This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Nanette Christofferson, Love of Christ, Mesa, who celebrates 5 years on October 5.
Rev. Kimberly Sterner, who celebrates 38 years on October 5.
Rev. Thomas Morrison, who celebrates 46 years on October 10.
We pray for Rev. Patricia Lowe and the people of Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Prescott Valley, part of the High Country Conference. Visit their new site at elcpvaz.org, and their social media pages on Facebook and YouTube.
Read MorePlease join us in lifting up Pastor Luis Ochoa in prayer as he recovers from liver cancer surgery on October 1. We pray for his medical team, and his family. Let us ask God for healing, strength, and peace during this difficult time. Pastor Ochoa serves at both Holy Trinity and First Evangelical Lutheran.
Read MoreRev. Daniel Volkmann will be installed on Sunday, 10/13/2024, at 3pm at All Saints Lutheran Church (15649 North 7th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85022). Pastor Jacqui Pagel will be preaching.
All rostered ministers are invited to robe and process. The color of the day is green. There will be a reception afterward, and the service will be live-streamed on the ASLC YouTube and Facebook pages.
Read MoreThe Office of the Bishop implements projects and ideas for our in-person staff meeting, and we also share photos from the latest synod council meeting and the the Tanque Verde Lutheran Church 50th Anniversary.
Read MoreFor peace in our world, especially in Gaza and Israel, Ukraine and Russia, Syria, Sudan, Myanmar, Lebanon, and all areas of conflict…
For renewed efforts for peace at the anniversary of the current violence in the Middle East on October 7…
For communities devastated by hurricane and flooding, especially in Florida, Tennessee, and North Carolina…
For extreme heat in California and for all suffering negative effects of climate change…
For grieving families following a school bus fire in Thailand…
For renewed commitment to compassion and the common good…
The Southeastern Iowa Synod Sumud working group and Pastor Peter Petit have developed a liturgy for congregations to use for a service of lamentation and remembrance to be used on or near Sunday, October 6, 2024. Bishop Current has provided a pre-recorded sermon to use as part of this service.
Additionally, the pre-recorded PowerPoint introduction to the Israel-Hamas war, including history of the area, the current conflict, and some ministry perspectives. These are great to use as an accompanying adult forum or study in your congregation. Download all the resources using links in our post.
Read MoreWe pray for Pastor Ron Tellefson as he receives rehab care at Boswell Transitional Care in Sun City. Pastor Tellefson is recovering from successful hip surgery.
Read MoreOn September 30, the National Day of Remembrance for Indian Boarding Schools invites us to honor Indigenous survivors and their families. Wearing orange is a powerful symbol of solidarity with those affected by the trauma of forced assimilation. Learn how you can participate and engage with the ELCA’s ongoing Truth and Healing initiatives in this post from Wanda K. Frenchman, vicar for Native American Urban Ministry in Phoenix.
Read MoreELCA Advocacy is pushing for critical actions on the Farm Bill, environmental justice, and humanitarian aid in Sudan. As hunger impacts nearly 47.4 million Americans and the environment faces budget cuts, the ELCA calls for urgent action. Read how our advocacy continues to make a difference and learn how you can take part in the latest update.
Read MoreAs we approach the anniversary of Oct. 7, 2023, we remember a day of heartbreaking grief for the people of Israel and Palestine, devastated by Hamas attacks on civilians and by the bombardment of Gaza. Mindful that the people of the Holy Land are still living in anguish and in war one year later, congregations may consider incorporating prayers and laments in worship on Sunday, October 6 or at other times near the anniversary, in public worship or for devotional use at home or in other settings.
Read MoreWe, the members of the Conference of Bishops of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, speak with one voice to condemn the hateful, deceptive, violent speech that has too readily found a place in our national discourse. We lament the ways this language has led to hate-fueled action.
We refuse to accept the ongoing normalization of lies and deceit.
Read MoreThe recent national spotlight on Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio, clearly has fanned flames of hate and stoked threats of violence. The rhetoric has created discord and mistrust of people who have already suffered civil unrest in their nation and been granted legal protection in the United States. History shows us that this kind of hatred often carries negative national and global consequences. Our church teaches that immigrants are children of God, made in God's image and worthy of respect and lives of dignity. God calls us to witness boldly to this truth when people tell dehumanizing lies that perpetuate racist tropes and support white supremacist narratives.
Read MoreJesus said, “Let the children come to me.” Are we doing the same in our congregations? In this week's Faith Lens, we explore how we can better listen to and empower children’s voices in faith, drawing from research on Gen Alpha. Learn how creating space for kids to share their perspectives can deepen their spiritual engagement—and ours. How will you welcome the youngest among us?
Read MoreIn observance of the one-year anniversary of the start of the current conflict in the Holy Land, Bishop Eaton offers prayers for peace, healing and justice for all people in Israel and Palestine, and the regions where the war has escalated. “We grieve this violence and loss of life with all people of the Holy Land — and with the Palestinian community of the ELCA, our Jewish and Muslim neighbors, and all who live in fear, pain and anguish. We believe the presence and love of God in Jesus Christ can always be found in the places of the cross. Wherever violence, injustice and death seem to have the last word, God is there and has not abandoned the people.”
Read MoreWatch a Zoom webinar from ELCA's Truth Seeking and Truth Telling Initiative on Indian Boarding Schools, available on YouTube.
Read MoreIn anticipation of Election Day in the United States, Bishop Eaton reminds us that “civic engagement through political and nonpolitical processes is how we live into our baptism and share Christ’s love as we work to make a difference in our communities and strive for justice and peace across the globe.”
Read MoreJoin Arizona Faith Network and the Election Protection Arizona as a nonpartisan, volunteer poll monitor for the 2024 General Election! Sign up to be an EPAZ volunteer at allvoting.org/afn2024. Zoom-based training dates are on the form.
As a nonpartisan volunteer poll monitor, you will assist voters on Election Day should they encounter any problems voting.
Read MoreEarly voting for the 2024 General Election begins soon! Arizona voters can start as early as October 9, with early voting starting in Nevada on 10/19/2024 and Utah on 10/22/2024. Early voting ends on 11/1/2024 for all three states.
Find out key early voting dates, locations, and how to sign up for mail ballots in our latest blog post, and be sure to make your voice heard before Election Day!
Read MoreYou can check your voter registration status and find more information on Nevada’s election website and Utah’s election website. Vote411.org also has clear information for Arizona, Utah, and Nevada.
Nevada registration deadlines are postmarked by 10/8/2024 by mail, and Election Day, 11/5/2024 for online and in-person.
Utah registration deadlines are 10/25/2024 by mail and online, and Election Day, 11/5/2024 for in-person.
The Navajo Nation spans multiple states, so voter registration follows the respective state guidelines (Arizona, New Mexico, or Utah). Contact the Navajo Election Administration for localized information.
