We uplift and pray for Rev. Adam Barnhart and the people of Shepherd of the Hills Evangelical Lutheran Church in Flagstaff, part of the High Country Conference.
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The devastating fires in Los Angeles have deeply impacted the Southwest California Synod, including the loss of Bishop Brenda Bos’s home. Please join us in praying for all affected, the first responders, and the ministries offering relief.
For those who want to make donations, Lutheran Disaster Response is coordinating with the Southwest California Synod, Pacifica Synod, and other partners to assess the needs of people impacted by the wildfires. Gifts to "U.S. Wildfires" will be used in full (100%) to assist those affected by wildfires until the response is complete.
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Join other leaders at the Festival of Homiletics, May 12-15, 2025, in Atlanta, GA, or online for this year’s theme: Preaching to Heal the Divide. Experience renewal, insightful teaching, and rich fellowship. Don’t miss Atlanta’s historic sites and a life-giving week of inspiration. Learn more and register at festivalofhomiletics.com.
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Join us February 26, 2025, at the Fountain Hills Community Center for a family-friendly food packing event hosted by New Journey Lutheran. From 5:30–7:30 PM, volunteers will pack thousands of meals for those in need locally and globally. Registration is required—sign up today at njlc-fh.org/food-4-kidz. View a PDF flyer here. Be the church in action!
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Join ELCA AMMPARO and Episcopal Migration Ministries on January 17, 2025, for an essential webinar equipping ministry leaders to support migrants and undocumented individuals. Featuring expert immigration lawyers, the session covers “Know Your Rights” guidance, navigating immigration steps, and preparing for ICE interactions. Register today for this free online event and learn how your ministry can make a difference.
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On February 10, 2025, join Lutheran Engagement and Advocacy in Nevada for a day of faith and action at the Nevada State Capitol. The event begins with worship at St. Paul’s in Carson City and moves to the Capitol for legislative advocacy rooted in Lutheran values of justice and compassion. Registration is required. Click here to learn more and sign up.
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The 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.
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Celebrate 75 years of ministry with American Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tucson! Join the fiesta on Saturday, January 25, 2025, from noon to 3 PM at 115 N. Tucson Boulevard. The event features Parrita’s Mexican Food Truck, live flamenco music by Jon Banuelos, and family fun activities. Tickets are available until noon on January 19, 2025.
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The ELCA has discontinued recommending hymns by David Haas and Cesáreo Gabaráin following allegations of misconduct. Rooted in theological commitments to love and justice, this survivor-centered approach prioritizes the well-being of those harmed by gender-based violence. Learn how these decisions impact worship and explore resources to support survivor-centered practices in your congregation in the latest ELCA Worship blog post.
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Deepen your faith and explore the intersection of theology, science, and creation at the “Living into a New Story” retreat from January 23–26, 2025, at Spirit in the Desert in Carefree, Arizona. Scholarships are now available, covering full costs for shared rooms or reducing single-room fees to $100 per person.
Led by Pastor Ron Rude and Sharon Reinbott, this retreat offers thought-provoking sessions on how Earth’s wisdom and scientific breakthroughs reshape Christian beliefs. Register now to secure your place for this transformative experience in faith and ecological wisdom.
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Join us on January 23, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity! Hosted at the Redemptorist Renewal Center in Tucson, this statewide ecumenical service will feature Bishop Edward J. Weisenburger and Grand Canyon Synod Bishop Deborah Hutterer. Gather with Christians of all traditions to reflect on John 11:26 and pray for unity. Learn more and help spread the word! Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2025 resources are available from the World Council of Churches here.
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Discover four practical ways to support family caregivers and break barriers to caregiving ministry in this two-hour workshop hosted by the Lutheran Faith Community Nurse Association on January 23, 2025. This session offers 2.0 Nursing Contact Hours and equips participants with the tools to reconnect caregivers with their faith communities. Register here.
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Equip, 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.
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Explore 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.
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Elect your voting members for the 2025 Synod Assembly! As congregations hold annual meetings, now is the time to choose those who will represent you at the June 12-13, 2025, assembly in Las Vegas, NV. Remember to include one youth or young adult and one person of color or whose primary language is not English to reflect the diversity of God’s people. Voting members are vital to shaping the ministry and mission of our synod—don’t miss this opportunity to prepare your congregation. View our page with all the info you need for determining voting members for your congregation.
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On Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025, the ELCA will host a free online event from 9am-1pm MST, 8am-noon PST, featuring worship, workshops, music, and guided reflection. Centering the voices of ELCA leaders of color, the event seeks to raise awareness of the need for racial healing and inspire collective action toward justice and equity. Open to all ELCA members and partners, this event aligns with the work of Truth, Racial Healing & Transformation. Visit ELCA.org/NDORH to learn more and register today!
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The Office of the Bishop will be closed on January 20, 2025, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Let us honor Dr. King’s legacy by reflecting on his vision of justice and equality. Regular hours resume January 21.
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Save the date for the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration of Diversity on Sunday, January 19, 2025, from 3-5 pm in each respective time zone. Hosted at King of Glory Lutheran Church in Tempe, with Bishop Yehiel Curry preaching (watch live on King of Glory’s YouTube channel or at kogaz.org/watch), and Holy Spirit Lutheran Church in Las Vegas with a keynote from Elder Ender Austin, III (COGIC), this event invites us to come together to honor Dr. King’s legacy of justice, love, and unity. Join us as we celebrate our shared mission for equality and diversity within our faith community.
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As she speaks, Laura Kelly lovingly brings her older brother Kyle Simonson, 62, into the conversation by reiterating key information and posing questions to him. He sits closely by her side, and their love for each other is palpable. The post “An Amazing Gift,” Kyle Teaches Humanity and Compassion appeared first on Mosaic.
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Amid heightened uncertainty, knowing your rights is vital for immigrants and their advocates. ELCA’s AMMPARO initiative and the Archdiocese of Dubuque offer multilingual tools like Red Cards, family safety plans, and legal support directories to help communities stay prepared. View these pages for a comprehensive list of resources and how to share them in your congregation.
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