Get involved in the Region 2 Lenten Challenge by utilizing free promotional resources to encourage participation in your congregation and community. Visit lentenchallenge.org/promote to access a wide array of materials designed to help you share and celebrate this season of spiritual growth and fellowship.
Read MoreIn 2024, all of the ELCA synods in Region 2 are challenging one another to raise money for ELCA World Hunger in honor of ELCA World Hunger’s 50th year in mission and ministry. The challenge is to pledge to participate in some spiritual and physical practices during Lent and raise funds for ELCA World Hunger. The synod with the most participants wins!
Lent is 40 days to reflect, remember our dependence on God and one another, and look forward to the ways God calls us to be. Adding one or more of these small practices to your observation of Lent might help you feel more connected. A light-hearted challenge like this might help our synods be the Church together, and to see God’s vision and invitation for us to be a church for the world and share the good news of Jesus Christ. Visit lentenchallenge.org to learn more and take the pledge today!
Read MoreCenturies after colonial models of education were first forced on Indigenous people in North America, their effects are still keenly felt. Western theological education has remained the default methodology within the church, including the ELCA. This fall, Native leaders from across the ELCA, in partnership with leaders from Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary (PLTS) of California Lutheran University in Berkeley, are seeking to change that with the launch of the Theological Education for Indigenous Leaders (TEIL) program. Read more at Living Lutheran.
Read MoreRefresh your spirit this Advent with "Journeying Together -- Spiritual Practices in Community." Join Thriving Leadership Formation on Dec 7, 2023, from 10am-1pm MST, 9am to Noon PST, for a free virtual event focused on grounding spiritual practices. Perfect for ministry leaders seeking respite and connection. Register now for a serene start to your Advent journey. Register here. Questions? Email thriving@callutheran.edu.
Read MorePotencia tu liderazgo en justicia climática con nuestro programa de certificación en línea transcontinental, disponible de febrero a noviembre de 2024 (PDF). Desarrolla habilidades morales, espirituales y prácticas para impulsar el cambio en tu comunidad. Comprométete solo 2-4 horas semanales para ser parte de un movimiento que fusiona el bienestar ecológico con la justicia social. Aplica antes del 30 de noviembre de 2023.
Empower your leadership in climate justice with our transcontinental online certification program, available February - November 2024 (PDF). Develop moral, spiritual, and practical skills to drive change in your community. Commit just 2-4 hours weekly to become a part of a movement merging ecological wellbeing with social justice. Apply by November 30, 2023.
Read MoreDiscover the essence of seminary life at the Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary’s “Signs Along the Way” discernment weekend. From engaging classes to exploring the Bay area, step closer to understanding your divine calling from November 4-6, 2023.
Read MoreLearn how Lutheran Disaster Response is bringing hope and essential aid to communities in Maui affected by the recent devastating wildfires. Join in the mission of support and recovery.
Read MoreEmbark on a journey of spiritual enrichment and communal strength with Thriving Leadership Formation Cohorts. Dive into specialized groups catering to diverse leaders, all grounded in nurturing practices and collective growth. No cost, just community. Discover your cohort, especially the Grand Canyon Synod cohort led by Pastor Lourdes Olson.
Read MoreDiscover the inspiring story of Bishop-elect Jeff Johnson, a man shaped by adversity, community, and an unwavering belief in God's unconditional love. In an era craving genuine connection and hope, Johnson stands as a testament to resilience and inclusivity.
Read about his profound commitment to social justice, his vision for a church that embraces all, and his upcoming installation as bishop in the Sierra Pacific Synod in Living Lutheran's latest feature. Dive into a narrative of transformation and hope for a future where love knows no bounds.
Read MoreDiscover enriching cohort opportunities from Cal Lutheran’s Thriving Leadership Formation designed for church leaders. From rostered leaders in part-time ministry to women-identified leaders under 40 and youth ministry enthusiasts, there's a community waiting for you. Dive deep into spiritual practices and nurture your leadership prowess.
Read MoreThe Rev. Jeff R. Johnson, Berkeley, Calif., was elected Sept. 17, 2023, to serve a six-year term as bishop of the Sierra Pacific Synod. Johnson is the first openly gay man to be elected bishop in the synod. Read more at ELCA.org or at spselca.net.
Read MoreDelve deep into the Church's essence with Vance Blackfox on Founders' Day at PLTS. Attend in-person or online for enlightening lectures and heartfelt worship on September 20th.
Read MoreMembers of Kihei Lutheran Church are providing much-needed relief to Maui wildfire victims, collecting essential supplies and extending emotional support. With a message of hope and resilience, they, along with the Lutheran Disaster Response, are calling for nationwide help to rebuild the affected community. Read more in Living Lutheran.
Read MoreRevitalize your congregation's preaching with the exclusive "The People's Sermon" program, led by Rev. Dr. Shauna Hannan. With only 3 spots left for the Grand Canyon Synod, seize this chance to amplify spiritual voices and enrich biblical understanding. RSVP by 9/5/23 to Pastor Jacqui Pagel.
Read MoreRevitalize your congregation's preaching with "The People's Sermon," a collaborative program led by Rev. Dr. Shauna Hannan for the Grand Canyon Synod. Through six enriching sessions, increase biblical understanding, encourage new voices, and enhance sermonic illustrations. Learn more about this transformative opportunity in this PDF flyer and this post.
Read MoreEmbark on a transformative journey with Excellence in Leadership (EiL), a unique program from Rocky Mountain Synod designed to foster courageous, resilient, and faithful leaders. Integrating five key leadership theories and spiritual practices, EiL is open to anyone interested in personal growth and effective leadership.
Registration for 2024-25 is now open; don't miss this opportunity to enhance your leadership skills for the benefit of yourself and the world around you. For more info, view a PDF flyer, watch this video, or read on. 18 month programs will run September 2023 - March 2025, 13 month program will run January 2024 - January 2025.
Read MoreWe stand in solidarity with our siblings of the Pacifica Synod as the wildfires scorching Maui affect the lives of many. Please read the message in this post from Bishop David Nagler and consider donating to their Hawai’i relief fund .
Read MoreThriving Leadership Formation is seeking leaders for our next round of Contemplative Action Groups. Leaders receive a stipend of $2,500. A job description can be found here.
Leaders will receive training in spiritual practices, the Enneagram, and access to other resources for spiritual leadership and support. If you are interested in leading a cohort, please complete this interest form.
Read MoreOur regional gift planners Lisa Higginbotham and Josh Kerney share the 2023 annual report for the ELCA Foundation as a PDF, a video, and in this blog post.
The vision of the ELCA Foundation is to be a thriving ministry that develops a culture of intentional generosity and financial stewardship to expand the work of the ELCA. Our mission is to support and sustain ELCA ministries by enhancing gifting capacity and stewarding resources.
Read MoreDevelop moral, spiritual, and practical power to be an effective advocate for climate justice! The Certificate in Climate Justice and Faith is the flagship program of Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary’s Center for Climate Justice and Faith. Applications for the 2023-24 Cohort are due June 15, 2023. Learn more here: Learn more and get a link to the application on their website, or view this PDF flyer.
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