Young people’s trust in religious institutions is low, but trust in relationships with religious people is still extremely high. Read the article from Religion News Service here.
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Risk levels in our synod’s counties are roughly the same: extremely or very high for unvaccinated people.
Extremely high risk counties for unvaccinated people in our synod include Gila, Greenlee, Graham, La Paz, Maricopa, Mohave, Navajo, Pinal, Yavapai, and Washington counties.
Very high risk counties include Apache, Clark, Cochise, Coconino, Pima, Santa Cruz, and Yuma.
This week members the Office of the Bishop team take some time off, and Bishop Hutterer preaches and presides at the Holy Closure of Celebration Lutheran in Peoria. View all the details for each team member in this post.
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For the people of Germany in the wake of a national election…
For the witness of LGBTQIA+ persons in the church and for all allies and advocates…
For equitable and affordable access to healthcare for all…
For the work of the ELCA’s AMMPARO (Accompanying Migrant Minors with Protection, Advocacy, Representation, and Opportunities) initiative and for the safety of migrant minors…
For the work of the 2022 Multicultural Youth Leadership Event (MYLE) planning team…
In thanksgiving for the life and witness of Francis of Assisi…
Blessed Are the Peacemakers: Mediation and Reconciliation Skills for the Church is a new publication created by Lutheran World Federation leaders after years of experience in dealing with church conflicts across the Americas. The resource is published in English, Spanish and Portuguese.
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A new PBS documentary shows how religion can be a machinery for improvement. Read the article from Religion News Service here.
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We pray for Rev. Richard Sherrill and the people of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Phoenix, part of the Northeast Valley Conference. Visit their site at popphoenix.org, and their social media pages on Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram.
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We are delighted to share stories of success in the Adult Community Education Ministry from Central Lutheran Church in Arizona City and Casa Grande. In this progress report PDF and video, learn how a range of participants have acquired GEDs and new vocations through this ministry.
This is one of many ministries made possible through our Growing Generosity Appeal. Funded through the Lilly 3E portion of the appeal under Vital Right Shaped Ministries grants, it’s an example of new growth in our synod. Prayerfully consider how you’d like to be part of Growing Generosity.
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Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Mesa (Rio Salado Conference) requests your prayers and presence with them for a service of Holy Communion and The Order of Installation for Rev. Brian Weinberger on Sunday, October 10, 2021 at 3 pm. Find them at blcmesa.org and 2745 N 32nd St., Mesa, AZ 85213.
Bishop Hutterer will be present. Clergy and Rostered Leaders are invited to vest; the color of the day is green. View PDF invitation.
Due to the ongoing pandemic, Bethlehem is following the recommendations of our Synod and the CDC. We ask that all worshippers wear masks and maintain recommended social distancing before, during, and after worship. Thank you for your support and understanding.
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Stories of Faith in Action is a free, annual publication highlighting how God is changing lives through the ministries funded by your congregation’s Mission Support offering, shared with your synod and ELCA churchwide. Visit our SOFIA 2021-2022 page for all resources.
How can you inspire ELCA members with this publication? View this how-to PDF resource or this post which has: links for the digital and print PDF; one-page stories for printing; three videos for social media or mission moment with your congregation (1, 2, 3); and prompts for devotional time.
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Instead of worshippers, some churches have been filled with local tourists, professional chefs or burnt-out frontline workers.
Church Space, a platform akin to Airbnb, allows houses of worship to rent their sanctuaries, fellowship halls and kitchens to other congregations and organizations for as much as $30,000 a year. Read the article from Religion News Service here.
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Lutheran Men in Mission shares their October 2021 Ambassador-Gram newsletter as a PDF.
Check out their Ambassador web page and use the site to let them know if you are interested in serving as a LMM Ambassador.
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My father taught me how to pray the Lord’s Prayer when I was a little girl—much too young to understand what trespasses or forgiveness meant.
Forgiveness is an inescapable aspect of the human condition, touching nearly every facet of our lives. Yet it seems as if the concept of God’s forgiveness has been co-opted by pop culture, which has left it somewhere between a buzzword and a spiritual practice.
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This week’s Story of Faith in Action features our very own Living Christ Lutheran Church in Flagstaff, where grants from the Grand Canyon Synod, funded by ELCA Mission Support, helped sustain Living Christ’s ministry.
Read this story and view the video in this post, view as a PDF resource, or visit our SOFIA 2021-2022 page for all resources.
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Pastors, please enjoy a complimentary visit to Camp ALOMA for a night or two or just for a day. You’re welcome to bring your spouse! We’ll provide food and lodging.
Camp ALOMA is open 7 days a week. Call or email Leah to set up your visit: 928-778-1690 or office@campaloma.com.
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Richard Rohr wrote that the Enneagram roots can be found in the three thousand year old story Odyssey where Ulysses encountered nine challenges (people) in order to get home and become whole.
The Enneagram has been used since ancient times to build community, empower each other, minimalize violence, and enable peaceful coexistence. Learn about this 4/8/2022 event on our calendar.
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Each week Religion News Service presents a gallery of photos of religious expression around the world. View the slideshow here.
This week's photo gallery includes Ganesh Chaturthi festival, calls at White House for spending for families and more.
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We pray for Rev. Martha Neff Stum and the people of Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Tucson, part of the Santa Cruz Conference. Visit their site at lutherantucson.org, and their social media pages on Facebook, YouTube.
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“boundless love” was written and performed by Sam Noble and Faith Bartelt to serve as the Official Theme Song for the 2022 ELCA Youth Gathering. The music video was filmed and edited by Ankos Films. For more information about the 2022 Gathering, visit: elca.org/Gathering.
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Read the provisionally-approved minutes from the synod council meetings on August 14, August 27, and September 17, 2021, in PDF format. The fully approved 8/14/2021 minutes are here in PDF format.
While not formally approved, we are trying to get our minutes available as soon as possible to the synod.
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