The Rev. Scott Hackler was installed as pastor at Spirit of Grace Lutheran Church, Surprise, AZ on Sunday, October 20, 2 pm.
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The Office of the Arizona Attorney General is offering an Opioid Abuse Training Session at Christ Evangelical Lutheran, Goodyear, AZ.
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The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) joins the Church of Sweden and The Episcopal Church in a commitment to work together to advocate for national and international policies that address the urgency of the climate crisis and help create resilient communities while leaving no one behind. This statement is a renewal and update of the commitment made by the three church bodies in 2013.
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Hello dear sisters and brothers in Christ, I hope and pray that as you and your congregations come back from summer holidays, that the rhythm of church life brings much joy and life to you all.
You can access (and share with others!) my October 2019 Newsletter at the YAGM Senegal blog or download as a PDF, and get a glimpse into some of the goings on—both sending the previous YAGM back to the US and welcoming a new group of YAGM to Senegal.
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Last year, the Lutheran Disaster Response-US (LDR) network discussed climate change – what it is and why we care. We were inspired by the stories of the communities we accompany and driven to action by the questions that were asked. The network asked us, “What does this mean for our work?” We heard their question and happy to announce the 2019 LDR Consultation: Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation. The event will be held October 14-17 in New Orleans, Louisiana.
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I grew up the daughter of a water and wastewater engineer. On summer vacations and road trips of any length, our family made detours to visit water treatment plants.
I think it was by osmosis that I came to know that there is a relationship between human activity and the natural environment and so it is not surprising that I ended up as one of the Disaster Response Coordinators in the Lutheran Disaster Response (LDR) network. Read the full story »
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Hurricane Dorian hit the Bahamas with devastating force, lingering over the islands for over 24 hours. One month later, over 50 people have been reported dead with hundreds still missing and thousands left homeless in the Bahamas. Crippled infrastructure, closed businesses, and a tainted water supply are exacerbating. In North Carolina, many homes have been damaged and assessments are ongoing.
In this post, Bishop Elizabeth Eaton shares an overview of the last two years of hurricane relief, and Lutheran Disaster Response provides a situation update on Hurricane Dorian.
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Ann Emilie is the Grand Canyon Synod participant in the ELCA’s Young Adults in Global Mission (YAGM) program. She is serving in Argentina/Uruguay by working within a local faith community.
A member of Peace Lutheran in Peoria, Ann Emilie graduated from the University of Arizona in May (2019) with two Bachelors of Arts: English and Spanish Linguistics.
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We celebrate Nanette Christofferson’s ordination and installation this weekend!
Ordination is Saturday, October 5th 2019, 5:30 pm, at Peace Lutheran Church in Peoria, AZ (18265 N.89th Ave., Peoria AZ. 85382.) All rostered leaders are invited to robe and process. The color of the day is green. Reception for all following ordination.
Installation is Sunday October 6, 2019, 3 pm in the sanctuary at Love of Christ Lutheran Church (1525 N Power Rd., Mesa AZ 85205.) All rostered leaders are invited to robe and process. The color of the day is red. Reception for all following installation.
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Clear those calendars for the 2020 Assembly! We gather to do business and celebrate at Community Lutheran Church in Las Vegas under the theme “Why Jesus.”
Assembly opens Thursday, June 11, 2020 at 3:00 pm, and closes Friday, June 12, 2020 at 4:00 pm. By having assembly business done during the weekdays, this trip should be more affordable and convenient for those who travel. We are planning optional extra activities for those who wish to stay longer and better get to know their synod brothers and sisters.
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The Rev. Scott Hackler has been called to serve as pastor at Spirit of Grace Lutheran Church, Surprise, AZ. His installation will be Sunday, October 20, 2 pm.
Come and celebrate this joyous occasion. Clergy and deacons are invited to process. The color of the day is green.
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Community of Grace Lutheran Church in Peoria, AZ, is currently looking for a full-time Children's Ministry Director to join our team. They are seeking a candidate that will help them to engage in ministry with children, particularly infants - 5th graders, and their families at church, at home, and in the community. Candidates should love children and be passionate about cross-generational ministry. If interested please send resume and references to Kathleen@boldrecklessgrace.org.
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This August, Spirit of Grace, Surprise, AZ gathered for a study on Swimming with Jonah, developed and presented by Cyndy Warnier, Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center. Each day approximately 65 members and friends enjoyed a coffee and craft hour followed by a presentation by community service organizations with a close with prayers and hymn sing.
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Gloria de Cristo Lutheran Church, Yuma, AZ, now has a Mental Health Ministry Team that has received a $10,000 grant from the ELCA Division of Disability Ministries.
This new Mental Health Ministry will foster greater awareness and understanding within our congregation, and facilitate our work in reaching out to those with mental illnesses and their families.
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Voting members will convene Aug. 5-10 for the 2019 ELCA Churchwide Assembly at the Wisconsin Center in Milwaukee. This will be the 15th gathering of the assembly, the primary decision-making body of the ELCA.
To follow along with the assembly from home, livestream the proceedings at elca.org/cwa.
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It’s been four months since Cyclone Idai hit Mozambique, Malawi and Zimbabwe. Idai is the most severe natural disaster to affect southern Africa in over three decades.
Your swift response rushed aid to families in desperate need. You are helping them access safe water, stay healthy and replace essential items that were lost.
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On May 3, 2019, Cyclone Fans, a category four storm, made landfall in Puri, Odisha, India, the first to hit Odisnha in 43 years. At least 16 million people were affected and 43 people have been reported dead, with about 508,000 homes damaged.
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The world is in a critical state, and we are far behind in our efforts to limit global warming. There are four numbers that matter:
1.5 or less – The degrees Celsius to which we must limit global warming;
2050 – the year by which the world must reach carbon neutrality;
2030 – the year by which we must limit global emissions by 35-40%; and
2020 – when new and revised Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), quantifying commitment for greenhouse gas reductions, must be issued by countries.
Congrats to New Spirit Lutheran Church, Tucson, and All Saints Lutheran Church, Phoenix!
Recipients of the Servant of Christ Award from Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest, they have truly shown the love of our Savior and embodied the mission of Lutheran Social Services—showing kindness, doing justice, and serving those in need.
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Crisis and urgency bordering on chaos are common themes of most news outlets’ headlines. Violence, climate change, hunger, migration… Are we faced with hopeless situations as the headlines seem to indicate? Absolutely not.
Addressing crises of the world may be urgent but must be expediently tactical. God has gifted us with many tools to help us navigate toward viable solutions. The Talanoa Dialogue process is one such tool.
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