Civic engagement is happening this election year in many diverse communities and contexts—and being activated and led by congregations, rostered leaders, ELCA-affiliated state public policy offices and members. Read the latest updates from ELCA Advocacy.
Read MoreAs you make plans for worship in the autumn months, ELCA Worship offers many ways to explore All Creation Sings.
Read MoreIn her letter responding to recent Grants Pass Supreme Court decision, Bishop Eaton encourages us as a church to:
Learn and Engage: Let us educate ourselves about housing insecurity and about justice for the homeless. Visit the ELCA Homeless and Justice Network for more information.
Pray: Let us use the ELCA's Homeless and Justice Ministries dedicated devotional guide to pray for those affected by this decision and for our ministries that work to secure shelter for those in need.
Speak Out: Let us review the ELCA World Hunger resource on housing and engage in activities to support effective policies, such as writing a letter to a local news outlet or speaking out at a town hall.
“Criminalizing homelessness is an injustice we must reject. We remain committed to advocating for our unhoused neighbors.”
Read MoreSubscribe to our weekly newsletter to stay connected with your faith community, keep up with synod activities, and celebrate the impactful work being done locally and globally. For leaders looking to streamline communication, we offer to import your existing email list, ensuring your whole community stays informed with ease.
Read MoreFor justice and peace among nations where war and violence rage, especially Palestine and Israel, Iran, Myanmar, Iraq, Haiti, Russia and Ukraine, Burkina Faso, Sudan, and South Sudan…
For communities across the Midwest region of the United States impacted by severe storms and flooding…
For all who lack adequate shelter from extreme temperatures…
For families of workers killed in lithium battery plant fire in South Korea…
For the development of sustainable technology that protects both people and planet…
For the public health crisis of gun violence and for all its victims, especially in North Las Vegas, NV; Fordyce, AR; and Manatee County, FL…
For the families of those killed in the Dagestan region of Russia and for an end to religious intolerance and violence…
For public and political discourse that respects the dignity and humanity of all…
For the gift of freedom in Christ that binds us to the needs and dignity of our neighbors…
Bethany Lutheran Church in Scottsdale is looking for a part-time Administrative Assistant. This role requires strong computer, organizational, and communication skills, along with a solid background in administration. Ideal candidates should have a passion for service and effective church office management. Interested? Call us at 480-947-5525 to apply and become a part of our church family’s mission.
Read MoreThe Office of the Bishop travels for meetings, the youth gathering and vacations. We also attend our synod assembly wrap-up meeting and complete that work in preparation for next year. And we share a photo of the Bishop’s visit to Campformation.
Read MoreThis week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Craig Corbin, Mount Olive, Lake Havasu City, who celebrates 37 years on June 28.
Rev. Gayle Bintliff, who celebrates 23 years on June 29.
Rev. Randy Winsand, Ascension, Paradise Valley, who celebrates 11 years on June 30.
Rev. Myron Nysether, who celebrates 50 years on June 30.
Rev. William Dowling, who celebrates 64 years on June 30.
Rev. John Williams, who celebrates 51 years on June 30.
Rev. Glenn Zorb, who celebrates 45 years on July 1.
Rev. Jan Flaaten, who celebrates 51 years on July 1.
Deacon Brenda J. Laukonis, who celebrates 43 years on July 1.
Rev. Robert Hutson Jr., who celebrates 51 years on July 1.
Rev. Robert Rod, who celebrates 51 years on July 1.
Rev. James Dew, who celebrates 34 years on July 1.
Lutheran Summer Music announces its 42nd season, offering over 30 free and open-to-the-public concerts and recitals. All events take place this July at Valparaiso University, and most will be livestreamed. Performances and services are shared by over 250 students, faculty, fellows, worship staff, and guest artists who come together to create a vibrant community of music-makers. The LSM 2024 season will culminate during Festival Week (July 21-28), featuring the LSM Festival Band, Choir, and Orchestra, a Festival of Hymns, and closing each day with sung Evening Prayer.
Of special note, the Association of Lutheran Church Musicians (ALCM) will join this year’s LSM community and offer an intergenerational performance of J.S. Bach’s St. John Passion. Visit LSMacademy.org/2024 for a complete listing of events and to access the livestream.
Read MoreKing of Glory Lutheran Church in Tempe is seeking dedicated individuals for three key positions within their Music Department: Director of Music Ministries, Youth Music Leader, and Organist/Accompanist. These roles are integral to their vibrant worship and community engagement. Start dates for all positions are August 4, 2024. For more details and application procedures, visit our website or contact Vicki Hegebush at vickih@kogaz.org.
Read MoreSpirit in the Desert Retreat Center is seeking a Director of Advancement to lead and manage its fundraising activities. This role involves developing fundraising goals, managing events, and utilizing CRM systems like Bloomerang for strategic decision-making. Ideal candidates will have extensive experience in philanthropy, marketing, and event execution. View the job description as a PDF here. For further details or to apply, contact Executive Director Eric Simonson.
Read MoreIn honor of Juneteenth, ELCA Racial Justice Ministries invited Dr. Dianne R. Browne, Ph.D., CFLE, CSE, Chair of the ELCA New Jersey Synod’s Anti-Racism Team to share some thoughts about this federal holiday that many mark as the official end of legalized human enslavement in the United States. For more information on Juneteenth, visit What Is Juneteenth? | HISTORY.
Read MoreOne of the social events that Tribal nations and organizations host that welcome non-Indigenous people to attend is a powwow. There are plenty of powwows hosted across the United States and Canada. It is likely there is one planned and hosted somewhere near you. Some of you may have attended a powwow in the past and have enjoyed the drums, singing, dancing, ceremony and food while there!
But whether you have attended a powwow in the past or have yet to attend a powwow, this presentation from the Grand Canyon Synod’s Wanda Frenchman will provide you with information and instructions on how to be a respectful and successful visitor/guest. For more information: http://elca.org/indigenous
Read MoreWe are deeply grateful to the many individuals who have embodied the Word in their contributions to this year’s Synod Assembly. From committees and task forces to volunteers on the ground, your dedication and hard work have been instrumental in bringing our vision to life. Visit our thank you page to discover all the wonderful people who helped us embody the Word at our 2024 assembly.
A special thank you goes to our voting members. Your commitment to travel, engage, and participate in the complex business of the church is invaluable, especially in this year of a Bishop election. Your willingness to serve, your discerning voices, and your passion for our mission have been vital in shaping the direction of our church. This Assembly’s success is a testament to your meaningful contributions and active participation. Y’all truly embody the Word!
Read MoreFor justice and peace among nations where war and violence rage, especially Palestine and Israel, Iran, Myanmar, Iraq, Haiti, Russia and Ukraine, Burkina Faso, Sudan, and South Sudan…
For Native Americans celebrating cultural identity through powwows this summer and for preservation and appreciation of indigenous heritage…
For victims of landsides in Central and South America…
For cleanup efforts after a major oil spill near Singapore…
For those grieving the heat-related deaths of more than 500 pilgrims in Mecca during Hajj…
For extreme heat in India and other places around the globe…
For the health of our planet and people, creatures, and habitats most impacted by climate change…
For migrants missing or lost after shipwrecks in the Mediterranean…
For victims of human rights violations, especially in Greece, and for protection for all migrants…
For a resolution to violence in the South China Sea…
The Grand Canyon Synod Assembly convened Thursday through Saturday, June 13–15, 2024, at Love of Christ Lutheran Church in Mesa under the theme, “Embody the Word.”
You can view photos of the assembly here, and watch the entire assembly here.
Read MoreIn this episode of the Pivot podcast, Rev. Clara King discusses how small, rural churches can empower laypeople, with the church's "edges" driving innovation and collaborative ministry.
Read MoreJoin Ascension Lutheran Church in Paradise Valley, AZ, for their Indoor Fixture Sale on June 28th and 29th from 7 AM to 11 AM. Discover a wide range of quality fixtures that offer both style and functionality, perfect for any home. This event supports Ascension’s community missions and provides a great opportunity to connect with fellow Lutherans in the Grand Canyon Synod. Don’t miss out on finding unique items that enhance your space while supporting a good cause! Ascension is at 7100 N. Mockingbird Lane, Paradise Valley, AZ.
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