Nuestro Casa para Todos, a ministry near the University of Puerto Rico in Río Piedras, has transformed an empty church into a vibrant faith community for students and neighbors. Led by Pastor Ignacio Estrada, the ministry offers fellowship, meals, and worship while addressing the unique needs of the university population. With a focus on inclusion and service, Nuestro Casa provides a safe space where students can connect, learn, and grow in faith. Read more in Living Lutheran.
Read MoreAs wildfires devastate Los Angeles, faith communities are stepping up with compassion and support. ecoAmerica’s latest research reveals rising climate concern across political divides, and President Jimmy Carter’s legacy inspires faith-rooted action. Explore how worship facilities can improve energy efficiency, join the 2025 National Faith + Climate Forum, and learn about powerful climate ambassador initiatives. Read more in Blessed Tomorrow’s February newsletter: Read Here.
Read MoreJoin the Region 2 synods for the 2025 Lenten Challenge, focusing on hunger and water justice through daily devotions, water conservation, community engagement, and donations to support the Navajo Evangelical Lutheran Mission (NELM). Sign up your family and congregation today at lentenchallenge.org!
Read MoreDiscover why balance might not be the answer to modern life’s demands. Pastor Angela Denker shares a New Year’s reflection on embracing the grace of an unbalanced, purpose-driven life rooted in Jesus’ call to mission. In this post from Café, learn how to prioritize what truly matters and give yourself—and others—permission to let go of the illusion of balance.
Read MoreWe pray for the family and friends of Rev. Jack Raymond Neimi, who passed peacefully at home on January 15, 2025. The primary memorial service for Pastor Niemi will be held in California, with a smaller local service at Lord of Life. We will post dates for services when they are chosen.
Read MoreThis week, join events like a conversation on peacemaking with Rev. Dr. Gary Mason, and advocacy opportunities like Environmental Day at the Capitol. Discover ways to deepen your faith and engage in justice. Learn more and register for events in the AFN newsletter.
Read MoreReflecting on her weight-loss journey, ELCA Pastor Angela T. !Khabeb shares a powerful testimony of hope and transformation through faith. While her efforts to change physically were met with challenges, she discovered the deeper need for spiritual and mental renewal. Drawing on Paul’s metaphor of clay and the potter, Pastor !Khabeb reminds us that our successes and failures are tools in God’s hands, shaping us into works of art still under construction. Her reflections inspire us to embrace transformation with courage, trust in God’s promises, and lean into the grace that sustains us. Read more on the Café blog.
Read MoreJoin the Spirited Book Club this February to discuss Steven Charleston’s We Survived the End of the World, a compelling exploration of Native American resilience amid apocalyptic challenges. Learn from Indigenous prophets and sacred stories as we delve into strategies for courage and hope in times of crisis. Discussions are on February 6 and 20, from 3:00–4:00 PM AZ (MST). Register today to be part of this engaging conversation on faith, community, and survival.
Read MoreIn our January 2025 Mission Support Memo you will meet Rev. Leticia Alanis, pastor of Unidad y Fe Lutheran Mission in the Queens borough of New York City. Have you ever met a person of faith who shines with the light of Christ even in the hardest of times and places? After meeting Pastor Leticia, you will expereince awe of her experiences, her challenges, her love for others and her profound mission of building community and immigration justice.
Our memo also invites you to a reunion, yes a time to experience "The Generosity of The Generosity Project" on Monday, Feb, 3rd. Join to reminisce, to learn, to have fun! We also want to encourage you to share in gratitude the ways we are church together by accessing this years ELCA Annual Report Cover, Our Deep Dive or Thank You Certificate and lots of other relevant resources.
Read MoreThis week, ELCA Region 2 leaders respond to a recent presidential declaration limiting gender identity to a binary framework. Reflecting on Galatians 3:28 and the ELCA’s 2019 social statement, they affirm the inherent diversity of God’s creation, celebrate all gender expressions, and call for advocacy against discrimination. This letter underscores our shared identity in Christ and invites prayer for those affected by these harmful statements. Read the full letter and join us in standing for justice and inclusion.
Read MoreJoin the January 29 Beloved Community Gathering hosted by ELCA Coaching to reflect, discern, and take faithful action. This virtual event invites all faith leaders—rostered or not—to move from head to heart to hands in living out their faith. Inspired by Scripture, Martin Luther King Jr., and bell hooks, we’ll explore what it means to build trust and communion in our communities. Details and recordings at ELCA Coaching’s website.
Read MoreThis week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Tina Mills, Our Savior’s, Mesa, who celebrates 14 years on January 25.
Rev. David Sivecz, Grace, Phoenix, who celebrates 7 years on January 27.
Deacon Carol Arnold, who celebrates 43 years on January 27.
Rev. Janice Von Rappard, who celebrates 20 years on January 30.
Rev. Paul Nordeen, who celebrates 48 years on January 30.
Rev. Jose Valenzuela, Community of Grace, Peoria, who celebrates 16 years on January 31.
The 119th U.S. Congress includes several legislators with Lutheran affiliation, reflecting the ELCA’s belief in public service as a worthy calling. Learn who’s representing our faith on Capitol Hill and join us in prayer for their work in service to the common good.
Read MoreThe Office of the Bishop Staff strides into 2025 with synod assembly planning and reaching out to leaders and congregations across the synod.
Read MoreCalling all hunger champions: join this network of the Grand Canyon Synod! Meet to hear updates on national and local Hunger and Food Insecurity efforts and initiatives, to learn from one another, and to share with the group what's happening in our congregations. Anyone interested in alleviating hunger is welcome. Prepare to be encouraged and supported! Tuesday, 1/28/2025, 6-7pm MST.
Read MoreJoin the Islamic Speakers Bureau of Arizona for Living Our Faith, a free virtual event on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. MST. Discover how Jewish, Christian, and Islamic traditions navigate mourning rituals and customs, with insights from Rabbi Bonnie Sharfman, Pastor Judith Rainforth, and Imam Shahir Safi. Register now at www.isb-az.org/trifaith to participate in this inspiring evening of interfaith dialogue and understanding.
Read MoreThis month’s ELCA Worship newsletter highlights new Arabic-language worship resources, updated guidance on navigating musical decisions amid abuse allegations, and the availability of the NRSVue Bible on SundaysandSeasons.com. Register now for the 2025 Institute of Liturgical Studies conference to explore how the church engages with occasional practitioners. Plus, discover essential Lent music resources and the latest Living Lutheran hymn feature. Discover more on the ELCA Worship blog.
Read MoreJanuary’s email newsletter from ELCA Advocacy includes critical legislative developments, action alerts for PEPFAR and UNRWA funding, and events like the COP29 webinar (Feb. 5). Learn how to advocate for peace, justice, and creation care this year. Read more here.
Read MoreHow can we harness our individual gifts to create lasting change in our communities? Drawing on their experiences as an ELCA Hunger Advocacy Fellow, Sagi Rudnick reflects on the intersection of self, community, and liberation, inspired by the wisdom of Ecclesiastes. Their journey offers a powerful reminder that “two are better than one,” and that together, we can build a stronger, more equitable world. Read more on the ELCA blog.
Read MoreThis month’s ELCA Advocacy update highlights urgent issues, including the impact of federal budget delays on housing programs, historic climate finance commitments from COP29, and efforts to block arms sales fueling conflict in Sudan. Learn how Lutheran values are shaping advocacy and how you can act for justice. Read the full update: ELCA Advocacy Blog.
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