Join Mountain View Lutheran in Phoenix for a worship service of thanks on Wednesday, Nov. 27th @ 6:30 pm in the Worship Center (Sanctuary), 11002 S. 48th Street | Phoenix, AZ 85044..
Please bring non-perishable foods that we will collect and send to the Generations Church Food Pantry. Please also bring pie for the Pie Social after the worship service!
Read MoreOn November 20-22, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Gloria Christi Federated Church in Paradise Valley will hold an All Church Open House to rehome its ministry items as it closes its doors. Churches in need of supplies—ranging from office chairs and file cabinets to altar paraments, banners, and even an organ—are invited to attend and collect resources to support their ministry work. Cash donations are welcome, and attendees should bring their own boxes or bags. This event offers a meaningful way to continue Gloria Christi’s legacy throughout our synod.
Read MoreLWF at COP29: strengthening the climate justice call for the most vulnerable people | Event updates
Church leaders call on G20 to halt growing inequality, ramp up climate action
Empowered for change: new graduates of theology, gender justice and leadership program
A vision for inclusive, justice-oriented, and responsive theological education
Explore Our Kairos Moment, the ELCA’s new climate study guide, in a four-month series led by Lutherans Restoring Creation starting November 19. Dive into themes of stewardship and interdependence while preparing to implement the guide in your congregation. Plus, register for Saturday’s Creation Care training and other upcoming events! Learn more and get involved here.
Read MoreNineteen faith organizations across 13 states received grants through Blessed Tomorrow’s Getting Outside the Walls initiative, funding projects from community gardens to solar energy. Join the celebration on December 12 at 4 PM ET to learn more about these inspiring projects. Interested in leading a local effort? Host the 2025 National Faith + Climate Forum and apply for a grant to support climate action in your community. Let us live out our faith boldly and work toward a thriving, just future. Learn more on the Blessed Tomorrow website.
Read MoreDiscover a revolutionary approach to church leadership with Dr. JR Woodward in this eye-opening episode of the Pivot Podcast. Author of “The Scandal of Leadership,” Woodward unpacks the crisis of discipleship facing the church today and offers practical solutions for creating a culture of authentic spiritual growth.
Read MoreIn this groundbreaking episode of the Pivot podcast, we turn the tables on our regular host, the Rev. Dr. Dwight Zscheile, to explore the revolutionary concept of Fresh Expressions of Church. Dwight, co-author of the forthcoming book “Embracing the Mixed Ecology,” offers an exclusive preview of his research on innovative approaches to ministry in our rapidly changing world.
Read MoreLearn practical, inspiring strategies for authentic church community building from scratch with guest Fiona Mayne in the latest Pivot podcast.
Read MoreRegistration for the 2025 Festival of Homiletics opens November 15! Join us in Atlanta or online from May 12-15 for a journey of healing and unity through the power of preaching. This year’s theme, Preaching to Heal the Divide, responds to the pressing need for reconciliation in our polarized world. Early bird rates are available until November 30—don’t miss this chance to be part of the conversation!
Read MoreThe Office of the Bishop attends retreats, works with candidacy, and schedules visits for 2025.
We also share photos from the Installation of Rev. Lisa Hackler at American Lutheran in Sun City as well as Rev. David Pavesic at the welcoming blessing service at the DEM Fall Gathering.
Read MoreSign the Southwest-specific Nourish Our Future petition urging our senators and representatives to end child hunger in the U.S. and around the world. Read more on the LAMA site.
Read MoreIn the polarized climate of the 2024 Presidential Election, University Lutheran’s Paul Westermann shares his experiences as a poll worker in Maricopa County, where voters and poll workers alike upheld a neutral, civil atmosphere. Amid concerns about ballot security, Paul and his colleagues reassured voters, providing resources and ensuring every voice was heard. His story underscores the Lutheran commitment to serving our neighbors and the importance of civic duty in safeguarding democracy. Read more to learn how Paul’s work exemplifies faith in action at the polls in the Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona blog post.
Read MoreIn our November 2024 Mission Support Memo we share a story about how the Accident-Friendsville Parish, in our West Virginia - Western Maryland Synod, was able to equip their rural congregations with digital technology and stream to reach out to member near and far. Plus consider attending a webinar on November 18th on “Theology and Practicality of Space Usage” (it will also be recorded so feel free to register to get the link).
Read MoreBishop Hutterer and a Grand Canyon Synod delegation are traveling to Senegal to strengthen ties with The Lutheran Church of Senegal. The church’s President, Rev. Latyr Diouf, has requested donations of pastoral collars and stoles in black, violet, or white to support their ministry. Please bring donations to the synod office by November 21, 2024, at 1819 East Morten Avenue, Suite 110, Phoenix, AZ 85020. Please contact the synod office to let us know when you’ll be bringing items. Your support will help equip our global Lutheran community for worship and service.
Read MoreEquip your congregation to navigate the post-election season with Faith+Lead’s free 2024 Election Toolkit. Filled with resources for fostering empathy, addressing complex issues, and promoting Gospel values over partisanship, this toolkit offers practical guidance for preaching, teaching, and living out justice and faith. Access these tools to help diffuse tension and encourage understanding as we walk together through challenging times. Learn more
Read MoreAssisting congregants up to the communion rail may seem like a small task, but it has brought unexpected blessings and a deeper sense of faith and fellowship. Through these weekly encounters, I’ve come to understand the beauty of shared vulnerability and compassion. Our journey together reveals resilience, humor, and connection that reinforce our faith and bring me closer to my church community. Read more in Living Lutheran.
Read MoreIn the quiet moments of waiting—whether in the school pickup line, at a red light, or as coffee brews—we can turn to prayer, finding peace and connection in these small pauses. This November, let’s embrace gratitude and prayer in our daily routines, teaching ourselves and our families to recognize God’s presence throughout our busy days. Explore daily prayer ideas and ways to serve as a family, making room for God even in our most ordinary moments. Read more in Living Lutheran.
Read MoreThis week we celebrate the ordination anniversary of Rev. Carl Sirotzki, Mount Cross, Payson, who celebrates 9 years on November 21.
Read MoreLiving Christ Lutheran Church in Flagstaff has left a lasting legacy with the creation of the Living Christ Leadership Endowment, a fund to support future ELCA leaders. Established with $598,000, the endowment is dedicated to training and equipping seminary students, pastors, deacons, and lay leaders, especially those in the Grand Canyon Synod. Contributions to the fund are welcome through various giving options. Join us in carrying forward Living Christ’s mission of love and hope, ensuring that future leaders are empowered to serve and lead in faith.
Read MoreJoin Lutheran Faith Community Nurse Association (LFCNA) on November 20 for a free, one-hour educational event on Being a Dementia Friendly Congregation. Led by Janice Greeno, this session will offer practical strategies to support those with dementia and their caregivers in your congregation. Register today to reserve your spot and become part of this important movement to transform your faith community. LFCNA Event Registration or view this PDF for more info.
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