Wartburg Theological Seminary Alumni from our Grand Canyon Synod are gathering in Tucson for a "Burger Bash" with President Kristin Johnson Largen on Friday, March 8th, 5:00 - 8:00 pm, at the home of Rev. Amalia Vagts ('21) and David Lester. Burgers & brews provided, bring a dish to pass. RSVP or questions: pastoramalia@lutherantucson.org.
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Registration for the 2024 Synod Assembly is now open for both voting members and visitors. Take advantage of early bird pricing for voting members by April 15, or register by May 20, 2024, for standard rates. Visitors can also secure their spots for a unique assembly experience.
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Arizona Faith Network's February newsletter highlights an array of upcoming events and calls to action that encourage community involvement and advocacy. Notably, the Arizona Mass Poor People’s and Low-Wage Workers’ Moral March aims to mobilize voters around critical issues, while a series on American Christian Nationalism seeks to educate and engage participants on pressing sociopolitical matters. Additionally, there are opportunities for spiritual enrichment through AFN Monday Meditation and informative sessions on refugee resettlement, all reinforcing AFN's commitment to faith-based social justice and intercommunity dialogue.
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Episode 4 of Talks at the Desk features truth and power from the Rev. Christina Montgomery on the theme of Liberate. We also hear from a collection of other wise voices from Day 4 of the Reclaim gathering from September 2023. Reclaim featured workshops, praise and worship, shared meals and engaged conversations. We also share a highlight from last week in which Black Lutherans share their experiences of being part of a predominantly White church and discuss ways the Church can be more welcoming.
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The third week of the 2024 ELCA World Hunger Lent Study focuses on "Christ crucified" and its call to confront systemic oppression. Highlighting Bethlehem Lutheran Church's Community Table in New Orleans, the study explores encountering God in crucifixion and community resilience. It challenges participants to see God's presence in suffering and to engage in acts of compassion and solidarity.
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The Office of the Bishop celebrates the Installation of Pastor Chris Heller at Esperanza Lutheran in Phoenix, continues to prepare for our synod assembly and work on our yearly audit.
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This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Jeremy Nausin, Holy Spirit, Las Vegas, who celebrates 9 years on March 1.
Rev. Elaine Watskey, who celebrates 21 years on March 1.
Rev. Timothy Wright, Community of Grace, Peoria, who celebrates 40 years on March 4.
Rev. Jonathan Linman, Faith, Phoenix, who celebrates 35 years on March 4.
Lutheran Summer Music Academy & Festival (LSM) is a residential academy for high school musicians. Students study with nationally recognized faculty, and are immersed in musical experiences through large ensembles (Choir, Band and Symphony Orchestra), chamber music, private lessons, elective classes, ongoing recitals and concerts.
Students also experience a welcoming and joyful community that worships together daily, offering musical gifts through Lutheran liturgy and hymnody. LSM 2024 takes place at Valparaiso University in Indiana from June 30-July 28 and is open to students who have completed grades 8-12. Spots for LSM 2024 are filling fast! Nominate a student today at LSMacademy.org/nominate.
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March is filled with excitement for West Valley Young Adults, featuring multiple Coffee & Conversation mornings, a competitive scavenger hunt, a bowling night, and more. These gatherings are perfect for making connections and having a great time!
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Join our Lenten challenge by supporting ELCA World Hunger with a daily or one-time donation, embodying generosity and making a difference in the fight against global hunger and poverty.
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February's Advocacy Connections from the ELCA Advocacy office outlines critical updates on social justice initiatives, including the expansion of the Child Tax Credit, potential funding shortfalls for the WIC program, and legislative efforts to protect human rights defenders. The update also highlights ongoing advocacy for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas and concerns over proposed changes to immigration law, emphasizing the ELCA's commitment to social justice and humanitarian aid.
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The ELCA World Hunger's Lent Study for the second week focuses on the theme of Transfiguration, exploring how encounters with God, as demonstrated in Mark 9:2-9, inspire both spiritual and physical responses to injustice. Through stories like Ahmed's, a youth supported by Church World Service and ELCA World Hunger, the study urges a faith that not only transforms perception but also motivates action in the real world, especially in supporting vulnerable migrants.
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Week 2 of “Following the Way of Jesus: A Lenten Holy Land Journey” is: Good News of Great Joy For All People with Rev. Imad Haddad by the Shepherd's Field.
Sumud is the ELCA’s new name for our church’s engagement in accompaniment, awareness-building and advocacy for justice in Palestine and Israel. Sign up for updates about Sumud and upcoming events at: https://www.bit.ly/SumudSubscribe You can also learn more at https://www.ELCA.org/sumud.
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The ELCA has revamped the Annual Congregation Report for 2024, consolidating it into a single, more readable form, Form A. This effort simplifies the reporting process, which is now open and accessible, aiding in our mission to understand and plan for the church's future. Your timely submission by March 1 enables us to assess our vitality and resources, so we invite you to contribute to this essential task. Access the easy to use forms and worksheets here.
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Women of the ELCA are all about acting boldly on our faith in Jesus Christ. And at least once a year they celebrate that boldness, whether it's a quiet and persistent bold or a loud and brash bold. How will you celebrate Bold Women's Day on March 3?
They’ve got lots of resources to consider, from FB cover photos to a brand new litany to program ideas. You can celebrate in community or in your daily devotion. What's important is celebrating boldness, so if March 3 doesn't work for you, pick another date!
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The annual Report to the Bishop is an opportunity for you to connect directly with Bishop Hutterer. She looks forward to your responses and feedback. Completion of this required report is one of the commitments rostered ministers are invited to make upon entering the synod. The report is due back to Bishop Hutterer by March 1, 2024. Find quick and easy online forms here. And a special thanks to all those who have shared their reports already.
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Lutheran Schools Week 2024, occurring from March 3-9, invites Lutheran communities to celebrate with the theme "On the Road," inspired by Luke 24:13-35. It's a call to witness God's presence in our journeys, providing resources for congregations and schools, including bulletin inserts, social media posts, classroom activities, chapel services, and more. Engage with these life-changing ministries and support lifelong faith formation through elcaschools.org.
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Good Samaritan Lutheran is excited to celebrate 20 years of ministry at Good Sam for Pastor Don, and you’re invited to contribute and celebrate. If you have a memory to share, a funny story, how Pastor Don may have had an impact on you or any photos, we would love for you to email them to tommi@goodsamlv.com. Cards or well-wishes accepted as well.
They’d love to have you join them at the luncheon on Sunday, 3/3/2024 at 11:30am PST, in the Good Samaritan Fellowship Hall at the Windmill Campus (8425 W. Windmill Lane, Las Vegas, NV 89113). Head to goodsamlv.com to RSVP for the luncheon by February 26.
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NEW DATE: The ELCA Christian Community and Leadership Team in partnership with Congregation and Synod Mission Support Team invites Mission Developers and New Ministries leaders to a one-day online empowerment event. This online stewardship workshop offered at no cost for Grand Canyon Synod congregations: Thursday, 3/7/2024, 9am-2pm MST, 8am-1pm PST. Click here to register.
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