In the latest news from the 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering, we learn regular registration is in full swing!, with the regular registration fee of $425 per person until February 14, 2024. Discover five easy steps to kickstart your planning, from holding an information meeting to exploring the Getting Ready Materials. Plus, learn about the upcoming registration deadlines and the chance to experience the city before the Gathering at the ELCA Youth Ministry Network Extravaganza in January.
Read MoreIn her article for Living Lutheran, discover Maria K. Miller's journey of self-exploration and healing at the "Living Water" retreat in Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camp. Drawing parallels from Jesus' encounter with the Samaritan woman, Miller's powerful story of emotional release and finding faith in the midst of grief is a testament to the transformative power of spiritual surrender and the healing properties of nature.
Read MoreLiving Lutheran magazine is transitioning to a digital future, continuing its legacy of sharing faith stories and church news in a new, more accessible format. In this Living Lutheran article, discover how this change reflects their enduring commitment to embracing new ways of connecting and communicating within our faith community.
Read MoreMaximize the impact of your year-end charitable giving with Thrivent Choice. Contribute to the Grand Canyon Synod or choose from over 40,000 organizations, and Thrivent will cover all processing fees, ensuring your entire donation benefits your chosen cause. Visit the GCS page to give through Thrivent Choice to make your contribution count.
Read MoreThe ELCA Foundation's recent Insights newsletter highlights the importance of generosity during this season of thankfulness. It offers smart ways to give before 2023 ends, critical factors to consider when giving, a recorded webinar on estate planning and charitable giving, and information about the Ministry Growth Fund for ELCA congregations and affiliates. Additionally, it spotlights ELCA Good Gifts, offering unique charitable gifts to honor loved ones while making a difference globally.
Read MoreELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton will be on a 4-to-6-month leave of absence starting November 17, 2023. During this period, former Southeastern Iowa Synod Bishop, Rev. Michael Burk, will serve as Presiding Bishop Pro Tem. We are grateful for Bishop Eaton's dedication and leadership and keep her in our prayers as she takes this time for rest and rejuvenation.
Read MoreJoin us in celebrating the unity and diversity of our faith at the “Blessed Together” All Saints Sunday event. Members from Emmanuel Sudanese Lutheran Fellowship, St. John’s Lutheran Church, and Vida Nueva Iglesia Luterana gathered in a vibrant worship and picnic, sharing cultures, traditions, and the spirit of stewardship. We share photos and reflections on the blessing of community, from the joy of baptism to the honored memory of those we've lost.
Read MoreWelcome our new Transition Coach, Pastor Phil Gustafson, an experienced leader and Coordinator of ELCA Coaches in the Grand Canyon Synod, and join us in thanking Pastor Glenn Zimbelman for his exceptional service. Pastor Phil is set to continue guiding our community through transformative times.
Read MorePotencia tu liderazgo en justicia climática con nuestro programa de certificación en línea transcontinental, disponible de febrero a noviembre de 2024 (PDF). Desarrolla habilidades morales, espirituales y prácticas para impulsar el cambio en tu comunidad. Comprométete solo 2-4 horas semanales para ser parte de un movimiento que fusiona el bienestar ecológico con la justicia social. Aplica antes del 30 de noviembre de 2023.
Empower your leadership in climate justice with our transcontinental online certification program, available February - November 2024 (PDF). Develop moral, spiritual, and practical skills to drive change in your community. Commit just 2-4 hours weekly to become a part of a movement merging ecological wellbeing with social justice. Apply by November 30, 2023.
Read MoreExperience the joyous installation of Pastor Josh Pontius as the Associate Pastor at Community of Grace Lutheran Church in Peoria through our shared video. Join us in celebrating this momentous occasion which took place on November 5, 2023.
Read MoreIn addition to synod council and other meetings, the Office of the Bishop staff visit congregations celebrating significant anniversaries: Trinity Lutheran (75 years), Epiphany of Christ Lutheran Church (50 years), and Maricopa Lutheran (10 years).
Read MoreThis week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. R. Stewart McDonald, who celebrates 37 years on November 12.
Rev. Ruby Myers, Trinity, Phoenix, who celebrates 2 years on November 13.
Rev. David Krueger, who celebrates 47 years on November 14.
St. Andrew Lutheran Church is on the lookout for a Worship and Music Director. If you have a heart for worship and a talent for music direction, your opportunity awaits! Learn more about this part-time, salaried position and how to apply in this PDF job description.
Read MoreOn November 13-15, 2023, the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago (LSTC) hosts its annual Vine Deloria Jr. Theological Symposium, a virtual event dedicated to the vital discourse on tribal sovereignty. Named in honor of Vine Deloria Jr., a pivotal figure in the American Indian Movement, the symposium is a testament to his enduring legacy in the fight for Indigenous rights. Read more at ELCA.org.
Read MoreClick here to readArizona Faith Network's latest newsletter for enriching events and vital community updates. Engage in serene Monday Meditation, become informed during the National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week, and connect at the ASU Interfaith Social. Participate in crucial meetings and the unique Art Auction supporting incarcerated artists. Plus, learn about the AZ Nonprofit Security Grant Program and contribute to the winter coat drive for asylum seekers. Embrace religious diversity with Diwali celebrations and more.
Read MoreDiscover a wealth of resources the latest roundup of ELCA Worship partner highlights. Engage with the Association of Lutheran Church Musicians (ALCM) at their upcoming conference, embrace free musical compositions from the Lutheran Summer Music Academy and Festival, explore the Institute of Liturgical Studies' focus on combating consumerism through liturgy, and navigate the path to discipleship with Journey to Baptismal Living's new website.
Plus, prepare for the seasons of gratitude and expectation with Music that Makes Community and delve into fresh perspectives on preaching, allyship, activism, and campus ministry with Augsburg Fortress. Join the Calvin Institute in their mission to rejuvenate worship with their grants program.
Read MoreThe Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona community convened at the Love of Christ Lutheran Church for an engaging and spirited LAMA Summit. This year's assembly, themed "Advocacy as a Spiritual Practice," not only fortified the bond between advocacy and spirituality but also highlighted key policy focuses: addressing hunger and food insecurity, enhancing voting and civic engagement, and conserving water resources.
The summit, facilitated by Pastor Sarah Stadler, featured story-sharing sessions, strategic planning for advocacy as a daily spiritual routine, and a meaningful invitation writing campaign to legislators for the upcoming Lutheran Day at the Legislature. Read more about the summit on the LAMA site.
Read MoreSeize the chance to celebrate and showcase the vibrancy and essence of community-serving sacred places across America! Partners for Sacred Places announces its “Sacred Places at the Heart of Communities” Photo Contest, open from October 1 to November 19, 2023, with exciting cash prizes up to $1000. Capture the profound spirituality, community events, open spaces, and services these places offer and share your vision with the world! For submission and more detailed information, please visit Sacred Photo Contest or email photocontest@sacredplaces.org.
Read MoreEmbark on a spiritual adventure with the Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center as Spirited Examen continues 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 through 2023. Discover more about this enlightening journey here.
Read MoreIn an inspiring reflection from the ELCA Fall Climate Summit, Savannah Jorgensen calls us to acknowledge our lament for the climate crisis while also recognizing God's enduring presence and the hopeful, unifying call to action in Isaiah 43. As we face the realities of environmental injustice and degradation, Jorgensen reminds us that through faith, community, and advocacy, we can spark meaningful change and become a part of the "new thing" God is creating in the world.
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