Prayers for Pastor Brian Weinberger and the Bethlehem Lutheran Community

Pastor Brian Weinberger was seriously injured in a car accident on Tuesday and is currently hospitalized, undergoing multiple surgeries. Please keep Pastor Brian, his wife Becca, their children, and the people of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Mesa in your prayers. We invite you to read a prayer and join the synod in lifting them up in love and support.

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Assembly Day Four: Honoring Bishop Eaton and Embracing Deep Partnerships

On day four of the 2025 ELCA Churchwide Assembly, Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton offered a powerful farewell report and received the Servus Dei Award for her leadership. The assembly also considered significant constitutional amendments and welcomed ecumenical and interfaith partners who affirmed the ELCA’s long-standing commitments to dialogue, justice, and unity. In a historic move, the assembly approved a resolution recognizing the Lutheran-Orthodox “Common Statement on the Filioque,” reciting the Nicene Creed without the clause for the first time in ELCA history. Click here to read the full Day Four recap at Living Lutheran.

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Assembly Day 3: Ecumenical Unity, Moral Imagination, and a Call for Justice in the Holy Land

On Day 3 of the 2025 ELCA Churchwide Assembly, Bishop Yehiel Curry was elected as the next presiding bishop of the ELCA. The assembly also celebrated ecumenical partnerships, honored federal chaplains, and approved a powerful memorial advocating for peace and justice in Palestine. The day’s reflections—on inclusion, resilience, and moral imagination—embodied the assembly’s theme: “For the Life of the World. Click here to read the full recap from Living Lutheran.

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For What Shall We Pray?
  • For an end to war and conflict, especially in Gaza, Thailand, Cambodia, Colombia, South Sudan, Myanmar, Ukraine, and Ethiopia…

  • For swift and accessible aid to those suffering starvation in Gaza…

  • For an end to political division within the United States and for a united vision that prioritizes the needs of the most vulnerable among us…

  • For those affected by gun violence, especially in Anaconda, MT, Los Angeles, CA, and Fort Stewart, GA…

  • For favorable conditions that aid in controlling wildfires and for those suffering the effects of poor air quality..

  • For victims of flash flooding in northern India…
    In thanksgiving for all leaders of congregations, synods, and churchwide ministries…

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Churchwide Assembly Elects Rev. Lucille “CeCee” Mills as ELCA Secretary

In a landmark decision at the 2025 Churchwide Assembly in Phoenix, the Rev. Lucille “CeCee” Mills was elected Secretary of the ELCA—the first Black leader to serve in this role. Mills, a TEEM graduate and assistant to the bishop in North Carolina, was elected on the fifth ballot and spoke of a new season for the church grounded in call, community, and God’s grace. To read the full article from the ELCA News Service, click here.

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ELCA Adopts New Social Statement on Faith and Civic Life

The ELCA Churchwide Assembly has overwhelmingly adopted Faith and Civic Life: Seeking the Well-being of All, a social statement on the relationship between church and state. This theologically grounded document guides Lutherans in civic engagement, aiming to help shape conscience and inform faithful action in public life. Developed over several years through churchwide participation, this statement encourages us to pursue justice, peace, and the common good. To explore the full statement and the process behind it, click here for more.

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A Light for Justice: AMMPARO Vigil Brings 250 Together in Prayer

Approximately 250 people gathered for the AMMPARO Candlelight Prayer Vigil on July 30 at Peace Park in Phoenix, across from the ELCA Churchwide Assembly. Lutheran and interfaith leaders—including Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton and Bishop Deborah Hutterer—joined voices in prayer and witness for the dignity and rights of migrants, refugees, and asylees. The vigil was a moving call to live out our faith through accompaniment and solidarity. Click here to view the full pictorial and read more.

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Peter Faur Joins LAMA Policy Council to Advance Justice and Advocacy

Peter Faur, a lifelong Lutheran and member of La Casa de Cristo in Phoenix, has joined the LAMA Policy Council for a three-year term. With a background in journalism, public relations, and advocacy, Peter brings deep experience and a passion for justice to this important role. Please join us in praying for and supporting his work with LAMA. Click here to read the full announcement.

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Here I Pod: Regina Banks Talks Climate Action with Lutherans Restoring Creation

In the latest Here I Pod episode from ELCA Advocacy, Regina Banks interviews Phoebe Morad, Executive Director of Lutherans Restoring Creation, on how faith communities can integrate climate justice into congregational life. The episode also features young adults on Capitol Hill raising awareness about climate issues with elected leaders. Learn how Lutheran faith inspires advocacy and intergenerational dialogue for caring for God’s creation—click here for more.

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Lutheran Synods Join Lawsuit Defending Sacred Spaces from Immigration Raids

Several ELCA synods, including our siblings in the New England, Greater Milwaukee, Southwest California, Southwestern Texas, and Sierra Pacific Synods, have joined other faith organizations in a lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security. The case challenges a Trump-Vance administration policy that permits ICE raids at or near houses of worship—practices that plaintiffs argue violate religious freedom and harm congregational life.

The lawsuit, filed by Democracy Forward and partner organizations, highlights disturbing incidents of ICE activity during worship, preschool pickup, and pastoral preaching. The plaintiffs seek immediate relief to halt these actions nationwide. Click here to read the full story and view the complaint.

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Worship Tools to Enrich Every Sunday: New Resources from Augsburg Fortress

Discover newly released worship resources from Augsburg Fortress, including hymn accompaniments, prayers, and reflections on Lutheran liturgical life. Highlights include Joining in Glad Adoration, Vol. 2, Pray, Praise, and Give Thanks, and a refreshed edition of Baptized, We Live by Daniel Erlander. Plus, help celebrate the five-year anniversary of All Creation Sings by sharing a photo and testimonial by August 15 for a chance to win a $150 gift card. Click here to explore the full August resource roundup on the ELCA Worship blog.

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Camp ALOMA Turns Moments into Memories—And Kids into Leaders

Camp ALOMA’s 2025 summer season brought joy, spiritual growth, and unforgettable moments to children across our synod. From first canoe rides and faith-filled Bible studies to hilarious cabin moments and deepening friendships, campers returned home transformed. Read stories from Anna-Belle, Mae, Lucas, Maddie, and Reagan as they reflect on a season of God’s presence, laughter, and learning in the woods.

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Youth Leadership in Action: Kenny Represents Grand Canyon Synod at 2025 ELCA Churchwide Assembly

Seventeen-year-old Kenny from Love of Christ in Mesa served as both a voting member and Election Committee member at the 2025 ELCA Churchwide Assembly in Phoenix. Invited by Bishop Hutterer, Kenny brought energy, thoughtfulness, and leadership to a week of worship, decision-making, and hope for the future of the ELCA.

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Why Churches Should Stay Out of Partisan Politics—And What’s at Risk

In BJC’s August Faith Freedom Dispatch, meet the 2025 BJC Fellows, learn how North Texans are organizing against Christian nationalism, and read why the Johnson Amendment still matters for churches. Plus, celebrate a $50,000 grant awarded to the BJC Center for Faith, Justice, and Reconciliation. Read the full BJC newsletter here.

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Live More Simply, Love More Deeply: A Faith-Based Call to Simplicity

What does it mean to live more simply as a person of faith? In a world shaped by overconsumption and climate anxiety, One Home One Future invites us to embrace simplicity as a spiritual, ecological, and justice-oriented practice. Rooted in Scripture and supported by science, this reflection from Rev. Carol Devine explores how simple living—spending time outdoors, consuming less, and making sustainable choices—connects us to God, to our neighbors, and to all of creation. Click here to read the full reflection on Blessed Tomorrow’s blog.

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