In this report, Tanque Verde Lutheran in Tucson shares a video about their chapel renovation, made possible partially with help from a Grand Canyon Synod ACTS Grant.
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In this report, Spirit of Hope Lutheran in Mesa shares that their upgrades to their PC and audio and video hardware is complete, with help from a Grand Canyon Synod ACTS Grant.
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The pandemic has resulted in years of isolation, anxiety, loss and grief. In her May column for Living Lutheran, ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton reminds us that we can “remain isolated and reactive, or we can live as the new creation in Christ and be a witness to the world of the reconciliation we have received from God.” Read her column in English at https://bit.ly/3sHQkOL and in Spanish at https://bit.ly/3PwkzCm.
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In recognition of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, I share the journey of my achievements and struggles as a person of Asian descent in our church, and in our nation.
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Millions of people are suffering the consequences of Russia’s war against Ukraine. As devastation sweeps the region and millions are forced to flee their homes, we are beginning to see the long-term consequences the war will have for food security in Ukraine and around the globe.
In this video, the Rev. Daniel Rift talks with Rev. Rachel Eskesen and Dr. Ryan Cummingabout conflict, hunger and the ELCA’s response in Eastern Europe.
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Peace Not Walls shares responses to the killing of Palestinian-American journalist Shireen Abu Akleh from Association of Lutherans of Arab and Middle Eastern Heritage, Bishop Sani Ibrahim Azar, and World Council of Churches. Read and listen to NPR coverage here.
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Our unity as Christians is through Jesus Christ, the One who embodies God's grace among us. Every day we dive into our baptism, through which God promises grace and mercy and draws us out to love and serve neighbors.
Yet, there are times when, even in our unity, we do not agree. The people of this church and this country have various and perhaps contrasting responses to the Supreme Court's leaked draft opinion on abortion. Regardless of where each of us stands on the issue, the ELCA's 1991 social statement on abortion speaks to all of us.
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In this report, Rev. Charles Newman of Crossroads Lutheran Church in San Tan Valley shares the Crossroads story in this video.
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In this report, Rev. David Chavez shares a video (English with Spanish subtitles) on the joint Episcopal/Lutheran Borderlands ministry, and we also share a slideshow from Cruzando Fronteras and Casa de la Misericordia y de Todos las Naciones.
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It can be hard to feel God’s restorative presence in these times. In the midst of violence towards each other and the Earth, I often wonder how the Holy Spirit is realizing God’s promise of resurrection in our lives and in our world.
For me, one answer is with the people and relationships in my life.An opportunity for regenerative relationship in my position as a Hunger Advocacy Fellow comes from my work with the EcoFaith Network of the Northeastern Minnesota Synod.
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In Café, a publication of the Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (WELCA), Wanda Frenchman shares her wisdom about learning to live again as she celebrates the joy of the Resurrection. Read in this post or at boldcafe.org.
The song, “Times like these” by the popular rock band, Foo Fighters, came to life for me recently as I heard it performed live at a concert—one of the few that I attended since the pandemic began.
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In this report, Diakonia shares a video with a great recap of Diakonia’s past, present, and exciting new future.
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In this report, St. Raphael in the Valley in Benson shares how “Episcopal/Lutheran churches often tend to lean more toward one denomination than another. At St Raphael, we are embarked on a grand experiment to embrace more fully the richness of both the Episcopal and the ELCA Lutheran traditions. A year ago, we began a consultation with Bishop Hutterer and Bishop Reddall to develop a ministry support plan.”
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I am not a practicing Lutheran. Although many of my relatives and ancestors are, I grew up in a secular family, attending church only for Christmas Eve services and the occasional baptism or funeral. As you might imagine, it was an unusual path that led me to this year of being an ELCA Hunger Advocacy Fellow, of learning to navigate through new communities, new opportunities and new insights.
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May is Mental Health Awareness Month and Bishop Eaton reminds us that caring for our mental health is not a sign of weakness, it’s a sign of courage, faithfulness and hope.
In this report, California Lutheran’s Thriving Leadership Formation Program shares an introduction video, and reminds anyone seeking spiritual community to join them to deepen friendship and your spiritual practice. Open to rostered and lay leaders.
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In this post, California Lutheran University and Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary say thank you via video, share PDF reports (Cal Lutheran, PLTS).
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Inside Out Network, new to our synod, shares their 2022 assembly report with two stories—one long and winding, and one short and sweet—both in the same Spirit.
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The Arizona State University Lutheran Campus Ministry shares their 2022 assembly report in this video.
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A message from Deacon Tammy Jones West, 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering Program Director…
First, there is no curtain but for a peek into the behind-the-scenes happenings of the ELCA Youth Gathering, let me start with my first few months on staff. Let me introduce you to the people who are called to serve this ministry at the ELCA.