The Office of the Bishop travels extensively this week, and maintains day to day operations. We also share a photo from the Valley Interfaith Partners press conference at the Arizona State Capitol.
Read More
This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Peter Perry, St. John’s, Glendale, who celebrates 27 years on February 23.
Rev. Kaila Armbruster, Crossroads, San Tan Valley, who celebrates 10 years on February 23.
Rev. Paul Block, New Song, Henderson, who celebrates 23 years on February 24.
Rev. Robert Crabb, who celebrates 29 years on February 26.
Rev. Christopher Heller, Mountain View, Phoenix, who celebrates 14 years on February 28.
March 2024's Blessed Tomorrow newsletter emphasizes the urgent need for faith communities to engage in climate action. Highlights include the National Faith + Climate Forum on April 16, ecoAmerica ACLA semifinalists announcement, Earth Day tabling kits, and resources for the 2024 election to motivate climate-conscious voting. Additionally, it features insights from Rev. Jim Antal on the significance of election sermons in faith communities and showcases the impactful actions of Blessed Tomorrow Ambassadors.
Read More
Explore the reflections of young people on what it means to be authentically created in God's image in the latest ELCA Youth Gathering Blog. Discover their personal stories and insights into being true to oneself, the importance of community support, and the empowerment found in authenticity.
Read More
For peace among nations where war and violence rage, especially Palestine and Israel, Syria, Myanmar, Russia and Ukraine, and Sudan…
For those facing infertility…
For safe and just resolution to protests in India, South Korea, and Poland…
For the memory of Nex Benedict, and for all who face bullying and violence…
For those who suffer abuse…
For those experiencing continued flooding and mudslides in California…
For all victims of gun violence, especially in Burnsville, MN; Tooele, UT; Allentown, PA; Overland Park, KS; Colorado Springs, CO; and Hollywood, FL…
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.
Read More
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.
Read More
"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.
Read More
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.
Read More
"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.
Read More
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.
Read More
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.
Read More
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.
Read More
Gathering leadership shares some updates for the 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering, MYLE and the tAble this summer. To learn more about the Gathering or to register, visit elca.org/Gathering.
Read More
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.
Read More
Join the Office of the Bishop this Black History Month in exploring MasterClass's "Black History, Black Freedom, and Black Love," a powerful series led by seven preeminent Black scholars. This initiative aims to deepen our understanding of America's racial history and present, and envision a future anchored in justice and love.
Read More
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.
Read MoreIn 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
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.
Read More
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.
Read More
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.
Read More