholarship for International Travel, available to Grand Canyon Synod pastors ordained for 10 years or less. Explore enriching landscapes and broaden your horizons. Apply between January 1 and March 1, 2023, and embark on a journey of learning and spiritual growth.
Read MoreConclude the 'Aging with Grace' series on February 28th at Community of Grace with Ms. Alma Init, RN, discussing 'Ending with Grace.' Delve into end-of-life care considerations, including hospice and palliative care processes. This compassionate and informative session will provide valuable insights into ensuring dignity and care in life’s final stages, coupled with a focus on self-care for caregivers.
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 MoreThe ELCA calls on its congregations and rostered ministers to complete the simplified Annual Congregation Report by March 1, 2024. This streamlined Form A is crucial for the ELCA's understanding of church vitality and planning. For forms and assistance, visit the ELCA website or contact the secretary's office.
Additionally, the Rostered Minister Report to the Bishop offers a direct communication line to Bishop Hutterer, also due by March 1. Your timely submissions reflect our collective identity and resourcefulness, helping us be a united church in mission.
Read MoreThe National Fund for Sacred Places is accepting letters of intent (LOIs) until Thursday, February 29th at 11:59 EST. The LOI is the first step in a two-step application process. To access the LOI form, please visit fundforsacredplaces.org/apply.
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.
Read MoreMosaic is a values-led organization, and those values come alive in the lives of the people we support. Read about the success Mosaic experienced in Fiscal Year 2023 in providing high-quality, personalized services and in meeting our financial goals. Read the full post Mosaic Success Demonstrates Values in Action on Mosaic.
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