From a letter of gratitude from Pastor David Sivecz, “On behalf of Grace Lutheran Church, I extend our deepest gratitude for your generosity in making hygiene kits during the synod assembly. Your thoughtfulness and generosity have significantly impacted our ability to support those in need within the downtown Phoenix community.”
Read MoreJoin the Grand Canyon Synod and Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona in supporting the 2024 Arizona primary elections by volunteering as a poll monitor. View full information in this LAMA article. Training sessions are offered on multiple dates in July by Election Protection Arizona and the Arizona Faith Network. Register now to ensure that every vote is counted and every voice heard in a fair and dignified manner. Let’s live our faith by advocating for justice and integrity at the polls!
Read MoreThe Office of the Bishop picks up projects after our assembly wrap-up, and travels for meetings and preaching.
Read MoreThis week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Deacon Bernice Johnson, who celebrates 65 years on July 5.
Rev. Arlyn Norris, who celebrates 49 years on July 6.
Rev. Joshua Auchenbach, Tanque Verde, Tucson, who celebrates 18 years on July 9.
Rev. Timothy Nybroten, Resurrection, Oro Valley, who celebrates 24 years on July 9.
Rev. Daniel Hodgson, who celebrates 57 years on July 9.
Rev. Richard Staats, who celebrates 58 years on July 10.
Join the 2024 Peanut Butter Wars to help fight food insecurity in Las Vegas! From July 1 to August 5, 2024, groups across the community are competing to donate the most peanut butter and raise funds. The event aims to collect $25,000 and 10,000 pounds of peanut butter for Lutheran Social Services of Nevada.
Participate or donate to make a significant impact—every jar counts towards battling hunger. Get involved by emailing martin@lssnv.org and help spread the word using #peanutbutterwars!
Read MoreLouis Liss will be ordained and installed at Mount Zion Lutheran Church (4520 West Ajo Way, Tucson, AZ 85746-9706) on Thursday, July 25, 2024 at 11 am. Bishop Hutterer will preside, and Pastor Andrew Schlect will preach. A livestream link will be provided.
Rostered leaders are encouraged to vest and process, color of the day is red. There will be a reception following in the Fellowship Hall.
Read MoreThe first of July is One Mosaic Day, a celebration of the Mosaic network that includes more than 750 communities in 12 states. The post July 1 is One Mosaic Day! appeared first on Mosaic.
Read MoreJoin the Arizona Faith Network this summer for a series of impactful events and learning opportunities. Highlights include discussions on recent Supreme Court decisions, voting rights initiatives, and educational webinars on American Christian Nationalism and process theology. Participate in our advocacy workshops to learn about critical issues like hunger and housing. Mark your calendars and RSVP to contribute to these vital community discussions and actions. Learn more and get involved.
Read MoreThe Office of the Bishop in the Grand Canyon Synod will observe a closure on July 4th in honor of Independence Day. We encourage our community to join in a special prayer for the nation, reflecting on the grace and freedoms we cherish. Let us celebrate responsibly and with gratitude in our hearts.
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 all in the path of hurricanes, especially in the Caribbean…
For areas impacted by ongoing floods, droughts, wildfires, and landslides…
For all who live with disabilities, especially those who struggle to access adequate healthcare, and those whose contributions to the world are continually undervalued
For the peaceful and respectful transition of power during a season of elections around the world, especially in Iran, France, the UK, Rwanda, and Syria…
For the family and friends of those killed in the stampede at a religious event in India, as well as all who were injured…
For inventors and innovators like Nikola Tesla and all the ways God invites us into the work of creation and discovery…
In the June and July 2024 updates from the Lutheran Office for World Community and state public policy offices, significant advocacy efforts were highlighted from the UN Civil Society Conference in Nairobi to state-level legislative actions in the U.S. Key issues include global reforms, electoral measures in Colorado, advocacy in Pennsylvania, and ongoing legislative concerns in Texas and Wisconsin. These updates showcase the Lutheran commitment to shaping public policies and advocating for justice both globally and locally.
Read MoreThrough an initiative called Benefits reExamined, Portico seeks input as we discern and design potential benefit changes to continue to meet the evolving needs of this church. Portico plan members and registered EmployerLink users, if you received an email invitation to take the survey, we strongly encourage you to take a few minutes before the survey closes July 12 and add your voice to the conversation.
Read MoreJoin the #ELCAElectionActivator network to support and equip ELCA members for nonpartisan participation in the electoral process through monthly virtual gatherings and regular updates. Participate in activities that foster civic engagement. Sign up now to join the next meeting on July 23, 2024 and contribute to a just and peaceful society. Sign up here.
Read MoreThe 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering leadership shares some updates for the 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering, MYLE and the tAble this summer. To learn more about the Gathering, visit elca.org/Gathering.
Read MoreWe celebrate the remarkable achievements of Pastor Rebecca Boardman and Pastor Mike Girlinghouse of the Grand Canyon Synod, recipients of the James R. Carr Distinguished Service Award and the Sue E. Rothmeyer Advocacy for Campus Ministry Award, respectively. Their outstanding service and leadership in campus ministry have not only enriched our community but also set a high standard for dedication and excellence within the ELCA. Join us in honoring their contributions and learn more about their impactful work in our latest blog post.
Read MoreJoin Pastor Steve Holm and Sheri Brown for a thoughtful discussion on The Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory: American Evangelicals in an Age of Extremism by Tim Alberta, exploring the evangelical identity within the ELCA. This book club event, hosted by Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center, is set for Thursday, July 11 from 12:00 to 1:00 PM AZ (MST). Dive deep into the complexities of American evangelicalism and its impact on our faith. Register and learn more about the event.
Read MoreAscension Lutheran Church in Paradise Valley is selling a four-piece timpani set, appraised at $8,000, for just $4,000 as they continue their move to a new location. This offers a fantastic opportunity for congregations and music directors to enhance their worship services with high-quality instruments at a fraction of the cost. For more details and to explore this unique offer, contact them through Ascension’s website.
Read MoreThe Rt. Rev. Sean Rowe, bishop of the Episcopal Dioceses of Northwestern Pennsylvania and Western New York, was elected and confirmed the 28th presiding bishop and primate of The Episcopal Church on June 26 for a nine-year term beginning Nov. 1.
Read MoreWhat could we learn from Jesus as the master storyteller? His parables never carry a single meaning but reveal more about ourselves and God every time we revisit them. He told stories to bind his followers to those they never intended to care about, and to define their mission.
Isn’t this the kind of connection we need right now, with God and one another—especially as we confront crises of trust, loneliness, and divisions in our communities? This is why Faith+Lead is hosting Story Bridge: Using Story to Connect with God and Others.
Read MoreExplore transformative strategies for authentic discipleship in faith+lead’s latest Pivot podcast episode featuring Yolanda Solomon. Discover how to make discipleship relevant and delightful in today’s challenging cultural landscape. Solomon offers insights into creating genuine communities and reframing discipleship as an invitation to beauty. An essential listen for church leaders seeking practical guidance in fostering sincere faith amidst disillusionment. Listen to the full episode here.
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