Traveling for work and vacation are on the staff schedule, as well as developing resources for synod leaders. We also share a photo from the Rostered Leaders of Color Cohort retreat.
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Join the Interim Ministry Association on Sep 18, 2023, 10am PDT/MST, 11am MDT, for a free webinar on Transition Consulting provided by the Interim Ministry Association. Learn how these specially trained facilitators help congregations navigate the interim period between pastors and the training required to become one.
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The August/September update from ELCA's advocacy office covers urgent matters such as FEMA's funding crisis, clean energy tax credits for churches, efforts in the Farm Bill reauthorization, growing support for the Afghan Adjustment Act, and international funding decisions. These updates underline the pressing issues that call for advocacy, reflection, and action in our society.
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We pray for Pastor Adele Stiles Resmer and the family and friends of Rev. Larry Resmer Stiles, who died unexpectedly after a fall on August 16, 2023.
A celebration of life will be held Saturday, September 9, 2023, 11 am, at The Fountains, A United Methodist Church, 15300 N Fountain Hills Blvd., Fountain Hills, AZ 85268. There will be no clergy vesting. There will be a brief reception following. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to the borderlands ministry of Cruzando Fronteras.
We will provide updates as we receive them.
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In an ELCA blog post, ELCA Hunger shares how Calvary Lutheran Church in Perham, Minnesota, has been honored with the Northwestern Minnesota Synod's "Holy Cow Award" for the third time. Recognized for their unwavering support for missions, the church recently donated $12,500 to ELCA World Hunger. While proud of the award, the church's focus remains on its proactive giving spirit, viewing the award as a reflection of their core values rather than a goal in itself.
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Addressing Christian Nationalism in this video message, Bishop Eaton says this dangerous ideology “is a perversion of the gospel and a threat to our democracy. It’s precisely because I love my country that I warn against it.”
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The Grand Canyon Synod invites applications for Project Support Grants and ACTS Grants for 2024. With $218,000 available for supporting congregations and strategic ministries, these grants align with the Synod's goals and visions. Don't miss this opportunity to fund projects ranging from educational materials to outreach efforts. Check the eligibility, apply by October 30, 2023, and make your ministry's vision a reality.
We will also provide an application webinar on Tuesday, September 26, 2023, 4:30pm PDT/MST, 5:30pm MDT. Click here to register.
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Stay up-to-date with the August 2023 Worship News from the ELCA Worship, including resources for "God's work. Our hands." Sunday, a new addition to teach kids about worship through "All Creation Sings," and opportunities for spiritual growth and musical inspiration with Music that Makes Community.
Whether you are a congregation leader or a choir director, explore these resources and upcoming events that can enhance your spiritual practices and communal connections.
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The harrowing experience of ELCA pastor Alvin Erickson's daughter being victimized by sex trafficking led to the creation of a vital ministry called Adults Saving Kids. This nonprofit seeks to equip parents and grandparents with the tools and knowledge to protect their children from the subtle and sophisticated dangers of modern society.
The organization provides valuable courses and guidance on nurturing wisdom and resilience in young ones to safeguard them from potential harm. Read more in Living Lutheran about the journey of turning a tragic event into a mission for proactive prevention.
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“One of the most challenging countries I ever worked in” by Mark Mullan
Water in the desert by Roger Kalimira
Explore a reflective meditation from Rev. Drew Tucker on Galatians 5:22-26, focusing on the fruits of the Spirit. In a world where division often reigns, Tucker's insights offer a timely reminder of the virtues we must cultivate. He draws parallels between the conflicts of the early Galatian church and our modern struggles, urging us to practice love, joy, peace, and other spiritual gifts intentionally. Find inspiration for your spiritual journey by reading more at Living Lutheran.
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Explore Luther Seminary's on-demand course, “Faith, Lies & Spies: Bonhoeffer and You,” and embark on a journey to connect faith with societal engagement. Inspired by the radical and courageous life of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, this immersive experience, led by Dr. Andy Root, aims to deepen your conviction and prepare you for deliberate action in today's divisive world. Join the course to find your voice in the church's mission for justice. Click to learn more about bridging the gap between faith and meaningful societal change.
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Explore the latest initiatives and events in the latest ELCA Seeds Monthly, including the 10th anniversary of "God's work. Our hands." Sunday, the Future Church vision, remembrance for Indian boarding schools, and various opportunities for congregational engagement. Join us in this journey of love, healing, and transformation, and discover how you can be part of making God's love real in the world today.
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Revitalize your congregation's preaching with "The People's Sermon," a collaborative program led by Rev. Dr. Shauna Hannan for the Grand Canyon Synod. Through six enriching sessions, increase biblical understanding, encourage new voices, and enhance sermonic illustrations. Learn more about this transformative opportunity in this PDF flyer and this post.
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The ELCA mission support memo for July, 2023 is available as a PDF, as a Word doc, or in this blog post. Join ELCA Mission Support in reflecting on the 2023 Rostered Ministers Gathering in Phoenix. A melting pot of leadership, faith, and inspiration, this gathering fostered connections and reinforced the importance of Mission Support. Learn about the enlightening messages, workshops, and the ongoing mission work that is made possible through the generosity of ELCA members.
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Embark on a transformative journey with Excellence in Leadership (EiL), a unique program from Rocky Mountain Synod designed to foster courageous, resilient, and faithful leaders. Integrating five key leadership theories and spiritual practices, EiL is open to anyone interested in personal growth and effective leadership.
Registration for 2024-25 is now open; don't miss this opportunity to enhance your leadership skills for the benefit of yourself and the world around you. For more info, view a PDF flyer, watch this video, or read on. 18 month programs will run September 2023 - March 2025, 13 month program will run January 2024 - January 2025.
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Some members of the Office of the Bishop staff attend the Rostered Leaders of Color Cohort retreat, travel for meetings and vacations and family, and maintain smooth operations.
We also share photos from our in-person office gathering, and the Ordination and Installation of Wyatt Linde.
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This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Deborah Hutterer, who celebrates 19 years on August 18.
Rev. Brent Maxwell, Gloria Christi, Phoenix, who celebrates 16 years on August 19.
Rev. Kurt Fangmeier, Living Christ, Flagstaff, who celebrates 22 years on August 19.
Rev. Marilyn Ascarza, who celebrates 33 years on August 19.
Rev. Scott Hackler, Spirit of Grace, Surprise, who celebrates 34 years on August 20.
Rev. Michael Purcell, who celebrates 45 years on August 20.
Rev. Barbara Rapp, who celebrates 30 years on August 21.
Rev. Martha Neff Stum, who celebrates 13 years on August 21.
Rev. Loren Swanson, who celebrates 52 years on August 22.
Rev. Gary Garvey, who celebrates 41 years on August 22.
Rev. Carlyle Smith, who celebrates 59 years on August 23.
Rev. Naomi Barcanic, who celebrates 26 years on August 24.
Lord of Grace Lutheran Church in Tucson has an opening for a Preschool Director. Our preschool is well established with an enrollment of 120 students. We are looking for someone with a love of children and an ability to share God's love through teaching and by supporting our teaching staff. If interested, please contact Carolyn Bernheim at cbernheim@yahoo.com.
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Lutheran Disaster Response reminds us to mark our calendars for "God's Work. Our Hands." Sunday on September 10, 2023, as we celebrate a decade of community service. Engage in activities ranging from assembling preparedness kits to advocating for disaster relief policies. Join hands with your congregation and community to foster resilience, compassion, and love. Find out how to participate in this inspiring day of action at ELCA.org.
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