The Office of the Bishop will be closed on January 15, 2024, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. We honor the legacy of Dr. King and encourage everyone to reflect on his message of equality, justice, and peace on this important day. Regular office hours will resume the following day.
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Discover Brenda Brown's heartwarming journey to happiness and belonging with Mosaic at Home. Transitioning from a life of uncertainty, Brenda finds joy, purpose, and a loving family environment that allows her to thrive. Read her full story of transformation and the power of compassionate care at Mosaic's blog.
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Explore a wealth of worship and music resources from ELCA partners, including new leadership at Music that Makes Community and transformative events like the Messy Church conference. Embrace the spirit of Lent with dedicated workshops and enrich your congregation's musical journey with Lutheran Summer Music Academy. Engage with the Calvin Institute's grant program to invigorate your worship services. Discover these and more, offering guidance and inspiration for your faith community's worship experiences. Dive deeper into the full array of resources and events detailed on the ELCA Worship’s blog.
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In 2024, all of the ELCA synods in Region 2 are challenging one another to raise money for ELCA World Hunger in honor of ELCA World Hunger’s 50th year in mission and ministry. The challenge is to pledge to participate in some spiritual and physical practices during Lent and raise funds for ELCA World Hunger. The synod with the most participants wins!
Lent is 40 days to reflect, remember our dependence on God and one another, and look forward to the ways God calls us to be. Adding one or more of these small practices to your observation of Lent might help you feel more connected. A light-hearted challenge like this might help our synods be the Church together, and to see God’s vision and invitation for us to be a church for the world and share the good news of Jesus Christ. Visit lentenchallenge.org to learn more and take the pledge today!
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New resources are now available from ELCA World Hunger to enrich the life of your congregation during Lent. As congregations across the ELCA creatively find new ways to lean into the future, we are eager to equip leaders with ELCA World Hunger resources during the season of Lent.
The theme for our seasonal materials is "The glory of the Lord shall be revealed.” Where and how do you encounter God? Through the prophet Isaiah, God urges us to take comfort, trusting that “the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together” (Isaiah 40:5).
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As you are planning for Lent, the Three Days, and Easter, All Creation Sings provides several resources for your assembly’s worship. Discover the new resources in the full post from ELCA Worship.
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It’s a full week for the Office of the Bishop with a Synod Council meeting, preaching at various congregations around the synod, the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Service, Jan 14, 2024, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM, and 2024 Lutheran Day at the Legislature, Jan 18, 2024, 9:30 AM – 1:30 PM.
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This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Stephen Springer, Dove of Peace, Tucson, who celebrates 27 years on January 12.
Rev. Annemarie Burke, Noble Hospice, Mesa, who celebrates 18 years on January 15.
Rev. Lourdes Olson, New Song, Henderson, who celebrates 2 years on January 15.
The latest edition of the Women of the ELCA’s Bold Cafe focuses on the concept of Sabbath and rest. We highlight two articles: Sabbath for this year and beyond, and Five steps for creating rest in a world of busyness.
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This month’s ELCA Mission Support Memo highlights the "Cultivating Generous Congregations" training available in partnership with their Stewardship ministry and the Lake Institute on Faith and Giving. Plus there is an online training on Wednesday, Jan 10th for Synod Treasurers, Bookkeepers and Leaders with Lori Fedyk. View as a PDF here.
They would love to hear about the inspiring stories in your synods, regions and congregations - feel free to reach out to Karen at karen.kretschmann@elca.org.
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ELCA’s Global Links newsletter for January 2024 celebrates 50 years of ELCA World Hunger's impactful work and invites everyone to partake in future efforts to combat poverty and hunger. Reflect on messages from global ministry leaders, join Lent with ELCA World Hunger, and consider service opportunities with the YAGM program. Read Global Links here.
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Take 30 minutes to boost your mental well-being by joining a live webinar led by the Learn to Live Clinical Team. January topics include making effective habit change, mindful eating, and creating a positive mindset by avoiding negative thinking traps. View the webinar schedule, as well as their library of previous topics, and use the access PORTICO to register.
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Resolved to feel more financially prepared for the future? Check out Portico’s Retirement Readiness Series from Fidelity starting at the end of January. Register for live webinars coveringtopics like turning your savings into retirement income, understanding Social Security, and estate planning basics. Recorded versions of these topics – and many more – are available on demand on myPortico.
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You’re invited to a landmark ecumenical event celebrating the latest Lutheran-Catholic Dialogue on January 20, 2024, 10 am at Faith Lutheran in Phoenix. Join us to delve into "Faithful Teaching" and how it shapes our shared Christian journey. Reverend Dr. Lowell Almen and Bishop Denis Madden, co-chairs of the dialogue, will lead presentations, followed by a vibrant discussion with Lutheran and Catholic voices. The event will honor the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity with a Service of the Word and Prayer, culminating in a festive reception fostering communal dialogue. Read more in this post or this PDF flyer.
Please RSVP your intent to attend by January 12, 2023, giving your name and church affiliation, to eirinfo@elca.org. and be a part of this momentous occasion.
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The Ordination and Installation of Pastor Judi Tyler will be at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church (1212 E Glendale Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85020), on Sunday, 1/21/2024 at 3pm, pending a positive congregation vote. Bishop Hutterer will be presiding.
Clergy are invited to vest and process. Color of the day will be red. A reception will be held following the Service of Ordination and Installation.
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Experience unity in faith at Christ Church Episcopal in Las Vegas for a prayer service dedicated to the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, with Bishop Deborah Hutterer and other leaders. Join us on January 26 at 7:00pm for an evening of ecumenical prayer, followed by a community reception.
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Centuries after colonial models of education were first forced on Indigenous people in North America, their effects are still keenly felt. Western theological education has remained the default methodology within the church, including the ELCA. This fall, Native leaders from across the ELCA, in partnership with leaders from Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary (PLTS) of California Lutheran University in Berkeley, are seeking to change that with the launch of the Theological Education for Indigenous Leaders (TEIL) program. Read more at Living Lutheran.
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West Valley Young Adults is hosting a half-price game night at Dave and Busters on January 16. Connect with others and enjoy a variety of games!
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Camp ALOMA is looking for young men and women who are eager to serve the Lord and who enjoy sharing His word with children! Camp ALOMA needs summer staff 18-25 years old and high school volunteers!
Learn lifelong skills by spending the summer in the crisp pines of Prescott AZ! If you have a heart for ministry, the outdoors, and children, then we are eager to meet you! 8 weeks starting mid-May. Camp ALOMA: office@campaloma.com, (928) 778-1690, campaloma.com or apply at www.nloma.org.
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