Get involved in the Region 2 Lenten Challenge by utilizing free promotional resources to encourage participation in your congregation and community. Visit lentenchallenge.org/promote to access a wide array of materials designed to help you share and celebrate this season of spiritual growth and fellowship.
Read MoreDon't miss out on West Valley Young Adults events! Start with "Coffee and Conversation" on Jan 22 and roll into "Great Skate Night" on Jan 23 for unlimited pizza and skating fun. Perfect for 19-35-year-olds looking to connect and hang out.
Read MoreSamuel L. Jones earned the rank of Eagle Scout more than 60 years ago but because he came from a low-income single family home, he didn't receive his medal. Through the persistence of a friend from church, he finally did. Read more about this inspiring Lutheran and his powerful story at Living Lutheran, or watch a video on YouTube.
Read MoreIn recognition of the National Day of Racial Healing, Rev. Jennifer Thomas reflects on her ongoing journey to address white supremacy and racial justice. A proponent of continuous learning, Rev. Thomas emphasizes the importance of understanding and actively working against the structures that harm our global neighbors.
She shares insights from her involvement with the ELCA's racial justice initiatives and invites others of European descent within the ELCA to join in the anti-racism efforts. Discover more about the ELCA's Truth and Healing Movement and find resources to support your congregation's journey towards racial equity.
Read MoreEach year, the primary way that music students find their way to LSM is through the encouragement of their church musician! LSM offers opportunities for musicians of all kinds: brass, winds, strings, percussion, piano, organ, voice, harp, guitar, handbells, and more. Know a young person (grades 8-12) who would benefit from the life-giving and joyful musical community at LSM? Nominate them for LSM today at LSMacademy.org/nominate.
Read MoreThe Office of the Bishop will be closed on January 15, 2024, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. We honor the legacy of Dr. King and encourage everyone to reflect on his message of equality, justice, and peace on this important day. Regular office hours will resume the following day.
Read MoreDiscover Brenda Brown's heartwarming journey to happiness and belonging with Mosaic at Home. Transitioning from a life of uncertainty, Brenda finds joy, purpose, and a loving family environment that allows her to thrive. Read her full story of transformation and the power of compassionate care at Mosaic's blog.
Read MoreExplore a wealth of worship and music resources from ELCA partners, including new leadership at Music that Makes Community and transformative events like the Messy Church conference. Embrace the spirit of Lent with dedicated workshops and enrich your congregation's musical journey with Lutheran Summer Music Academy. Engage with the Calvin Institute's grant program to invigorate your worship services. Discover these and more, offering guidance and inspiration for your faith community's worship experiences. Dive deeper into the full array of resources and events detailed on the ELCA Worship’s blog.
Read MoreIn 2024, all of the ELCA synods in Region 2 are challenging one another to raise money for ELCA World Hunger in honor of ELCA World Hunger’s 50th year in mission and ministry. The challenge is to pledge to participate in some spiritual and physical practices during Lent and raise funds for ELCA World Hunger. The synod with the most participants wins!
Lent is 40 days to reflect, remember our dependence on God and one another, and look forward to the ways God calls us to be. Adding one or more of these small practices to your observation of Lent might help you feel more connected. A light-hearted challenge like this might help our synods be the Church together, and to see God’s vision and invitation for us to be a church for the world and share the good news of Jesus Christ. Visit lentenchallenge.org to learn more and take the pledge today!
Read MoreNew resources are now available from ELCA World Hunger to enrich the life of your congregation during Lent. As congregations across the ELCA creatively find new ways to lean into the future, we are eager to equip leaders with ELCA World Hunger resources during the season of Lent.
The theme for our seasonal materials is "The glory of the Lord shall be revealed.” Where and how do you encounter God? Through the prophet Isaiah, God urges us to take comfort, trusting that “the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together” (Isaiah 40:5).
Read MoreAs you are planning for Lent, the Three Days, and Easter, All Creation Sings provides several resources for your assembly’s worship. Discover the new resources in the full post from ELCA Worship.
Read MoreIt’s a full week for the Office of the Bishop with a Synod Council meeting, preaching at various congregations around the synod, the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Service, Jan 14, 2024, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM, and 2024 Lutheran Day at the Legislature, Jan 18, 2024, 9:30 AM – 1:30 PM.
Read MoreThis week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Stephen Springer, Dove of Peace, Tucson, who celebrates 27 years on January 12.
Rev. Annemarie Burke, Noble Hospice, Mesa, who celebrates 18 years on January 15.
Rev. Lourdes Olson, New Song, Henderson, who celebrates 2 years on January 15.
In a recent ELCA Advocacy blog post, Quentin Bernhard reflects on the complexity of praying for elected leaders amidst political polarization. He shares insights from a Lutheran Advocacy Ministry in Pennsylvania workshop, discussing the importance of seeing everyone as fully human and loved by God, despite differing views. This devotion is a call to open our hearts and minds, and act as agents of change in God's world. Discover the full reflection and join the conversation on depolarization as an act of discipleship at ELCA Advocacy's blog.
Read MoreFor peace among nations, especially between Israel and Palestine, Russia and Ukraine…
For areas of the world facing conflict and violence, especially Ecuador…
For peaceful elections and political transitions around the world…
For victims of gun violence, especially in Perry, IA; Chicago, IL; Cloquet, MN; Kansas City, MO; St. Peters, MO; and Bessemer, AL…
For cleanup efforts following the explosion at the Sandman Hotel in Fort Worth, TX…
For areas of the United States facing blizzards, tornadoes, high winds, and other stormy weather…
For the legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and for all who advocate for racial justice…
For the church across the world and for shared peace and purpose among congregations and denominations…
The latest edition of the Women of the ELCA’s Bold Cafe focuses on the concept of Sabbath and rest. We highlight two articles: Sabbath for this year and beyond, and Five steps for creating rest in a world of busyness.
Read MoreThis month’s ELCA Mission Support Memo highlights the "Cultivating Generous Congregations" training available in partnership with their Stewardship ministry and the Lake Institute on Faith and Giving. Plus there is an online training on Wednesday, Jan 10th for Synod Treasurers, Bookkeepers and Leaders with Lori Fedyk. View as a PDF here.
They would love to hear about the inspiring stories in your synods, regions and congregations - feel free to reach out to Karen at karen.kretschmann@elca.org.
Read MoreELCA’s Global Links newsletter for January 2024 celebrates 50 years of ELCA World Hunger's impactful work and invites everyone to partake in future efforts to combat poverty and hunger. Reflect on messages from global ministry leaders, join Lent with ELCA World Hunger, and consider service opportunities with the YAGM program. Read Global Links here.
Read MoreTake 30 minutes to boost your mental well-being by joining a live webinar led by the Learn to Live Clinical Team. January topics include making effective habit change, mindful eating, and creating a positive mindset by avoiding negative thinking traps. View the webinar schedule, as well as their library of previous topics, and use the access PORTICO to register.
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