Dive into a meaningful Lenten season with our specially curated page full of resources, reflections, and the unique Region 2 Lenten Challenge. Join our community in a journey of faith, reflection, and renewal.
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The Native American Urban Ministry (NAUM) has been awarded a $10,000 grant from the Cook Native American Ministries Foundation for 2024. This grant will support the expansion of NAUM's "Living Our Values Everyday" (LOVE) Project, aimed at fostering personal development, leadership skills, and community service among Native American youth, adults, and elders in Phoenix.
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Episode 2 of Talks at the Desk celebrates and lifts up African Descent voices speaking on the theme of Embolden. It highlights Day 2 of the Reclaim gathering from September 2023. Reclaim featured workshops, praise and worship, shared meals and engaged conversations. We also share two highlights from last week: Struggles in the ELCA and What Black people don't play about.
African Descent Ministries of the ELCA celebrates Black History Month Talks at the Desk, a four-part video series that will explore diverse expressions of the church. A new video will premiere each Wednesday in February at 6:30pm MST, 5:30pm PST. Watch live at youtube.com/ELCA or download them at ELCA.org/ADM.
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In the week of Valentine’s Day, the FBI’s Phoenix Field Office is taking this timely opportunity to warn Arizonans about confidence fraud – also known as “romance scams.”
According to the most recent available statistics, the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) reports 680 Arizona victims reported losses of more than $25.4 million in connection with confidence fraud/romance scams in 2022. Of that number, 379 victims suffering $17.7 million in losses were senior citizens.
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The Office of the Bishop works on our annual audit and continues to prepare for our 2024 synod assembly. We also include photos from the Installation of Pastor Kurt Fangmeier.
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This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Barbara Bengtson, who celebrates 30 years on February 20.
Rev. Miguel Gomez-Acosta, Office of the Bishop, Phoenix, who celebrates 15 years on February 22.
From their Crucible Newsletter for February 2024, we read of the The Church Leadership Institute's Spiritual Life and Leadership podcast, hosted by Markus Watson, which continues to be a beacon for pastors and church leaders seeking inspiration and guidance. With a mix of "Quick Conversations" featuring Tod Bolsinger and in-depth discussions with thought leaders in ministry, the podcast offers valuable insights into adaptive leadership, spiritual formation, and navigating ministry challenges.
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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.
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February'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.
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The 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.
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Let 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.
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Join 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.
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“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.
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This 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.
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Be alert to a wave of phishing emails impersonating church leaders. Confirm the legitimacy of requests, especially involving money or gift cards, to avoid scams.
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Attend 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.
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Rejuvenate 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.
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As 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.
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The 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.
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We 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.
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