Posts in News
Legacy of Love: How One ELCA Member’s Estate Planning is Extending Her Husband’s Legacy

The ELCA Foundation's latest edition of "Insights" brings opportunities and tools for supporters to enhance their contributions to the church's vibrant ministries. Highlighting the rise in charitable gift annuity rates, the introduction of a new estate-planning resource, and inspiring stories of legacy, the newsletter underscores the impact of thoughtful giving.

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Answer the Call: Nominations Open for 2024 Synod Assembly Elections

The 2024 Synod Assembly nominating committee is calling for nominations for synod council members, committee positions, and Churchwide Assembly voting members. Embrace this opportunity to serve and lead within the Grand Canyon Synod by submitting your nominations by April 22, 2024. Your participation is crucial in shaping the future of our church. View our nominations page for full info.

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March Forward with ELCA Young Adult Ministry: Apprenticeships, Surveys, and Gatherings Await

In the latest ELCA Young Adult Ministry Updates newsletter, March is bustling with opportunities for young adults in the ELCA! Apply for the Horizon Apprenticeship, share your thoughts with the Commission for a Renewed Lutheran Church, dive into next year's YAGM cohort, and don't miss registering for the 2024 Young Adult Gathering. Plus, a unique internship at Grace House in Atlanta offers a year of discovery and ministry.

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Horizon Awaits: Transform Your Summer with ELCA's Apprenticeship Program

Seize a transformative summer with the ELCA's Horizon Apprenticeship Program. Designed for young adults of color or those whose primary language is not English, this initiative offers an enriching blend of internships, mentorship, and online learning from June 2 to July 28, 2024. Apply by March 12 to embark on a journey of growth, leadership, and deepened faith engagement.

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Beyond the Booth: Voting as a Testament to Justice and Equality

The ELCA Advocacy blog post by William Milner and Alex Parker explores the profound significance of election engagement from a faith-based perspective. Highlighting the enthusiasm for the democratic process and the sacred calling to steward democracy, the authors encourage active civic participation as an act of service to neighbors and a commitment to justice.

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Harness the Power of Rest

Just as every Sunday is a “little Easter,” every night offers a chance to take a “little sabbath” and restore your body through healing rest. If you have trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or feeling like you’re getting a good night’s sleep, Portico members with ELCA-Primary health coverage have a wealth of resources to help. Since March is National Sleep Awareness month, why not check out Learn to Live’s course on insomnia (use the access PORTICO to register), or the Being Academy’s course on sleep.

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2023 Tax Preparation Resources Available from Portico

Two helpful tax guides are now available for church personnel. Portico provides rostered ministers and congregations participating in the ELCA benefit program with access to no-cost tax guides available on myPortico and EmployerLink.

The Clergy Tax Return Preparation Guide by Richard R. Hammar gives special attention to tax-related topics most relevant to ministers. Federal Reporting Requirements for Churches helps congregations understand their federal tax-reporting requirements.

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Understanding Christian Nationalism webinar available for viewing

Diakonia recently hosted a webinar on Christian Nationalism in America at Peace Lutheran Church, which is available for viewing here. The event, structured in three informative sessions, explored its definition, history, theological aspects, and practical responses. Experts guided attendees through understanding this phenomenon in the context of faith and national identity.

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Week 3: Belovedness in the Wilderness with Rev. Fursan Zu'mot

Week 3 of “Following the Way of Jesus: A Lenten Holy Land Journey” is: Week 3: Belovedness in the Wilderness with Rev. Fursan Zu'mot.

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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Tackling the Silent Epidemic: Addressing Loneliness with Dr. Laurie Theeke

Join the Lutheran Faith Community Nurse Association's event on March 14, 2024, for an insightful session on "How Loneliness Influences Health and What Nurses Can Do to Help," led by Dr. Laurie Theeke. Learn about loneliness as a unique health stressor and explore interventions to support those feeling isolated within our communities. View this PDF for more info or visit their website.

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Shape the Future of the ELCA: Join the CRLC Survey by March 15

Your insights can help shape the future of the ELCA. Participate in the Commission for a Renewed Lutheran Church survey by March 15, 2024, and contribute to our church's mission of renewal and commitment to justice.

Don't miss your chance to contribute to this significant moment in the ELCA's history. The deadline for survey participation is March 15, 2024. For more details and to complete the survey, visit the official CRLC page: ELCA CRLC Survey. Questions and further inquiries can be directed to crlc@elca.org.

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Situation Report #2: Maui Wildfires

On Aug. 8, 2023, multiple wildfires broke out on Maui. Exacerbated by strong winds, they destroyed homes, businesses, and lines of communication. The town of Lahaina was the most impacted, although there was also damage from smaller fires near Kihei and Kula.

Lutheran Disaster Response is supporting the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement (CNHA). The grant will assist their continuing work with fire survivors through the Kākoʻo Maui Relief & Aid Services Center, the resource center CNHA opened within weeks of the fire at the Maui Mall.

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ELCA Conference of Bishops calls for permanent bilateral cease-fire in Gaza

The Conference of Bishops of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) is adding its voice to the growing group of faith leaders urgently calling for a permanent bilateral cease-fire in Gaza. We urge President Joe Biden, our legislators, and all who lead and make decisions on behalf of the United States to do everything in their power to bring an end to the current suffering and lay the foundation for lasting peace with justice. 

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Lenten Challenge 2024: Incorporating Daily Wellness into Your Spiritual Journey

As we continue our 2024 Lenten Challenge, let’s explore the intersection of Lent and mental health with daily wellness activities. Commit to self-care this Lenten season by incorporating at least one wellness activity into your routine, enhancing your spiritual journey with physical and mental well-being.

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