Dive into unity and action with the Arizona Faith Network's latest newsletter, highlighting crucial interfaith events, from their barrier-breaking Annual Gathering to opportunities for advocacy and spiritual growth. Join community efforts in meditation, social justice book discussions, and awareness walks, all detailed in AFN’s call to communal engagement.
Read MoreThe Office of the Bishop prepares for and attends a number of events, including: the Ordination and Installation of Glenn Schrader, Oct 22, 2023, 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM: 2023 Bishop's Fall Gathering, Oct 23, 2023 – Oct 25, 2023 ; and First Call Theological Education following the gathering.
Read MoreThis week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Susanne Havlic, who celebrates 27 years on October 20.
Rev. David Swan, who celebrates 50 years on October 21.
Rev. Mitchell Eickmann, Pan de Vida, El Mirage, who celebrates 39 years on October 22.
Rev. Linda Brown, who celebrates 12 years on October 22.
Rev. Amalia Vagts, Our Saviour’s, Tucson, who celebrates 2 years on October 23.
Rev. Sarah Stadler, Esperanza, Phoenix, who celebrates 17 years on October 25.
Rev. John Lillie, who celebrates 43 years on October 26.
Rev. Daniel Valasakos, Mount Zion, Tucson, who celebrates 27 years on October 26.
Rev. Kari Williamson, St. Andrew, Phoenix, who celebrates 20 years on October 26.
Discover 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 "Gateways to Joy," a soul-nurturing workshop on Thursday, 11/2/2023, led by Rev. Dr. Angela Williams Gorrell, designed to unlock God’s deep gladness amidst life’s complexities. This holiday season, explore joy's true essence, learn practical joy-cultivating strategies, and connect with a supportive faith community, all guided by Dr. Gorrell's wisdom and compassion. Enroll now for a transformative journey toward enduring spiritual joy.
Read MoreRecently, LAMA's Policy Council outlined its pivotal 2024 priorities, emphasizing action on food insecurity, voting and civic engagement, the water crisis, and housing and homelessness. Rooted in ELCA's teachings, LAMA commits to being a publicly engaged church, advocating for foundational societal changes that echo throughout hunger prevention, voter participation, sustainable water use, and housing access.
Join us in these pressing endeavors that seek to uplift our community and address the root causes of these social concerns. Interested members are encouraged to contribute to this transformative journey. Read more at lamaz.org.
Read MoreA new school year has begun, and International Women Leaders (IWL) scholarship recipients are studying at ELCA colleges and universities across the country. Watch a video of this virtual gathering on October 11, 2023, where a few current IWL students and an alum spoke about how this program has impacted their lives. For more information, or to support IWL, visit http://ELCA.org/IWL.
Read MoreFor peace in our world…
For all victims of war in Israel and Palestine, and for all victims of war and conflict around the world…
For hospitals and other essential resources in Gaza…
For victims of the terrorist shooting in Brussels, Belgium…
For severe drought and wildfires in Brazil…
For all victims of hate crimes across the nation and world, especially in Plainfield, IL…
For renewed concern for human rights and the common good, especially among legislators and world leaders…
For de-escalation of political tensions in our nation and around the world…
This week's Faith Lens explores the contentious yet necessary role of taxes in society, drawing connections between our civic responsibilities and spiritual obligations. Through historical insights and Jesus' teachings, we examine how our dual citizenship in both earthly and divine realms calls for a balance between societal contributions and upholding the image of God within us. Read this thoughtful journey that reaffirms God's presence in all facets of life, even beyond the church's walls.
Read MoreYou are cordially invited to the Installation and Celebration of a New Ministry for The Reverend Donald Bebber as Vicar of St. Raphael in the Valley (730 S. Hwy 80, Benson, AZ 85602) on Saturday, 11/11/2023 at 11 am. View online at facebook.com/straphaelinthevalley.
Your prayers and presence are requested. Clergy please vest in red. A reception will follow. Please RSVP by emailing straphaelchurchbenson@gmail.com.
Read MoreIn their latest newsletter, Lutheran Social Services of Nevada shares how they’ve reached out with compassion, serving diverse community members from all walks of life. Among those they've helped is Darlene, courageously facing colon cancer, who's chosen to honor LSSN in her final will — a testament to the profound impact of their work.
They're also excited to invite everyone to the Grand Opening of their new satellite pantry at Holy Spirit Lutheran Church and to save the date for "An Evening of Gratitude" on Nov. 28, 2023. Additionally, they're launching the "Seven Days of Gratitude" initiative and would love to feature your stories and expressions of thanks related to LSSN.
Read MorePastor Dan Potaznick, your GCS Director of Generosity & Strategic Development, shares: “All October, Shepherd of the Desert Lutheran Church in Sun City has been lifting highlighting the Grand Canyon Synod as their ‘Mission of the Month.’ To help celebrate, I invited by Pastor John Maroni to preach and give thanks to the congregation. A huge thank you to Pastor John & the community of Shepherd of the Desert for their warm welcome, hospitality, and generosity to the mission of being church together! Click here to join in the recorded worship.”
Read MoreMark your calendars for the 10/24/2023 launch of 'All Ages Becoming: Intergenerational Practice in the Formation of God's People,' a groundbreaking book that reaffirms intergenerational practice as the heart of our Christian identity. With insights from 17 diverse authors, including Linda Staats with the GCS Stewardship team, this book promises a global perspective on nurturing faith across generations.
Join the virtual celebration with authors and experts worldwide on October 24, 2023 (register here for one of two time slots). Pre-order the book now and secure your invitation to a journey of communal spiritual growth.
Read MoreELCA Advocacy is excited to introduce the 2023-2024 Hunger Advocacy Fellows, including our very own Autumn Byars with LAMA. Supported by ELCA World Hunger, these dynamic young leaders are poised to make significant impacts in communities locally and globally. With placements across various advocacy offices, each Fellow brings unique insights and passions, uniting in their commitment to a just world where all are fed. Meet these inspiring individuals in a post at ELCA.org.
Read MoreJoin the Lutheran Campus Ministry at the University of Arizona for their 1st Annual 'Gather at the Garden' event on October 28, 2023, 4-6pm. Enjoy festive treats, a silent auction, student musicians, and engaging talks by naturalists.
Read MoreDiscover the art of tending to congregational finances! Join the Southeastern Synod's free training session on 10/26/2023, led by ELCA Treasurer Lori Fedyk, and become a maestro in managing congregation finances. Learn more and register today!
Read MoreExperience the profound journey of self-discovery and compassion at the Boundless Compassion 4-Day Retreat, led by renowned coach Tammy Devine. Engage in quiet reflections, group dialogues, and practical learning centered around compassion's multi-layered facets. Grow in trust, lessen suffering, and discover how compassion can change the world. Don't miss this transformative opportunity from October 22-25, 2023, at Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center. Read more and learn how to register here.
Read MoreAmidst the Central African Republic's deepening crisis, ELCA Advocacy underscores the urgent need for global solidarity and action. Highlighting the turmoil and human rights infractions in CAR, the ELCA calls for robust support for humanitarian efforts and peace initiatives, advocating for a holistic peace that encompasses safety, dignity, and wellbeing for all affected populations.
Read MoreIn consultation with partners on the ground, The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) made a very tough but prudent decision to evacuate YAGM personnel, including the 5 Young Adults in Global Mission from the Holy Land and the country coordinators. We are relieved to share that everyone is safe.
The images coming out of the news are heartbreaking and we extend our prayers to the Palestinian and Israeli people who have lost loved ones and are living in fear and uncertainty.
Read MoreWe share a video message to the ELCA from Bishop Sani-Ibrahim Azar of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land.
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