Reformation Day: Celebrating diverse traditions of Lutheran identity
LWF highlights education challenges for refugee children at African Commission
Liturgy and Lutheran identity: new LWF liturgical studies coordinator
Diaconal actors in Asia showcase local solution-driven best practices
A historic moment: synodality in action by Rev. Prof. Dr Dirk Lange
Feeling the stress of election week? Reconnect with God’s peace through Faith+Lead’s free course, God and Mental Health Challenges, available now. This self-paced course offers a faith-based approach to mental health, practical tips on supporting others, and ways to integrate God’s presence amid life’s stresses. Read a letter introducing the course from Dr. Alicia Granholm, Faith+Lead Senior Director.
Read MoreIn the spirit of unity and peace, join us in two interfaith gatherings to pray for a just election. The Arizona Faith Network invites everyone to a Statewide Prayer Vigil on Monday, November 4, and an Interfaith Meditation on Election Day, Tuesday, November 5. These events offer a chance for collective reflection, peacekeeping, and prayer as we exercise our democratic rights. View info on these gatherings and more at Arizona Faith Network’s weekly newsletter.
Read MoreAs we approach Election Day, the ELCA offers resources for thoughtful, faith-based civic engagement, such as nonpartisan guides on immigration, tools for peacebuilding, and worship resources. Our Lutheran commitment to justice and compassion remains steadfast. Join us in taking part through ELCA.org/votes and help support a positive, respectful dialogue in our communities. Read the latest Election Engagement Updates from ELCA Advocacy here.
Read MoreLutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona drops another voter engagement video. Filmed on location at the 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering, people of faith share their thoughts on the question, “What are your hopes post-election?” Find the whole series of videos here.
Read MoreThis Reformation Day, join hosts Dwight Zscheile and Terri Elton in the Pivot Podcast for a transformative conversation with the Rev. Dr. Mark Tranvik, professor of Reformation history and theology at Luther Seminary. Explore how Martin Luther’s revolutionary insights from the Protestant Reformation can breathe new life into 21st-century ministry and address the challenges facing today’s church.
Read MoreElection day is just around the corner! Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA) offers essential resources for informed voting, including a voter guide, tips for choosing judges, and ballot tracking. With these tools, make sure your vote counts and aligns with your values.
Read MoreThe Office of the Bishop gathers for an in-person staff meeting. We also share photos from the Installation of Rev. Joshua Pontious at Community of Grace in Peoria.
Read MoreThis month, the Blessed Tomorrow newsletter highlights key actions for climate care: voting on November 5, joining ecoAmerica’s Climate Leadership Awards, training to become a Climate Ambassador, and celebrating the One Home One Future coalition’s first anniversary. Explore all the ways to engage, advocate, and act in their November newsletter.
Read MoreOn November 4th at 6:30 pm MST, join Arizona’s diverse faith communities in an Interfaith Prayer Vigil for a Safe and Secure Election. This online gathering, organized by the Arizona Faith Network, will include blessings, prayers for peace, and reflections on civic engagement, uniting us in prayer for a peaceful election. Spanish and ASL interpretation provided. Register here.
Read MoreBefore, Donna and Ashley were struggling and just living. Now they live the lives they choose and are thriving. Here, they share their stories. The post Donna and Ashley Aren’t Just Living, They’re Thriving appeared first on Mosaic.
Read MoreAugusta Victoria Hospital in East Jerusalem has received $20 million from USAID, enabling it to sustain vital cancer and kidney care for Palestinians. As the sole specialized healthcare provider in the region, AVH faces financial challenges but continues serving over 5 million people with international support. In light of recent escalations, AVH seeks additional donations to help accommodate patients and staff from Gaza and the West Bank and to secure medical supplies for those impacted by ongoing conflicts. This collaboration exemplifies the power of partnership in sustaining life-saving care. Read the full article at Lutheran World Federation.
Read MoreThis election season, 37 Lutheran congregations across Arizona, including 24 ELCA churches, have stepped up to serve as voting centers. From Chandler to Prescott, these congregations provide accessible voting locations, embodying the Lutheran tradition of community service and civic engagement. Read the full article from Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona.
Read MoreHow does secularization shape democracy and civil liberties in America? Join the 20th Annual Shurden Lectures with Dr. John Compton on November 13-14, either online or at Mercer University, as he explores the impact of diminished religious authority on democratic values and political extremism. Three thought-provoking lectures over two days provide a deep dive into these pressing questions. Register now to watch live or attend in person.
Read MoreStarr Edwards’ path from addiction and incarceration to healing and hope has been supported by Friends of Guest House (FoGH) and Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. As Edwards prepares to graduate from the reentry program on October 26, this partnership celebrates the ELCA’s commitment to restorative justice. Congregants at Good Shepherd provide ongoing support, embodying the Lutheran call to serve. Read the full story in Living Lutheran.
Read MoreThe ELCA Ministry with Children Grants program is helping congregations revitalize their children’s ministries and outreach efforts. Grants awarded in 2023 have transformed spaces and expanded programs, from repurposing a school in Wisconsin to supporting foster youth in Colorado. Learn how these congregations are using their grants to reach children with God’s love at Living Lutheran.
Read MoreNew resources from ELCA Worship include the NRSVue Bible now available on SundaysandSeasons.com, election-focused prayers and readings, and new devotions for the Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany seasons. Learn more about these updates and how they can enrich your worship experience this season!
Read MoreIn a blog post for Women of the ELCA’s Café, Becca Ehrlich shares her journey from an interfaith upbringing to discovering the Lutheran emphasis on salvation by grace through faith. Her story explores the challenges of not fitting into traditional boxes of what being Lutheran is "supposed to look like," and invites us to reflect on how our own expectations may limit the work of the Holy Spirit.
Read MoreIn her compelling reflection in Women of the ELCA’s Café blog post, Wanda Frenchman shares her journey from a non-Christian Indigenous upbringing to embracing Lutheran faith. Raised in a Lakota household, she highlights the significance of community, food, and genuine welcome in her transition to Grace Lutheran Church.
As a leader in Native American Urban Ministry, Wanda emphasizes the need for authentic inclusion in the church, encouraging congregations to embrace newcomers’ diverse traditions and identities. Her story serves as a powerful reminder of the love of Christ and the importance of welcoming all people into our faith communities.
Read MoreThis year, YAGM Mexico welcomes a new cohort of young adults, ready to serve and grow in their faith through diverse service opportunities. After a transformative year with the first cohort, we reflect on their impact while preparing these new volunteers for their mission. Learn how the YAGM program continues to make a difference through faith, service, and justice, and how you can support their work in Mexico in the latest newsletter (PDF) from Soliette Lopez, YAGM Mexico Country Coordinator.
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