Arizona Faith Network's February Highlights: From Nature Connections to Film Festivals and Webinars

Explore enriching events and initiatives with the Arizona Faith Network in their latest newsletter. From the 'Connection to Nature' community gathering and the 'I, Too, Sing America' Black History Month Film Festival to insightful webinars on American Christian Nationalism and engaging youth in interfaith dialogue. Plus, opportunities for poll monitors for the upcoming elections.

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How to Take Your Next Faithful Step

Join Dr. Alicia Granholm for Faith+Lead's free video series, 'How to Take Your Next Faithful Step,' starting Feb. 19, 2024. This four-part series, each less than 20 minutes a day, explores the cultural and church challenges impacting ministry today. Discover theological commitments, core tasks of ministry, and key pivots for a faithful future in ministry. Ideal for leaders seeking resources, facing leadership burdens, or longing for active congregational participation. Register for insights on transforming challenges into opportunities.

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Segment Two Coach Training: Elevate Your Ministry Through Advanced Coaching Skills

"Segment Two Coach Training" by Faith+Lead is an advanced eight-week live program designed for coaches and faith leaders looking to deepen their expertise. Participants who have completed Segment One or are in the process can earn 16 ICF credits, refining skills for transformative ministry and leadership. This $375 course, led by Dr. Dawn Alitz, offers immersive labs, personalized feedback, and a path to ICF credentialing, preparing leaders for lasting impact in their communities. Sessions run March 11th - May 6th and September 30th - November 18th, 2024.

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Segment One Basic Skills Coach Training

In "Segment One Basic Skills Coach Training," faith leaders learn empowering coaching methods to support their communities. This comprehensive program, spanning nine sessions, teaches skills like powerful questioning and affirming language. Participants practice real-life coaching, work towards ICF credentialing, and explore how to facilitate growth and active listening. Offered at $375, the course aims to equip leaders with tools to help others identify their paths aligned with God's calling. Courses are led by experienced instructors, Rev. Dr. Nathan Swenson-Reinhold and Rev. Dr. Dawn Alitz, providing a rich learning environment.

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Dare to Lead for Faith Leaders

"Dare to Lead for Faith Leaders" offers faith leaders an opportunity to apply Brené Brown's insights to their roles. Starting March 5th, 2024, this six-session training focuses on developing daring leadership skills, enhancing self-awareness, and fostering authentic connections. Participants will explore the balance between vulnerability and professional authenticity, aiming to lead their faith communities with courage and integrity. The program, led by Sarah Ciavarri, aims to equip leaders with practical wisdom for the 21st-century church.

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Burned Out and Overwhelmed: Experiencing God’s Healing Presence on the Ancient Paths

Join Jorge Acevedo for "Burned Out and Overwhelmed: Experiencing God’s Healing Presence on the Ancient Paths," a workshop offering practical wisdom and ancient spiritual practices to combat pastoral burnout. Scheduled for February 29, 2024, this session aims to reconnect Christian leaders with foundational spiritual disciplines, providing tools for peace, resilience, and holistic well-being amidst the challenges of modern ministry.

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Ministry that honors the body: The holiness of simply being

In part one of an interview, Living Lutheran spoke with Rachel Young Binter about how embodied spiritual practices inform her work as pastor of the Corner House, the Lutheran campus ministry of the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee. The second part of her interview focuses on the specifics of those practices, resources she recommends and a meditation she offered our readers.

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Faith Lens: Lose Your Life

This week's Faith Lens explores the challenging call of discipleship through the lens of Mark 8:31-38, examining the concept of losing to win in the realm of faith and life. Reflecting on personal experiences with winning, losing, and the profound lessons of showing up, the discussion delves into Jesus' teachings on the cost of following Him, inviting us to embrace sacrifice for the sake of God's Word and the restoration of our relationship with the Divine.

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From Brazil's Kilombo Monjolo to Your Lenten Reflection: A Story of Reconciliation

Explore the theme of reconciliation in ELCA World Hunger's 2024 Lent Study. This week focuses on the transformative journey of Jerri Eliano de Quevedo and Sirlei Eloí in Kilombo Monjolo, Brazil, and the vital role of reconciliation in addressing hunger through the story of their community's resilience and partnership with the Igreja Evangélica de Confissão Luterana no Brasil.

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Sacred Histories: Martin Luther on the Chosenness of Nations

As part of our Creating Space for Conversations series, we share a PDF of an article by Miles Hopgood, Sacred Histories: Martin Luther on the Chosenness of Nations, from A Chosen Nation?, an issue of Word and World, Luther Seminary’s journal of theology.

In considering the idea of any nation as “chosen” of God, Martin Luther understands that such a relationship would have to be relational at its core, a relation between God and a group of people. But this relationship would be proclaimed by God and not something that individuals or groups could claim. Though Israel was chosen by God, this passed to the true, invisible church.—Miles Hopgood

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Enhance Your Lent and Easter Worship with ELCA's Latest Resources

In the latest monthly worship news from ELCA Worship, explore a diverse range of resources for Lent and Easter, including special materials for International Women's Day, enriching discussions on worship and culture, and the "All Creation Sings" worship guide. Join the journey through Lent with insightful conferences and the revival of ancient liturgies to enrich your congregation's worship experience.

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‘Yes in God’s Backyard’ Seeks to Transform Church Lands into Homes

Religious leaders across Arizona, including Bishop Hutterer, rallied at the state Capitol to support legislative efforts aimed at alleviating the affordable housing crisis. They advocated for a bill, “Yes in God’s Backyard,” to permit religious institutions to develop affordable housing on their properties. Read or listen to the article from KJZZ here, and read the Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona article here.

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Redefining Recovery: Free Webinar on Ending Addiction Compassionately

The Center of Addiction & Faith is set to host an enlightening webinar titled "Addiction & Ending It For Good," featuring Christina Dent, the visionary founder of End It For Good, on Wednesday, Feb. 28th, 2024 1pm MST, 2pm PST. This free, one-hour session will explore revolutionary approaches to understanding and addressing drug addiction—a journey from a punitive to a health-centered perspective. Register here.

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Sumud: the Way of Jesus with Ranan Issa Abu Shanab

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.

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Ending with Grace: February Series at Community of Grace

Conclude 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.

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