June/July ELCA Advocacy Updates: U.N. and State Edition

The ELCA Advocacy Network provides a comprehensive update on Lutheran offices for world community and state public policy offices. Some highlights include:

The Lutheran Office for World Community participated in the UN Permanent Forum on People of African Descent.
California held its 4th annual Lutheran Lobby Day, focusing on legislative priorities.
The Rocky Mountain Synod Assembly in Texas is planning advocacy actions.
In Colorado, Juneteenth awareness was raised by the End Slavery Coalition.
Minnesota made legislative advances in clean energy and affordable housing.
Pennsylvania's Lutheran Advocacy Ministry is prioritizing hunger, housing, and climate policy.
In Washington, the Faith Action Network engaged in Pride Month and Juneteenth activities.
Wisconsin's Lutheran Office for Public Policy is addressing age regulations in the justice system and PFAS pollution.

ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardJuly 12, 2023Advocacy, ELCA AdvocacyComment

Ordination celebrations: 7/12/2023

Today we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:

Rev. Abigail Byrd, who celebrates 31 years on July 12.
Rev. Richard Sherrill, Prince of Peace, Phoenix, who celebrates 25 years on July 12.
Rev. Steven Holm, who celebrates 53 years on July 12.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardJuly 12, 2023Ordination AnniversariesComment

David Ellingson: Lingering with the lotus

Embark on a vivid journey with the "Paddle Pilgrim" as he navigates the Mekong River, winding through Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam. In this article from Living Lutheran, David Ellingson recounts the team's adventures on the Mekong. Despite the physical challenges, the river serves as a profound teacher urging them to slow down, observe, and learn from the surroundings. Dive into the full article to experience this adventure for yourself.

ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardJuly 11, 2023Living LutheranComment

Our medieval hymns: “O Sacred Head, Now Wounded”

Discover the rich history of our beloved hymns originating from medieval texts in this article from Living Lutheran. Focusing on the hymn “O Sacred Head, Now Wounded”, the article sheds light on its origins in the writings of 12th-century French abbot Bernard of Clairvaux. Read more to trace its transformation through translations, adaptions, and influences from figures like Martin Luther and J.S. Bach.

ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardJuly 11, 2023Living Lutheran, Martin LutherComment

Good Green News: Summer, 2023

Explore the latest Summer Good Green News from Lutherans Restoring Creation. Discover opportunities for young adults at the Climate Summit and learn about the importance of a peaceful heart for environmental stewardship. Mark your calendars for crucial events and webinars tackling climate change, environmental racism, and green energy. Let's unite in action for the preservation of God's Good Creation. Dive into the full post for more details.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardJuly 11, 2023Climate Change, Lutherans Restoring CreationComment

ELCA Worship Partner Organization Resources and Events: July, 2023

Each month ELCA Worship highlights resources and events from other organizations and institutions. Read the full post on ELCA.org, which includes: Lutheran Summer Music Academy & Festival; Music that Makes Community; Association of Lutheran Church Musicians; ALCM summer 2023 webinars; Augsburg Fortress Events and Resources; Sundays and Seasons:Guide to Worship Planning; Augsburg Summer Music Clinics; Lectionary Mosaics; Sale on ELW Gift and Pocket Editions; and Luther’s Small Catechism App.

ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardJuly 11, 2023ELCA Worship, Ecumenical and Inter-Religious RelationsComment

Climate Theater: The Ants and the Grasshopper

Join facilitator Sheri Brown in viewing hopeful, encouraging, and soul-strengthening films, followed by group discussion and mutual support. Through August 24, 2023, Climate Theater meets online via Zoom on Thursdays at 4pm PDT/MST, 5pm MDT. Register here to receive this month’s Zoom link.

View the trailer for the Ants & the Grasshopper, which will be discussed on July 20 and 27, 2023.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardJuly 11, 2023Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center, Climate ChangeComment

Spirited Book Club: The Seventh Sunrise, by Larry Gordon

The Spirited Book Club welcomes author Larry Gordon, who will reflect on his new memoir, The Seventh Sunrise: A Time to Hear God's Whisper. Sheri Brown facilitates the conversation this month.

The book is discussed in two 60-minute virtual meetings on Thursdays, July 6 & 20 2023 at 2pm PDT/MST, 3pm MDT. Click for reviews, bio and registration.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardJuly 11, 2023Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center, Spirited Book ClubComment

Mission Support Memo: June, 2023

The ELCA mission support memo for June, 2023 is available as PDF, as a Word doc, or in this blog post. This month’s memo features a story from our synods in Pennsylvania and the Wittel Farm Growing Project and FriEDENs Garden, as well as an upcoming stewardship webinar, "Stewardship When Economics Are Uncertain," on August 21, 2023.

ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardJuly 10, 2023Mission Support, StewardshipComment

Mosaic: 20 Years Young & 110 Years Strong

Mosaic is young and energetic, but also old and wise. Two memorable numbers are important at Mosaic this year—20 and 110. As Mosaic, the organization celebrated its 20th anniversary on July 1. But back in February, it also celebrated the 110th anniversary of its founding. In 2023, Mosaic is 20 years young and 110 years strong. Learn why in this blog post, 20 Years Young & 110 Years Strong, which appeared first on Mosaic.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardJuly 10, 2023Mosaic, Disability MinistriesComment

Lutheran World Federation newsletter: 7/7/2023

News, Global ChurchBrian FlatgardJuly 10, 2023Lutheran World FederationComment

Join us at the 2023 Bishop's Fall Gathering

This October 23-25, Bishop Deborah Hutterer invites you to join her at the Franciscan Renewal Center in Scottsdale, Arizona for the 2023 Bishop's Fall Gathering. With the theme of "Be Bold In Your Baptism," our aim is to deepen our emotional and spiritual health together.

We warmly welcome active rostered ministers, retired pastors serving congregations, seminary students, and interns. Retired pastors are welcome to attend — rooms may not be available. Visit our fall gathering page for more info and to register.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardJuly 10, 20232023 Bishop's Fall GatheringComment

Ordination celebrations: 7/10/2023

Today we celebrate the ordination anniversary of Rev. Richard Staats, who celebrates 57 years on July 10.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardJuly 10, 2023Ordination AnniversariesComment

Ordination celebrations: 7/9/2023

Today we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:

Rev. Joshua Auchenbach, Tanque Verde, Tucson, who celebrates 17 years on July 9.
Rev. Timothy Nybroten, Resurrection, Oro Valley, who celebrates 23 years on July 9.
Rev. Daniel Hodgson, who celebrates 56 years on July 9.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardJuly 9, 2023Ordination AnniversariesComment

Discussing Our Environmental Legacy: Join the Spirited Book Club with Larry L. Rasmussen

Join Spirited Book Club online on August 10 & 24 at 2pm PDT/MST, 3pm MDT, as we delve into Larry L. Rasmussen's new book, The Planet You Inherit: Letters to My Grandchildren When Uncertainty’s a Sure Thing.

Explore the nexus of climate change, global citizenship, democracy, and legacy with a renowned environmental ethicist. Let's discuss what our legacy for future generations will be in this era of climate instability and global upheavals. Open to all - bring a friend, share your insights, and create a shared legacy. Register now and become part of the conversation.

Office of the Bishop Updates: 7/7/2023

The Office of the Bishop staff continues to travel for preaching and youth events, attends Best Skills, Best Churches training, and manages the daily and weekly maintenance of the office.

News, Bishop Hutterer, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardJuly 6, 2023Office of the BishopComment

Ordination celebrations: 7/6/2023

Today we celebrate the ordination anniversary of Rev. Arlyn Norris, who celebrates 48 years on July 6.

Summer 2023 Issue of Promise available

Mosaic’s summer 2023 Promise magazine celebrates National Intellectual and Disabilities Month by sharing triumphant achievements made by those we serve when making their own choices. View the Summer 2023 Issue of Promise here.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardJuly 6, 2023Disability Ministries, MosaicComment

Shaping the Future of Climate Advocacy: ELCA's Fall Climate Summit for Young Adults

The ELCA is calling all young adults passionate about addressing the climate crisis to apply for the Fall Climate Summit happening in Chicago, Illinois from October 20-22, 2023. Read more and apply at elca.org.

Whether you're a seasoned climate advocate or just starting on your advocacy journey, this event promises to be a unique opportunity to gain new skills, deepen understanding of climate justice issues, and create an action plan for making a real difference in your community. The application deadline is July 19, 2023.

ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardJuly 5, 2023Climate Change, Youth and Young AdultComment

Truth & Healing Movement resources

Watch the National Indian Lutheran Board’s Panel Discussion, from June 21, 2023
“Read the Truth in July” – consider reading a book written by a Native author and hosting a book discussion. Get some suggestions at Native Reads.
July 16 2023: "Indian 101" class. Led by Vance Blackfox .
July 24 2023: “Introduction to the Truth & Healing Movement". Led by Vance Blackfox.

Descriptions and links for the Truth & Healing Movement are posted on the ELCA's website.

ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardJuly 5, 2023American Indian and Alaska Native, Truth and Healing MovementComment

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