Synod Spotlight: A Year of Ministry as your Hunger Fellow, reflections from Autumn Byars

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Autumn Byars, our Grand Canyon Synod Hunger Advocacy Fellow, for her dedicated year of service with Lutheran Advocacy Ministry of Arizona (LAMA). Her work has been an inspiring example of how mission support from congregations flows through the synod and the ELCA to return as impactful ministry in our communities. We invite you to join us in praying for Autumn’s continued good work in the church and the world.

Reflecting on a year of impactful advocacy, Autumn shares key moments, including testimony against restrictive SNAP bills and support for the Grand Canyon Food Pantry. LAMA empowers congregations to turn their faith into action, advocating for justice and food security at all levels of government.

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Christopher Johnson Appointed President and CEO of Portico Benefit Services

Christopher (Chris) Johnson has been appointed president and chief executive officer of Portico Benefit Services, a separately incorporated ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). He will join Portico on Oct. 7.

Johnson brings a proven 30-year track record of scaling businesses for growth, along with extensive leadership experience, an innovative approach and a strong connection to the church, making him uniquely qualified to advance Portico's vision for the future.

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Embody the Word: Join Us for the 2024 Bishop’s Fall Gathering

Join us for the 2024 Bishop’s Fall Gathering, October 21-23, at Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center. With the theme “Embody the Word,” this retreat offers a unique opportunity for rostered ministers, seminary students, and those serving in congregations to explore the power of storytelling in ministry. Register by September 13 to secure your spot.

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New FREE Arrangement from Lutheran Summer Music by Anne Krentz Organ

Download a new FREE arrangement from Lutheran Summer Music 2024 by Anne Krentz Organ: The Ash Grove for a solo instrument with keyboard accompaniment. The Ash Grove is a theme and variations based on the beloved Welsh folk tune and is this year’s installment in the LSM Hymn Tune Project. Free sheet music download: LSMacademy.org/resources.

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Empower Your Faith and Community with Blessed Tomorrow’s August 2024 Updates

Discover ecoAmerica’s new Climate Assessment Tool and make informed voting decisions this November. Join the One Home One Future celebration on September 24th, explore grassroots faith-based climate solutions, and prepare for a special webinar on preaching election sermons. Engage with these initiatives and take meaningful climate action today in their September 2024 newsletter!

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ELCA Worship Brings New Energy and Resources to Congregations

Discover the latest updates from ELCA Worship, including highlights from the 2024 Youth Gathering, new hymn suggestions for fall worship, and resources for “God’s work. Our hands.” Sunday. Don’t miss the chance to plan ahead for the 2025 Lutheran Musicians’ Summer Conference. Read the full newsletter for more details and inspiration.

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Founders’ Day Lecture: “Listening in the Darkness” with Mark Yaconelli

Join us on September 18th at 10 AM for the Founders’ Day Lecture, “Listening in the Darkness,” with Mark Yaconelli, a respected writer and spiritual director. Discover how faith can guide us through uncertainty and failing systems. This event is sponsored by California Lutheran University and Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary. Register now to attend in person in Berkeley or virtually via Zoom.

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Lutherans Restoring Creation: Gabrielle’s Continued Fellowship and Strategic Planning for the Future

Lutherans Restoring Creation announces the extension of Gabrielle’s fellowship through 2024 and begins a Strategic Planning process to shape its role in the ELCA. Join us in celebrating Pr. Nick Utphall’s walk on the Ice Age Trail and participate in upcoming events like “God’s Work, Our Hands” Sunday and our August Connection Call on the Season of Creation. Read the news in full in their August 2024 Great Green News.

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Youth Raise Nearly $100K for Generation Zero-Hunger at 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering

The 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering in New Orleans was a tremendous success, with nearly 17,000 participants raising close to $100,000 for Generation Zero-Hunger. As we celebrate 50 years of ELCA World Hunger, we reflect on our church’s deep commitment to addressing the root causes of hunger and poverty. Explore the resources available for this milestone and consider joining an upcoming immersion trip to Colombia. Learn more about these events and how you can get involved in the August 2024 issue of ELCA World Hunger's Go and Do News.

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Lutheran World Federation newsletter
Lutheran Men in Mission 2024 Summer Ambassador-Gram

The Lutheran Men in Mission 2024 Summer Ambassador-Gram is available by clicking here. You can also view the LMM page where Ambassador-Grams (including this one) are archived.

Their summer Foundations newsletter is also available via PDF and contains valuable info, including their cover story, Fighting Human Trafficking One Mile and One Meal at a Time: “Cyclists in Iowa rode 200 miles to raise over $2 million to combat human trafficking, supported by Lutheran Men in Mission and congregations like Emanuel St. John’s in Lytton. Their journey reflects the bold and daring challenge of living out faith through action.”

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August 2024 Mission Support Memo: Empowering Story

In the August 2024 LECA Mission Support Memo, we hear about how the ELCA Youth Gathering is both a place of faith formation and empowering each of us to share faith and inclusion in our church. You also have a great opportunity to attend Stewardship Kaleidoscope in September, even online so check out the memo to find out more.  Find the memo here in Living Lutheran too! 

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Get ready for “God’s work. Our hands.”

On Sunday, Sept. 8, congregations of the ELCA will join together for our annual day of service, “God’s work. Our hands.” This day continues to be an opportunity to celebrate who we are as the ELCA — one church, freed in Christ to serve and love our neighbor.

This year we also celebrate 50 years of ELCA World Hunger. In commemoration of this milestone, consider including ministries focused on alleviating hunger and poverty in your plans for “God’s work. Our hands.” Or make it a season of service! Expand your volunteer opportunities, advocacy efforts or food drives until World Food Day on Oct. 16.

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