This week, the Office of the Bishop observes Holy Week. We invite you to join us in prayer and contemplation. Please note that in observance of Good Friday, our office will be closed. May this Holy Week be a time of profound reflection and renewal for you and your loved ones.
Read MoreThis week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. William Timm, Gloria de Cristo, Yuma, who celebrates 43 years on March 29.
Deacon Glenda Blegen, who celebrates 18 years on April 2.
Rev. Adele Resmer, who celebrates 37 years on April 5.
The 2024 Synod Assembly welcomes Deacon John Weit, ELCA’s Executive for Worship, as our churchwide representative. His leadership and expertise in worship will play a crucial role, especially as he assists us with our Bishop election process. Read more about our 2024 assembly here.
Read More“He has been raised; he is not here.” —Mark 16:6
This year, journeying through Lent as well as the spring gatherings around our synod, I was heartened by the joy of our most basic calling: sharing the Good News.
At gatherings of conferences in Las Vegas, Tucson, Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Sedona, a portion of our time was dedicated to simple open mic sessions, introduced by conference deans, where leaders of our congregations and ministries proclaimed the wonders of God's work in their communities. The feedback we received was clear: we live in a world desperate to hear any kind of good news.
Read MoreIn this week's Arizona Faith Network newsletter, highlights include Arizona Gives Day for collective philanthropy, Monday Meditation sessions for spiritual nourishment, a webinar series on dismantling American Christian Nationalism, and crucial workshops on racism and community building. Additionally, the newsletter calls for action to protect public lands and offers opportunities for engagement with the state's initiative verification process.
Read MoreThis is your last chance to purchase Festival access before our prices increase! May 13-16, 2024, Pittsburgh, PA or Digitally from Anywhere. Registration costs will rise after April 2nd, and we don't want you to miss this opportunity to save. Will you join us at the Festival? Learn More & Register.
We look forward to this week of preaching, worship, and communal replenishment every single year. This May we'll be hearing from the likes of Otis Moss III, Pádraig Ó Tuama, and Emilie M. Townes; enjoying Beer & Hymns with the Fleshpots of Egypt; and pausing & reflecting with Taize prayer, yoga, and more. All in the innovative and energetic city of Pittsburgh!
Read MoreThe Faith and Community Engagement Manager will work as part of the Fund Development Team to advance the mission of Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest (LSS-SW) with donors, volunteers, congregations, and other partners throughout the Phoenix metro area. The ideal candidate is a natural networker who enjoys making connections between people and building community. Get more info and apply here.
Read MoreYou are invited to join Faith/La Fe Evangelical Lutheran Church (801 East Camelback in Phoenix) for The Great Vigil of Easter at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 30, 2024.
Gathering in the courtyard after sunset, the new fire will be lit and our new Paschal Candle will be blessed. If you've never experienced an Easter Vigil or it's been awhile, the richness of this liturgy one to attend. All are welcome!
Read MoreJoin the Cactus Conference Women’s Gathering to explore the nexus of Artificial Intelligence and faith. Engage with Brian Flatgard, Director of Communications with the Grand Canyon Synod, to discern how emerging technologies are shaping our spiritual communities and personal beliefs.
“Sea of Galilee meets Silicon Valley: Artificial Intelligence, Faith Communities and Faith” will be held on Saturday, April 13, 2024, 8:30 am – 2:15 pm, at the Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Sun City West, Arizona. View a PDF for info and registration here.
Read MoreAddress loneliness within your community and faith at the 'Loneliness and Christianity' seminar on April 13, 2024, 1-4 pm, at Living Water Lutheran Church, Scottsdale, AZ. Explore Christian responses to loneliness with Rev. Dr. Colleen Windham-Hughes. Register by April 5 for an afternoon of learning and connection, with both in-person and virtual options available. View and share this PDF for more info.
Read MoreThe 2024 Synod Assembly offers flexible lodging options. Attendees are invited to stay at any place that suits them best, with a list of recommended hotels provided for convenience and comfort.
Read MoreWeek 6 of “Following the Way of Jesus: A Lenten Holy Land Journey” is Journey to the Cross, with Rev. Rodny Said.
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: bit.ly/SumudSubscribe You can also learn more at ELCA.org/sumud.
Read MoreApril marks a milestone for West Valley Young Adults, with 11 diverse events planned across new areas of the valley. This expansion aims to attract members from near the ASU West Campus, Surprise, and Arrowhead, fostering a larger, more vibrant community. Join us in this exciting venture to connect and grow together.
Read MoreThe Office of the Bishop travels to Christ Lutheran in Sedona for the High Country Conference Spring Gathering, Mar 23, 2024, 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM. We also share photos from the Installation of Rev. Amy Janssen at Tanque Verde Lutheran in Tucson, our in-person staff meeting and more.
Read MoreThis week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Heriberto Prudencio, who celebrates 34 years on March 25.
The Rev. Kerry Neuhardt, Church of Our Saviour, Lakeside, who celebrates 41 years on March 25.
Read Blessed Tomorrow's April 2024 newsletter for a comprehensive look at engaging climate action events and initiatives. From celebrating the American Climate Leadership Awards to participating in the National Faith + Climate Forum, this newsletter invites you to contribute to meaningful climate advocacy and resilience efforts. Learn from leaders, join impactful webinars, and take action during Earth Month with Blessed Tomorrow.
Read MoreStay connected with the Arizona Faith Network through their latest newsletter. From meditations and educational webinars on American Christian Nationalism to initiatives for hunger and housing advocacy, as well as a significant focus on faith in elections and environmental care, there's a diverse range of opportunities to deepen your faith and contribute to the community. Strengthen your civic infrastructure, support IRC Phoenix Welcome Center, and participate in creating a just and compassionate world.
Read MoreAs part of our Creating Space for Conversations series, we share a PDF of an article by Darrell Jodock, The United States, a Chosen Nation?, from A Chosen Nation?, an issue of Word and World, Luther Seminary’s journal of theology.
Read MoreThere are at least two ways to think about the United States as a “chosen nation”: aspirational and exclusivistic. The danger of the latter, which has gained some currency, is that it assumes that America is (or was) already a divinely chosen nation whose actions are blessed by God, rather than a nation that has decided to hold itself to a higher (yet unrealized) standard. —Darrell Jodock
Get ready for the 2024 Synod Assembly by learning how your congregation can determine its number of voting members. Be sure to include new opportunities to include youth, people of color, or non-English speakers. Join us in Mesa this June for a powerful gathering of faith and fellowship.
Read MoreThank you to everyone participating in the 2024 Lenten Challenge! Your commitment enriches our community and supports ELCA World Hunger. Remember, it's never too late to join or donate. Let's continue making a difference together during this Lenten season.
Read More
