The ELCA Advocacy blog shares crucial updates from various State Public Policy Offices, focusing on legislative efforts across states like California, Ohio, Texas, and Washington. From budget challenges to advocacy victories and ongoing community engagement events, the updates underscore the collaborative work for justice and public policy reform.
Read MoreFaith communities are gathering for the National Faith + Climate Forum on April 16, 2024, to address how climate change affects our ministries and actions we can take. This event provides a space for purposeful dialogue and practical workshops, empowering congregations with tools for creation care and climate activism. Learn more here.
Read MoreLord of Grace Lutheran Church is gifting a mint condition, solid oak book table to any interested church. With a glass lid for display, this table is a quality piece offered for free. Contact the church for more info.
Read MoreAs part of our Creating Space for Conversations series, we share this video from the ELCA’s "Study Curriculum on Civic Life and Faith." Watch the video as a standalone resource, or explore the full set of the curriculum, including leader’s guides.
Read MoreOn February 14th, Community of Grace's 'Aging with Grace' series presents Mr. Mike O'Dell discussing 'Transitioning with Grace.' Explore the processes and resources available for moving loved ones to home care or other extended care facilities. Gain valuable insights into ensuring a smooth and compassionate transition for your loved ones, along with vital tips on self-care.
For a deep dive into each weekly topic and to connect with valuable resources, visit the full series details at Community of Grace or in this PDF.
Read MoreIn a compelling piece for Black History Month, Seminarian Clair Minson reflects on the significance of this observance, rooted in Dr. Carter G. Woodson's initiative to educate African Americans about their heritage. Minson emphasizes the transformative power of understanding one's history, paralleling the importance of biblical stories in nurturing faith. Black History Month, for Minson, is a call to remember the resilience and contributions of African Americans, urging a reevaluation of its meaning within our faith communities and a commitment to honor and value the lives of people of African descent.
Read MoreWe invite all active and retired rostered ministers to complete the annual Report to the Bishop by March 1, 2024. This essential report allows ministers to share insights and feedback directly with Bishop Hutterer, who eagerly awaits your responses. Your participation is crucial and appreciated.
Read MoreIn their latest weekly newsletter, the Arizona Faith Network (AFN) announces a dynamic lineup of events and initiatives for February 2024, highlighting key areas of advocacy, community engagement, and interfaith dialogue. Highlights include the Arizona Voting Rights Coalition 2024 Legislative Kick Off, the Black History Month Film Festival, weekly AFN Monday Meditation sessions, SolidariTea for Interfaith Peace, and a webinar on American Christian Nationalism's impact on democracy.
Read MoreIn the latest Where Your Heart Is newsletter, Rev. Tim Brown invites congregations to actively engage in stewardship planning during the winter season, suggesting the creation of a year-round stewardship calendar. This approach aligns church activities with its mission, integrating stewardship discussions throughout the year.
Upcoming webinars and events, including one on constructing a stewardship calendar and another on deepening relationships with fundraising, aim to equip leaders with the skills for impactful ministry. These initiatives underscore the importance of continuous stewardship education and the embrace of holistic financial practices within church communities.
Read MoreELCA Coaching is hosting weekly Wednesday gatherings (noon MST, 11am PST) for faith leaders to engage in meaningful discussions on topics like navigating political diversity in congregations, dealing with institutional decline, fostering community collaboration, addressing race relations, and enhancing stewardship among overworked members. Get more info and login information here.
Read MoreIn this video available for sharing with your ministries and congregations, Bishop Hutterer invites synod members to join the 40-day Lenten Challenge, marking ELCA World Hunger's 50th year. Participants are encouraged to engage in daily devotion, discipline, decluttering, and donations to ELCA World Hunger.
This initiative reflects on Lent's spirit, fostering connection and awareness of global hunger. The challenge aims to surpass last year's engagement, competing with partner Synods for the most participants. For details and to join, visit lentenchallenge.org.
Read MoreWilliam Milner's ELCA Advocacy blog post calls for political leaders who address the pivotal concerns of young voters, such as the Israel-Gaza conflict, student debt relief, gun violence, and equitable education funding. It emphasizes the significant electoral potential of Gen Z and young millennials, urging them to support candidates that resonate with their vision for social justice and a progressive society. Read more at ELCA.org.
Read MoreCelebrate Black History Month with season three of “Talks at the Desk,” a four-part video series by African Descent Ministries of the ELCA. This season focuses on the Reclaim Gathering and will explore its themes: reclaim, embolden, embody and liberate. A new video will premiere each Wednesday in February at 6:30pm MST, 5:30pm PST, beginning 2/7/2024. Watch live at youtube.com/ELCA, and view the trailer in this post.
Read MoreFor peace among nations, especially between Israel and Palestine, Russia and Ukraine…
For victims of violence in Myanmar, Iran, and all areas of conflict…
For ongoing protests in France…
For those in the path of atmospheric river storms in California…
For victims of abuse, harassment, and trauma…
For deescalation among nations, governments, and political parties…
For safety and compassion for refugees and all migrants…
Our spring gatherings continue with Kino Conference Spring Gathering, Our Savior’s Lutheran, Tucson and the Spring Gathering for Cactus, Capital, Fiesta, Northeast Valley and Rio Salado Conferences, Living Water Church in Scottsdale.
We also share photos from the Colorado River Conference Spring Gathering, Las Vegas and Phoenix Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, as well as visits to congregations in the Colorado River Conference.
Read MoreThis week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Katie Langston, New Promise, St. George, who celebrates 2 years on February 4.
Rev. Shari Bernau, Living Water, Scottsdale, who celebrates 19 years on February 5.
Rev. Pam A. Reynolds, Lord of Life, Sun City West, who celebrates 3 years on February 6.
The ELCA's new initiative, Sumud: For Justice in Palestine and Israel, presents “Following the Way of Jesus: A Lenten Holy Land Journey.” This Lenten video series for individuals and congregations consists of six short videos that introduce people to the land, the theology of sumud and its significance through Scripture as the “way of Jesus.” Each video will be available in both English and Arabic.
Sumud is the ELCA’s new name for our church’s engagement in accompaniment, awareness-building and advocacy for justice in Palestine and Israel. Sign up for updates about Sumud here.
Read MoreIn this Living Lutheran article, get introduced to Elizabeth Gilbert, of First Lutheran Church, Cincinnati. Gilbert is a product data scientist withCisco and former co-chair of the Gather Network.
Read MoreWe share this Living Lutheran article, which spotlights the ELCA's 35-year mission alongside Central American Lutheran churches, addressing social and environmental issues. It highlights the Salvadoran Lutheran Synod's educational and advocacy efforts against climate change, the Christian Lutheran Church of Honduras' focus on education, the Augustinian Lutheran Church of Guatemala's women's education program, and the Nicaraguan Lutheran Church of Faith and Hope's work on gender issues and community development.
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