Join Blessed Tomorrow in the One Home One Future campaign, engage in Climate Ambassador Training, and explore various events and initiatives aimed at caring for creation and climate justice in their September 2023 newsletter.
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Join the Arizona Faith Network in a series of upcoming events aimed at building bridges and breaking barriers across communities. Engage in dialogue, meditation, book discussions, and more in their latest weekly newsletter.
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Pastor Joe Doherty with New Promise Lutheran in St. George requests prayers for De Schoonover, wife of pastor Al Schoonover. She fell and broke her neck. While it looks like she will not require surgery, she will be in a brace for months to come.
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Members of ADLA (African Descent Lutheran Association) gathered July 7-9, 2023 in Atlanta under the theme “This Is Us”. Members engaged in worship, attended educational workshops and conducted official business including elected a new governing board. In this video, we hear from some of the assembly attendees about the weekend and the importance of ADLA.
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This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Nathan Bowman, Hospice of the West, , who celebrates 38 years on August 25.
Rev. Sandra Jones, Bethany, Scottsdale, who celebrates 16 years on August 25.
The Rev. Kristin Rice, All Saints, Phoenix, who celebrates 16 years on August 26.
Rev. John Maroni, Shepherd of the Desert, Sun City, who celebrates 18 years on August 27.
Rev. Michael Sager, Desert Hills, Green Valley, who celebrates 29 years on August 28.
Rev. Hildegardo González Gómez, who celebrates 24 years on August 28.
Rev. Paul Ninnemann, who celebrates 47 years on August 29.
Deacon Barbara Sikkink, who celebrates 31 years on August 30.
Deacon Janice Zimbelman, Office of the Bishop, Phoenix, who celebrates 9 years on August 31.
Traveling for work and vacation are on the staff schedule, as well as developing resources for synod leaders. We also share a photo from the Rostered Leaders of Color Cohort retreat.
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For areas experiencing excessive heat and for access to cooling stations for vulnerable individuals…
For relief and recovery in areas experiencing wildfires, including the northeastern Greece; Maui, Hawaii; the Canadian Province of British Columbia, and the city of Yellowknife in the Northwest Territories…
For communities in Southern California as they recover from both an earthquake and Tropical Storm Hilary…
For all in the path of Tropical Storms Franklin and Harold…
For feeding ministries in congregations that provide meals and food to their local communities…
For those who feel lonely or alone…
For victims of gun violence and their families…
For those experiencing strained marital relationships and couples going through separation and divorce….
For migrants and refugees seeking better employment opportunities, for safe travel and a warm welcome…
For peace in areas of war or conflict, especially in Ukraine, Libya, Syria, and Palestine…
Join the Interim Ministry Association on Sep 18, 2023, 10am PDT/MST, 11am MDT, for a free webinar on Transition Consulting provided by the Interim Ministry Association. Learn how these specially trained facilitators help congregations navigate the interim period between pastors and the training required to become one.
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The August/September update from ELCA's advocacy office covers urgent matters such as FEMA's funding crisis, clean energy tax credits for churches, efforts in the Farm Bill reauthorization, growing support for the Afghan Adjustment Act, and international funding decisions. These updates underline the pressing issues that call for advocacy, reflection, and action in our society.
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We pray for Pastor Adele Stiles Resmer and the family and friends of Rev. Larry Resmer Stiles, who died unexpectedly after a fall on August 16, 2023.
A celebration of life will be held Saturday, September 9, 2023, 11 am, at The Fountains, A United Methodist Church, 15300 N Fountain Hills Blvd., Fountain Hills, AZ 85268. There will be no clergy vesting. There will be a brief reception following. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to the borderlands ministry of Cruzando Fronteras.
We will provide updates as we receive them.
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In an ELCA blog post, ELCA Hunger shares how Calvary Lutheran Church in Perham, Minnesota, has been honored with the Northwestern Minnesota Synod's "Holy Cow Award" for the third time. Recognized for their unwavering support for missions, the church recently donated $12,500 to ELCA World Hunger. While proud of the award, the church's focus remains on its proactive giving spirit, viewing the award as a reflection of their core values rather than a goal in itself.
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Addressing Christian Nationalism in this video message, Bishop Eaton says this dangerous ideology “is a perversion of the gospel and a threat to our democracy. It’s precisely because I love my country that I warn against it.”
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The Grand Canyon Synod invites applications for Project Support Grants and ACTS Grants for 2024. With $218,000 available for supporting congregations and strategic ministries, these grants align with the Synod's goals and visions. Don't miss this opportunity to fund projects ranging from educational materials to outreach efforts. Check the eligibility, apply by October 30, 2023, and make your ministry's vision a reality.
We will also provide an application webinar on Tuesday, September 26, 2023, 4:30pm PDT/MST, 5:30pm MDT. Click here to register.
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Stay up-to-date with the August 2023 Worship News from the ELCA Worship, including resources for "God's work. Our hands." Sunday, a new addition to teach kids about worship through "All Creation Sings," and opportunities for spiritual growth and musical inspiration with Music that Makes Community.
Whether you are a congregation leader or a choir director, explore these resources and upcoming events that can enhance your spiritual practices and communal connections.
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The harrowing experience of ELCA pastor Alvin Erickson's daughter being victimized by sex trafficking led to the creation of a vital ministry called Adults Saving Kids. This nonprofit seeks to equip parents and grandparents with the tools and knowledge to protect their children from the subtle and sophisticated dangers of modern society.
The organization provides valuable courses and guidance on nurturing wisdom and resilience in young ones to safeguard them from potential harm. Read more in Living Lutheran about the journey of turning a tragic event into a mission for proactive prevention.
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“One of the most challenging countries I ever worked in” by Mark Mullan
Water in the desert by Roger Kalimira
Explore a reflective meditation from Rev. Drew Tucker on Galatians 5:22-26, focusing on the fruits of the Spirit. In a world where division often reigns, Tucker's insights offer a timely reminder of the virtues we must cultivate. He draws parallels between the conflicts of the early Galatian church and our modern struggles, urging us to practice love, joy, peace, and other spiritual gifts intentionally. Find inspiration for your spiritual journey by reading more at Living Lutheran.
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Explore Luther Seminary's on-demand course, “Faith, Lies & Spies: Bonhoeffer and You,” and embark on a journey to connect faith with societal engagement. Inspired by the radical and courageous life of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, this immersive experience, led by Dr. Andy Root, aims to deepen your conviction and prepare you for deliberate action in today's divisive world. Join the course to find your voice in the church's mission for justice. Click to learn more about bridging the gap between faith and meaningful societal change.
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Explore the latest initiatives and events in the latest ELCA Seeds Monthly, including the 10th anniversary of "God's work. Our hands." Sunday, the Future Church vision, remembrance for Indian boarding schools, and various opportunities for congregational engagement. Join us in this journey of love, healing, and transformation, and discover how you can be part of making God's love real in the world today.
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Revitalize 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.
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