Week 1 of “Following the Way of Jesus: A Lenten Holy Land Journey” is: Sumud the Way of Jesus with Ranan Issa Abu Shanab at the Church of Annunciation.
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 and upcoming events at: https://www.bit.ly/SumudSubscribe You can also learn more at https://www.ELCA.org/sumud.
Read MoreJoin Region 2's 2024 Lenten Challenge and embrace "Daily Declutter" as a path to spiritual renewal. Simplify your space and mind, making room for growth this Lenten season.
Read MoreJoin Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest for a day of inspiration and community at their Building Foundations Luncheon on February 29th, 2024, 11:15 am at the Hilton Double Tree - Reid Park, in Tucson. The theme is A Journey Of Faith.
Read MoreDon’t miss the last chance to apply for the Scholarship for International Travel, available to Grand Canyon Synod pastors ordained for 10 years or less. Explore enriching landscapes and broaden your horizons. Apply between January 1 and March 1, 2023, and embark on a journey of learning and spiritual growth.
Read MoreConclude the 'Aging with Grace' series on February 28th at Community of Grace with Ms. Alma Init, RN, discussing 'Ending with Grace.' Delve into end-of-life care considerations, including hospice and palliative care processes. This compassionate and informative session will provide valuable insights into ensuring dignity and care in life’s final stages, coupled with a focus on self-care for caregivers.
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 MoreThe ELCA calls on its congregations and rostered ministers to complete the simplified Annual Congregation Report by March 1, 2024. This streamlined Form A is crucial for the ELCA's understanding of church vitality and planning. For forms and assistance, visit the ELCA website or contact the secretary's office.
Additionally, the Rostered Minister Report to the Bishop offers a direct communication line to Bishop Hutterer, also due by March 1. Your timely submissions reflect our collective identity and resourcefulness, helping us be a united church in mission.
Read MoreThe National Fund for Sacred Places is accepting letters of intent (LOIs) until Thursday, February 29th at 11:59 EST. The LOI is the first step in a two-step application process. To access the LOI form, please visit fundforsacredplaces.org/apply.
The National Fund for Sacred Places is a grant-making program that provides capital grants ranging from $50,000 to $500,000 as well as wrap-around support services to congregations undertaking once-in-a-generation preservation projects.
Read MoreMosaic is a values-led organization, and those values come alive in the lives of the people we support. Read about the success Mosaic experienced in Fiscal Year 2023 in providing high-quality, personalized services and in meeting our financial goals. Read the full post Mosaic Success Demonstrates Values in Action on Mosaic.
Read MoreIt’s not too late to get your krewe together to attend the Gathering this summer. Registration will close on April 15. Join us for a week of faith formation, worship, fun, jazz and great food. Read more here.
Read MoreJoin Lutherans Restoring Creation and ELCA World Hunger for a compelling exploration of ecological solutions to climate change with the documentary "Regenerating Life: How to Cool the Planet, Feed the World, and Live Happily Ever After." Mark your calendars for Tuesday, 2/27/2024, 6pm MST, 5pm PST, for an insightful discussion with filmmaker John Feldman.
Register now to access this transformative film and be part of a movement towards climate justice and ecological healing. Don't miss this chance to engage with global voices and envision actionable steps for your community.
Read MoreYour partnership in the Be Connected Faith Network is making a difference in the lives of veterans and service members. We are excited to join you at the next Faith Gathering event on Wednesday, February 21, 10:00 - 11:30 am online. More info and registration here.
In 2023, we discussed moral injury, how it occurs and the devastating trauma that can result. It’s time to further the conversation into healing. The February Arizona Faith Gathering will dive into the work of healing from moral injury with a panel of military chaplains who will share their work in moral injury healing and the most effective methods they have used.
Read MoreJoin a critical discussion hosted by Diakonia on Christian Nationalism in America, its implications, and our response as a faith community on February 17, 2024. Engage virtually or in person for an insightful exploration. Learn more and register here.
Read MoreDive into a meaningful Lenten season with our specially curated page full of resources, reflections, and the unique Region 2 Lenten Challenge. Join our community in a journey of faith, reflection, and renewal.
Read MoreThe Native American Urban Ministry (NAUM) has been awarded a $10,000 grant from the Cook Native American Ministries Foundation for 2024. This grant will support the expansion of NAUM's "Living Our Values Everyday" (LOVE) Project, aimed at fostering personal development, leadership skills, and community service among Native American youth, adults, and elders in Phoenix.
Read MoreEpisode 2 of Talks at the Desk celebrates and lifts up African Descent voices speaking on the theme of Embolden. It highlights Day 2 of the Reclaim gathering from September 2023. Reclaim featured workshops, praise and worship, shared meals and engaged conversations. We also share two highlights from last week: Struggles in the ELCA and What Black people don't play about.
African Descent Ministries of the ELCA celebrates Black History Month Talks at the Desk, a four-part video series that will explore diverse expressions of the church. A new video will premiere each Wednesday in February at 6:30pm MST, 5:30pm PST. Watch live at youtube.com/ELCA or download them at ELCA.org/ADM.
Read MoreIn the week of Valentine’s Day, the FBI’s Phoenix Field Office is taking this timely opportunity to warn Arizonans about confidence fraud – also known as “romance scams.”
According to the most recent available statistics, the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) reports 680 Arizona victims reported losses of more than $25.4 million in connection with confidence fraud/romance scams in 2022. Of that number, 379 victims suffering $17.7 million in losses were senior citizens.
Read MoreThe Office of the Bishop works on our annual audit and continues to prepare for our 2024 synod assembly. We also include photos from the Installation of Pastor Kurt Fangmeier.
Read MoreThis week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Barbara Bengtson, who celebrates 30 years on February 20.
Rev. Miguel Gomez-Acosta, Office of the Bishop, Phoenix, who celebrates 15 years on February 22.
From their Crucible Newsletter for February 2024, we read of the The Church Leadership Institute's Spiritual Life and Leadership podcast, hosted by Markus Watson, which continues to be a beacon for pastors and church leaders seeking inspiration and guidance. With a mix of "Quick Conversations" featuring Tod Bolsinger and in-depth discussions with thought leaders in ministry, the podcast offers valuable insights into adaptive leadership, spiritual formation, and navigating ministry challenges.
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