Posts in News
2023 Triennial Gathering Focuses on “Just Love”

Nearly 800 women from across the country converged on the Phoenix Convention Center to learn, grow, worship and serve together during Women of the ELCA’s 2023 Just Love Gathering, Sept. 21-24, 2023. Workshops, Bible studies and plenaries covered a range of topics, including immigration, human trafficking, climate change, the Truth and Healing Movement and allyship. View photos of the event here and read a full summary here.

Servant events allowed women to give back by donating blood, making quilts for Lutheran World Relief, participating in the “Run, Walk and Roll” 5K to benefit Women of the ELCA’s Raising Up Healthy Women and Girls initiative, donating in-kind gifts for Phoenix-area non-profits, and knitting and crocheting “Knitted Knockers” breast prostheses.

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God's Love Made Real: A Conversation with Presiding Bishop Eaton

All members of synod congregations are invited to learn about the God's Love Made Real movement from Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton. Bishop Craig Schweitzer of the Western North Dakota Synod will serve as the host of this online event on Tuesday, 10/17/2023, 10-10:30am PDT/MST, 11-11:30am MDT. Registration is encouraged but not required; you may just join the meeting via this Zoom link.

God's Love Made Real encourages the ELCA to create a world experiencing the difference God's grace and love in Christ make for all people and creation. Bishop Eaton will share in a personal way, through examples, stories, and questions and answers, why God’s Love Made Real is vital to her and this church. 

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Awaken Your Spiritual Potential: A Transformative Learning Journey for Impactful Living

Discover and embrace your unique spiritual gifts with "Exploring Your Gifts and Talents," a transformative and strategic course from Luther Seminary’s faith+lead designed to empower congregation members to unearth their spiritual gifts and apply them in impactful ways within their communities and churches. Engage in this enriching learning experience, align your God-given purpose with your inherent talents, and answer the world’s deep need.

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Breaking the Chains of Poverty: Women Leading Change in Malawi

In Malawi, where over 70% of the population lives in poverty and hunger rates are alarmingly high, self-help groups are proving to be a beacon of hope, especially for women. These groups, initiated by the Evangelical Lutheran Development Service with support from ELCA World Hunger, are empowering women with knowledge, financial aid, and community support, enabling them to secure alternative income sources and combat food insecurity effectively, even amid catastrophes like Cyclone Freddy. Read more in Living Lutheran.

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Final Call: Register as a commuter for the Bishop’s Fall Gathering Now!

This is your last chance to be part of the 2023 Bishop's Fall Gathering. Connect, share, and grow in your spiritual journey under the guidance of Bishop Deborah Hutterer and our special guest speakers. All rooms are sold out, but there’s still room for commuters.

Embrace the beauty of the Franciscan Renewal Center, enjoy delectable meals, and enrich your soul. Registration closes on 10/9/2023. Don't miss out!

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Lutheran World Federation newsletter: 9/29/2023
Forge Your Path: Lay Leadership Education for Modern Ministry

Embark on a transformative journey with the School for Lay Ministry, starting this October from Luther Seminary’s faith+lead. This unique learning community offers lay leaders a blend of on-demand coursework and live sessions, covering a spectrum of essential topics from sermon crafting to digital age spirituality. Whether you're a new leader or looking to deepen your faith and skills, this program is a gateway to impactful leadership in your faith community.Learn more and register here.

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Elevate Your Impact: Advanced Coaching for Faith Leaders

Elevate your coaching journey with Segment Two Coaching Training, an intensive eight-week program from Luther Seminary’s faith+lead designed to refine coaching expertise and navigate real-world scenarios. Ideal for faith leaders and coaches, this program offers hands-on training, continuous education, and expert guidance to lead profound transformations in ministry and personal growth. Dive deeper into advanced coaching skills, earn ICF-recognized training hours, and make a sustainable impact. Discover more about this opportunity here.

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Contemplative Resilience: The Rural Church Cohort Journey

The Thriving Leadership Formation project invites you to explore a journey of spiritual rejuvenation and contemplative action with the Rural Church Cohort, a haven for church leaders amidst institutional transition and cultural turbulence. This group, meeting every Thursday via Zoom starting October 19, 2023, provides a creative and compassionate space for exploring Christian life and spiritual practices, especially focusing on leaders from rural communities. Discover more about this endeavor of spirituality, care, and friendship, by clicking here.

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Bishop Eaton's National Day of Remembrance for Indian Boarding Schools message

Saturday, September 30, 2023, is the National Day of Remembrance for Indian Boarding Schools. In her video, Bishop Eaton reminds us that this church is committed to understanding our role in the tragic and sinful history of Indian boarding schools so that we can begin to heal together. Visit ELCA.org/IndianBoardingSchools to learn more.

You can participate by wearing an orange shirt and posting a photo of yourself, members of your congregation or community on social media. #ELCA #TruthAndHealing #DayOfRemembrance.

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Moving Together: A Glimpse into Faith & Unity in Zambia

Experience the vibrancy of faith and community life in Zambia with ELCA Global Missionary Pastor Kristin Engstrom. From notable events like the 2023 ELCZa Church Assembly and Service of Ordination in Zambezi to the joyful moments of the Lusaka District Youth Camp, her September Newsletter is filled with inspiration and divine revelations. Witness how "ti yenda pamozi," or moving together, manifests in this part of the world.

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Harvest of the Heart: Exploring Autumn Stewardship Traditions

Explore the essence and joy of autumn stewardship, a tradition rooted in the agrarian cycle of our ancestors, and discover how ELCA’s Congregational Stewardship Support is nurturing this spirit through events, resources, and thoughtful discussions, aiming to cultivate generous congregations and spread kindness and love in the world. Read more in the Where Your Heart is newsletter.

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Building Bridges of Faith: Upcoming Events from Arizona Faith Network

Join Arizona Faith Network’s upcoming events for profound insights on spirituality, justice, and societal unity. Engage in empowering discussions, experience enriching music and art from various faith traditions, and help in building a compassionate and equitable world. Read more in their weekly newsletter.

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Nourishing the Soul: Spirited Examen from Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center

Embark on a spiritual adventure with the Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center as the Spirited Book Club transitions to the Spirited Examen this fall. Dive deep into reflective practices focusing on strengthening your bonds with God, Creation, and fellow humans. Engage in meaningful online sessions every other Thursday from October 5, 2023. Discover more about this enlightening journey here.

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2023 State Public Policy Office Retreat

From September 17 - 20, the LAMA office hosted the State Public Policy Office (SPPO) directors from Ohio, Kansas, Florida, Wisconsin, Washington, California, New Jersey, Minnesota, Washington DC, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and, of course, Arizona, at Spirit in The Desert Retreat Center in Carefree. The faith based offices gathered together to discuss priorities for the upcoming year, fresh advocacy and engagement strategies, attend lectures and discussions led by guest speaker Amanda Tyler, and welcome the 2023-24 Hunger Advocacy Fellows. This year’s theme was on Keeping the Faith in Times of Divisions, with a focus on Christian nationalism. Read more on the Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona blog.

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Serve & Celebrate: Gathering Volunteer Corps Awaits Your Application

The Gathering Volunteer Corps (GVC) has extended its application deadline to November 1, 2023. GVCs play a crucial role in the Gathering, performing various duties, including ushering and assisting with activities. Applicants should be at least one year past high school and commit to being in New Orleans from July 14 to July 20, 2024. Perks include provided meals and shared lodging accommodations. Don't miss the chance to meet Lutherans from around the world and experience the joy of the ELCA Youth Gathering in the vibrant setting of New Orleans.

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