What happens to LGBTQIA2S+ families if marriage equality is overturned? Join Central Lutheran Church on January 4, 2025, at 2:00 PM for Planning for Your Future in Uneasy Times. Estate Attorney Aaron Fransua, Esq., will share essential steps to safeguard your family and rights in uncertain times. This vital event is open to all—come and learn how to protect what matters most.
Read MoreExplore the power of language to transform our communities in an online two-session Spirited Book Club this January, featuring Marilyn McEntyre’s Caring for Words in a Culture of Lies. Delve into twelve strategies for stewarding truth and grace in an era of dishonesty.
Facilitated by Sheri Brown, discussions will focus on the book’s call to nurture words as we nurture one another. Sessions are January 9 and 23 at 3:00 PM AZ/MST. Learn more and register at Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center’s website.
Read MoreWe uplift and pray for Rev. Stephen Springer and the people of Dove of Peace Lutheran Church in Tucson, part of the Kino Conference.
Read MoreWe uplift and pray for Rev. Luis Ochoa and the people of First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Mesa, part of the Rio Salado Conference.
Read MoreMosaic’s mission to empower individuals through whole-person care is transforming lives across communities. The latest issue of Promisemagazine shares inspiring stories of personalized support, celebrates the dedication of Mosaic’s workforce and partners, and outlines a visionary plan for growth. Read more about how Mosaic embodies God’s call to serve: Read Here.
Read MoreEnrollment is filling fast for the LSM 2025! Students come together in an immersive musical community that connects the pursuit of musical growth with the joy of Lutheran church music traditions. Know a young person (grades 8-12) who would benefit from this life-giving and joyful musical community? Nominate them for LSM today at LSMacademy.org/nominate.
LSM 2025 takes place at Valparaiso University from June 22-July 20 (Half Session through July 6). Standard Enrollment is open now through March 1.
Read MoreDiscover new ways to lead in changing times! The Missional Leadership Cohort is a nine-month journey beginning March 2025 to equip clergy with tools for transformative leadership. With retreats (including an in-person gathering at Spirit in the Desert), coaching, and peer support, this program offers practical insights and theological grounding to help you move from “fixing” to faithful discernment. Scholarships available! Learn more today!
Read MoreYour love changes lives! The 2024 Winter Special Report by Lutheran World Relief shares stories of resilience, including how Nageswor’s family in Nepal transformed their farm and future with your support. Read the report to see how your generosity brings hope worldwide.
Read MoreecoAmerica’s January newsletter calls us to action, sharing new research on growing climate concerns, opportunities like the 2025 American Climate Leadership Awards, and inspiring stories from faith communities leading the way. Learn how you can deepen your commitment to creation care and advocate for climate justice in 2025. Read more.
Read MoreLutheran Disaster Response is transforming lives in Indonesia through disaster preparedness training for church members in vulnerable communities. With over 40 participants engaged in November 2024, this ELCA-supported initiative equips churches to act as first responders, spreading God’s love and building resilience in one of the world’s most disaster-prone regions. Read more at ELCA.org.
Read MoreJoin the choir for a special Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration of Diversity event on Sunday, January 19, 2025, at 3 PM at King of Glory Lutheran Church in Tempe. Rehearsals begin January 4, and all vocalists are welcome to participate in this inspiring service featuring gospel-style music and a message from Bishop Yehiel Curry. Sign up today to be part of this unforgettable tribute at Sign-Up Genius.
Read MoreWe are excited to announce the release of the updated 2025 Congregations in Transition Manual, designed to guide congregations through the four phases of the transition and call process with spiritual focus and practical tools. Now available for download, this resource includes templates, liturgies, and actionable steps to help congregations navigate change with grace. Visit gcsynod.org/transition to access the manual and learn more.
Read MoreMerry Christmas from Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center in Carefree, Arizona! This year, Spirit welcomed diverse groups seeking healing and renewal while continuing to provide exceptional hospitality and spiritual connection. Looking ahead, Spirit offers retreats and programs to deepen faith, including Centering Prayer, contemplative Zoom services, and a Spring Training baseball retreat. Discover how Spirit continues to serve as a haven for peace and renewal.
Read More2024 was a year of remarkable advocacy through the Lutheran Advocacy Ministry of Arizona (LAMA), with record participation at Lutheran Day at the Legislature and impactful work in areas like hunger, housing, and international aid. As we celebrate Christmas, we reflect on the Nativity’s call to care for the vulnerable and recommit to advocacy in 2025. Read more for highlights from LAMA Director Solveig Muus and an inspiring message from Hunger Advocacy Fellow Autumn Byars.
Read MoreLiving Lutheran returns to print in spring 2025, offering quarterly issues filled with inspiring stories and church updates. Subscribe individually or as a congregation today. Plus, explore meaningful holiday gifts with the ELCA Good Gifts catalog, join the National Day of Racial Healing on Jan. 21, and prepare for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity starting Jan. 18. Find these updates and more in this month’s Seeds Monthly.
Read MoreArizona’s Christian leaders have issued a powerful statement calling for immigration reform that upholds human dignity and family unity. They denounce unjust deportation practices, including raids on churches and other critical locations, and call on law enforcement to act with conscience. Grounded in Gospel values, the leaders urge us all to see the image of God in every human being and advocate for a fair and humane immigration system. Read the full statement to learn how our faith compels us to stand with the vulnerable.
Read MoreEquip, encourage, and empower your congregation or ministry team with Segment One Basic Skills Coach Training, starting this January! Through nine interactive sessions, you’ll learn practical coaching techniques like powerful questioning and affirming language to help others grow in confidence and faith. Open to all who want to deepen their impact, this training also provides credit toward ICF credentials. Visit faithlead.org to learn more and register today.
Read MoreThe School for Lay Ministry equips lay leaders with the tools and confidence to serve their congregations faithfully. With live instruction, self-paced learning, and innovative digital ministry training, the year-long program begins January 18, 2025. Scholarships are available. Learn more and register today at faithlead.org.
Read MoreHow do we define success? As college football celebrates a new twelve-team playoff, Advent invites us to reflect on a very different kind of victory. Mary’s song in Luke 1:39–55 reminds us that God lifts up the lowly so that all may share in divine blessings. As we approach the manger this week, let us celebrate the true meaning of success: God’s victory for all.
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