This week, we highlight Indigenous voices and theological insights from the 2024 Vine Deloria Jr. Theological Symposium. Watch Star Eschiti share her vision for Native youth, explore a panel discussion on Vine Deloria Jr.’s Custer Died for Your Sins, and hear Rev. Dr. Robert O. Smith discuss Red Power, Black Power, and critical race theory. Discover how these conversations challenge and inspire our journey toward justice and reconciliation.
Read MoreJoin the ELCA Sumud and ELCA Young Adults this Advent for a powerful spiritual journey exploring Bethlehem and the Holy Land through reflections, webinars, and theological resources. Starting Nov. 30, this series invites us to make room for justice and peace in our lives. Learn more and download the Advent Devotional Guide.
Read MoreAdvent is here! Join Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center this Monday, December 2, at 12:00 PM AZ/MST for Restore Our Hope: Advent Centering Prayer. This week, we reflect on a world marked by isolation, comparison, and fear, as we pray for connection, compassion, and liberation. Begin the season with 30 minutes of song, prayer, and quiet reflection. Register here to receive the Zoom link.
Read MoreDiscover the Grand Canyon Synod’s 2024 Advent and Christmas hub! This special section of our site gathers worship resources, event calendars, and inspiring stories to guide you through this holy season. Visit gcsynod.org/2024-advent-christmas to explore and share your own events or reflections with the synod. Let’s prepare our hearts together for the coming of Christ!
Read MoreFrom combating child hunger to advocating for climate action and justice for Dreamers, the ELCA continues to live out its call to serve neighbors and proclaim God’s peace. This month’s highlights include updates from COP29, work on U.S.-Israel humanitarian aid, and support for DACA protections. Learn how Lutherans are putting faith into action and how you can join the effort.
Read MoreThis week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Brian Weinberger, Bethlehem, Mesa, who celebrates 16 years on November 29.
Rev. Naomi Hartman, Church of the Foothills, Tucson, who celebrates 15 years on November 29.
Deacon April Boyden, who celebrates 35 years on December 1.
Rev. Lars Hammar, Lord of Grace, Tucson, who celebrates 25 years on December 5.
Rev. Joshua Pontious, Community of Grace, Peoria, who celebrates 3 years on December 5.
Experience the anticipation and hope of the Advent season with Lutheran Summer Music's fourth-annual Musical Advent Calendar. From December 1-24, immerse yourself in a daily moment of music and reflection shared on our Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube pages and archived on our website at LSMacademy.org/acal.
To have these daily videos delivered straight to your inbox, sign up here.
Read MoreNew resources are now available from ELCA World Hunger to enrich the life of your congregation in Advent 2024 and Lent 2025. As congregations across the ELCA creatively find new ways to lean into the future, we are eager to equip leaders with ELCA World Hunger resources for the important church seasons of Advent and Lent.
Read MoreFacing transitions and challenges in ministry? ELCA Coaching offers free individual coaching sessions and Supportive Spaces, a six-week support group for church leaders. These programs provide a safe space to reflect, process grief, and find renewal with the help of certified coaches. Next Supportive Spaces cohort begins December 5. Sign up today to invest in your well-being and leadership.
Read MoreThe Office of the Bishop will be closed on November 28 and 29, 2024, in observance of Thanksgiving and the following day. We give thanks for the faithful work of our congregations and ministries. Regular office hours resume December 2. May this season of gratitude bring peace and joy to you and your loved ones.
Read MoreCOP29: Church leaders amplify call to protect ecosystems, livelihoods and future generations
COP29: Building hope for a climate just future | Event updates
16 Days: Unite to end violence against women and girls | Event updates
Lutherans and Orthodox meet to prepare next dialogue session
A tool for faith-based contribution to gender just climate policies
Grace Lutheran Church in Phoenix has awarded its first scholarships through the Grace and Grand Canyon Synod Scholarship Fund, established in 2023 to help ELCA members pursue higher education and professional growth. This fund honors Martin Luther’s legacy of learning, providing financial aid and community support. With matching funds available at many faith-based institutions, a single gift can make a significant impact. To learn about eligibility or contribute to the fund, contact Arizona Community Foundation at azfoundation.org or Grace Lutheran’s team at Treasurer@graceinthecity.com.
Read MoreFrom fighting child hunger to advocating for bold climate action at COP29, the ELCA continues to embody Christ’s call to justice. Explore updates on global partnerships, featured resources like Bishop Eaton’s post-election message, and dates to mark, including World AIDS Day. Read more to find ways your congregation can take action this season.
Read MoreDiscover how Lutherans are putting faith into action this November with advocacy updates from the UN and state public policy offices. From amplifying human rights at the United Nations to championing civic engagement and justice in Colorado, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Wisconsin, our church is making an impact globally and locally. Learn more about these efforts and how you can get involved.
Read MoreThe latest Seeds Monthly is here, featuring: Advent resources from ELCA World Hunger; Living Lutheran School pickup prayers; Holiday shopping with ELCA Good Gifts; "Woven Together Post-Election Message from Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton; upcoming events; "God With Us" Advent Devotional; ELCA.org refresh; and bulletin blurbs.
Read MoreYoung adult parents rate religious faith as the least important value to pass on to their children. How can congregations respond? This post in ELCA.org explores ways faith communities can engage parents, support their well-being, and foster connections between faith and shared values like empathy and responsibility. Read more for practical insights and reflection questions to spark creative ministry.
Read MoreThe Church Council of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) gathered at the Lutheran Center in Chicago, Nov. 14-17. The council, which serves as the ELCA churchwide organization’s board of directors and interim legislative authority between meetings of a churchwide assembly, focused much of its work on preparations for the ELCA 2025 Churchwide Assembly.
In her report to the council, ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton spoke of God’s Love Made Real as the umbrella for the church’s vision of “a world experiencing the difference God’s grace and love in Christ make for all people and creation.” The vision calls for two distinct strategies for the church moving forward: the church that is and the church that is becoming.
Read MoreThis Advent, join Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center for Restore Our Hope: Advent Centering Prayer, a free online program led by Sheri Brown. Every Monday in December, spend 30 minutes in song, guided meditation, and communal prayer as we prepare our hearts for Christ’s coming. Sessions are at 12:00 PM AZ/MST. Register now at Spirit in the Desert’s website.
Read MoreThe Office of the Bishop begins 2025 synod assembly planning, visits global companion synods, does year-end preparations, balances books, and gives thanks.
We also share photos from the recent LAMA retreat, First Call Theological Accompaniment, and the Installation of Rev. Anna Rieke at Christ the Lord in Carefree.
Read MoreJoin the Arizona Faith Network Annual Gathering on December 9 at the Franciscan Renewal Center for a morning of connection and inspiration, featuring keynote speaker Rev. Eugene Cho. Don’t miss weekly guided meditations, an urgent call to protect the sacred Great Bend of the Gila, and the 6th Annual Turkish Festival on December 7-8 in Chandler. Plus, support Arizona Jews for Justice’s Winter Clothing Drive to aid the unsheltered community. Explore these events and more in the full AFN Newsletter.
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