Mosaic International has been in partnership with Building a Caring Community(BCC) in Tanzania since 2007 to love and support children and young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). All of Mosaic International’s work and its Carman International Fellowship program are supported by donors and grants. Daniel Scherer-Emunds served as a Carman International Fellow from August 2022 to December 2023. He looks back upon his time there in this article for Mosaic.
Read MoreJoin the ELCA in shaping a faith-based response to gun violence in the U.S. Review the draft social message, focusing on trauma and public peacemaking, and share your feedback. Your voice matters in this critical dialogue for change. Feedback due by Jan. 31, 2024. View all ELCA current social writing projects here.
Read MoreExplore ELCA's vital role at COP28 in Dubai, where Lutheran Disaster Response (LDR) representatives joined global leaders to address climate change's existential threat. Learn about their efforts in disaster risk reduction, mitigation, and preparation as part of their commitment to responding to increasing climate-related disasters. Don't miss the upcoming webinar on Jan. 24 to hear firsthand experiences and impacts from the ELCA delegation at COP28. Register here for the webinar, and read the full article at ELCA.org.
Read MoreDiscover impactful stories and vital updates in the latest issue of ELCA's Seeds Monthly newsletter. Highlights include the legacy of Living Lutheran publications, an invitation to participate in the reconsiderations of the Human Sexuality social statement, top articles from 2023, and insights into building up African Descent Leaders. Plus, learn about upcoming events like the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity and the Youth Gathering, and explore new resources for contemplative practices and Lent.
Read MoreLutherans Restoring Creation invites you to be part of meaningful environmental action with upcoming events like "Sacred Grounds" on January 23rd and "Regenerating Life" on February 27th. These events, in partnership with Interfaith Power & Light and ELCA World Hunger, focus on utilizing sacred spaces and land for wildlife-friendly gardening and discussing the role of land in healing our planet. Join the journey towards a more sustainable and connected world.
Read MoreExplore a year of spiritual growth and advocacy with the Arizona Faith Network's 2024 events. From meditative practices to environmental advocacy and film festivals, AFN offers diverse opportunities for engagement. Join the community in events like the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity and the Black History Month Film Festival to deepen your understanding and impact. Read their full newsletter here.
Read MoreThe Week of Prayer for Christian Unity is upon us once again. To commemorate this time of collective witness, the Ecumenical and Inter-Religious Perspectives blog at ELCA.org has compiled a list of ecumenical and inter-religious opportunities for you and your congregation to connect with throughout the year!
Read MoreThe Office of the Bishop gathers for an in-person staff meeting, the Ordination and Installation of Pastor Judi Tyler, Jan 21, 2024, 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM at Our Saviors Lutheran Church, Phoenix, and celebrates the 2024 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. We also share photos from the Installation of Pastor David Sivecz and the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Service.
Read MoreThis week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Luis Ochoa, Santa Trinidad, Chandler, who celebrates 1 years on January 21.
Rev. Tina Mills, Our Savior’s, Mesa, who celebrates 13 years on January 25.
We’re halfway through January and some people are now thinking about their already-broken New Year’s Day resolutions. Never fear, as noted in this Living Lutheran article that first posted in 2017, there’s still time to explore how insights from Martin Luther’s Small Catechism might “reform” some common resolutions, creating “New Year’s reformations.”
Read MoreThe Rev. Khader El-Yateem has been appointed executive director of the Service and Justice home area of the ELCA. El-Yateem will begin his service March 18, 2024.
"I am excited about Pastor El-Yateem bringing his relationship-building skills to the churchwide organization," said the Rev. Michael Burk, ELCA presiding bishop pro tempore. "Khader's love of Jesus is contagious and his commitment to sharing God's love for the world will enhance the good work already being done by the people he has been selected to lead."
Read MoreFollowing the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. on April 4, 1968, The Lutheran ran this article in its May 8, 1968, edition. The piece is a first-person account by then-Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago student Harold Wesley Varner, who was feet away from King when he was killed. Varner, who died in 1996, served as a Lutheran pastor in the 1960s and 1970s.
Read MoreIn their latest update, Lutheran Social Services of Nevada (LSSN) shares that their dedicated group of 70 active volunteers is crucial to serving 3500 people monthly. With opportunities in the pantry, senior meals, administration, and special events, there's a place for everyone to contribute. In 2024, they’re expanding ur services, including launching a food rescue truck and the JOURNEY Senior Services Center. Fill out their Volunteer Form, especially if you have special skills to offer, and join them in making a difference.
Read MoreThe January 2024 issue of Administration Matters offers key leadership tools, including registration details for the ELCA Youth Gathering in New Orleans, a new year checklist from Portico, compelling Stories of Faith in Action, IRS mileage updates, and the importance of having a finance committee. Read the full issue for more church management strategies.
Read MoreJoin us at our upcoming Spring Gatherings under the theme “Embody the Word.” Set across various dates and locations, these gatherings are not only meetings but a chance for spiritual growth, learning, and fellowship.
Colorado River Conference: Jan 27, 2024, 10am at Good Samaritan at the Lakes in Las Vegas
Kino Conference: Feb 3, 2024, 10am at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church in Tucson
Cactus, Capital, Fiesta, Northeast Valley, and Rio Salado Conferences:
Feb 4, 2024, 2pm at Living Water Lutheran Church in Scottsdale
Mar 17, 2024, 2pm at St. Andrew Lutheran Church in Phoenix
High Country Conference: Mar 23, 2024, 11 am at Christ Lutheran Church in Sedona
Join others at the 2024 Festival of Homiletics for a spiritual refresh that goes beyond the pulpit. Embrace this unique opportunity for self-care, community, and innovation in preaching. Secure your spot by February 15 to benefit from early bird rates and prepare for a transformative experience in Pittsburgh.
Read MoreDon't miss out on West Valley Young Adults events! Start with "Coffee and Conversation" on Jan 22 and roll into "Great Skate Night" on Jan 23 for unlimited pizza and skating fun. Perfect for 19-35-year-olds looking to connect and hang out.
Read MoreSamuel L. Jones earned the rank of Eagle Scout more than 60 years ago but because he came from a low-income single family home, he didn't receive his medal. Through the persistence of a friend from church, he finally did. Read more about this inspiring Lutheran and his powerful story at Living Lutheran, or watch a video on YouTube.
Read MoreEach year, the primary way that music students find their way to LSM is through the encouragement of their church musician! LSM offers opportunities for musicians of all kinds: brass, winds, strings, percussion, piano, organ, voice, harp, guitar, handbells, and more. Know a young person (grades 8-12) who would benefit from the life-giving and joyful musical community at LSM? Nominate them for LSM today at LSMacademy.org/nominate.
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