In this episode of the Pivot Podcast, we ask, “Is innovation a helpful category for churches seeking to thrive in changing times?”
Are conventional church growth strategies falling short in today’s changing religious landscape? In this episode, we dive deep into the concept of “innovation” in church contexts, exploring whether it’s a helpful framework for ministry or a potential distraction from our core mission.
Read MoreIn this episode of the Pivot Podcast, Dave Male discusses blending traditional and emerging church forms.
Read MoreClear your calendar on January 6-12, 2025, for a transformative retreat in Turks & Caicos, specifically designed for women in ministry leadership. Led by Deacon Michelle Walka, this journey offers a unique blend of rest, learning, and spiritual growth in a beautiful location. Register by October 1, 2024, to secure your spot!
Read MoreLast chance to register for the Bishop’s Fall Gathering! Join us from October 21-23, 2024, at Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center for a time of worship, fellowship, and renewal. Register by September 13 to secure your spot.
Read MoreSeptember is Hunger Action Month, a time to take collective action in the fight against hunger. This year, the Arizona Legislature invested $3.8 million to support low-income children’s meals, a milestone achieved with the help of the Arizona Food Bank Network. As the need for food accessibility grows, you can make a difference by supporting AzFBN through donations, the HungryFriend app, or joining their Grove of Good. Together, let’s end hunger in Arizona.
Read MoreTimothy Graham didn’t plan on becoming a bishop. “I knew my name would be lifted up, but I didn’t have any expectations,” said Graham, who serves as a pastor of Messiah Lutheran Church in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Read the original article at Living Lutheran.
Although he knew he was under consideration for bishop of the Indiana-Kentucky Synod, Graham didn’t fill out his biographical information for this year’s assembly ahead of time. “Well, if the Holy Spirit wants it to happen, [it will],” he thought. “I could not have planned it.”
Read MoreLutheran Social Services in Nevada recently concluded the 2024 Peanut Butter Wars, raising over 8,000 pounds of peanut butter and $81,444 to combat food insecurity. New Song Lutheran Church led the charge, thanks in part to a heartwarming donation from Jake, a community member who found redemption through the church and LSSN. Additionally, their Back to School Brunch served 350 children, ensuring they are ready for the new school year. Learn how you can support our mission today!
Read MoreInterest forms are now available for the 2024-25 Thriving Leadership Formation Cohort Groups at California Lutheran University. These groups, meeting over Zoom 9-12 times, offer a unique space for spiritual practice and deeper connections. There is no cost, just a commitment to participate. Learn more and apply here. For questions, contact TLF Cohort Coordinator, Nicolette Rohr, at nrohr@callutheran.edu.
Read MorePhoto: Rev. Dr. Anne Burghardt, LWF General Secretary, delivering the keynote address at the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland during their Mission Partnership Consultation in Helsinki on 29 August.
As this post from ELCA Advocacy reminds us, our civic engagement as people of faith can help ensure that everyone benefits from the good of government. Some congregations use bulletin blurbs, some post a “Prepared to Vote Checklist” in the window from ELCA.org/civicengagementresources, some help neighbors check their voter registration status during church activities or at shelters they work with – among many creative approaches that fit their setting. Resources and ideas for this important non-partisan service by faith communities an election year are reprinted here by permission from the “Faith in Elections Playbook” of Interfaith America.
Read MoreFor those experiencing difficult transitions and in need of discernment…
For those experiencing warfare and escalating violence, especially in Gaza, Russia, and Ukraine…
For those affected by the murder-suicide at Rice University…
For those threatened by the path of typhoon Shanshan in Japan…
For those experiencing difficult or extreme weather conditions, such as the Midwest, Hawaii, and Alaska…
For NASA’s efforts to retrieve its two astronauts…
For all who have served and continue to serve in our nation’s military…
Join us for a free concert on September 13 at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Phoenix, featuring organist and composer John Dixon. This is Dixon’s first Arizona performance, where he will present his own compositions on the church’s new Rodgers hybrid organ.
Read MoreJoin ecumenical prayer vigils across Arizona as Christian leaders from various denominations unite to pray for peace and unity during the 2024 election season. The vigils will be held on September 9th at Our Lady of the Angels Conventual Church in Paradise Valley, October 14th at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Tucson, and November 3rd at Sun City Christian Church. All are welcome to come together in faith to seek God’s guidance and peace for our nation.
Read MoreWhat does a team do when they cannot meet in person because the work spans the globe? If you are part of the Service and Justice home area of the ELCA, you hold a weeklong gathering to talk about the evolving landscape of the church, the mission abroad, and themes of love, gratitude and adaptive change. The event featured discussions on the church’s future in the landscape of an ever-increasing secularization in the United States, the continued importance of global work, and the need to embrace new forms of ministry to serve God’s call. Read the original article at Living Lutheran.
Read MoreELCA World Hunger is making strides against global hunger by addressing its root causes in collaboration with global partners. Supporting over 60 countries, this initiative leverages local knowledge and church networks to implement sustainable solutions in healthcare, income generation, and more, demonstrating the power of our collective contributions.
Read MoreThe Office of the Bishop staff prepares to enter a busy September full of events.
Read MoreWith the 2024 presidential election fast approaching, we share a post from the Episcopal Diocese of Arizona as well as the Episcopal Church's Vote Faithfully Toolkit to help congregations engage in faithful civic participation. This toolkit offers resources for healthy election engagement, including crucial dates, action steps, and communication materials.
Read MoreThe end of the year is swiftly approaching, which means it will soon be time for the LAMA Policy Council to decide what our 2025 Policy Priorities will be.
Take our one-question survey now and let us know what you want LAMA to work on next year! We encourage you to share this survey with your ministries, small groups, and congregations. We want to hear from our community members across Arizona.
Read MoreRethink what ministry can look like in our increasingly digital world with the “Real Faith in an AI World: Rethinking Digital Ministry” Learning Community. This four-week course, starting on October 14, 2024, will equip you with the tools and strategies to integrate AI and digital tools into your ministry, ensuring authentic faith formation and community building in a tech-driven world.
Read MoreTransform Your Ministry in Just One Year with Theologically-Sound Training and Leadership Development. The School for Lay Ministry Learning Community starts October 12, 2024. Join this year-long journey to enhance your leadership skills, deepen your faith, and serve your congregation more effectively. Enroll now to secure your spot!
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