This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Donald Thompson, who celebrates 41 years on May 8.
Rev. Mary Louise Frenchman, Native American Urban Ministry, Phoenix, who celebrates 24 years on May 9.
Join the Generation Zero-Hunger movement with ELCA World Hunger and make a difference at the 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering. As part of a 50-year legacy, engage in a national fundraising challenge that aims to create sustainable change and end hunger. Be part of a generation committed to action and hope. Learn more at ELCA.org/GenZeroHunger.
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The Rev. Timothy R. Oslovich, Vernon, Conn., was elected April 27 to serve a six-year term as bishop of the Alaska Synod. The bishop-elect has served as pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Vernon since 2003. From 1997 to 2003, he was pastor of Shishmaref Lutheran Church in Shishmaref, Alaska, and from 2009 until this year he was an adjunct professor at Bay Path University, Longmeadow, Mass.
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The Rev. Meghan Johnston Aelabouni, Jerusalem, was elected April 27 to serve a six-year term as bishop of the Rocky Mountain Synod. The bishop-elect has served as pastor of Lutheran Church of the Redeemer in Jerusalem and as theologian in residence with the ELCA Middle East and North Africa Desk since 2021.
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In this week's Faith Lens, Kris Litman-Koon discusses the importance of teaching independence and conflict resolution to children, drawing parallels with spiritual growth in the Christian faith. The reflection emphasizes how, like children learning to resolve their disputes, Christians are called to love and support each other based on the teachings of Jesus. The passage from John 15:9-17 serves as a reminder that love and community are central to our faith, urging us to bear fruit by abiding in Christ's love and extending it to others within and beyond the church.
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For 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 a ceasefire in Gaza, for hostages to be freed, and for strength and persistence among all who are engaging in diplomacy…
For compassion, safety, and productive discourse amidst campus protests…
For rescue and relief efforts amidst flooding in Kenya…
For casualties of a highway collapse in southern China and for continued recovery efforts…
For evacuees and all who are continue to be affected by the eruption of Mount Ruang in Indonesia…
For synods of the ELCA as they gather in their assemblies, that the Spirit would enliven and guide them…
For the community of Charlotte, North Carolina after the killing of 3 law enforcement officers and the shooting of 5 others…
For fair labor practices and economic justice for all workers…
For an end to interreligious hatred and strife, and for deepened interfaith friendships…
For scientists, activists, and policymakers as they study, build momentum, and craft regulation to slow climate change…
For farmers as they respond to bird flu, and for all sick animals…
April's updates from the Lutheran Office for World Community and various state public policy offices reveal significant advocacy efforts on critical issues like gender justice at the UN, environmental sustainability, and public health across the United States. Key activities included legislative engagements, advocacy training, and impactful community discussions aiming to influence policy at both state and national levels.
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April's updates from the Lutheran Office for World Community and various state public policy offices reveal significant advocacy efforts on critical issues like gender justice at the UN, environmental sustainability, and public health across the United States. Key activities included legislative engagements, advocacy training, and impactful community discussions aiming to influence policy at both state and national levels.
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Explore the afterlife in a unique tri-faith discussion with leaders from Jewish, Christian, and Islamic communities on May 7, 2024. Join this free virtual event hosted by ISBA to gain insights into diverse religious perspectives. More information and register here.
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You are invited to Servant Leader: Present, Equipped, Here—this year’s churchwide-sponsored leadership online event—Saturday, May 4 from 11am – 3:30pm PST/MDT. It’s open to all, whether involved in Women of the ELCA or not.
Including worship, Bible study, speakers and breakout sessions, this year’s leadership event will reintroduce the servant leader concept and its connection to relationships and community while acknowledging the many challenges facing organizations like ours in our current context.
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Discover innovative and economical communication methods tailored for church leaders at the Grand Canyon Synod in the upcoming webinar on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, at 5pm PDT/MST, 6pm MDT. Learn to craft compelling content, manage social media efficiently, and build a volunteer communication team. Register here.
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Join Lutheran Faith Community Nurse Association (LFCNA) for the "Navigating the Compassionate Crossroads: Palliative Care vs. Hospice" webinar on May 9, presented by Rory Farrand of NHPCO. Discover the nuances between palliative and hospice care to guide patients thoughtfully through their end-of-life journey. View a PDF with info and registration here.
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As part of our Creating Space for Conversations series, we share this video from the ELCA’s "Study Curriculum on Civic Life and Faith." Watch the video as a standalone resource, or explore the full set of the curriculum, including leader’s guides.
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Desert Cross Lutheran Church seeks a passionate Director of Youth & Family Ministries to lead faith formation and mission initiatives. Part-time role with impactful opportunities to serve and grow within a supportive community. View the job description here as a Word doc. Please send your resume and cover letter to info@desertcross.org.
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Resurrection Lutheran Church in Oro Valley is looking for an experienced musician/choir director for its weekly worship services in Saddlebrooke. This paid position is for approximately 4 hours per week to rehearse with and direct the congregation choir, and to accompany the Sunday worship services at 9:00 AM in the HOA1 Ballroom. The position may be separated into two roles.
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We share the latest updates from the teams at the ELCA Youth Gathering. First up is a newsletter full of details now that registration is closed, and they also share a what to expect webinar video.
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The ELCA Foundation doesn't just envision a future; it's building one where intentional generosity and stewardship have allowed the mission and ministry of the ELCA to grow beyond our expectations. Our goal is to create a vibrant culture where intentional giving fuels the expansion of the ELCA's work in the US and around the world.
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Dear Friends in the Grand Canyon Synod, where Mosaic provides services through locations across the state of Arizona.
Last year, while taking down a building on our founding campus that was well past its useful era, we found a time capsule from around 70 years ago. One of the items in the capsule was a copy of The Small Catechism of Martin Luther. Many of you probably remember spending time with that catechism as a child—I know I do.
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