LAMA Liaison Roundtable: Engaging in Advocacy

Join the Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona Liaison Roundtable on Monday, August 19, 2024, from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM via Zoom. This monthly discussion offers a platform for congregational leaders and members to explore topics like civic engagement, overcoming reticence about advocacy, and educating members on the importance of advocacy as part of our Lutheran heritage. Participate in shaping future discussions and equipping our congregations for meaningful advocacy. Join via Zoom using Meeting ID: 879 9811 3829.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardAugust 14, 2024Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA), AdvocacyComment

Introducing “Book Time with LAMA” - A New Monthly Book Club

Join LAMA’s new book club, “Book Time with LAMA,” starting Wednesday, August 21, 2024, at noon. Our first book, I Think You’re Wrong (But I’m Listening) by Sarah Stewart Holland and Beth Silvers, explores grace-filled political conversations. Monthly meetings will provide a safe space for discussions on social justice. Register now to join the conversation! Register for Book Time: ‘I Think You’re Wrong’

Lifting Up Lutheran Campus Ministry at the University of Arizona

Join us in lifting up Lutheran Campus Ministry at the University of Arizona, where Rev. Rebecca Boardman and her team provide a welcoming and inclusive space for students of all backgrounds. Discover how this vibrant community fosters radical hospitality, spiritual growth, and a deep sense of belonging for young adults.

Prayers and Blessings for Flagstaff’s Episcopal and Lutheran Campus Ministry

As the new academic year begins, we lift up in prayer Rev. Michael Girlinghouse and The Episcopal and Lutheran Young Adult and Campus Ministries in Flagstaff. This inclusive ministry serves Northern Arizona University and the broader Flagstaff community, offering a welcoming space for all. Services resume on August 25th. Learn more at www.lcmcanterbury.org.

Prayers for ASU Lutheran Campus Ministry as New Academic Year Begins

As Arizona State University welcomes students for a new academic year, we lift up Rev. Arhiana Shek-Dill and the ASU Lutheran Campus Ministry in Tempe. This inclusive community provides spiritual growth, fellowship, and service opportunities, offering weekly Bible studies, worship services, and free meals for students. With retreats, community outreach, and a range of activities, this ministry creates a safe, welcoming space for all. Join us in praying for their continued impact on students’ lives as they begin this new academic journey. Visit ulctempe.org/campus-ministry to learn more.

Grand Canyon Synod, Prayers, SpotlightBrian FlatgardAugust 14, 2024LCM ASU, Youth and Young Adult, Lutheran Campus MinistryComment

Experience the Wisdom of Elder Perci Ami at the Bishop’s Fall Gathering

Join us for the Bishop’s Fall Gathering from October 21-23, 2024, at Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center. The highlight of this event is Elder Perci Ami, a Hopi/Tewa grandmother, storyteller, and healer. Experience her wisdom on October 22. Registration includes meals, and scholarships are available. Register by September 13 to secure your spot!

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardAugust 13, 20242024 Bishop's Fall GatheringComment

Meet Bishop-elect Nathan Pipho: A Vision for Justice and Community

Meet Bishop-elect Nathan Pipho, who has clear priorities for the New England Synod: proclaiming Jesus, building community, and pursuing racial justice. With over 20 years of ministry experience and a master’s from Harvard, Pipho is prepared to lead. His term begins August 1, with installation on September 7. Discover his vision and commitment to embodying God’s healing and love in the world in this Living Lutheran article.

ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardAugust 12, 2024Living LutheranComment

From Coaching to Construction: How Sam Swenson-Reinhold Serves His Community

Service has always been integral to Sam Swenson-Reinhold’s life, growing up as the son of two ELCA pastors. Now, he serves as an ELCA coach and project coordinator for Operation Backyard with the Knoxville Leadership Foundation. Through his roles, he mentors individuals, oversees construction projects for those in need, and finds spiritual nourishment in church and nature. Swenson-Reinhold’s dedication to community and faith exemplifies the Lutheran commitment to service and personal growth. Read more about his inspiring journey and impact in Living Lutheran.

ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardAugust 11, 2024Living LutheranComment

HopeWood Outdoors: Embracing Change with an ELCA Innovation Grant

HopeWood Outdoors, a vibrant ELCA outdoor ministry in Ohio, is redefining how they welcome diverse campers with the help of a $40,000 ELCA Innovation Grant. Under the leadership of Drew Tucker, HopeWood is focusing on accessibility, cultural training, and sustainability. This initiative is part of their mission to connect people with nature and faith, inspiring them to embrace their callings. Discover more about HopeWood’s transformative journey and their commitment to growth and inclusion in this Living Lutheran article.

ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardAugust 10, 2024Living Lutheran, Outdoor MinistryComment

Faith and Politics: Lutheran Legislators Advocate for Respectful Discourse

Washington State Senators Annette Cleveland and Ron Muzzall, both Lutherans, are advocating for civility in politics, inspired by their faith. Emphasizing grace, respect, and love, they aim to foster respectful dialogue across political divides. Their efforts align with the ELCA’s mission to promote healthy civic engagement, highlighted in recent social messages and draft statements. Read about their efforts in Living Lutheran.

Santa Cruz Lutheran Joins Project AZUL to Expand Community Outreach

In this article from Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona, learn how Santa Cruz Lutheran Church in Tucson partners with Project AZUL to bring essential resources to the community. With the help of Sahuarita Food Bank, the mobile project offers education, health services, and job assistance, enhancing our food ministry. As new homes are built nearby, they aim to expand their services to include GED, resume writing, and ESL classes. Support and prayers are welcomed as they strive to fulfill our “God’s Work, Our Hands” vision.

Lutheran World Federation newsletter: 8/9/2024

Photo: Milita Poskiene, LWF Council member and treasurer of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Lithuania.
Lithuania: keeping the faith alive in hard times
LWF Ethiopia celebrates 50 years
Poland: Supporting the forgotten migrants at the border with Belarus
Brazil: "Being the church of Jesus Christ in this country and its society"
Romania: celebrating 30 years of women’s ministry
Task forces to develop policies on climate and intergenerational justice

News, Global Church, SpotlightBrian FlatgardAugust 9, 2024Lutheran World FederationComment

Faith in Action: How ELCA is Leading Civic Engagement in 2024

Engage in the 2024 election year with the ELCA’s robust initiatives and training opportunities. From online workshops like “Crucial Conversations” to the NCC Freedom Summer campaign, there are numerous ways to get involved. Discover resources and reflections designed to inspire and guide your civic engagement. Visit ELCA.org/votes for more information and read the full post from ELCA Advocacy here..

ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardAugust 8, 2024Advocacy, ELCA Advocacy, Lutheran CitizenshipComment

Office of the Bishop Updates: 8/9/2024

The Office of the Bishop spends a day volunteering with staff at West Valley Lutheran Thrift Store this week, as well as regularly scheduled activities.

News, Bishop Hutterer, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardAugust 8, 2024Office of the BishopComment

Letters from Sweden: A Unique Lutheran Love Story

Explore an extraordinary Lutheran love story in David Schaeffer’s Letters from Sweden. Through his father’s wartime and postwar letters to his fiancée, Mary, this book unveils a journey of faith, love, and commitment. Schaeffer’s reflections offer insights into the resilience of the “Greatest Generation” and the enduring power of handwritten letters. Read the article in Living Lutheran.

Letters, News, ELCABrian FlatgardAugust 8, 2024Living LutheranComment

Join AFN’s Summer of Listening: Strengthening Interfaith Bonds

The Arizona Faith Network (AFN) invites you to participate in our “Summer of Listening: Building Bridges for a Stronger Interfaith Community” campaign. Running from June through August, this initiative aims to foster interfaith collaboration and ensure our efforts meet Arizona’s diverse community needs. Your input via our community survey is crucial in helping us build a more inclusive and resilient interfaith community. Take the survey to contribute to a stronger, more connected community. And read more news in their latest weekly newsletter.

I’m a Lutheran: Bill Bamford

In this article in Living Lutheran, Bill Bamford, an aerospace engineer and member of Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church in Millersville, MD, shares his journey of faith and service. For 18 years, Bill and his family have been active in their church community, deeply valuing the support and connection they found there. Professionally, Bill works at NASA, focusing on satellite navigation, and believes in the power of community both in his work and faith. His journey from a “Chreaster” Catholic to a dedicated Lutheran highlights his appreciation for forming a personal relationship with God, a key value in his life.

ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardAugust 7, 2024Living LutheranComment

Ordination celebrations: August 9-15, 2024

This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:

Rev. John Hoelter, who celebrates 57 years on August 9.
Rev. Wyatt Linde, Resurrection, Oro Valley, who celebrates 1 years on August 9.
Rev. Joseph Dillon, who celebrates 48 years on August 10.
Rev. Paul Campbell, who celebrates 45 years on August 12.
The Rev. Cheryl Fox, St. John’s, Williams, who celebrates 15 years on August 15.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardAugust 7, 2024Ordination AnniversariesComment

For What Shall We Pray?

For justice and peace among nations where war and conflict rage, especially Palestine and Israel, Iran, Lebanon, Iraq, Myanmar, Haiti, Russia and Ukraine, Burkina Faso, Sudan, and South Sudan…
For de-escalation of political protests in Bangladesh and anti-immigration protests in England…
For relief and recovery efforts and for all affected by the path of Hurricane Debby…
For victims of flooding and landslides in China…
For collaboration, civility, and compassion in national and international politics…
For protection for those fighting wildfires in California and the Pacific Northwest, and for safety for all evacuees…
In thanksgiving for the diversity, camaraderie, and international good will demonstrated during the Olympic Games…

ELCA, PrayersBrian FlatgardAugust 7, 2024ELCA Worship, For What Shall We PrayComment