This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Scott Summers, who celebrates 34 years on December 8.
Deacon Lorraine Brugh, who celebrates 45 years on December 10.
Únase al Taller de Competencia en el Ministerio Latino este diciembre para profundizar las habilidades de alcance cultural y comunitario de su ministerio. Este evento virtual de tres días, organizado por el CTLM del Seminario Teológico de Wartburg, ofrece a los líderes de la ELCA estrategias prácticas y modelos de ministerio inspiradores de expertos en ministerio latino. Las sesiones se llevarán a cabo del 12 al 14 de diciembre, con un enfoque en el fortalecimiento de comunidades de adoración multiétnicas y bilingües. La inscripción está abierta en wartburgseminary.edu/CTLM, con opciones para individuos y congregaciones. Descargue o vea el PDF aquí.
Join the Latine Ministry Competency Workshop this December to deepen your ministry’s cultural and community outreach skills. This three-day virtual event, hosted by Wartburg Theological Seminary’s CTLM, offers ELCA leaders practical strategies and inspiring ministry models from experts in Latine ministry. Sessions will be held December 12-14, with a focus on strengthening multi-ethnic and bilingual worshipping communities. Registration is open at wartburgseminary.edu/CTLM, with options for individuals and congregations. Download or view PDF here.
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Join the Arizona Faith Network Annual Gathering on December 9 at the Franciscan Renewal Center in Scottsdale, AZ, or online. Under the theme Building Bridges, Breaking Barriers: Peacemakers in Action, Rev. Eugene Cho, President of Bread for the World, will guide attendees in addressing the root causes of conflict and injustice in today’s world. Faith communities are invited to register now, as spots are filling quickly. For faith-based organizations, exhibitor and sponsorship opportunities offer a valuable platform to connect.
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Gender justice: a theological and moral imperative by Ms Phiona Uwase
Burghardt: Faith communities have unique role in nurturing hope through dialogue
Child cancer patient from Gaza dies at AVH, separated from family
LWF pushes for ambitious goals, just solutions, as COP29 draws toward a close
This Advent, join The Lutheran World Federation on a journey of joy and hope. From December 1–24, LWF’s Advent Calendar will feature daily video messages from global voices, sharing theological reflections and personal stories on what joy means in their contexts. Visit LWF’s Advent Calendar to participate, and read more about the project here.
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Join churches in Chandler and Mesa for “Anticipation, Hope & Peace: Advent Lessons and Carols” on December 8 at 5:00 PM at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church in Chandler. This collaborative service, uniting Lutheran and Episcopal congregations, offers an evening of scripture, music, and reflection. All are welcome to experience the Advent season through both traditions, celebrating the hope and peace that unite us.
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Join us on Friday, December 6, at 6:30 PM at Mountain View Lutheran Church in Phoenix for the Victorian Carolers Christmas Concert—a free evening of festive music, heartwarming songs, and a Christmas singalong. This talented ensemble of nine classically trained musicians brings joy and nostalgia through traditional carols and holiday favorites. Celebrate the season with us in this joyful community event! Learn more at mvlutheran.org.
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Spirit offers an Advent-specific daily devotion via email beginning Sunday, December 1 and ending on Christmas Day. If you would like to receive a special devotional reflection by Pr. Steve Holm in your inbox each day during Advent, register here.
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This Monday, December 9, at 12:00 PM AZ/MST, Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center invites you to the second session of Restore Our Hope: Advent Centering Prayer. This week’s theme focuses on slowing down in a world consumed by busyness and productivity. Through guided meditation and communal centering prayer, rediscover stillness and trust in God’s abundant grace. Register now to join this time of prayerful waiting.
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We uplift and pray for Rev. Timothy Wright, Rev. Jose Valenzuela, Rev. Joshua Pontious and the people of Community of Grace Lutheran Church in Peoria, part of the Cactus Conference.
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Advent begins with a promise: God breaking into our world, transforming chaos into hope. This season also marks the renewal of Faith Lens, now offering concise devotions linking Scripture and current events. From Notre Dame’s restoration to the struggles of Gaza and Haiti, God’s presence reminds us that endings signal new beginnings. Explore more and share your feedback to shape the future of Faith Lens.
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As 2024 draws to a close, the ELCA Foundation is offering a range of impactful and tax-advantaged ways to support ministries that matter to you. From IRA distributions to gifts of appreciated securities, there are options to maximize your giving while reducing taxes. Key deadlines for year-end gifts are fast approaching, so now is the time to act. Looking ahead, new opportunities like increased QCD limits in 2025 offer even more flexibility for generosity. Learn more about these strategies and contact Lisa Higginbotham for personalized guidance. Read the full newsletter.
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For lasting peace in Gaza, and for an end to all war and violence around the world…
For immigrants, refugees, and all migrants seeking safety and stability…
For the continued work of the ELCA’s Truth and Healing Movement, and for rights and restoration for indigenous peoples…
For healing and cooperation in American politics…
For the dignity of all people, and especially for LGBTQIA+ individuals and communities…
In gratitude for all of God’s gifts, and for our generous hearts and responsible stewardship…
For Advent watching and waiting as we long for hope and peace to prevail on earth…
In this episode of the Pivot Podcast, Rev. Dr. Steve Thomason shares how to simplify Advent with art, stillness, and meaningful spiritual practices.
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The Northeast Valley Consortium, a coalition of five Phoenix-area Lutheran churches, has pledged $2,000 to support the Grand Canyon Synod Hunger Leaders Network’s participation in the 2025 ELCA World Hunger Leaders Gathering. In addition to hunger advocacy, NEVC expanded its summer lunch packs and heat relief efforts in 2024, showcasing the power of collaboration in combating food insecurity and building resilient communities. Read more about how this partnership embodies being “church together” on the Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona site.
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November is a “hinge time” — a moment to reflect on stories that inspire faith and generosity as we enter Advent. This month’s Where Your Heart Is newsletter offers stewardship insights, including tips for year-end giving, upcoming webinars on generosity and financial literacy, and reflections on Advent lectionary texts. Discover how narratives of courage and divine promise can transform your ministry.
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This Advent season, Lutherans Restoring Creation invites you to join their circle of care. Participate in the Our Kairos Moment study group on December 17th, focusing on climate change and public health, or fill up with “Festive Fuel” on December 27th for fellowship and renewal. Share and receive sustenance by contributing favorite recipes, hymns, and inspiring resources to their interactive Padlet board. Learn more and register today.
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Nurse practitioner Caroline Bonnema shares her journey of faith and vocation, from raising her children in a welcoming church community to serving oncology patients with compassion and care. Her story reflects the breadth of God’s grace and the call to live out faith in daily life. Learn how Caroline’s Lutheran values shape her family, career, and connection to God.
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The Office of the Bishop engages in visits to global companion synods, completes year-end preparations, reconciles financial records, participates in various meetings, and begins Advent.
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La escritora y artista Kristina Díaz crea una experiencia de Adviento centrada en objetos que nos conectan con las personas que amamos. Ella escribe: "Sentarse con objetos que guardan recuerdos puede recordarnos nuestra historia y hacernos volver a los momentos y seres queridos que extrañamos". Participe en esta acción especial de Adviento descargando un calendario de Adviento semanal disponible en inglés y en español. Leer más.
Writer and artist Kristina Diaz creates an Advent experience focused on objects that connect us to the people we love. She writes, "Sitting with objects that hold memories can remind us of our story and bring us back to the moments and loved ones we miss." Participate in this special Advent action by downloading a weekly Advent calendar available in English and Spanish. Read more.
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