The ELCA mission support memo for June, 2023 is available as PDF, as a Word doc, or in this blog post. This month’s memo features a story from our synods in Pennsylvania and the Wittel Farm Growing Project and FriEDENs Garden, as well as an upcoming stewardship webinar, "Stewardship When Economics Are Uncertain," on August 21, 2023.
Read MoreMosaic is young and energetic, but also old and wise. Two memorable numbers are important at Mosaic this year—20 and 110. As Mosaic, the organization celebrated its 20th anniversary on July 1. But back in February, it also celebrated the 110th anniversary of its founding. In 2023, Mosaic is 20 years young and 110 years strong. Learn why in this blog post, 20 Years Young & 110 Years Strong, which appeared first on Mosaic.
Read MoreThis October 23-25, Bishop Deborah Hutterer invites you to join her at the Franciscan Renewal Center in Scottsdale, Arizona for the 2023 Bishop's Fall Gathering. With the theme of "Be Bold In Your Baptism," our aim is to deepen our emotional and spiritual health together.
We warmly welcome active rostered ministers, retired pastors serving congregations, seminary students, and interns. Retired pastors are welcome to attend — rooms may not be available. Visit our fall gathering page for more info and to register.
Read MoreToday we celebrate the ordination anniversary of Rev. Richard Staats, who celebrates 57 years on July 10.
Read MoreToday we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Joshua Auchenbach, Tanque Verde, Tucson, who celebrates 17 years on July 9.
Rev. Timothy Nybroten, Resurrection, Oro Valley, who celebrates 23 years on July 9.
Rev. Daniel Hodgson, who celebrates 56 years on July 9.
Join Spirited Book Club online on August 10 & 24 at 2pm PDT/MST, 3pm MDT, as we delve into Larry L. Rasmussen's new book, The Planet You Inherit: Letters to My Grandchildren When Uncertainty’s a Sure Thing.
Explore the nexus of climate change, global citizenship, democracy, and legacy with a renowned environmental ethicist. Let's discuss what our legacy for future generations will be in this era of climate instability and global upheavals. Open to all - bring a friend, share your insights, and create a shared legacy. Register now and become part of the conversation.
Read MoreThe Office of the Bishop staff continues to travel for preaching and youth events, attends Best Skills, Best Churches training, and manages the daily and weekly maintenance of the office.
Read MoreToday we celebrate the ordination anniversary of Rev. Arlyn Norris, who celebrates 48 years on July 6.
Read MoreMosaic’s summer 2023 Promise magazine celebrates National Intellectual and Disabilities Month by sharing triumphant achievements made by those we serve when making their own choices. View the Summer 2023 Issue of Promise here.
Read MoreThe ELCA is calling all young adults passionate about addressing the climate crisis to apply for the Fall Climate Summit happening in Chicago, Illinois from October 20-22, 2023. Read more and apply at elca.org.
Whether you're a seasoned climate advocate or just starting on your advocacy journey, this event promises to be a unique opportunity to gain new skills, deepen understanding of climate justice issues, and create an action plan for making a real difference in your community. The application deadline is July 19, 2023.
Read MoreWatch the National Indian Lutheran Board’s Panel Discussion, from June 21, 2023
“Read the Truth in July” – consider reading a book written by a Native author and hosting a book discussion. Get some suggestions at Native Reads.
July 16 2023: "Indian 101" class. Led by Vance Blackfox .
July 24 2023: “Introduction to the Truth & Healing Movement". Led by Vance Blackfox.
Descriptions and links for the Truth & Healing Movement are posted on the ELCA's website.
Read MoreWe are delighted to announce that Rev. Jonathan Linman, pastor at Faith/La Fe in Phoenix, has been appointed to serve as our synod representative to The Lutheran Ecumenical and Inter-Religious Relations Network (LEIRN). He will join Rev. Dr. Mari Larson in this capacity, strengthening our synod's voice within this influential organization.
LEIRN is a volunteer-based body representing all 65 synods of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). The network serves as a model for ecumenical and interreligious engagement, promoting dialogue and understanding within our church and beyond.
Read MoreChrist Lutheran Church of Sedona is searching for a Music Director. After 30 years of devoted service, our esteemed and beloved Music Director has announced his retirement later this year. CLCS is seeking an experienced person (or persons) to lead our vibrant music ministry. If interested, please review the attached job description. Come take up residence in the beautiful red rocks of Sedona and become the next great music leader for the friendly and faithful family of CLCS!
Read MoreLutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA) shares a podcast series from the Christians Against Christian Nationalism movement. The original 10 podcasts can be found here (from 2019), which feature interviews with theologians, historians, authors and activists, including Bishop Elizabeth Eaton, Walter Brueggemann, Sen. John Marty (D), MN, author Steven Green, and many others.
The BJC Center for Faith, Justice and Reconciliation produces the podcasts. Visit their site to view resources, which include the podcasts as well as webinars, study materials, books, and a sign-on statement. Read the original LAMA article here.
Read MoreToday we celebrate the ordination anniversary of Deacon Bernice Johnson, who celebrates 64 years on July 5.
Read MoreIn our ongoing mission to connect people, we are happy to announce the upcoming Rostered Leaders of Color Cohort Retreat. This event is scheduled to take place in Sedona from August 20 to August 23, 2023.
The gathering will include rostered ministers of color and full-time rostered ministers from the Office of the Bishop Staff. It aims to create a nurturing environment where stories can be shared, connections made, and voices heard.
Read MoreToday we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Glenn Zorb, Mountain View, Phoenix, who celebrates 44 years on July 1.
Rev. Jan Flaaten, who celebrates 50 years on July 1.
Deacon Brenda J. Laukonis, who celebrates 42 years on July 1.
Rev. Robert Hutson Jr., who celebrates 50 years on July 1.
Rev. Robert Rod, who celebrates 50 years on July 1.
Rev. James Dew, Abounding Grace, Tucson, and Interim Director for Evangelical Mission (DEM), who celebrates 33 years on July 1.
If you were unable to join us for our enlightening Manna Grants webinar, fear not! The recording of this information-packed webinar is available here with the passcode: E^fi7Bvs
Our guest speakers, Roselle Tenorio, ELCA World Hunger Program Manager, and Sue Jensen, Synod Council Executive Committee member, shared insightful presentations on addressing the root causes of hunger and essential information on Manna Grants.
Ready to make a difference? Learn more about our Manna Grants here. The application deadline is midnight on July 31, 2023.
Read MoreIn this article from Living Lutheran, we read how Rev. Kenneth Wheeler was compelled to write his new book US: The Resurrection of American Terror (Precocity Press, 2022) after connecting the trauma he’d experienced under Jim Crow segregation to the rise in Christian nationalism he’d seen in recent years. Read the full article in this post, and be sure to participate in our Conversations with Rev. Kenneth W. Wheeler, July 11 and August 1, 2023, at 10 am.
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