The ELCA mission support memo for November, 2023 is available as PDF or as a Word doc. This month they highlight how Mission Support empowers us to be church together, hearing from the Rev. Jonathan Hemphill, assistant to the bishop for congregational life with the Southeastern Synod. They also highlight how to access valuable Stewardship video resources and end sharing how grateful we are the for the ways we stay connected.
Read MoreThe Inside Out Network’s Fall-Winter 2023 newsletter is available, with great news; “After several years of on-again, off-again discussions and negotiations with Securus Technologies, we finally have a path forward to integrate our online ION website with the 600,000 tablet computers they supply to inmates across the country. This is the breakthrough moment we’ve been working and praying for and that inmates, corrections staff, and reentry service providers have been waiting for.
Read MoreFor peace among nations, especially among Israel/Palestine and Russia/Ukraine…
For resolution and reconciliation in all areas of persistent violence and conflict…
For victims of Indonesia’s Mount Marapi volcano eruption…
For victims of a drone attack in Nigeria…
For those facing excessive rain and flood threats in Seattle, WA, and for all facing winter storms…
For aid, compassion, and protection for refugees and all migrants…
For the easing of political tensions in our nation and around the world…
For Jewish neighbors and friends as they prepare for Hanukkah…
Explore the challenging yet enriching call to step beyond our comfort zones in the latest Faith Lens blog, which delves into the history and current impacts of Indigenous people’s subjugation, drawing parallels to John the Baptist's unsettling call for change and repentance. Engage with thought-provoking questions and activities that encourage embracing Jesus' liberating message of love and justice.
Read MoreAre you surprised that it's already time for Advent? Luther Seminary’s faith+lead would like to extend some support and encouragement to help you start this holiday season centered on Jesus. Get ready to take a daily pause to breathe in their free 5-Day Advent Challenge: Season of Hope. Discover Your Place in God’s Story in just 20 minutes per day.
Read MoreStill have a balance in your Flexible Spending Account (FSA) – either for health or dependent care expenses? Be sure to spend those dollars by Dec. 31, 2023, so you won’t lose them. Check your balance on myPortico, and submit receipts via the link to Further. Need ideas on what you can use your dollars for? This list can help.
Read MoreAmidst the joy and celebration – and, yes, stress – of this season, your body can use all the help it can get. Whether it’s treatment for a pesky cough, a listening ear to help process impostor syndrome or budget worries, or ideas for a new healthy holiday tradition, check out Portico’s curated list of resources to support you and your family this season (and Advent blessings to you!)
Read MoreThe ELCA Advocacy office's latest update includes critical efforts towards peace in the Israel-Hamas conflict, advocacy for the 2018 Farm Bill extension, support for climate-smart farming, U.S. commitment to end child marriage, and legislative progress on immigration reform. These actions reflect ELCA’s commitment to global justice, environmental stewardship, and gender equality.
Read MoreThe ELCA has actively participated in the United Nations Conference of Parties (COP28) meeting in Dubai, showcasing its commitment to addressing climate change. Six ELCA representatives, including experts in environmental science, policy, and advocacy, joined global leaders to discuss and devise strategies to combat the climate crisis. The ELCA's engagement at COP28 highlights our church’s dedication to environmental stewardship and its role in contributing to crucial global dialogues on environmental challenges.
Read MoreThe next churchwide gathering of Women of the ELCA will be held July 16-19, 2026, in Des Moines, Iowa. You can register now at an early-bird holiday rate of $315 through December 31, 2023. Over 200 have already pre-registered! Click here to register.
Read MoreMake a difference today and save on taxes. It is possible when you support the Grand Canyon Synod through your IRA.
Read MoreJoin Lutheran Summer Music, December 3-24, 2023, for their third-annual Musical Advent Calendar–a daily moment of music and reflection on their Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube pages as well as archived on their website: LSMacademy.org/acal.
Read MoreJoin Mountain View Lutheran Church for a heartwarming German-Language Christmas Service on 12/17/2023, at 4:10 pm! Enjoy caroling, a traditional service, and festive fellowship with cookies and warm drinks. Can't make it in person? Join in virtually via livestream.
Read MoreRefresh your spirit this Advent with "Journeying Together -- Spiritual Practices in Community." Join Thriving Leadership Formation on Dec 7, 2023, from 10am-1pm MST, 9am to Noon PST, for a free virtual event focused on grounding spiritual practices. Perfect for ministry leaders seeking respite and connection. Register now for a serene start to your Advent journey. Register here. Questions? Email thriving@callutheran.edu.
Read MoreWould you like to finish this year with a gift to your church, the Grand Canyon Synod, and/or favorite ELCA ministry that maximizes your impact and reduces your taxes? Read about four smart options in this post.
Read MoreWe're excited to announce the election of Rev. Benjamin B. Bergren to the ELCA Church Council, serving until August 2025. Join us in thanking Pastor Karn Carroll for her impactful service and in welcoming Pastor Bergren, as he brings his ministry experience from Community Lutheran Church in Las Vegas and elsewhere to our churchwide leadership.
Read MoreThe leaders of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (ELCIC), the Anglican Church of Canada (ACC) and The Episcopal Church (TEC) have released the Churches Beyond Borders 2023 Advent Cycle of Prayer.
The prayer resource calls for justice and peace, especially for churches impacted by the war in the Holy Land, and for lifting up Palestinian Christian communities and ministries and the congregations and institutions of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land and the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem.
Read MoreSome of the Office of the Bishop staff worships with University Lutheran for the farewell/retirement Pastor Gary McCluskey, and prepares for our upcoming assembly. We also share a photos from Bishop Hutterer’s visit to Mexico City as part of our relationship building with Iglesia Luterana Mexicana (ILM, Mexican Lutheran Church) .
Read MoreThis week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Deacon April Boyden, who celebrates 34 years on December 1.
Rev. Lars Hammar, Lord of Grace, Tucson, Open Space, Tucson, who celebrates 24 years on December 5.
Rev. Joshua Pontious, Community of Grace, Peoria, who celebrates 2 years on December 5.
