Since June 2022, Pakistan has experienced historic monsoon weather, with rainfall leading to torrential flooding. The flooding is causing a widespread humanitarian crisis, with people losing homes, crops and livestock. Millions of people are displaced and in need of humanitarian assistance, such as food, temporary shelter, health services and other supplies.
Read MoreThe Conference of Bishops of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) met Sept. 29–Oct. 1 at the Eaglewood Resort in Itasca, Ill. The conference, an advisory body of the ELCA, comprises 65 synod bishops, the presiding bishop and the secretary.
"We come together as the Conference of Bishops to give and receive encouragement as we serve in our respective synods," said the Rev. Tracie Bartholomew, bishop of the ELCA New Jersey Synod and conference chair. "We are at our best when we work collegially and celebrate all that God is doing throughout this church."
Read MoreThe ELCA Fund for Leaders 25th Anniversary Scholarship Awards Celebration took place on Friday, Sept. 30, 2022. Watch a recording of the full event honoring this year’s class of scholarship recipients.
Read MoreMonday, October 10, 2022, we observe Indigenous Peoples' Day, an opportunity to honor Indigenous Peoples and celebrate all the vital gifts that they offer to Creation from their cultures, traditions, theology, wisdom, creativity, ingenuity and so much more.
Read MoreWe pray for Rev. William Phillips and the people of Christ Lutheran Church in Las Vegas, part of the Colorado River Conference. Visit their site at christlasvegas.org, and their social media pages on Facebook, YouTube,and Twitter.
Read MoreWe continue our series of weekly reflections on the 2022 Churchwide Assembly with thoughts from Pastor Chris Stoxen of Holy Trinity Lutheran in Chandler.
“While I could talk about a variety of things that touched me about Churchwide Assembly, including Worship, Ecumenical Partner Presentations, the offering of an Apology to a community that we hurt, I think the most influential experiences I had were with the community of believers and the relationships that were built.”
Read MoreFor 2023, the Grand Canyon Synod is offering two categories of grant applications: Project Support Grants, and Adapting, Connecting, Transforming, and Sustaining (ACTS) Grants. More info at gcsynod.org/grants.
Resources and a recording from our info meeting about the 2023 Grand Canyon Synod Grants are now available. View a PDF of the slides, and click here to view the Zoom recording, using this passcode: S$5$Hnqj
Read MoreThe Office of the Bishop is on the road again, and maintains our existing programs and day-to-day functions.
Read MoreRev. Thomas Morrison, who celebrates 44 years on October 10.
Rev. John Biggs, Saved By Grace, Pahrump, who celebrates 9 years on October 13.
Rev. Steven Kruse, New Covenant, Scottsdale, who celebrates 37 years on October 13.
Deacon Gloria Owens, who celebrates 35 years on October 13.
In 2018, three small congregations within a 10-mile radius of downtown Oklahoma City—Ascension, St. Mark and Redeemer—were struggling financially to maintain their buildings and meet associated expenses. They started with combined services on fifth Sundays and talked about a weekly joint meeting. Discussions about a formal merger had just started when the COVID-19 pandemic hit.
Read MoreFor an end to the continued violence and war in Ukraine…
For those recovering in the aftermath of Hurricanes Ian and Fiona, including our siblings in the Florida-Bahamas Synod and the Caribbean Synod…
For the ministries of American Indian and Alaska Native siblings in our church, and for all relationships of reconciliation with indigenous communities…
For the Supreme Court of the United States as it begins a new term…
For the social and political unrest in Iran and for all who strive for gender equality and human rights…
For the work of scientists, including the recent recipients of the Nobel Prize for Chemistry, who help us to learn more about our universe and God’s creation…
Read this post for the full agenda of our Bishop’s Fall Gathering, 10/17-19, 2022 at the Franciscan Renewal Center. Amy Sander Montanez, D.Min., and Jennifer Linde, with the ASU Center for Civil Dialogue, will be two of our presenters.
We also ask that all attending sign the Franciscan Renewal Center’s Covid waiver, available as PDF or Word doc.
Read MoreVance Blackfox, the ELCA’s Director of Indigenous Ministries and Tribal Relations, shares this list of resources which includes books, videos, web resources, social media, news outlets, ELA resources, and more.
We were honored to have Vance present at our latest synod council and deans retreat.
Read MoreJoin facilitator Dr. Cynthia Moe-Lobeda, founding director for the Center for Climate Justice and Faith at PLTS, for a three-day retreat at Spirit in the Desert, Friday, 3/10/2023 through Sunday, 3/12/2023.
Explore the economic, cultural, political, and ecological contours of the systemic crisis we face, and grow in the knowledge, skills, spiritual strength, and community that are so vital to forging the paths toward climate justice. Register here and learn more on our calendar listing.
Read MoreThe Presbytery of Grand Canyon is offering a two-day workshop on Pastoral Leaders and Emotional Maturity at the Franciscan Renewal Center in Scottsdale, on January 30-31, 2023. The cost of the workshop is $99 for overnight stay and $49 for commuters. Participants may register by emailing pbyoffice@gmail.com.
Read MoreWhen the ELCA signed a request of President Biden to host a White House Conference on Food, Nutrition, Hunger, and Health, the group of organizations stated: “We can end hunger in America, and a public commitment to a White House Conference, with ending hunger as a key priority, is an essential step in accomplishing this goal.” Recordings of panel sessions and plenary sessions are available online.
Read MoreAfter a two-year pause, the Young Adults in Global Mission (YAGM) program is sending volunteers out into the world again. Mae Helen Jackson, Young Adult Outreach and Placement Manager, gives an update about some of the ways the YAGM team is bringing the program up to date and making it more welcoming for everyone. YAGM is ready for you! Submit your application beginning Nov. 1, 2022 at ELCA.org/YAGM.
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