Keep the focus on the Lutheran witness

Bryan Penman sees the biggest challenge facing the ELCA as its greatest opportunity: offering a new, more resilient way of being church as congregations emerge from the post-pandemic era. “The older institutional structures of our church are hindering our mission,” he said. “The church that is emerging now will let our faith shine in everything we do.” Read the full article in Living Lutheran.

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Lutheran World Federation newsletter: 7/12/2024
You're invited to a Lutheran Social Services of Nevada (LSSN) Grand Opening

We are celebrating the expansion of our food pantry services, now open seven days a week with extended hours — making us the only pantry in the area operating all week long!

This is a fantastic opportunity to connect with elected officials, members of the media, other business professionals, and the dedicated LSSN board and staff members.

Monday, July 15, 2024, 11:00 am - 3:00 pm. Ceremony starts at 11:45 am. LSSN, 4323 Boulder Hwy, Las Vegas, NV 89121. RSVP here.

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Grand Canyon Synod Youth and Young Adults Journey to the ELCA National Youth Gathering

This July, over a dozen congregations from the Grand Canyon Synod are sending their youth and young adults to the ELCA Youth Gathering in New Orleans. Joining 16,000 others, they will participate in a week of faith formation through interactive learning and fellowship. Events include MYLE and the tAble, focusing on youth of color and those with disabilities. Our community prays for their safe and enriching journey as they grow in faith and leadership.

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Director of Worship and Music wanted at Saint Andrew Lutheran Church

Do you love church music, working with a choir and musicians to lead worship, and blending classical and new approaches in ways that inspire congregations to grow spiritually? Do you have an innate ability to know what music and arrangements will make a service more meaningful? If yes, you may be the person to help take the St. Andrew Lutheran Church music program to new heights.

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Feed Arizona’s Future: Join AFN’s Hunger and Housing Advocacy This July

This July, engage with the Arizona Faith Network’s crucial initiatives, which you can find in full in their latest newsletter. Volunteer as a Poll Monitor to safeguard the election process, delve into the impact of Christian Nationalism in our democracy, advocate for hunger and housing, support heat relief efforts, and help build a stronger interfaith community. Each event offers a unique opportunity to act on our Lutheran values and make a significant impact.

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Community Spotlight: Our Savior’s Lutheran & Grace St. Paul’s Episcopal

Hunger Advocacy Fellow Autumn Byar visited Tucson to learn more about the partnership between Our Savior’s Lutheran Church and Grace St Paul’s Episcopal Church as they find new ways to get involved in neighbor-love right in their own neighborhood.

“From food pantries to mobile showers, our ELCA churches have found many different ways to minister to the needs of their neighbors, each one tailored to the specific needs of the community. For Our Savior’s, it didn’t make sense to build a new ministry like this when a robust community partner exists just around the corner. Our Savior’s Lutheran sits right across the street from the University of Arizona and Banner University Hospital. It isn’t the only church to occupy this advantageous area; just a few blocks away sits Grace St. Paul’s Episcopal parish.” Read the full article on the Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA) website.

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Learning How to Step Back from the Abyss of Political Violence

We share an article by Don Henninger from the Episcopal Diocese of Arizona. You can read the full article at azdiocese.org.

“Picture a country where fear of one’s neighbor is rampant, distrust of law enforcement is the standard, destructive riots occur regularly, and threats of political violence loom large over the minds of its citizens.

This evokes images of modern America, but we’re thinking of another country: Northern Ireland, in the lead-up to the violent and deadly multi-decade conflict known as The Troubles. With worries of political violence top of mind for millions of Americans, learning from leaders who have helped navigate conflict in other countries may give us insights for maintaining peace here at home.”

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The magic of the Crescent City is waiting at the ELCA Youth Gathering

“Friends, it’s here. Our teams have started to arrive, and the city is ready for us. I can’t wait for each of you to experience all that the bayou has to offer while being affirmed that you were created to be — you. Safe travels, dear ones. Let’s have a Gathering!” — Deacon Tammy Jones West, Director of the 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering

Read the latest email gNews from the 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering here.

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Ordination celebrations: July 12-18, 2024

This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:

  • Rev. Abigail Byrd, who celebrates 32 years on July 12.

  • Rev. Richard Sherrill, Prince of Peace, Phoenix, who celebrates 26 years on July 12.

  • Rev. Steven Holm, who celebrates 54 years on July 12.

  • Rev. Keith Ingle, who celebrates 54 years on July 12.

  • Rev. Susan Sauerberg, who celebrates 27 years on July 13.

  • Rev. Arthur Goetz, who celebrates 62 years on July 14.

  • Rev. Sherwood Glover, who celebrates 51 years on July 15.

  • Rev. James Price, who celebrates 27 years on July 15.

  • Rev. Erin Morris, Resurrection, Oro Valley, who celebrates 5 years on July 15.

  • Rev. Mark Huggenvik, who celebrates 52 years on July 16.

  • Rev. Timothy Brown, who celebrates 30 years on July 17.

  • Rev. Alan Field, who celebrates 39 years on July 18.

  • Rev. Karn Carroll, who celebrates 25 years on July 18.

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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, Burkina Faso, Sudan, and South Sudan…

  • For children, the elderly, the disabled, all the vulnerable who suffer most in the midst of violence and conflict…

  • For all communities impacted Hurricane Beryl, especially in Texas; for the families of those killed in the storm…

  • For prophets, preachers, advocates, and all who have the courage to speak difficult truths in the face of opposition…

  • For stability and healing of creation in the midst of climate crisis; for people and ecosystems whose safety is threatened by increasingly severe heatwaves…

  • For restoration and renewal for all who are enjoying recreation and vacation time; for just policies that ensure all people a rest from their labors…

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Celebrate Lutheran Heritage with Summer Music, Worship, and Educational Clinics

This July, the ELCA Worship blog highlights a diverse lineup of events and resources aimed at enriching Lutheran worship practices. From the Lutheran Summer Music Academy’s 30+ livestream events to Augsburg Fortress’ free summer music clinics across the U.S., these offerings are designed to support worship leaders and musicians in deepening their practice and faith. Special features include educational resources and transformative music workshops. Dive into these opportunities to enhance your ministry and personal faith journey by visiting LSMacademy.org/2024 and registering for upcoming clinics and workshops.

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Know Your Voting Rights: A Comprehensive Guide

ecoAmerica has developed the Know Your Voting Rights Guide — an essential resource to help you understand your rights, detect and address voter intimidation or deception, and guarantee broad participation in our democracy. By protecting voting rights, we enable ourselves to elect leaders committed to climate solutions that benefit everyone. Share this guide to empower voters and safeguard our democracy. Explore the guide here.

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Celebrate Inclusion with the Latest Issue of Promise Magazine from Mosaic

Mosaic believes it’s extremely important to include people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in all facets of community life. Inclusion not only enriches the lives and overall wellbeing of those we serve, it also enriches communities by teaching humility, understanding and selflessness, and it highlights the significant need to advocate for those who might otherwise be marginalized. 

In the newest issue of Promise magazine, enjoy reading three stories about individuals who came to Mosaic under different circumstances and how they achieved—and continue to achieve—what they want for their lives. Learn more here.

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