The Office of the Bishop staff travels for meetings, planning and conversation, as well as attends online meetings. We also share photos from Living Hope’s 75th Anniversary Celebration and Holy Closure.
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Elevate your church leadership skills with the "Leading with Purpose" workshop, beginning November 8, 2023. Learn effective team coaching strategies, overcome leadership challenges, and guide your team towards mission-aligned success under Dr. Nathan Swenson-Reinhold's expert guidance. Enroll now and transform your approach to purposeful leadership. Don't miss this game-changing opportunity; spots are filling fast!
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This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Deacon Anada Guse, who celebrates 33 years on November 4.
Rev. Conrad Braaten, who celebrates 51 years on November 5.
The ELCA is taking a significant step in re-examining sections of the "Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust" statement. Learn about the process, engage in the conversation, and discover how you can be a part of this journey at the newly launched website at elca.org/reconsiderations.
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Davey and Goliath have delighted millions of people through the years and this Halloween special is no different. First aired in 1960, the “Halloween Who-Dun-It” special takes Davey, Goliath and Sally on a Halloween adventure that results in mistaken identities, hurt feelings, and the importance of admitting when we’ve caused an accident.
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Churches for Middle East Peace (cmep.org) offers prayer vigils and fasts on its events page, as well as a variety of resources on its full website.
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Lutheran Disaster Response is providing support to Augusta Victoria Hospital to procure medical supplies and accommodations for patients and staff who are unable to return to their homes in Gaza between treatments.
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We pray for the family and friends of Rev. Ralph K. Livdahl, who died October 16, 2023. He was 99 years old when he passed. A service was held Thursday, October, 26, 2023.
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As Maine is added to the list of places that have experienced a mass shooting, we in the New England Synod raise our voices with the psalmist to cry out, “How long, O Lord? How long?” How much longer will gun violence ravage lives and rip apart communities?
We also lift up prayers for those affected by this tragedy in Lewiston. Those who have lost loved ones, are injured or in pain, as well as those who are tasked with the difficult work of helping to heal: first responders, medical personnel, chaplains, clergy, funeral directors, crime scene investigators, law enforcement officers, trauma counselors and more. We pray for them and all those affected.
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The ELCA's commitments call on us to denounce unequivocally any attacks — past, present or future — by any party that lead to civilians becoming victims. Our hearts are with all those who have been killed or injured, and with their families and friends. Read the full statement here.
Here are worship resources and ways that you can be involved in advocacy. Join a prayer vigil hosted by Churches for Middle East Peace.
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Bishop Hutterer travels for the Holy Closure of Living Hope Lutheran Church in Las Vegas on Reformation Sunday, attends the Grand Canyon Synod Retirees Retreat, Oct 30, 2023 – Nov 1, 2023, attends a California Lutheran University Board Meeting, and participates in a Latin American Consultation with President Roberto Trejo Haager ILM, and Pastor Sandy Jones.
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This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Verónica Alvarez, Faith, Phoenix, who celebrates 1 years on October 30.
Rev. Brian Ward, Community, Las Vegas, who celebrates 13 years on October 31.
Rev. Thaddeus Book, Desert Cross, Tempe, who celebrates 14 years on November 1.
In his insightful piece in Living Lutheran, Ryan Panzer delves into the intersection of AI and the church, highlighting the potential benefits and challenges posed by AI's rise in ministry and its implications for communal faith. As AI tools like ChatGPT gain traction, the church must navigate the balance between technological advancement and the core values of community and liturgy.
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In October's ELCA Advocacy updates, global Lutherans convened in Krakow, Poland, for the LWF Assembly, with U.N. discussions focusing on the Sustainable Development Goals. Arizona's LAMA hosted an influential retreat, welcomed a new advocacy fellow, and continued their efforts in addressing hunger. Meanwhile, states like California and Colorado witnessed legislative shifts and advocacy initiatives on various topics. Stay updated with these important developments across the ELCA network.
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For peace in our world…
For all casualties of the conflict in Israel and Palestine and for all in dire need of humanitarian aid…
For victims of gun violence, especially in Birmingham, AL; Fairland, MD; Charlotte, NC; Germantown, WI; Louisville, KY; and Gardner, MA…
For areas of the United States facing first winter storms of the season…
For victims of Louisiana’s I-55 interstate crash…
For all in the pathway of landfalling tropical cyclones moving toward Bangladesh, Yemen, Vanuatu, Nicaragua, and Mexico…
For ongoing drought in Brazil, and all areas suffering extreme weather…
For safe working conditions and fair wages for workers across the world…
For renewed hope and comfort for those who grieve…
In gratitude for the leadership of pastors, bishops, deacons, and ecumenical partners…For gifts of renewal and reformation in our churches and in our lives of faith…
In this week’s Faith Lens, explore the intriguing realm of perception, from the color of a dress that once divided the internet to deeper questions about truth and freedom in the context of Reformation Sunday. Explore discussions about personal beliefs, discerning the real truth in an era of "truthiness", and the significance of Martin Luther's 95 theses in shaping our understanding of faith.
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Revolutionize your ministry approach with Luther Seminary's Human-Centered Design on-deman course! Explore empathy, creativity, and practical problem-solving to address your community's unique needs. Led by Dr. Ramon Pastrano IV, this interactive, faith-focused course offers tools for impactful change. Enroll now for just $55.
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In this challenging time, we're relieved to share that Meghan and Gabi Aelabouni are safe in Jerusalem amidst the ongoing crisis. Their poignant update offers a glimpse into the harsh realities on the ground, underscoring the urgent need for peace and the critical role of the local church and the ELCA. For deeper insights and personal narratives from the Aelabounis, access the full story in this PDF. Their courage and resolve shine a light of hope through the darkness of conflict.
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