The Port of Baltimore is the starting point for most shipments of Lutheran World Relief Quilts & Kits. From here, seafarers from all over the world transport them across the seas to ports in Africa, Asia, Latin America and beyond.
But this spring, for the first time in LWR history, the ships themselves were the final destinations — and the seafarers were the intended recipients. Read the article and view the video at lwr.org.
Read MoreMosaic is offering people more options to help them have the life they choose in a place they want to live. Learn why Mosaic at Home shared living has become our largest 24/7 residential service. The post Why Mosaic at Home is Our Largest Residential Service appeared first on Mosaic.
Read MoreTVLC is a dynamic, multi-generational congregation with a gifted staff, devoted volunteers and vibrant worship. We are looking for a part-time Children's Ministry Director to help us invest in our children and families, and tackle the challenges of ministering to a changing world from a position of strength. See the full job description on Indeed.
Read MorePacific Lutheran Theological Seminary shares their 2024 Annual Report via a just-released YouTube video.
Read MoreThe congregations of the Grand Canyon Synod actively engage with and support many programs globally. Whether it be a direct congregational relationship or project outside the US or programs and partnerships attached to the synod, the ELCA or the Lutheran World Federation!
The Global Engagement team works to support these efforts and our ongoing companion synod relationships; we also support the ELCA Young Adults in Global Mission (YAGM) program and other ELCA Global Mission programs.
Read MoreThriving Leadership Formation, supported by a significant grant from the Lilly Endowment, continues to foster spiritual and leadership growth within our synod through its diverse initiatives and events. In the past year, this program, housed at Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary and California Lutheran University, has significantly impacted pastoral and lay leadership across ELCA Regions 1 and 2. Under the leadership of Pastor Lourdes Olson, among others, the program has engaged numerous leaders in spiritual practices and community building, helping them to thrive in their congregational roles. View their full annual report in this PDF.
Read MoreFor their annual report, Prince of Peace Lutheran in Phoenix shares a video from their 8th Arcadia Cares Food for Kidz Packathon that was held on March 1-2, 2024. The 2025 Arcadia Cares packathon is scheduled for February 28 and March 1 at Prince of Peace.
Read MoreIn the past year, 1517 Media has continued to enrich spiritual life across our Synod with diverse offerings. Their “All Creation Sings” initiative provides a broad array of worship and prayer resources tailored for all age groups, enhancing congregational activities and personal devotion. View their full annual report in this PDF.
Read MoreIt’s June, and the Office of the Bishop focuses on synod assembly preparation. We also share a photo from the latest meeting of the candidacy committee.
Read MoreThis week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Andrea Cain, Desert Cross, Tempe, who celebrates 16 years on June 1.
Rev. Brian Cain, Spirit of Joy, Gilbert, who celebrates 16 years on June 1.
Rev. Richard Lawrence, who celebrates 40 years on June 1.
Rev. Eugene Perry, who celebrates 66 years on June 1.
Rev. Douglas Moffat, Faith, Yuma, who celebrates 50 years on June 1.
Rev. Carol Breimeier, who celebrates 24 years on June 2.
Rev. Ronald Pechauer, who celebrates 61 years on June 2.
Rev. Roland Harder, who celebrates 58 years on June 2.
Rev. Ellis Eskritt, who celebrates 59 years on June 2.
Rev. Gary Benson, who celebrates 50 years on June 2.
Rev. James Lundeen, who celebrates 59 years on June 2.
Rev. Lloyd Wallace, who celebrates 61 years on June 2.
Rev. Ernie Larsen, who celebrates 61 years on June 2.
Rev. Fred Nelson, who celebrates 24 years on June 2.
Rev. Thomas Dunham, Streams in the Desert, Tucson, who celebrates 45 years on June 3.
Rev. Patricia Lowe, Emmanuel, Prescott Valley, who celebrates 17 years on June 3.
Rev. Mark Halvorson, who celebrates 51 years on June 3.
Rev. Donald Jacobson, who celebrates 62 years on June 3.
Rev. Greg Wenhold, who celebrates 45 years on June 3.
Rev. Joseph Doherty, New Promise, St. George, who celebrates 25 years on June 4.
Rev. Floyd Anderson, who celebrates 63 years on June 4.
Rev. Keith Hardy, who celebrates 45 years on June 4.
Rev. Maria Valenzuela, who celebrates 35 years on June 4.
Rev. Stephen Beyer, Lord of Life, Sun City West, who celebrates 43 years on June 5.
Rev. Jason Adams, Good Samaritan, Las Vegas, Good Sam at The Lakes, Las Vegas, who celebrates 10 years on June 5.
Rev. Arlyn Saathoff, who celebrates 59 years on June 6.
Rev. Vern Barlow, who celebrates 59 years on June 6.
Rev. Daniel Carlson, who celebrates 42 years on June 6.
The Diakonia Program is a 40+ year old ministry within the ELCA committed to fostering learning environments for followers of Jesus to grow in faith. The program has recently added new course curriculum and more flexibility with a Foundation Year and optional subsequent Practical Year tracks. View their full annual report in this PDF.
Read MoreThe Grand Canyon Synod Transition Team, led by Bishop Deborah Hutterer and key leaders, continues to guide congregations during a period of significant change in the call process. View their full annual report in this PDF.
Read MoreGrace Lutheran Church in Phoenix seeks a committed administrative assistant to support our church’s vibrant community. Interested individuals should contact Pastor David M. Sivecz at pastordavid@graceinthecity.com or visit us at 1124 N. 3rd St, Phoenix, AZ 85004. More details are available on our website, Grace in the City. Join us in making a difference in our community!
Read MoreGlobal Refuge, formerly known as Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service, continues its longstanding mission of providing sanctuary and support to refugees and immigrants. In 2023, through the dedication of partners and Lutheran communities, Global Refuge successfully reunited over 17,000 children with their families or placed them in loving foster homes, welcomed 11,200+ refugees from diverse global regions, and assisted 11,700+ individuals seeking safety from Central America and beyond. View their full annual report here and their synod letter here.
Read MoreJoin the ELCA’s online workshop series from June to October to delve into how our faith informs our actions and voting on critical social issues. Sessions include topics like corporate social responsibility, abortion, and climate crisis, led by knowledgeable speakers. View a PDF flyer and register now to engage deeply with our social teachings and lead community discussions.
Read MoreMemorial Day, often seen as just the start of summer, carries a deeper and solemn history that is frequently overlooked. Originally established to honor fallen soldiers of the Civil War, the day was marked by community parades and remembrance ceremonies. However, today it is more commonly associated with leisure activities. This article from Living Lutheran invites us to remember the true meaning of Memorial Day—reflecting on the sacrifices made in wars and the personal losses that many families endure. The church stands as a sanctuary where the grief and pain of such losses can still be openly acknowledged and mourned, urging us to hold true to the day’s original purpose of solemn remembrance.
Read MoreAs part of our Creating Space for Conversations series, we share this video from the ELCA’s "Study Curriculum on Civic Life and Faith." Watch the video as a standalone resource, or explore the full set of the curriculum, including leader’s guides.
Read MoreMay’s update from the ELCA Advocacy office details the latest on the Farm Bill, introduces new federal environmental rules, and addresses national security supplemental funding and the response to conditions in Haiti. Advocacy efforts focus on ensuring food security, environmental protection, and international humanitarian assistance align with the ELCA’s mission for a just world.
Read MoreAs the 2024 Farm Bill is debated on Capitol Hill, the ELCA encourages advocacy for a bill that supports feeding the hungry, sustainable farming, and inclusive community development. The blog provides updates on the legislative process, highlights action alerts, and offers resources to engage ELCA members in advocacy for a just and effective Farm Bill.
Read MoreIn her heartfelt letter to youth leaders, Bobbi Cyr acknowledges the daunting yet rewarding journey of leading a youth group to the ELCA Gathering in New Orleans. She offers encouragement, practical advice on leadership, flexibility, and self-care, emphasizing the profound impact these leaders have on young lives through their dedication and bravery.
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