HB2815, known as the 'Yes In God’s Back Yard' bill, received significant support from faith leaders and passed the Arizona House with a 38-21 vote. Advocacy by the religious community, including Bishop Deborah Hutterer, played a pivotal role in raising awareness and influencing lawmakers. Read more on the Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA) site.
Read MoreThe 2024 Synod Assembly nominating committee is calling for nominations for synod council members, committee positions, and Churchwide Assembly voting members. Embrace this opportunity to serve and lead within the Grand Canyon Synod by submitting your nominations by April 22, 2024. Your participation is crucial in shaping the future of our church. View our nominations page for full info.
Read MoreLooking for fresh inspiration of ways to care for your body – through movement, nutrition, or meditation? Portico reminds us that Burnalong’s daily calendar links to a different short online course each day. March features fun recipes and kitchen tips, just in time for National Nutrition Month.
Read MoreJust as every Sunday is a “little Easter,” every night offers a chance to take a “little sabbath” and restore your body through healing rest. If you have trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or feeling like you’re getting a good night’s sleep, Portico members with ELCA-Primary health coverage have a wealth of resources to help. Since March is National Sleep Awareness month, why not check out Learn to Live’s course on insomnia (use the access PORTICO to register), or the Being Academy’s course on sleep.
Read MoreTwo helpful tax guides are now available for church personnel. Portico provides rostered ministers and congregations participating in the ELCA benefit program with access to no-cost tax guides available on myPortico and EmployerLink.
The Clergy Tax Return Preparation Guide by Richard R. Hammar gives special attention to tax-related topics most relevant to ministers. Federal Reporting Requirements for Churches helps congregations understand their federal tax-reporting requirements.
Read MoreDiakonia recently hosted a webinar on Christian Nationalism in America at Peace Lutheran Church, which is available for viewing here. The event, structured in three informative sessions, explored its definition, history, theological aspects, and practical responses. Experts guided attendees through understanding this phenomenon in the context of faith and national identity.
Read MoreAs part of our Creating Space for Conversations series, we share this video from the ELCA’s "Study Curriculum on Civic Life and Faith." Watch the video as a standalone resource, or explore the full set of the curriculum, including leader’s guides.
Read MoreJoin us as an exhibitor at the 2024 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly! Engage with assembly participants through interactive displays that highlight the vital work of your ministry. Register by May 20, 2024, to secure your spot and be a part of our mission-driven community.
Read MoreThe 2024 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly is now accepting resolutions from members. Ensure your voice is heard by submitting your resolutions in line with the required guidelines by April 22, 2024.
Read MoreWeek 3 of “Following the Way of Jesus: A Lenten Holy Land Journey” is: Week 3: Belovedness in the Wilderness with Rev. Fursan Zu'mot.
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 the Lutheran Faith Community Nurse Association's event on March 14, 2024, for an insightful session on "How Loneliness Influences Health and What Nurses Can Do to Help," led by Dr. Laurie Theeke. Learn about loneliness as a unique health stressor and explore interventions to support those feeling isolated within our communities. View this PDF for more info or visit their website.
Read MoreAs we continue our 2024 Lenten Challenge, let’s explore the intersection of Lent and mental health with daily wellness activities. Commit to self-care this Lenten season by incorporating at least one wellness activity into your routine, enhancing your spiritual journey with physical and mental well-being.
Read MoreCampformation Summer 2024 offers a transformative week of faith, fun, and fellowship for 6th graders and above in Prescott, AZ. Join for spiritual growth amid nature's splendor! For more details, view this PDF or visit Lutheran Campformation. Register today for this June 23-28, 2024 experience.
Read MoreAlthea was living in a place with no heat or running water before she came to Living Innovations. She now has redefined her life, is happy and has a great relationship with her host home provider. The post Taking Charge of Her Life, Althea Excels is available on the Mosaic site.
Read MoreWartburg Theological Seminary Alumni from our Grand Canyon Synod are gathering in Tucson for a "Burger Bash" with President Kristin Johnson Largen on Friday, March 8th, 5:00 - 8:00 pm, at the home of Rev. Amalia Vagts ('21) and David Lester. Burgers & brews provided, bring a dish to pass. RSVP or questions: pastoramalia@lutherantucson.org.
Read MoreRegistration for the 2024 Synod Assembly is now open for both voting members and visitors. Take advantage of early bird pricing for voting members by April 15, or register by May 20, 2024, for standard rates. Visitors can also secure their spots for a unique assembly experience.
Read MoreArizona Faith Network's February newsletter highlights an array of upcoming events and calls to action that encourage community involvement and advocacy. Notably, the Arizona Mass Poor People’s and Low-Wage Workers’ Moral March aims to mobilize voters around critical issues, while a series on American Christian Nationalism seeks to educate and engage participants on pressing sociopolitical matters. Additionally, there are opportunities for spiritual enrichment through AFN Monday Meditation and informative sessions on refugee resettlement, all reinforcing AFN's commitment to faith-based social justice and intercommunity dialogue.
Read MoreThe Office of the Bishop celebrates the Installation of Pastor Chris Heller at Esperanza Lutheran in Phoenix, continues to prepare for our synod assembly and work on our yearly audit.
Read MoreThis week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Jeremy Nausin, Holy Spirit, Las Vegas, who celebrates 9 years on March 1.
Rev. Elaine Watskey, who celebrates 21 years on March 1.
Rev. Timothy Wright, Community of Grace, Peoria, who celebrates 40 years on March 4.
Rev. Jonathan Linman, Faith, Phoenix, who celebrates 35 years on March 4.
Lutheran Summer Music Academy & Festival (LSM) is a residential academy for high school musicians. Students study with nationally recognized faculty, and are immersed in musical experiences through large ensembles (Choir, Band and Symphony Orchestra), chamber music, private lessons, elective classes, ongoing recitals and concerts.
Students also experience a welcoming and joyful community that worships together daily, offering musical gifts through Lutheran liturgy and hymnody. LSM 2024 takes place at Valparaiso University in Indiana from June 30-July 28 and is open to students who have completed grades 8-12. Spots for LSM 2024 are filling fast! Nominate a student today at LSMacademy.org/nominate.
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