Continue to pray for peace, justice, reconciliation and economic opportunity for the people and countries of Central America, and pray that the United States and other nations will respond to their needs with humanitarian and economic assistance, collaborative efforts to find effective, lasting solutions to the crises they are experiencing, and prayerful, enduring support.
Read More“God’s work. Our hands.” Sunday Pray for children, youth and adults involved in volunteer community service across the country in partnership with neighboring congregations, Lutheran agencies and community organizations. Give thanks for the living, daring confidence in God’s grace from which our every act of service throughout life flows!
Read MoreGive thanks for the ministry and witness of ELCA missionaries serving alongside our global companions in Senegal, South Africa and Eswatini, as well as the six young people serving in Senegal and the four serving in Southern Africa as part of the ELCA’s Young Adults in Global Mission program.
Read MoreIn this video, Dr. Mary Jane Haemig discusses the question: How does the Lutheran catechism equip people of faith for life in their communities?
Read MorePray that our actions, words, work, service and concern for our neighbors in need — be they strangers, friends or forgotten — bear witness to the word and ways of God made known to us through Jesus Christ and instilled in us by the Holy Spirit.
Read MoreGive 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.
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