Children of Hope CDC Achieves Highest Quality Rating

Children of Hope Child Development Center, an outreach ministry of Esperanza Lutheran Church in Phoenix, proudly announces its achievement of a 5-star Quality First rating, the highest level of recognition for early learning providers in Arizona. Discover how this milestone validates their commitment to delivering excellent early education, setting children up for success in kindergarten and beyond, in their latest blog post.

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Ordination celebrations: August 2-10, 2023

Today we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:

  • Rev. Sharon Brown, Spirit of Joy, Clarkdale, who celebrates 10 years on August 2.

  • Rev. Mark Perry, Sierra Evangelical, Sierra Vista, who celebrates 37 years on August 2.

  • Rev. Thomas McFarland, who celebrates 37 years on August 3.

  • Rev. Janet Richardson, who celebrates 34 years on August 6.

  • Rev. Richard Peterson, who celebrates 30 years on August 8.

  • Rev. John Hoelter, who celebrates 56 years on August 9.

  • Rev. Joseph Dillon, who celebrates 47 years on August 10.

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California Lutheran’s Thriving Leadership Formation: Call for New Cohort Leaders

Thriving 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

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AFN's August Offering: Bridging Communities, Fostering Understanding

The Arizona Faith Network's August events bring opportunities to connect, learn, and make a difference. From social justice meetings to enlightening sessions on religious nationalism and faith practices, there's something for everyone. We also highlight our efforts to combat extreme heat, showcasing the importance of collective action. Discover more about their events and how you can participate in their latest newsletter.

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The ELCA Wants to Hear Your Opinion

Throughout the next couple of months, the ELCA is asking for your help. We are looking for your thoughts and ideas  on how we are called to be a church in today’s world.

Please visit our website on Future Church: God’s Love Made Real – lovemadereal.elca.org – where you can learn more about this action and complete a survey to share your views of the church and the world today.

In the coming weeks we will offer listening sessions where you can participate in online opportunities to provide your thoughts on God’s call for the church.

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Ordination and Installation of Wyatt Linde

The Ordination of Wyatt Linde will be Wednesday, 8/9/2023, 6pm, at Resurrection Lutheran Church in Oro Valley (11575 North 1st Avenue, Oro Valley, AZ 85737). Bishop Deborah Hutterer will preside and Rev. Tim Nybroten will preach.

A buffet reception will follow. Kindly RSVP by calling the church office, 520.575.9901. If you are unable to attend, you may watch online at orovalley.org.

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Abounding Grace Lutheran Church offers worship items to fellow churches

Abounding Grace Lutheran Church in Tucson has been a sanctuary for countless prayers, hymns, and services. Now, many of its cherished worship items are available to enrich your own congregations. The collection includes hymnals, communion chalices and trays, altar candles, paraments, and even pastors' robes and stoles.

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Understanding the Knesset’s (Israeli parliament) Recent Ruling in Light of our Jewish Relations

The recent unilateral vote in Israel's Knesset presents a challenge to the nation's democracy and has critical implications for our Lutheran-Jewish relations. In this post from theEcumenical and Inter-Religious Perspectives blog on ELCA.org, learn more about the circumstances of this vote, its potential impacts, and how we can offer our solidarity and encouragement to our Jewish neighbors during these challenging times.

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For What Shall We Pray? 8/1/2023
  • For relief to all who are suffering from excessive heat and humidity…

  • For the health of life-giving bodies of water: rivers, lakes, streams, reservoirs, and oceans…

  • For peace in Ukraine, Sudan, Haiti, Niger, Pakistan, and Colombia

  • For those near death and for those mourning the loss of a loved one…

  • For safety and rest for those traveling for vacations and summer trips…

  • For the work of Lutheran Outdoor Ministries, and for staff and campers in the final weeks of
    summer camps…

  • For survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault….

  • For victims of flooding in China following Typhoon Doksuri…

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Finding Your Courage: Dare to Lead for Church Leaders course begins 9/6/2023

Break free from indecisiveness and conflict avoidance with Luther Seminary’s Faith+Lead Dare to Lead for Church Leaders course, based on Dr. Brené Brown's transformative principles, beginning 9/6/2023.

In six immersive sessions, discover what authentic leadership looks like, how to live out your values, and find the courage to take bold steps in your life and ministry. Learn more about the course and register here.

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Lutheran Men in Mission's Summer 2023 Ambassador-Gram

Check out the latest updates from Lutheran Men in Mission (LMM) including the launch of their new app and a recap of the Spring 2023 Bold Gathering. Find out about upcoming Men's Weekend Experiences and exciting opportunities for Bible studies and book discussions. Discover how you can become more involved in our ministry. Explore these updates and more in our full blog post.

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Faith Lutheran in Yuma seeks pianist

Faith Lutheran Church in Yuma currently has a new baby grand piano just waiting for someone to “tickle the ivories” for their Sunday worship. A knowledge and understanding of Lutheran worship and an appreciation for a variety of musical styles - traditional, blended, and contemporary worship experience formats would be helpful. Please contact the church office: 928-783-7429.

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From UN Conferences to Hawaiian Communities: A Pastor’s Reflection on Sustainability

Read as Pastor Brianna Lloyd, one of the delegates at the 2023 UN High-Level Political Forum, shares her experiences on the ELCA World Hunger blog. See how global discussions translate into local actions in her community of Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi, as they tackle water issues, sustainable tourism, and more in light of the UN's Sustainable Development Goals. Read her eye-opening reflection and understand why local-global dialogues are crucial in our shared journey towards sustainability.

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