From the latest Blessed Tomorrow newsletter: “Explore how restoring nature can lead to healthier, more fulfilling lives in our new Climate Action Guide. Learn from young climate leaders, discover the role of health professionals in climate advocacy, and prepare to vote with our comprehensive guide. Join One Home One Future for the Season of Creation and stay connected with Blessed Tomorrow for more updates and resources.” Read the full newsletter here.
Read MoreThe 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering in New Orleans was an incredible week of faith, fun, and fellowship. We extend our deepest thanks to everyone who contributed, from the city’s warm hospitality to the adult leaders, volunteers, and participants. Highlights included inspiring speeches, engaging activities, and raising nearly $100,000 for ELCA World Hunger’s Generation Zero-Hunger. Looking ahead, mark your calendars for the next gathering in Minneapolis from June 28 to July 2, 2027. Thank you for making this event a success!
Read MoreAugust is National Make-A-Will Month. A will is only one of several ways to ensure your charitable planned giving creates a legacy lasting beyond your lifetime. The post From Summer Workers to Charitable Gift Donors: The Carlson Sisters’ Lifelong Support of Mosaic appeared first on Mosaic.
Read MoreRev. Nicole Bullock, church planter and ministry innovator, shares her personal journey and offers practical strategies for avoiding burnout in ministry in the latest Pivot podcast from faith+lead.
Read MoreJoin us October 21-23, 2024, at the Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center in Carefree, AZ, for the Bishop’s Fall Gathering. Featuring Rev. Andrea Roske-Metcalfe, this event will focus on the craft of storytelling with three engaging sessions designed to inspire and equip you for future ministry. Registration includes meals and is available until September 13, 2024. For more information and to register, visit our 2024 Bishop’s Fall Gathering page.
Read MoreBe sure to sign up for “Preaching in an Age of Polarization,” an online workshop on August 22, 2024, from 10am - 11:30 am MST/PDT. This session, led by Rev. Katie Langston of the Grand Canyon Synod, offers tools and insights for preaching with grace and humor in politically charged times. Engage in practical discussions, learn to address hot-button topics, and stay true to your Christian identity amid polarization. Register now at faithlead.org/polarization to secure your spot or access the post-event recording.
Read MoreJoin the NCC Freedom Summer 2024, a faith-based campaign inspired by the 1964 Freedom Summer, focusing on voter education, registration, and mobilization in five key states. The campaign begins the week of Juneteenth and includes the Virtual Freedom Summer Academy and a five-city Freedom Ride, culminating in a Freedom Summit on August 17, 2024. Discover how you can participate and make a difference in communities across the nation by engaging with this pivotal initiative. Visit their sign-up page to get involved and help bring about social change through faith and action.
Read MoreJoin Rev. Jesus Escamilla on August 17th for “Understanding Who Guadalupe Is,” a presentation by Wartburg Seminary’s CTLM. Explore the significance of the Virgin of Guadalupe within Lutheranism from a Latine perspective. This online event runs from 7am -10am MST/PDT. View a PDF flyer here, and register now at wartburgseminary.edu/ctlm.
Read MoreAugust is a key time to meet with your U.S. representatives and advocate for your policy priorities. Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona provides a 2-page toolkit with tips on arranging, preparing for, and following up on in-district meetings. Download the toolkit here and make your voice heard this August.
Read MoreELCA’s Congregational Stewardship Support team shares their monthly "Where Your Heart Is" newsletter. The excitement of July, filled with images from the ELCA Youth Gathering and mission trips, highlights the importance of early and strategic planning. Congregational leaders are encouraged to channel their community’s energy into living out the gospel through thoughtful preparation and resource management.
Upcoming events include a grant writing webinar on August 19 and the Stewardship Kaleidoscope conference in Portland from September 23-25. Embrace this season with dedication and faith, making July memorable and impactful through careful planning and stewardship.
Read MoreKing of Glory Lutheran Church in Tempe is looking for a Bookkeeper/Accountant to maintain financial records, prepare reports, and manage budgets. This part-time role requires attention to detail, confidentiality, and teamwork. Interested candidates should contact Vicki Hegebush at vickih@kogaz.org or 480-838-0477. View job description here.
Read MoreThe Office of the Bishop implements ideas and strategies from our in-person staff meeting and travels for work and vacation.
Read MoreThis week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Sharon Brown, Spirit of Joy, Clarkdale, who celebrates 11 years on August 2.
Rev. Thomas McFarland, who celebrates 38 years on August 3.
Rev. Janet Richardson, who celebrates 35 years on August 6.
Rev. Richard Peterson, who celebrates 31 years on August 8.
Join Bishop Deborah Hutterer from October 21-23, 2024, at the Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center for the Bishop’s Fall Gathering. This event promises a blend of worship, fellowship, and insightful discussions under the theme “Embody the Word.” Registration is open until September 13, 2024, with options for both overnight and commuter participation. Featured speakers include Rev. Andrea Roske-Metcalfe and Elder Perci Ami. Don’t miss this opportunity to deepen your spiritual journey and connect with fellow ministers. For registration details, visit our event page or contact the synod office.
Read MoreWe give thanks for the leadership and companionship of Bishop Jim Gonia of the Rocky Mountain Synod. We share his parting letter in this post.
Read MoreELCA Advocacy reminds us that August presents unique opportunities to bring our deep concerns as Christians about many things related to our planet and the beings that inhabit it to U.S. Congress in our own backyards. In-person and virtual meetings, as well as Town Halls, can be scheduled in this month as the U.S. Congress usually takes a recess. Representatives and senators often visit their congressional districts and/or home states in August to reconnect with their constituents – like you. Read the full post at ELCA.org.
Read MoreJoin Luther Seminary’s “Stepping Up to Supervision” course, led by Susan Beaumont, this August 2024. This three-session course offers comprehensive training in effective supervision within the church context, covering everything from performance management to progressive discipline. Sessions are on August 13, 20, and 27 from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM CT. Equip yourself with the skills needed for effective church leadership. Enroll now for $195 with access to recorded sessions for a year. Visit faithlead.org for more details and registration.
Read MoreDiscover ‘Beyond the Bulletin,’ a transformative communication workbook crafted by Rev Dr Marjorie Funk-Pihl and Pr Mike Girlinghouse. Designed to enhance how congregational leaders engage with their communities, this guide includes three 90-minute sessions focused on Attitude, Structure, and Process. Priced at $95, the workbook promises practical, hands-on strategies tailored for church councils and teams. Learn more and view sample pages at Living the Resurrection.
Read MoreJoin Peace Lutheran Church in Peoria, AZ, for a comprehensive Godly Play Core Training from August 16-18, 2024. Perfect for educators, administrators, and parents involved in spiritual education, this training covers all aspects of the Godly Play method. Registration includes all materials and meals: Godly Play Core Training Registration.
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