“Where the Kingdoms Are Held Together”: Free Institutions and the American Church’s Political Vocation

As part of our Creating Space for Conversations series, we share a PDF of an article by the Grand Canyon Synod’s very own Rev. Matthew Metevelis, “Where the Kingdoms Are Held Together”: Free Institutions and the American Church’s Political Vocation, an issue of Word and World, Luther Seminary’s journal of theology.

The United States, as any other nation, is considered a political entity that God uses as a means of providing life and happiness for all. The distinct nature of the American national system is heavily reliant on the virtue of its citizens, and Christians are called to engage in this work both as citizens of the nation and as members of God’s church. —Rev. Matthew Metevelis

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The Philadelphia Eleven: Celebrating 50 Years of Women's Ordination with Special Screening in Scottsdale

Celebrate the 50th anniversary of women's ordination in the Episcopal Church with a special screening of "The Philadelphia Eleven" documentary. Join others for this one-day-only event on May 21, 2024, at Harkins Shea 14 in Scottsdale. The screening will include a post-film discussion with The Rt. Rev. Jennifer Reddall and others. Tickets available now.

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Lutheran Voices in the 2024 Elections: Engaging Faithfully in Civic Duties

The ELCA Advocacy's latest updates highlight new initiatives and resources to enhance Lutheran participation in the 2024 elections. From a six-session online series exploring Lutheran civic duties to practical training for poll monitors, these opportunities aim to deepen our engagement and understanding of political processes.

Personal experiences from poll monitors and greeters, like Solveig Muus and Autumn Byars from the Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona, offer insights into the practical aspects of ensuring fair and accessible voting processes.

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Summer 2024: A Season of Musical Growth and Worshipful Engagement

This summer offers a vibrant array of musical and worship events lined up for our community. Highlights include the Lutheran Summer Music Academy and Festival for aspiring young musicians, the ALCM’s "Ponder Anew" conference at Valparaiso University, and the Calvin Institute's worship grants. Additionally, Music that Makes Community offers several workshops and community sings, and Augsburg Fortress presents resources for graduates and college students. Read the full article from ELCA Worship at ELCA.org.

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Bishop Eaton Reflects on UMC’s Historic Changes and Ecumenical Growth

Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton reflects on the profound changes emerging from the recently concluded United Methodist Church (UMC) General Conference in Charlotte, N.C. After being postponed since 2020, the conference highlighted the UMC's adoption of significant measures including the lifting of a 40-year ban on the ordination of practicing homosexual clergy, and the expansion of marriage definitions to include same-sex couples.

Bishop Eaton underscores the ELCA's joy and gratitude for 15 years of full communion with the UMC, celebrating the shared commitment to inclusivity and unity in Christian teaching.

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Bryan Penman Elected Bishop of the ELCA Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod

The Rev. Bryan J. Penham, Conshohocken, Pa., was elected May 4 to serve a six-year term as bishop of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). The election took place during the synod assembly, May 3-4 at Franconia Mennonite Church in Telford, Pa.

The bishop-elect has served as pastor of St. Mark's Lutheran Church in Conshohocken since 2013 and also as co-director for evangelical mission in the synod since 2022.

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Jen Nagel Elected Bishop of the ELCA Minneapolis Area Synod

The Rev. Jen Nagel, Minneapolis, Minn., was elected May 4 to serve a six-year term as bishop of the Minneapolis Area Synod. The election took place during the synod assembly, May 2-4 at Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Ramsey, Minn.

The bishop-elect has served as lead pastor of University Lutheran Church of Hope in Minneapolis since 2015. Previously she served as pastor of Salem English Lutheran Church in Minneapolis (2003 to 2015) and as a teaching staff coordinator at Holden Village, Chelan, Wash. (2011).

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“Low-Cost Communication Tactics for Grand Canyon Synod Leaders” webinar resources available

Our “Low-Cost Communication Tactics for Grand Canyon Synod Leaders” webinar was hosted by Brian Flatgard, Director of Communications on Tuesday, May 7, 2024. View the recording at us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/oabC3r4v_dyRkByuI5kCetkyS1uLnL7tpIHp45zv1KA7MuL15Yir4ymrhr3kMJ93.mvqQhl6tTffxdrUx with the passcode: 1bELj=?h

You can view the text and slides in this blog post, and view a PDF of the bullet points from the slide deck.

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May 2024 ELCA Mission Support Memo: Parkside Lutheran Risks for the Sake of the Gospel

This month the May 2024 ELCA Mission Support Memo follows the journey of Parkside Lutheran Church, nestled in North Buffalo, NY, where over the last six years they have been experimenting, risking, and building connections to show "God's doors are open for all" and all are invited to come early and stay late! Plus join us Monday, May 20th for a fabulous webinar on "STORY MATTERS" from Rev. Heather Roth-Johnson, a storyteller, a public speaker, a workshop leader, a writer and in general just a creative soul. We also share our gratitude for all the staff and volunteers who work so hard to plan and execute synod assemblies. Read the memo here! 

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Honoring Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

In May, we celebrate National AAPI Heritage Month. The Asian and Pacific Islander Ministries of the ELCA, in conjunction with the Minneapolis Area Synod, the St. Paul Area Synod, and their API leaders will be hosting a 4-person panel on Thursday, May 23 at 7pm to discuss the joys and challenges of being API. The panel will be live streamed on zoom and you can log on by clicking here.

For more information on ELCA API Ministries, visit:  Asian and Pacific Islander – Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (elca.org)and Association of Asians and Pacific Islanders of the ELCA

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For What Shall We Pray?
  • 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 all who are engaging in diplomacy to bring this about…

  • For all people who must leave their homes to preserve their safety, especially in Rafah…

  • For safety and sensitivity in the midst of campus protests…

  • For the people, plants, and animals harmed by flooding in South Texas and Kenya…

  • For those affected by tornadoes in Oklahoma and Michigan…

  • For victims of an apartment building collapse in southern South Africa, and for continued recovery efforts…

  • For synods of the ELCA as they gather in their assemblies, that the Spirit would enliven and guide them…

  • For the United Methodist Church as they step into a future that embraces the gifts and leadership of LGBTQ+ clergy…

  • For those in our country without access to healthcare, and for those who must travel to get the care they need…

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Act Now for a Just Future: Advocate for the 2024 Farm Bill

The ELCA is actively advocating for the 2024 Farm Bill, urging Congress to pass legislation that provides food security, supports sustainable farming, and promotes inclusivity and environmental stewardship. With the current bill expiring in September 2024, now is a crucial time for action. Engage through the ELCA Action Center, participate in upcoming advocacy webinars, and help shape a Farm Bill that reflects our Lutheran values of care and compassion. Join us in making a difference in our communities and beyond. Read more and learn how @ elca.org.

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Faith Lens: We’ll See

If you have a preschool aged child in your household, then it’s likely you’ve watched the recently-released episode of Bluey called “The Sign.” In the first week of its release, it was viewed 10.4 million times! Without giving too much away, the episode begins with all of the children in Bluey’s class hearing their teacher, Calypso, read a Taoist parable called “The Farmer.”

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