Join ecumenical prayer vigils across Arizona as Christian leaders from various denominations unite to pray for peace and unity during the 2024 election season. The remaining vigils will be held on October 14th at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Tucson, and November 4th at Sun City Christian Church. All are welcome to come together in faith to seek God’s guidance and peace for our nation. View a PDF flyer here.
Read MoreAs we enter the season of change, it’s the perfect time for congregations to reimagine their approach to stewardship. Drawing from Jesus’ words in Matthew 6:21, we’re reminded that where our treasure is, our hearts follow. Are your current practices in generosity still sparking joy and connection? If not, this might be the moment to explore new strategies—narrative budgets, fresh offering moments, or seasonal shifts in appeals. Let this autumn be a time of transformation, as we align our stewardship efforts with God’s mission in our communities. Read more in this month's "Where Your Heart Is."
Read MoreJoin us on Sunday, October 13th, 2024 following the 9:00 AM worship service at Grace Lutheran Church in Kingman, AZ, as they celebrate 60 years of ministry and community. Stay tuned for more details and visit glckingman.com for updates. Save the date and be part of this joyful milestone!
Read MoreAll Saints Lutheran Church in Phoenix is looking for a part-time Facility Manager to help with campus operations and hospitality. This flexible, contract role (10-16 hours/week) involves evening and weekend work, assisting with event setups, campus patrol, and welcoming visitors. View the full job description at AllSaintsPhoenix.org. Contact Shari Clark for more details: Sharic@allsaintsphoenix.org or 602-866-9191.
Read MoreAll Saints Lutheran Church in Phoenix is hiring a Director of Senior Ministries for a part-time, 25-29 hour per week position. The role includes leading the Senior Ministry Team, facilitating care and support programs for older adults, managing the Senior Transportation Program, and coordinating prayer quilt deliveries. Visit AllSaintsPhoenix.org for the full job description and application details, or contact Shari Clark at 602-866-9191 for more information.
Read MoreView a free screening of the powerful documentary Leap of Faith this Friday, October 4th, at 7:00 pm at Harkins Theatres Shea 14 in Scottsdale. The film, which explores Christian leaders coming together across divides, will be followed by a Q&A with Father Perry Pauley. Doors open at 6:30 pm. Reserve your spot now!
Read MoreThe ELCA Worship team is seeking feedback on ELW Pastoral Care and Occasional Services resources through a survey open until October 7, 2024. Your participation will help shape future worship materials. Click here to complete the survey today!
Read MorePhoto: For the tenth time, LWF World Service has organized the Talent competition "Kakuma Got Talent in Kakuma refugee camp, Kenya. The event fosters creativity, boosts morale, and offers a sense of normalcy amid the challenging conditions of the camp.
Finland: searching for religious identity in a shifting society
Africa: Perspectives for an inclusive, just and intergenerational church
New York: Faith leaders call for true and transformative peace
LWF and Taizé: Crafting unity and hope from refugee camp sand
‘Global Faith Unfiltered’ priorities: Creation groans but hope inspires action, by Rev. Jussi Luoma
Cameroon: Trusting others to lead for church growth, by Rev. Delphine Fongeh Nsufor
Lutheran Disaster Response has strong relationships in the region and is already at work on the ground. Working alongside synods and other partners, Lutheran Disaster Response is prepared to expand to all impacted areas. We anticipate that our greatest impact will be reaching those in underserved and rural areas.
By giving to Lutheran Disaster Response, you enable the ELCA to act quickly after disasters such as Hurricane Helene and to remain for as long as the recovery takes. Will you help Lutheran Disaster Response care for those in need?
Read MoreThis week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Nanette Christofferson, Love of Christ, Mesa, who celebrates 5 years on October 5.
Rev. Kimberly Sterner, who celebrates 38 years on October 5.
Rev. Thomas Morrison, who celebrates 46 years on October 10.
Please join us in lifting up Pastor Luis Ochoa in prayer as he recovers from liver cancer surgery on October 1. We pray for his medical team, and his family. Let us ask God for healing, strength, and peace during this difficult time. Pastor Ochoa serves at both Holy Trinity and First Evangelical Lutheran.
Read MoreRev. Daniel Volkmann will be installed on Sunday, 10/13/2024, at 3pm at All Saints Lutheran Church (15649 North 7th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85022). Pastor Jacqui Pagel will be preaching.
All rostered ministers are invited to robe and process. The color of the day is green. There will be a reception afterward, and the service will be live-streamed on the ASLC YouTube and Facebook pages.
Read MoreThe Office of the Bishop implements projects and ideas for our in-person staff meeting, and we also share photos from the latest synod council meeting and the the Tanque Verde Lutheran Church 50th Anniversary.
Read MoreThe Southeastern Iowa Synod Sumud working group and Pastor Peter Petit have developed a liturgy for congregations to use for a service of lamentation and remembrance to be used on or near Sunday, October 6, 2024. Bishop Current has provided a pre-recorded sermon to use as part of this service.
Additionally, the pre-recorded PowerPoint introduction to the Israel-Hamas war, including history of the area, the current conflict, and some ministry perspectives. These are great to use as an accompanying adult forum or study in your congregation. Download all the resources using links in our post.
Read MoreWe pray for Pastor Ron Tellefson as he receives rehab care at Boswell Transitional Care in Sun City. Pastor Tellefson is recovering from successful hip surgery.
Read MoreOn September 30, the National Day of Remembrance for Indian Boarding Schools invites us to honor Indigenous survivors and their families. Wearing orange is a powerful symbol of solidarity with those affected by the trauma of forced assimilation. Learn how you can participate and engage with the ELCA’s ongoing Truth and Healing initiatives in this post from Wanda K. Frenchman, vicar for Native American Urban Ministry in Phoenix.
Read MoreELCA Advocacy is pushing for critical actions on the Farm Bill, environmental justice, and humanitarian aid in Sudan. As hunger impacts nearly 47.4 million Americans and the environment faces budget cuts, the ELCA calls for urgent action. Read how our advocacy continues to make a difference and learn how you can take part in the latest update.
Read MoreAs we approach the anniversary of Oct. 7, 2023, we remember a day of heartbreaking grief for the people of Israel and Palestine, devastated by Hamas attacks on civilians and by the bombardment of Gaza. Mindful that the people of the Holy Land are still living in anguish and in war one year later, congregations may consider incorporating prayers and laments in worship on Sunday, October 6 or at other times near the anniversary, in public worship or for devotional use at home or in other settings.
Read MoreWe, the members of the Conference of Bishops of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, speak with one voice to condemn the hateful, deceptive, violent speech that has too readily found a place in our national discourse. We lament the ways this language has led to hate-fueled action.
We refuse to accept the ongoing normalization of lies and deceit.
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