Excitement is building for the 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering in New Orleans! Remember to update your check-in and checkout dates, reserve your spot for airport shuttle service, and note the venue policies for a seamless experience. Don't miss out on catered meals for your group and invite a friend before registration closes on April 15. Mark your calendar for key dates and get ready for an unforgettable week of faith, worship, and community!
Read MoreJoin Mountain View Lutheran Church this Good Friday for "The Way of the Cross," a meditation and prayer journey through seven stations reflecting on Jesus' path to crucifixion. This event, featuring artworks by Sieger Köder and meditations by Theo Schmidkonz, SJ, offers a deep spiritual reflection on Jesus' suffering and its relevance today. More info in this PDF.
Read MoreJoin Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center for a transformative 7-week online journey into the practice of Centering Prayer, guided by Sheri Brown. Embrace the power of stillness and union with God through silence and surrender, starting April 1st. Delve into teachings from Father Thomas Keating and discover how less is more when allowing God to work through us. Whether you're an overachiever looking to slow down or someone curious about deepening your spiritual practice, this communal experience offers a path to inner peace and a deeper sense of God’s presence.
Read MoreIssue 92 of Administration Matters, the bimonthly e-newsletter for ELCA congregational and synodical leaders features: 2024 registration deadline for the 2024 Youth Gathering; Church Mutual Update; How to handle embezzlement; 2023 tax guides are available through Portico and the Tax Filing Information tab on EmployerLink; Writing minutes like a pro; and Tax guide for churches and religious organizations.
Read MoreThe Office of the Bishop attends the Spring Gathering for Cactus, Capital, Fiesta, Northeast Valley and Rio Salado Conferences, Mar 17, 2024, 2:00 – 4:30 PM at St. Andrew, Phoenix. We also gather for an in person staff meeting at Prince of Peace.
Read MoreThis week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Peter Lai, who celebrates 39 years on March 16.
Rev. Martin Overson, who celebrates 45 years on March 18.
Rev. Daniel Potaznick, Office of the Bishop, Phoenix, and St. John’s, Glendale, who celebrates 1 year on March 18.
Lutherans Restoring Creation encourages the continuation of Lenten creation care practices into lifelong commitments. Upcoming events, like the Connections Call and the National Faith + Climate Forum, provide resources and community support for engaging congregations in environmental stewardship. Join the movement to sustain our love for God and Creation all year long. Read their March Good Green News here.
Read MoreWorld Water Day 2024 (March 22, 2024) emphasizes the critical need for sustainable water use and universal access to safe water under the theme “Leveraging Water for Peace.” Highlighting the challenges of water scarcity, the importance of water in preventing diseases, and the ongoing efforts for equitable water distribution, this observance calls for collective action to secure water resources for all. Read more and find resources on the Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA) site.
Read MoreFor peace in the world, especially Palestine and Israel, Syria, Myanmar, Russia and Ukraine, and Sudan…
For stability amidst political transition in Haiti…
For safe passage of aid ships as they travel to Gaza…
For safety for all who travel and for protection and provision for all migrants…
For blessings upon Muslim neighbors observing Ramadan, and for greater interreligious appreciation and collaboration around the world…
For all victims of gun violence, especially in Apple Valley, CA; Worcester, CA; Jonesboro, AK; Berkeley, MO; Punxsutawney, PA; Lakeland, FL; Laurel, MD; and Dallas, TX…
For those grieving friends and family members following a school bus crash in Rushville, IL and a van crash in Dewhurst, WI…
For fair wages and sustainable employment, especially for those who are marginalized, exploited, underpaid, and underemployed…
In the latest Faith Lens post, Kate Van Valkenburg shares a powerful story of an adventurous hike with a friend that turned into a lesson on trust, the unknown, and God's presence in difficult times. As they faced unexpected challenges, they encountered a group of women who provided the support they needed, reminding us that God shows up in surprising ways. The post also explores the Gospel of John, emphasizing the transformation and hope found in Jesus' teachings, and encourages us to be agents of change in the world.
Read MoreWe are honored to welcome a distinguished lineup of special guests to the 2024 Synod Assembly, each bringing a wealth of experience and insight from their respective fields of ministry, education, and service.
As we gather under the theme “Embody the Word,” our guests' diverse backgrounds and profound commitments to faith, leadership, and community will inspire and challenge us to deepen our engagement with the world around us.
Read MoreWe give thanks to the 96 rostered ministers who have submitted their reports to the Bishop, with an aspiration to exceed last year's total of 138. If you have yet to complete yours, please do so at our dedicated page, reinforcing our shared ministry's strength and vision.
Read MoreThe ELCA Association of White Lutherans for Racial Justice convened in Minneapolis from March 1-3, focusing on combating white supremacy within the church. The assembly, themed “Building Power Together,” led to a name change to better reflect the group’s mission and included workshops, worship, and strategic planning towards racial justice. Participants engaged with community members from George Floyd Square, emphasizing the importance of action in local communities and the necessity of hesed in justice work.
Read MoreCome help us grow our church through recorded live streams, social media and by advancing our technology. This is a hybrid, part-time position allowing time in and out of the office. We are a super friendly and loving group of Lutherans. Read the job description here.
Please reply by sending resume and contact information to Christ the Lord Lutheran Church: admin@ctlcarefree.org or by mail to Christ the Lord Lutheran Church, PO Box 2539, Carefree, AZ 85377-2539.
Read MoreYou're not late — everyone else is just early! From now until April 15, ELCA Youth Gathering registration is $475. It’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. Please contact Pr. Jacqui JPagel@gcsynod.org if you have any YouthGathering 2024 questions.
Read MoreELCA Worship shines a spotlight on upcoming resources and events from Lutheran and ecumenical partners this March and April. Highlights include the ALCM's confectionary workshop, the Institute of Liturgical Studies' conference on liturgy in consumer culture, and Music That Makes Community's unique Soup Singing event. Additionally, the Lutheran Summer Music Academy offers a transformative experience for high school musicians, while Augsburg Fortress presents a wealth of resources and events to enrich congregational life.
Read MoreAs the Lenten season progresses, we remind you that it's never too late to join the 2024 Lenten Challenge. With a focus on prayer, kindness, scripture, and support for ELCA World Hunger, participants can deepen their faith journey and make a meaningful impact.
Read MoreWeek 4 of “Following the Way of Jesus: A Lenten Holy Land Journey” is: A Counter Cultural Message with Rev. Ashraf Tannous.
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: bit.ly/SumudSubscribe You can also learn more at ELCA.org/sumud.
Read MoreJoin a profound exploration online and at Pacific Lutheran Theological University on March 20, 2024, with Dr. Reggie Williams presenting "When Ethics Kills: Dietrich Bonhoeffer and the Story of Us." Delve into the complexities of ethical presumptions in society, examining Bonhoeffer's resistance during Germany's crisis and his engagement with the Black Radical Tradition. Discover insights into how ideals and challenges shape our pursuit of the good in community and human flourishing.
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