Spiritual Rest

“When God created the seventh day, God did not rest because God did all the work of creation in the six days prior. God rested because rest is intrinsically built in the rhythm of life. That means, if we choose Sunday to be the seventh day, then no matter what happened the past week, whether we fall to illness, or lose track of time, or projects and schedules fail in the many ways they often do, we still must rest. Rest allows us to be human, understanding that production may not work the way we need it to, but days of work will always come back around.”

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“Oh, Those Words Are So Divisive, Pastor!”: Christian Nationalism and Identity Expression in the United States

As part of our Creating Space for Conversations series, we share a PDF of an article by Marie Olson Purcell, “Oh, Those Words Are So Divisive, Pastor!”: Christian Nationalism and Identity Expression in the United States, from A Chosen Nation?, an issue of Word and World, Luther Seminary’s journal of theology.

The phrase “America is a Christian nation” is a highly polarizing statement in the contemporary United States. But like many such polarizing statements, the situation surrounding it is much more complex than it might seem. These complexities are actually openings for a deeper discussion of national identity and Christian faith, if such conversations can be had.—Marie Olson Purcell

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The ELCA starts the new year with a newly formed Vision team

The ELCA recently announced the Rev. Louise Johnson, Executive for Administration, has accepted the Executive for Vision, a new position in the churchwide organization.

Starting in January 2024, Johnson will lead a small team in a new effort that will emanate from the ELCA's vision, purpose, goal, and priorities, which call for the church to work together to share the difference God's grace and love in Christ make for all people and creation.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardComment
Connect, Play, Pray: West Valley's January 2024 Calendar for Young Adults

Start the new year right with the West Valley Young Adults' vibrant events and Young Adult Winter Retreat! From thrilling outdoor adventures to cozy gatherings and a retreat focused on community and spiritual growth, start the year with excitement and camaraderie. View fliers for all the details and follow them on Instagram for live updates.

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2023 Youth Leadership Summit Reflections

In early November, two youth joined Pr. Jacqui Pagel at the ELCA Youth LeadershipSummit at Churchwide in Chicago. The summit brought together youth from more than 30 synods around the theme, "Called on the Way," focusing on the unique journeys individuals take in response to their calling and how those journeys shape their leadership abilities. The youth were glad to have been selected to participate and share reflections on their experiences in this post.

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ELCA Disability Ministries news: December, 2023

The latest ELCA Disability Ministries news updates are available, featuring: a webinar with Dr. Bill Gaventa, The Curb Effect: How Accessibility Impacts Everyone; a book review of The Difference That Disability Makes by Rod Michalko; the Disability Ministries advisory team’s “Top 10” list ; resources for a Blue Christmas worship service; and a reminder that Jan. 4 is World Braille Day and that Extravaganza 2024  takes place Jan. 18-21, 2024, in New Orleans, La.

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Dear youth leader: You are enough

Being a youth leader can be both rewarding and challenging. It’s a role that requires a great deal of energy, compassion, and patience. If you’re feeling tired or overwhelmed during this Advent Season, you’re not alone. The demands of guiding and supporting young people, coupled with all the responsibilities of the season, in addition to balancing the visioning prep for upcoming trips and all that goes into them, can take a toll.

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Honoring International Migrants Day: “Where Are You From?” by Rev. Menzi Nkambule

What is your response when someone asks, “Where are you from?” Mine is a joke and reality. I often reply with my Eswatini accent, “I am from Decorah, Iowa.” I was raised in Eswatini, attended Luther College in Decorah and Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minn., and am now a Lutheran pastor in Jersey City, N.J. For most people in America, “Where are you from?” is a tricky question. We need a different question if we are to be hospitable to one another.

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Faith Lens: Believe Me

Explore the power of belief and the importance of listening to women's voices in this week's Faith Lens post. Drawing inspiration from Britney Spears' memoir and her #FreeBritney movement, we delve into the societal tendency to dismiss women's stories and the impact of such attitudes. This post connects this theme to the Gospel, emphasizing the significance of believing Mary's account of Jesus' divine origin and the ongoing struggle to give women a voice in the church and society.

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For What Shall We Pray?
  • For peace among nations, especially in Israel/Palestine…

  • For the volcanic eruption in Grindavik, Iceland…

  • For those injured, grieving, or displaced by earthquake in northern China, especially amid freezing temperatures…

  • For the cease-fire to hold and for fair elections in the Democratic Republic of Congo…

  • For all left without power due to storms in the northeastern United States…

  • For feeding ministries and those working to provide basic needs during the holiday season…

  • For families of all shapes and sizes, chosen families, and friendships…

  • For all experiencing grief, depression, loneliness, or need…

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Installation of Pastor David Sivecz

The Installation of Pastor David Sivecz will be at Grace Lutheran, (1124 North 3rd Street, Phoenix, AZ 85004) on Saturday, January 13, 2024 at 3pm. Bishop Hutterer will be preaching and presiding. View the livestream on the Grace Facebook page.

Clergy are invited to vest and process. Color of the day will be white. There will be a reception following.

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Academy Museum of Motion Pictures features ELCA film A Time for Burning

Produced by Lutheran Film Associates in 1966, A Time for Burning is a 58-minute, black-and-white cinema verite documentary that chronicles the struggle between the pastor of Augustana Lutheran Church in Omaha, Neb., and his all-white congregation as he encourages members to reach out to a neighboring Black church. Bill Jersey, one of the pioneers of cinema verite, and Barbara Connell directed the film, which was nominated for an Academy Award. The film is streaming on The Criterion Channel.

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