During March 16-20, 2025, experience the perfect blend of faith and baseball at the Desert Sojourn Retreat in Carefree, Arizona. Join Pastor Dave Ellingson for five days of fellowship, worship, and Cactus League Spring Training games. Limited spaces available—reserve your spot today!
Read MoreSeventy-one percent of victims of human trafficking are women and girls. National Human Trafficking Prevention Month is an opportunity to educate others about identifying human trafficking, prevention and supporting victims. This blog post contained articles and resources from Women of the ELCA to raise awareness of human trafficking and engage in advocacy in your congregation and community.
Read MoreMeet Glory Godwin Lekashu, a medical laboratory technician, student, and Lutheran whose journey spans continents and calls to service. From her youth ministry roots in Tanzania to her studies in biology and public health, Glory integrates faith and science to heal body, soul, and world. In this Living Lutheran article, learn how this International Women Leaders scholar is living her Lutheran values by fostering health care justice, inspiring youth, and shining Christ’s light in her community.
Read MoreIn a post-Dobbs world, the ELCA’s 1991 social statement on abortion offers a compassionate, theologically grounded response to the complexities of reproductive rights. Rooted in trust, understanding, and a commitment to relationships, the statement calls Lutherans to discernment, advocacy, and accompaniment. Explore how this powerful framework equips us for faithful action today in this Living Lutheran article.
Read MoreBaptism gives us all the forgiveness we need to live as followers of Christ, even in the midst of sin and brokenness. Rev. AmyJo Mattheis reflects on her journey through anger and pain, finding healing through the sacraments of baptism and communion. Forgiven by God, we are called to forgive others, break down walls of division, and confront the realities of sin and injustice with Christ’s grace. Read more to explore how living forgiveness transforms us and the world around us in this Café blog post from Women of the ELCA.
Read MoreForgiveness is both a spiritual practice and a path to renewal as we begin the new year. Rooted in God’s abundant grace, it frees us to let go of anger, pursue justice with love, and extend compassion to ourselves and others. Explore how forgiveness can transform your life and strengthen your faith in 2024 in this Café blog post from the Women of the ELCA.
Read MoreLutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona is seeking district coordinators for Lutheran Day at the Legislature on February 10, 2025, at Wesley Bolin Plaza in Phoenix. Coordinators will play a critical role in organizing district efforts, securing legislative appointments, and leading conversations with representatives. Training and support are provided. Ready to make a difference? Learn more and register here or email director@lamaz.org.
Read MoreYoung adults across the Grand Canyon Synod are invited to join the upcoming Winter Retreat at Camp ALOMA in Prescott, January 17-20. Enjoy faith-based learning, fellowship, and fun activities like Laser Tag, s’mores around the fire, and hiking. Connect with other young adults in a beautiful outdoor setting and grow in your faith. Spaces are limited—register today!
Read MoreWhat happens to LGBTQIA2S+ families if marriage equality is overturned? Join Central Lutheran Church on January 4, 2025, at 2:00 PM for Planning for Your Future in Uneasy Times. Estate Attorney Aaron Fransua, Esq., will share essential steps to safeguard your family and rights in uncertain times. This vital event is open to all—come and learn how to protect what matters most.
Read MoreMosaic’s mission to empower individuals through whole-person care is transforming lives across communities. The latest issue of Promisemagazine shares inspiring stories of personalized support, celebrates the dedication of Mosaic’s workforce and partners, and outlines a visionary plan for growth. Read more about how Mosaic embodies God’s call to serve: Read Here.
Read MoreEnrollment is filling fast for the LSM 2025! Students come together in an immersive musical community that connects the pursuit of musical growth with the joy of Lutheran church music traditions. Know a young person (grades 8-12) who would benefit from this life-giving and joyful musical community? Nominate them for LSM today at LSMacademy.org/nominate.
LSM 2025 takes place at Valparaiso University from June 22-July 20 (Half Session through July 6). Standard Enrollment is open now through March 1.
Read MoreDiscover new ways to lead in changing times! The Missional Leadership Cohort is a nine-month journey beginning March 2025 to equip clergy with tools for transformative leadership. With retreats (including an in-person gathering at Spirit in the Desert), coaching, and peer support, this program offers practical insights and theological grounding to help you move from “fixing” to faithful discernment. Scholarships available! Learn more today!
Read MoreecoAmerica’s January newsletter calls us to action, sharing new research on growing climate concerns, opportunities like the 2025 American Climate Leadership Awards, and inspiring stories from faith communities leading the way. Learn how you can deepen your commitment to creation care and advocate for climate justice in 2025. Read more.
Read MoreLutheran Disaster Response is transforming lives in Indonesia through disaster preparedness training for church members in vulnerable communities. With over 40 participants engaged in November 2024, this ELCA-supported initiative equips churches to act as first responders, spreading God’s love and building resilience in one of the world’s most disaster-prone regions. Read more at ELCA.org.
Read MoreJoin the choir for a special Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration of Diversity event on Sunday, January 19, 2025, at 3 PM at King of Glory Lutheran Church in Tempe. Rehearsals begin January 4, and all vocalists are welcome to participate in this inspiring service featuring gospel-style music and a message from Bishop Yehiel Curry. Sign up today to be part of this unforgettable tribute at Sign-Up Genius.
Read MoreWe are excited to announce the release of the updated 2025 Congregations in Transition Manual, designed to guide congregations through the four phases of the transition and call process with spiritual focus and practical tools. Now available for download, this resource includes templates, liturgies, and actionable steps to help congregations navigate change with grace. Visit gcsynod.org/transition to access the manual and learn more.
Read MoreMerry Christmas from Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center in Carefree, Arizona! This year, Spirit welcomed diverse groups seeking healing and renewal while continuing to provide exceptional hospitality and spiritual connection. Looking ahead, Spirit offers retreats and programs to deepen faith, including Centering Prayer, contemplative Zoom services, and a Spring Training baseball retreat. Discover how Spirit continues to serve as a haven for peace and renewal.
Read More2024 was a year of remarkable advocacy through the Lutheran Advocacy Ministry of Arizona (LAMA), with record participation at Lutheran Day at the Legislature and impactful work in areas like hunger, housing, and international aid. As we celebrate Christmas, we reflect on the Nativity’s call to care for the vulnerable and recommit to advocacy in 2025. Read more for highlights from LAMA Director Solveig Muus and an inspiring message from Hunger Advocacy Fellow Autumn Byars.
Read MoreLiving Lutheran returns to print in spring 2025, offering quarterly issues filled with inspiring stories and church updates. Subscribe individually or as a congregation today. Plus, explore meaningful holiday gifts with the ELCA Good Gifts catalog, join the National Day of Racial Healing on Jan. 21, and prepare for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity starting Jan. 18. Find these updates and more in this month’s Seeds Monthly.
Read MoreArizona’s Christian leaders have issued a powerful statement calling for immigration reform that upholds human dignity and family unity. They denounce unjust deportation practices, including raids on churches and other critical locations, and call on law enforcement to act with conscience. Grounded in Gospel values, the leaders urge us all to see the image of God in every human being and advocate for a fair and humane immigration system. Read the full statement to learn how our faith compels us to stand with the vulnerable.
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