Posts in News
Sea of Galilee meets Silicon Valley: Artificial Intelligence, Faith Communities and Faith

Join the Cactus Conference Women’s Gathering to explore the nexus of Artificial Intelligence and faith. Engage with Brian Flatgard, Director of Communications with the Grand Canyon Synod, to discern how emerging technologies are shaping our spiritual communities and personal beliefs.

“Sea of Galilee meets Silicon Valley: Artificial Intelligence, Faith Communities and Faith” will be held on Saturday, April 13, 2024, 8:30 am – 2:15 pm, at the Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Sun City West, Arizona. View a PDF for info and registration here.

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Week 6: Journey to the Cross, with Rev. Rodny Said

Week 6 of “Following the Way of Jesus: A Lenten Holy Land Journey” is Journey to the Cross, with Rev. Rodny Said.

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: bit.ly/SumudSubscribe You can also learn more at ELCA.org/sumud.

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Bishop Eaton's Easter 2024 message

In her Easter message to the church, Bishop Eaton focuses on three words that describe what the women at tomb experienced when the angel announced that Jesus had been raised from the dead: fear, amazement and being seized or possessed.

“These three words really say something about the women, and I think about us and, most especially, about Easter…I think it's very important to take time to be a little amazed, to be standing in a different place, to have a sense of this awe and trembling before the Lord, and to allow ourselves to be possessed by the Spirit, who will give us power and courage in these times.”

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Seeds Monthly: March 2024

The ELCA commemorates 50 years of dedicated service through ELCA World Hunger, introduces a new initiative for justice in Palestine and Israel named Sumud, celebrates the recognition of Lutheran Eagle Scout Samuel L. Jones after 60 years, and highlights important updates including calls for a ceasefire in Gaza, registration reminders for the 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering, and insights into Lutheran-Catholic dialogues in "Seeds Monthly" March 2024.

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April Adventures Await: West Valley Young Adults Expand Their Reach

April marks a milestone for West Valley Young Adults, with 11 diverse events planned across new areas of the valley. This expansion aims to attract members from near the ASU West Campus, Surprise, and Arrowhead, fostering a larger, more vibrant community. Join us in this exciting venture to connect and grow together.

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Rev. Aimée Appell: Embracing Active Love to Combat Racial Injustice

Reflect on the insights shared by Rev. Aimée Appell on the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, as she discusses the vital work of the European Descent Lutheran Association for Racial Justice. Appell highlights the transformative power of action-love observed at the George Floyd Global Square and emphasizes the importance of standing in solidarity with marginalized communities. Through personal experiences and scriptural wisdom, she inspires us to embody God's active love in our efforts to dismantle racism and white supremacy.

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ELCA Advocacy March Update: Budget Wins and Housing Initiatives

Explore the ELCA Advocacy's March 2024 updates on pressing legislative matters, including the Federal Budget's impact on hunger and housing, the progress of the Yes In God's Back Yard Act for affordable housing, and the efforts towards wildlife conservation and Uyghur human rights. Discover the ELCA's call for ceasefire and support for UNRWA funding, along with its solidarity with Annunciation House, reflecting its commitment to peace, human rights, and support for the vulnerable.

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Celebrate Earth Month with Blessed Tomorrow: From Forums to Leadership Awards

Read Blessed Tomorrow's April 2024 newsletter for a comprehensive look at engaging climate action events and initiatives. From celebrating the American Climate Leadership Awards to participating in the National Faith + Climate Forum, this newsletter invites you to contribute to meaningful climate advocacy and resilience efforts. Learn from leaders, join impactful webinars, and take action during Earth Month with Blessed Tomorrow.

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Join AFN for a Week of Spirituality and Social Advocacy: From Meditation to Election Protection

Stay connected with the Arizona Faith Network through their latest newsletter. From meditations and educational webinars on American Christian Nationalism to initiatives for hunger and housing advocacy, as well as a significant focus on faith in elections and environmental care, there's a diverse range of opportunities to deepen your faith and contribute to the community. Strengthen your civic infrastructure, support IRC Phoenix Welcome Center, and participate in creating a just and compassionate world.

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Uncover Ancient Wisdom for Today's Church in 'The Ever-Expanding Church' Course

From faith+lead, "The Book of Acts: The Ever-Expanding Church" online course rediscovers the early church's vitality and its relevance to our lives today. Through engaging discussions and creative illustrations, participants will explore the Holy Spirit's power, learn to embody Scripture in daily life, and envision a church that continuously expands and embraces diversity, just like the early Christians did.

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ELCA Mission Support Memo for March 2024

This month our ELCA Mission Support Memo for March 2024 explores how the Central States Synod is equipping leaders through their Ministry Lab ~ an active place to ask questions, learn new ideas, work with different “tools” or resources, and experiment to see what works. They welcome anyone from anywhere to engage in the lab. Also learn about how congregations can join in a Cultivating Generous Congregations Cohort starting in April. We also share our gratitude for congregations submitting Annual Congregational Reports. Read the memo here! 

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The United States, a Chosen Nation?

As part of our Creating Space for Conversations series, we share a PDF of an article by Darrell Jodock, The United States, a Chosen Nation?, from A Chosen Nation?, an issue of Word and World, Luther Seminary’s journal of theology.

There are at least two ways to think about the United States as a “chosen nation”: aspirational and exclusivistic. The danger of the latter, which has gained some currency, is that it assumes that America is (or was) already a divinely chosen nation whose actions are blessed by God, rather than a nation that has decided to hold itself to a higher (yet unrealized) standard. —Darrell Jodock

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