The ELCA is dedicated to honoring Mother Earth and Indigenous peoples through land acknowledgments and supporting the land back movement. A new class led by Vance Blackfox delves into the history, purpose, and implementation of land acknowledgments, as well as exploring the land back movement and reparations as part of its commitment to restorative justice practices.
Read MoreIn their latest situation report, Lutheran Disaster Response is actively addressing the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Efforts include supporting Augusta Victoria Hospital in Jerusalem, aiding the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land with emergency education support, partnering with ACT Alliance for immediate relief, and providing psychosocial support through Salam Arabic Church and Mother of the Savior Church. The ELCA invites prayers and donations to assist those impacted by the conflict in the Middle East.
Read MoreThe latest "Administration Matters" issue from the ELCA covers vital church administration topics including financial controls to prevent theft, Portico's health initiatives, the benefits of ELCA Federal Credit Union membership, payroll adjustments for 2024, Church Mutual's armed intruder emergency service, and tips for writing effective church job descriptions. Read the issue here.
Read MoreNew Year’s Bash for Youth! Join the crew at Camp ALOMA from Dec 29, 2023, to Jan 1, 2024, for an epic New Year's retreat for 7th-12th graders. Games, fellowship, and festive fun await! Book your spot at $110 per camper now: https://forms.gle/PPmWgqRokVKq7iky9
Read MoreThe Office of the Bishop staff gives thanks, travels, and works on year-end projects. We also share a photo from the recent First Call retreat with Region 2.
Read MoreThe Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem have issued a statement for the upcoming Advent and Christmas season amidst the ongoing war. They urge congregations to focus on the spiritual essence of these holy seasons, calling for a shift away from grand festive activities to a more contemplative and prayerful observance. The statement emphasizes solidarity with those affected by the war, advocating for prayer, support, and generous contributions to aid war victims. Read the full statement here.
Read More“We at the LAMA office want to wish you a happy and blessed Thanksgiving! We hope you take this holiday to enjoy God’s bountiful gifts of friends, family, and food— however those things may be present in your life. This year, we give thanks for our wonderful community of advocates and liaisons, for all the congregations who have welcomed us and joined us in our work, for all of our partner networks, and for the opportunities we have been given to do God’s work through advocacy.” Read the full post on the LAMA website.
Read MoreThe Church Council of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) appointed the Rev. Michael Burk as presiding bishop pro tempore after its Executive Committee approved Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton's request for a four- to six-month leave of absence, to begin Nov. 17. The council, which serves as the ELCA churchwide organization's board of directors and interim legislative authority between meetings of a churchwide assembly, gathered at the Lutheran Center in Chicago, Nov. 9-12, 2023. Read the full post for other actions taken.
Read MoreOn Nov. 16, 2023, the North American heads of Churches Beyond Borders met online with their Lutheran and Episcopal counterparts in the Holy Land for a time of solidarity and prayer. The six churches renewed their commitment to mutual accompaniment, solidarity and prayer as a witness to Christ's justice and peace, uniting our churches beyond all borders.
Read MoreThis week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Brian Weinberger, Bethlehem, Mesa, who celebrates 15 years on November 29.
Rev. Naomi Hartman, Church of the Foothills, Tucson, who celebrates 14 years on November 29.
We pray for the family and friends of Rev. Dr. Carl Braaten, who died October 28, 2023.
A memorial service will be held November 25, 2023, 1pm, at Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Sun City West, 13724 W. Meeker Boulevard, Sun City West, AZ 85375.
Read MoreJoin us Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center online for "Spirited Advent: My Soul Magnifies the Lord!" – a soulful Zoom journey this Advent. Hosted by Sheri Brown, each Sunday session offers a sacred space for reflection and connection, exploring themes of hope, peace, joy, and love. Inspired by Mary's Magnificat, these 30-minute gatherings provide a much-needed spiritual respite during the busy holiday season. Register now for this enriching, free series and discover your soul's unique begotten-ness.
Read MoreThe latest edition of ELCA Stewardship's "Where Your Heart Is" newsletter explores the theme of stewardship from a heartfelt and spiritual perspective. It delves into the changing focus from outdoor activities to introspective and communal engagements as seasons shift. The newsletter includes practical advice on stewardship, emphasizing the importance of storytelling and connecting with congregational members through meaningful narratives.
Read MoreThe Office of the Bishop staff takes time to give thanks this upcoming week. We also share photos from the Latin American Consultation with ILM President Roberto Trejo Haager, Trinity Lutheran’s 75th anniversary, and the Grand Canyon Women of the ELCA convention.
Read MoreThis week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Carl Sirotzki, Mount Cross, Payson, who celebrates 8 years on November 21.
Rev. Leonard Hoffmann, who celebrates 48 years on November 23.
Rev. Mari Larson, St. Andrew, Las Vegas, who celebrates 27 years on November 23.
We pray for the family and friends of Deacon Sonnee Ann Olson Steveson, who died October 7, 2023, after a brief illness. Memorial services will be held at Mountain View Lutheran in Phoenix on Nov. 25, 2023 at 2pm.
Read MoreLiving Lutheran will soon cease production of its print publication. Living Lutheran’s final print issue will arrive in mailboxes the first week of December. Content will shift to an all-digital platform, with new articles appearing daily (no subscription or login required). View livinglutheran.org for more info.
To continue to receive content, you can sign up for LL Stories, a free email digest, at livinglutheran.org/subscribe, and get Living Lutheran stories sent right to your inbox.
Read MoreRead about the stark realities of migrant experiences in "Witnessing Cruelty and Compassion on a Dominican Highway." This powerful blog post by Stephen Deal from ELCA's AMMPARO shares a vivid account of a journey in the Dominican Republic, where the author encounters the inhumane treatment of Haitian migrants. Amidst this harsh reality, the story also highlights a moment of profound compassion from a local woman, offering a glimmer of hope and humanity.
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