Amidst the changing landscape of the pandemic, California Lutheran University shares how over 4,000 students learn virtually or in hybrid classrooms in several different centers in California.
A member of the Network of Colleges and Universities of the ELCA, Cal Lutheran equips graduates who are called and empowered to serve the neighbor so that all may flourish.
Read MoreIn his 2021 update, Rev. Miguel F. Gomez-Acosta, Director for Evangelical Mission and Bishop’s Associate for Congregational Vitality, reflects on the abundant generosity and innovation in a year like no other.
Read MoreBrian Flatgard, Director of Communication, reports on a very busy year of communications for our synod.
Read MoreView this fresh 2021 introduction to Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center in Carefree, Arizona. Through interviews with staff, guests and friends, viewers learn what is unique about the retreat center, and why Spirit in the Desert is a holy place where people experience the love of God, joyful hospitality and renewal of their callings in the world.
Read MoreMyrna Wells-Ulland, President of the Grand Canyon Women of the ELCA, shares their 2021 update in a letter and video message.
Read MoreIn her 2021 update, Rev. Jacqueline Pagel, Bishop’s Associate for Candidacy and Faith Formation, gives a brief overview of the different ways ministry intersected as we grow the our synod into a great place to express the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
Read MorePaul Gryniewicz, Synod Council Vice President, asks what it means to be church in a year of accelerated change in his 2021 update.
Read MoreHear the voices of Pastor Gary McCluskey and the students and leaders of ULC in this video update.
Read MoreArizona Faith Network shares their 2021 update in this video.
Read MoreOne-fifth of the world’s Lutherans were left homeless by 1945, at the end of the Second World War. That same year, Lutheran churches in the U.S. mobilized to help in Europe through a new agency called Lutheran World Relief. Within a decade, the mission expanded, sending love where needs were greatest, often to places off the radar of the rest of the world. And you have continued to draw on God’s strength, responding to God’s call to be the Body of Christ in the world, reaching further, staying longer, standing faithfully alongside our neighbors in need. This year, we celebrate 75 years of faithful impact — and the work that lies ahead.
Read MoreAs we look back, I am grateful for the ways you have embraced the world as it is, not as you want it to be. You ensured that the witness of the church continued even when it was not safe to gather in-person.
Through the gifts of the Holy Spirit, you went well beyond what you might have imagined possible. Through uncertainty, you spoke words of hope and offered reminders that nothing will separate us from the love of God.
Read MoreMost Americans incorrectly assume that federal laws will protect someone being evicted from their home or turned away from a place of business for the sole reason of being part of the LGBTQ+ community. There are no such laws.
But there could be. The Equality Act, a landmark piece of legislation which has already been passed in the U.S. House, would add the words “sexual orientation” and “gender identity” to the Civil Rights Act, affording protections in employment, housing, public accommodations, federal funding, credit, the jury system and more.
Read MoreThis Pride Month, Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton gives thanks for the blessings of our LGBTQIA+ siblings and prays that we will all have a sense of pride in being part of this fearfully and wonderfully made family.
Read MoreThe latest version of the The Official Gathering Handbook: Tips & Tricks for Adult Leaders, a resource filled with helpful resources and guidance for having an amazing Gathering experience.
Read MoreWe’re happy to introduce a new monthly column, A Cup of Generosity, from Pastor Dana Karen Reardon and the Grand Canyon Synod Stewardship Team.
My dad was a drunk. Not a mean drunk, but maybe a cynical one. Then he got sober. And God changed him more than I knew.
Read MoreBishop Eaton offered the sermon for Lutherans Restoring Creation’s Good Shepherd Sunday service in celebration of Earth Day 2021. She also accepted our request to take some follow-up questions collected by the network.
Here are portions of their time with her that we encourage you to share with your congregation as these are questions we are all meant to wrestle with.
Read More'Stories of Spirit' is a video introduction to Spirit in the Desert in Carefree, Arizona. Through testimony from staff and guests, retreat leaders, board members and ministry partners, viewers will learn about the mission, vision and values of Spirit in the Desert, a holy place where people experience the love of God, joyful hospitality and renewal of their callings in the world. Enjoy!
Read MoreLori Jensen writes: “Lord of Life members shared in a Memorial Tribute for all of our members who died while we were unable to gather in person.
After a time of music, Bible reading and a brief meditation, a luminaria bag with each person’s name on it was lit while names were read. It was a way for us to show support for our church family members as they collectively mourned their loss.”
Read MoreIn the story of creation we learn that on the seventh day God rested. From the beginning, God established a natural rhythm of work and rest. Bishop Eaton reminds us that in the midst of our busy days we need to take time for rest, for noticing creation and each other.
Read MoreBishop James Hazelwood and Dave Daubert (Lutheran pastor, author, and consultant) discuss Daubert’s new book, Becoming a Hybrid Church, which doesn’t so much offer answers as it pushes us to consider the questions we need to explore now that Covid-19 has change the world, and the church. Find the podcast on Hazelwood’s site.
The Office of the Bishop team is currently discussing this book.
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