In Ghana, water scarcity threatens the lives and livelihoods of nearly 90% of the population. Even in urban areas, more than half the people lack access to clean, safe water. In developing countries such as Ghana, almost 80% of illnesses and deaths are caused by water-borne diseases, which in turn are driven by people needing to rely on unsafe water sources.
Read MoreThe Conference of Bishops of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) met Feb. 28–March 4, 2023, at the Eaglewood Resort in Itasca, Ill. The conference, an advisory body of the ELCA, comprises 65 synod bishops, the presiding bishop and the secretary.
Read MoreLooking back over this week, we’ve asked questions like, “Is God with us or not?” We’ve wondered about where and how God shows up, as we look at sanctuaries that sit emptier than they used to be. We’ve wondered, what is the harvest God has in store for us? With whom can we share the story of Jesus’ selfless love and grace?
Read MoreA modern day monologue version of the what the Woman at the Well said to Jesus (John 4:3-30).
Read MoreDo you remember who first told you about Jesus? Or, can you think of a recent experience where someone has told you about how the love of Jesus has transformed them?
Read MoreHow do we go in peace to love and serve the Lord in civic life?
The ELCA invites you and your congregation to explore this and other questions by using "A Study Curriculum on Civic Life and Faith." View a video on this question in this post, along with a PDF guide.
Read MoreHave you ever moved into a house in the middle of winter? I have had occasion to do this and the spring and summer seasons turn into one big anticipatory waiting and watching – what will sprout and grow in the yard?
Read MoreAs part of the latest Stories of Faith in Action, we share a story about the Delaware-Maryland Synod and the North Ave Mission (NAM) community (view online or as PDF). “Everything that has sprung to life at North Ave Mission is a vision of the early community. We’re a mix of worshiping community, mutual aid organization, harm reduction, housing, leadership development, even advocacy. But Family Life is our center and our locus.”
View all the Stories of Faith in Action here, and how your offering becomes mission support.
Read MoreResurrection Lutheran in Oro Valley is looking for a full-time Publications Specialist to produce printed materials and digital resources for worship services, newsletters, and slides.
Read MoreThe American Lutheran Church of Sun City is seeking a Church Operations Coordinator to provide leadership in office management, information technology, facilities, risk management and security. Please see our ad on Indeed or direct inquiries to: DHjortland@yahoo.com.
Read MoreThe Office of the Bishop continues to meet with congregations and ministry partners. We also share photos from the Bishop’s visit to Ireland.
Read MoreA Lunch & Learn virtual dialecture by ELCA World Hunger’s Dr. Ryan Cumming. Dr. Cumming brings this event to the Grand Canyon Synod and the Southeastern Iowa Synod in conjunction with the synod-wide 40-40-40 Lenten Challenge. Register to receive Zoom link for this Thursday, 3/16/2023 event, at 11am MST/PDT, 12pm MDT.
Read MoreGather at Crossroads Church (2769 Combs Rd, San Tan Valley, AZ 85140) on Sunday, March 12, 3-5pm MST for a good old-fashioned sing-along. Grab a cold one (water will be available too), and join us for a casual afternoon of music, friendship, fun for all ages and charity.
Read MoreThis week we celebrate the following ordination anniversaries:
Rev. Stephen Talmage, Love of Christ, Mesa, who celebrates 38 years on March 10.
Rev. Patsy Koeneke, who celebrates 16 years on March 11.
Rev. Bruce Ayers, who celebrates 61 years on March 11.
Rev. Steven Crittenden, Epiphany of Christ, Apache Junction, who celebrates 14 years on March 12.
Rev. Beth Gallen, New Journey, Fountain Hills, who celebrates 2 years on March 13.
Rev. Peter Lai, who celebrates 38 years on March 16.
Other than Apache County, which is at a medium level, all of our synod’s counties are at at low levels.
Note: our updates can be a week behind due to our news cycle overlapping with Thursday updates. View the latest CDC and NYTimes updates here.
Read MoreI remember being at Glacier National Park as a teenager, and the awe I felt climbing to the top of the mountain, a valley of wildflowers and lake below, surrounded by even taller mountains, all sorts of wildlife, and a clear blue sky – it is one of the holiest places I’ve experienced.
Read MoreIn observance of International Women’s Day, ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton, along with the Rev. Patricia Davenport, bishop of the ELCA Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod and the Rev. Brenda Bos, bishop of the ELCA Southwest California Synod, celebrate and recognize the women leaders in our global Lutheran community. https://elca.org/iwl for more info.
Read MoreYou can be and are part of the exciting 67th UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW67) taking place March 6-17, 2023, in New York City. The Lutheran Office for World Community (LOWC) and Lutheran World Federation (LWF) have assembled and prepared for a delegation and partners to take part in CSW67 both in-person and virtually, including our ELCA Hunger Advocacy Fellows.
Read MoreJust over two years ago, after decades of working, Susan became disabled. “I was newly poor and relatively terrified,” she wrote. “With literally everything stripped from the budget except a roof over our heads and very modest transportation, the monthly budget showed a balance of negative $5. The meaning of food insecurity became abundantly clear.”
Read MoreConfession: mornings are not always my best time. And Sunday mornings, when I’m trying to get myself and my children up and moving, are especially not always my best. As much as I am loathe to admit it, there are many Sunday mornings when we finally get to the car after having yelled myself and my children there.
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