Remember in prayer refugees and immigrants throughout the world and at our borders who hope for and seek welcoming, safe communities where they can reestablish their lives and raise their families. Pray that they will have access to health services, food and resources to meet their daily needs during this time of heightened vulnerability and isolation.
Read MoreOn Wednesday, July 15, 2020 at 10 am, join Vicar Beth Gallen, seminary intern at Grace Lutheran Church in Phoenix, as she shares podcasting lessons while creating The GLOWSHOW Podcast with Pastor Sarah Stadler. Vicar Beth also shares musings as a candidate for Word and Sacrament ministry about the future of the church and the role of technology: the opportunities and pitfalls.
Use the link bit.ly/gcstechlab to access the Zoom meeting every Wednesday at 10 am.
Read MoreInterested in creating a community of equity and justice? A new Being Academy course Promoting Diversity, Creating Inclusion, featuring educator Aparna Rae, can help. Portico believes the tools and topics are of value for church leaders in this important time.
Portico members with ELCA-Primary health coverage can access the course here or via myPortico. The course available at no charge to everyone for a limited time to support learning and promote equity.
Read MorePray for the 120 ELCA companion synods that connect our congregations with Lutherans and ministries worldwide. Give thanks that together we participate in God’s mission, support each other, share our joys and sorrow, and use our gifts and resources to respond to human needs and grow the church.
Read MoreGive thanks that “the Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. The Lord is good to all, and his compassion is over all that he has made.” Pray that our joy and thanksgiving will move us to be witnesses to God’s presence, grace and mercy in the world for the sake of all people.
Read MoreThank God for our special relationship with the Episcopal Church, a full communion partner with the ELCA since 1999. Pray for the church, its diverse ministries and its members and leaders, and pray that together we will find mutual support, new partnerships and new resources for the work of sharing the gospel and serving our neighbor.
Read MoreJoin us on July 8, 11 am, to hear from Indigenous theologian, Vance Blackfox, who has been committed to teaching ELCA leaders and members the importance of learning about Indigenous people and how to be in better relationship with "the oppressed of the oppressed."
Read MoreWorship in the Home: Sunday, July 12, 2020. Sixth Sunday after Pentecost, Lectionary 15.
Praying separately in our homes yet united in the Spirit, let us together intercede for all the needs of the world.
Read MoreWe understand well Paul’s struggle between the inclinations of human nature and following the ways of God and teachings of Jesus. Pray for forgiveness and strengthened faith when we are weak or make poor decisions; pray that we will be guided and encouraged by the Spirit of God that dwells within us.
Read MoreJoin us on Wednesday, July 8 at 10 am, as Chuck Peterson, Video Producer for New Journey Lutheran Church, Fountain Hills, shares their process for incrementally improving their worship videos as a small church with a simple setup: camcorder, one light, church audio mixer/system, basic video and audio software.
The Grand Canyon Synod Tech Lab is a weekly online Zoom conversation designed to spark possibilities as our church rapidly changes. Use the link bit.ly/gcstechlab to access the Zoom meeting every Wednesday at 10 am.
Read MorePray for wisdom and patience as we navigate how to gather as congregations and discern what is appropriate, safe, caring and respectful of the ongoing concerns of our members, communities and nation.
Read MoreGive thanks that God’s love and truth are revealed to us through faith in Jesus Christ and that the Spirit is at work inspiring and equipping us to share the good news, spread truth and invite others to believe.
Read MoreAsk God to help us cherish and not abuse the blessings of freedom and liberty, work to change our society where there is injustice and oppression, and accompany our global neighbors and companion churches striving for freedom, justice and voice.
Read MoreIt’s hard to overstate the impact COVID-19 has had on our communities and our worship experiences. To help with this, ELCA World Hunger is delighted to share an adapted version of this year’s Vacation Bible School: “On Earth As in Heaven…At Home!”
This adaptation simplifies some of the activities in the original leader’s guide, offers tips for doing crafts and games at home, and provides links to pre-recorded videos you can share.
Read MoreAsk the Spirit to help us express our gratitude and concern for first responders, nurses, doctors and hospital employees, and to show us how to serve as God’s hands and voice in caring for their spiritual, physical and emotional needs.
Read MoreGive thanks for God’s ever-present love and care, and for the message of the psalmist who proclaims, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”
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 MoreAs this time of stress and uncertainty continues, pray that we will be persistent in our generous support for the mission of the church: comforting and caring for our neighbors, responding to the global impact of the pandemic, providing food and basic necessities for people in need, reaching out to the isolated and lonely, and aiding organizations that work for the health, well-being and restoration of our communities.
Read MoreWorship in the Home, Fifth Sunday after Pentecost, Lectionary 14
You are great, O God, and greatly to be praised. You have made us for yourself, and our hearts are restless until they rest in you. Grant that we may believe in you, call upon you, know you, and serve you, through your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
Read MoreThere may be times when we feel God has forgotten us or is ignoring us. Pray that God will forgive us when we are weak or doubtful, and ask the Spirit to restore our trust in God’s steadfast love and concern.
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