This week’s Arizona Faith Network newsletter highlights an array of engaging events and initiatives, from the inspirational "I, Too, Sing America" Black History Month Film Festival to the meaningful discussions at the "Honoring Our Past, Shaping Our Future" gathering. It also introduces opportunities for spiritual growth through AFN Meditation sessions, addresses pressing issues like American Christian Nationalism, and emphasizes community action in areas such as hunger advocacy and environmental stewardship.
Read MoreFebruary's Good Green News from Lutherans Restoring Creation highlights the upcoming event on regenerating life and land stewardship, the #NoPlasticsforLent initiative, and recent environmental wins. Join the movement towards a more sustainable and just world.
Read MoreThe most recent Go and Do Good News newsletter from ELCA World Hunger features the ELCA World Hunger Leadership Gathering in Houston. The event showcased the ELCA's enduring commitment to addressing global hunger and poverty, featuring enriching sessions, advocacy for migrants, and resources for Lent 2024 and the 50th anniversary celebration of ELCA World Hunger.
Read MoreLet our Region 2 Lenten Challenge be your guide in your Lenten journey. With four daily practices to choose from, join others in our synod and Region 2 in daily devotion, daily discipline, daily declutter, and daily giving.
Read MoreJoin Lutheran Social Services of Nevada in creating an unforgettable Easter experience for those they serve. For more details or to get involved by collecting items, volunteering, or sponsoring, visit their Event Page.
Read More“Following the Way of Jesus: a Lenten Holy Land Journey” begins on the Sea of Galilee. The introduction week will invite you into this 6-week series. Through this journey you will explore the Holy Land, the theology of Sumud and what it means for Palestinian Christians today.
Sumud is the ELCA’s new name for our church’s engagement in accompaniment, awareness-building and advocacy for justice in Palestine and Israel.
Read MoreThis Lenten season, the ELCA is encouraging congregations and individuals to learn more about the issue of Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women (MMIW). Visit ELCA.org/MMIW for a full list of resources to educate yourself and your community and plan a recognition of May 5, MMIW day.
Read MoreBe alert to a wave of phishing emails impersonating church leaders. Confirm the legitimacy of requests, especially involving money or gift cards, to avoid scams.
Read MoreAttend the third session of the 'Aging with Grace' series at Community of Grace on February 21st. Ms. Barbara Kvittiem-Barr, CPA, will cover 'Living with Grace,' focusing on financial and legal aspects of extended care. This session is crucial for those seeking guidance on managing the financial intricacies of elder care, along with the importance of personal self-care.
For a deep dive into each weekly topic and to connect with valuable resources, visit the full series details at Community of Grace or in this PDF.
Read MoreRejuvenate your preaching spirit at the 2024 Festival of Homiletics in Pittsburgh. Sign up by February 15th for early bird rates and prepare for a nurturing, spirit-filled experience.
Read MoreAs rostered ministers of the Grand Canyon Synod, you have a unique opportunity to share insights and feedback directly with Bishop Hutterer through the annual Report to the Bishop. Your thoughtful participation is not only a commitment but also a valuable contribution to the synod's mission and future planning.
The deadline for submission is March 1, 2024, and the process has been made accessible with online and Word document forms.
Read MoreThe ELCA calls on congregations to submit the streamlined Annual Congregation Report, Form A, by March 1. This consolidated form simplifies the process, aiding in future church planning and identity assessment.
Read MoreWe share the ELCA Mission Support Memo for February 2024. This month highlights the beauty and difficulty of attending a closing service of a local church in the Southeast Michigan Synod and how it was "Brutiful". Also find links to our ELCA resources to SOFIA, these Mission Support Memos, but also Annual Report Covers, Intent templates and more. There is also a heartfelt thank you to all treasurers and bookkeepers across our wider church. Read the memo here.
Read MoreDiscover the transformative power of art at Lord of Grace Lutheran Church with the unveiling of a new sanctuary mural by Michael Schultz. Celebrate the close of a successful capital campaign with this vibrant expression of faith and community. Read more in our post and the article at lordofgrace.org.
Read MoreJoin the Lenten Challenge and strengthen your faith while supporting ELCA World Hunger. Participate in three meaningful practices, including daily devotions, to reflect, give back, and potentially lead our synod to a friendly victory in support of a noble cause.
Read MorePastor Amy Janssen will be installed on Wednesday, 3/20/2024, 6:30 pm, at Tanque Verde Lutheran Church (8625 E. Tanque Verde Rd. Tucson, AZ). Bishop Hutterer will preach and preside. Clergy are invited to vest and process. The color of the day is purple. A dessert reception will follow. Livestream is available at tvlc.org/livestream.
Read MorePastor Chris Heller will be installed Sunday, 3/3/2024, 9 am, at Esperanza Lutheran Church (2601 E. Thunderhill Place, Phoenix, AZ 85048). Bishop Hutterer will preside and preach. Clergy are invited to vest and process. Color of the day is purple. A reception will follow. Watch a livestream video here.
Read MoreWelcome to Episode 1 of Talks at the Desk, season 3. Talks at the Desk is a four-part video series by African Descent Ministries of the ELCA. This season focuses on the Reclaim Gathering and will explore its themes: reclaim, embolden, embody and liberate. A new video will premiere each Wednesday in February at 6:30pm MST, 5:30pm PST, beginning 2/7/2024. Watch live at youtube.com/ELCA, and view the trailer in this post.
Read MoreThis week we celebrate the ordination anniversary of Rev. Mark Wickstrom, Living Hope, Las Vegas, who celebrates 38 years on February 9.
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