In the latest Faith Lens, Rita Argus shares a reflection on the importance of connecting with nature and the teachings of Good Shepherd Sunday. By drawing parallels between personal experiences in nature and the biblical imagery of shepherding, Rita explores how these serene moments help ground us spiritually, mentally, and physically.
Read MoreSupport the Grand Canyon Synod Youth Gathering by donating snacks or gift cards to fuel 165 attendees as they join 26,000 peers in worship and learning. Drop off contributions at the Synod office or donate online or via Amazon.
Read MoreThis week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Deacon Mary Jayne Baker, who celebrates 12 years on April 22.
Rev. Stephen J. Hammer, who celebrates 42 years on April 25.
Rev. Debra Slifer, who celebrates 37 years on April 25.
Submit your resolutions for the 2024 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly by April 22, 2024. Ensure they align with procedural guidelines for a chance to shape our collective direction. Details on submission and review process inside.
Read MoreThank you to the 130+ rostered ministers who have submitted their annual reports, reflecting active engagement in our synod. We encourage remaining ministers to complete their reports, aiming to surpass last year’s total and strengthen our community bonds.
Read MoreDiscover how to create and live out a meaningful land acknowledgement in your congregation with Wartburg College's Land Acknowledgement Workshop on April 22. Gain insights, resources, and inspiration to honor the history and people of the land. View this PDF for more info and use this link to connect via Zoom.
Read MoreThe Office of the Bishop invites synod members to share their uplifting stories of faith and community. Inspired by the vibrant narratives from our spring gatherings, we look forward to celebrating your experiences and the remarkable ways God works through us. Submit your stories at gcsynod.org/share and let's inspire each other.
Read MoreFor justice and peace among nations where war and violence rage, especially Palestine and Israel, Iran, Myanmar, Iraq, Haiti, Russia and Ukraine, and South Sudan…
For people in Central and South America affected by the dengue fever outbreak…
For farmers and farm laborers as spring arrives…
For peaceful and fair elections in India beginning this week…
For corals that will die and ecosystems that will suffer as ocean temperatures rise…
For communities grieving gun violence, especially New Orleans, Louisiana; Salisbury, North Carolina; and Chicago, Illinois…
For areas of the nation experiencing storms and severe weather…
For safety, understanding, and earnest dialogue amidst protests in Illinois, California, New York, and Oregon…
The ELCA Church Council convened for their spring meeting at the Lutheran Center in Chicago from April 11-14, focusing on enhancing the ELCA's commitment as a welcoming, thriving, and sustainable church. Key highlights included the reappointment of Rev. M. Wyvetta Bullock, the adoption of new social messages, and updates on ongoing dialogues and initiatives. The council also celebrated the ecumenical efforts and internal governance advancements. Read more at ELCA.org.
Read MoreEpiscopal Migration Ministries (EMM) and AMMPARO, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's (ELCA) migrant ministry, have partnered to enhance training and support for asylum-seeker sponsors through the Neighbor to Neighbor program. This partnership aims to bolster community sponsorship efforts by offering practical support and fostering connections for asylum-seekers in areas such as housing, education, and employment. Read more at ELCA.org.
Read MoreIn the ELCA webinar "Go and Tell," held on April 13, 2024, Rev. Rodny Said provided a poignant update from Ramallah, highlighting the current situation in the West Bank. Rev. Dr. Meghan Aelabouni took center stage to discuss effective methods of advocating for justice in Palestine and Israel, addressing frequently asked questions and explaining the concept of Sumud—the ELCA's commitment to partnership, awareness, and advocacy in the region.
Read MoreAs part of our Creating Space for Conversations series, we share a PDF of an article by Isak Tranvik, Uncivil Religion, from A Chosen Nation?, an issue of Word and World, Luther Seminary’s journal of theology.
Read MoreMartin Luther King Jr. has entered the pantheon of American heroes, to be sure. But his legacy is contested, especially in his relation to the assumptions of American civil religion, the common ideals of the nation. Perhaps King pushed beyond these assumptions and challenged them to the core with his concerns for the poor and the radical nature of love. —Isak Tranvik
For peace among nations, especially Palestine and Israel, Myanmar, Iraq, Haiti, Russia and Ukraine, and South Sudan…
For victims of gun violence, especially in Minnetonka, MN; Washington D. C.; Chicago, IL; and West Philadelphia, PA…
For safety, protection, and compassion for all refugees, migrants, and those fleeing political violence…
For areas affected by storms and extreme weather, especially tornadoes and flooding along the Gulf Coast…
For Muslim communities celebrating Eid al-Fitr…
"Christian Leadership for a Tech-Shaped Culture" workshop on April 25th, 2024, offers faith leaders essential tools to navigate the digital age, ensuring technology enhances rather than hinders spiritual growth. Through interactive learning and practical coaching skills, this course empowers leaders to create meaningful digital spaces for their communities.
Read MoreCarol Devine of Blessed Tomorrow urges clergy to weave creation care seamlessly into their sermons, advocating for an approach that melds personal encounters with nature, scriptural insights, and current environmental realities to inspire congregational action towards climate justice.
Read MoreThe Table in Nashville, led by Pastor Dawn Bennett, emerges as a pioneering ELCA congregation focused on the LGBTQ+ community's spiritual needs. Highlighting the creation of the first LGBTQ+ Women of the ELCA unit, this congregation’s journey underlines the importance of acceptance, love, and spiritual healing for marginalized individuals within the faith. Read the full article in Living Lutheran.
Read MoreIn a candid interview with Living Lutheran, Ále Suárez, a Master of Divinity graduate, talks about their unique journey to ministry as a queer Venezuelan American, the transformative role of expressive arts therapy, and the necessity for the church to embrace love and inclusivity for marginalized communities.
Read MoreThe Office of the Bishop attends a variety of leadership events and also celebrates the Installation of Rev. Carol George, Apr 17, 2024, 6:15 PM – 7:15 PM, at Resurrection Lutheran Church in Oro Valley. We also share photos from a First Call Theological Education event and Bishop Hutterer’s travels.
Read MoreThis week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Charles Newman, who celebrates 19 years on April 15.
Rev. Nelson Sulouff, who celebrates 65 years on April 16.
