Give thanks and praise to God as we celebrate with the 2019 graduates of the ELCA International Women Leaders initiative: Sthela Gun Holly Hanitrinirina (Malagasy Lutheran Church); Yuen Ching Lee, Abby Lai and Melissa Neo (Lutheran Church in Malaysia); and Elisa Pérez-Trejo (Mexican Lutheran Church). Give thanks for all who have supported them throughout the program, and ask God to bless their service and ministry as they move forward.
Read MorePraise God for filling us with mercy, compassion, joy, a sense of justice, and a bold, confident faith that spills over into the world.
Read MoreGive thanks to God for our early-learning centers, K-12 schools, lay schools for ministry, colleges and universities, and seminaries, and for the significant role they serve in faith formation, education and equipping leaders throughout life.
Read MoreOn this day we recognize and pray for the work and service people do to sustain their families and benefit their communities and society. Pray that all receive fair wages, work in safe environments, are renewed through times of sabbath, and experience joy and fulfillment in their labor; pray that all those who seek employment will find work and for the well-being, care and support of people unable to work.
Read MorePray that we learn humility, respect and hospitality from the example and teachings of Jesus and the Spirit at work in the lives of people around us, and that we exercise in daily life this regard for others without bias, reluctance or feeling that we deserve something in return.
Read MoreGive thanks and praise to God, who is “merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.”
Read MoreGet ready for a time for fellowship, relaxation, worship and learning in a pleasant desert setting: November 4-6, 2019, at Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center in Carefree, Arizona.
We are delighted that Fr. Greg Adolf, Rector of St. Andrew the Apostle Parish in Sierra Vista, AZ, has accepted our invitation to be the 2019 Presenter! Chaplain will again be the Rev. Steve Holm, a well-known retired parish pastor who continues to write a daily devotional for Spirit in the Desert’s website. We are also privileged that our new Bishop, the Rev. Deborah Hutterer, and synod staff member, the Rev. Mark Holman, will be with us! View this PDF for more info and to register.
Read MoreIn this video, Dr. Wanda Deifelt discusses the question: What experiences have shaped your work as a theologian and advocate for justice?
Read MoreRemember in prayer students who are beginning or continuing their seminary education in response to God’s call to leadership and service. Pray that God will equip them to share their faith and wisdom, serve their neighbor, manage and guide the work of congregations for the sake of mission, and inspire others to bold witness in an ever-changing world.
Read MorePortico’s Board of Trustees has approved health plan and benefit changes for 2020, featuring new ways for ELCA-Primary members to save on out-of-pocket costs and strengthen their emotional well-being.
Read MoreNote that this event has been postponed.
Read MoreThe Episcopal Diocese of Arizona is offering a holistic nonprofit management graduate/executive level certificate program: Best Skills Best Churches. Six classes cover volunteers, laws/legal, human relations, marketing, financial management, and fundraising.
Courses are one each month, beginning this November and ending in April, 2020. One track for priest and pastors runs on Thursdays, another track for deacons and lay leaders runs on Saturdays. The cost is $485 and includes lunch and all course materials.
Read MoreThese petitions are offered as guides to prayer for the global, social and outreach ministries of the ELCA, as well as for the needs and circumstances of our neighbors, communities and world. Thank you for your continued prayers for the life and mission of this church. Download a Word doc, or PDF for letter size printout or legal size printout, or view the ELCA resource page.
Read MorePray for seasonal summer employees and staff across our nation who worry about finding new employment and housing in the months to come, and pray that our congregations will be communities of faith where people in transition are welcomed and supported.
Read MoreRemember in prayer our ELCA missionaries serving in China, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Thailand, Nepal, Singapore and South Korea. Give thanks for their service and witness as they accompany our global companions in ministries of theological education, teaching, counseling, communications and parish ministry.
Read MorePray that we will respect and affirm how God calls and equips children and youth to share the gospel, serve as leaders and examples in the church, and do God’s work in the world together with people of all ages and abilities.
Read MoreMany of our ELCA outdoor ministry staff are ending their summer of service and transitioning back to school, new employment or other service opportunities in the church. As they work to discern their vocations and futures, ask the Holy Spirit to guide, inspire and equip them to share their faith and gifts with the church and society and to respond to God’s call to service and ministry.
Read MoreAsk God to grant us the wisdom, boldness and compassion to care for our neighbors in need, even when doing so is inconvenient, interrupts our routines or forces us to reconsider traditions, laws, rules and practices of society and the church.
Read MorePray for coaches and student athletes of all abilities as they train for upcoming sports seasons. Pray that they will be safe from injury, experience joy and confidence in their physical activities, and have positive, caring people in their lives to help them cope with the challenges they might face — personal, family, spiritual, social, academic and athletic.
Read MoreIn this video, Dr. Carter Lindberg discusses the question: What is the difference between court prophets, who vindicate rulers, and authentic prophets, who hold leaders accountable to God?
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