Stay up-to-date with the August 2023 Worship News from the ELCA Worship, including resources for "God's work. Our hands." Sunday, a new addition to teach kids about worship through "All Creation Sings," and opportunities for spiritual growth and musical inspiration with Music that Makes Community.
Whether you are a congregation leader or a choir director, explore these resources and upcoming events that can enhance your spiritual practices and communal connections.
Read MoreThe harrowing experience of ELCA pastor Alvin Erickson's daughter being victimized by sex trafficking led to the creation of a vital ministry called Adults Saving Kids. This nonprofit seeks to equip parents and grandparents with the tools and knowledge to protect their children from the subtle and sophisticated dangers of modern society.
The organization provides valuable courses and guidance on nurturing wisdom and resilience in young ones to safeguard them from potential harm. Read more in Living Lutheran about the journey of turning a tragic event into a mission for proactive prevention.
Read More“One of the most challenging countries I ever worked in” by Mark Mullan
Water in the desert by Roger Kalimira
Explore a reflective meditation from Rev. Drew Tucker on Galatians 5:22-26, focusing on the fruits of the Spirit. In a world where division often reigns, Tucker's insights offer a timely reminder of the virtues we must cultivate. He draws parallels between the conflicts of the early Galatian church and our modern struggles, urging us to practice love, joy, peace, and other spiritual gifts intentionally. Find inspiration for your spiritual journey by reading more at Living Lutheran.
Read MoreExplore Luther Seminary's on-demand course, “Faith, Lies & Spies: Bonhoeffer and You,” and embark on a journey to connect faith with societal engagement. Inspired by the radical and courageous life of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, this immersive experience, led by Dr. Andy Root, aims to deepen your conviction and prepare you for deliberate action in today's divisive world. Join the course to find your voice in the church's mission for justice. Click to learn more about bridging the gap between faith and meaningful societal change.
Read MoreExplore the latest initiatives and events in the latest ELCA Seeds Monthly, including the 10th anniversary of "God's work. Our hands." Sunday, the Future Church vision, remembrance for Indian boarding schools, and various opportunities for congregational engagement. Join us in this journey of love, healing, and transformation, and discover how you can be part of making God's love real in the world today.
Read MoreRevitalize your congregation's preaching with "The People's Sermon," a collaborative program led by Rev. Dr. Shauna Hannan for the Grand Canyon Synod. Through six enriching sessions, increase biblical understanding, encourage new voices, and enhance sermonic illustrations. Learn more about this transformative opportunity in this PDF flyer and this post.
Read MoreThe ELCA mission support memo for July, 2023 is available as a PDF, as a Word doc, or in this blog post. Join ELCA Mission Support in reflecting on the 2023 Rostered Ministers Gathering in Phoenix. A melting pot of leadership, faith, and inspiration, this gathering fostered connections and reinforced the importance of Mission Support. Learn about the enlightening messages, workshops, and the ongoing mission work that is made possible through the generosity of ELCA members.
Read MoreEmbark on a transformative journey with Excellence in Leadership (EiL), a unique program from Rocky Mountain Synod designed to foster courageous, resilient, and faithful leaders. Integrating five key leadership theories and spiritual practices, EiL is open to anyone interested in personal growth and effective leadership.
Registration for 2024-25 is now open; don't miss this opportunity to enhance your leadership skills for the benefit of yourself and the world around you. For more info, view a PDF flyer, watch this video, or read on. 18 month programs will run September 2023 - March 2025, 13 month program will run January 2024 - January 2025.
Read MoreSome members of the Office of the Bishop staff attend the Rostered Leaders of Color Cohort retreat, travel for meetings and vacations and family, and maintain smooth operations.
We also share photos from our in-person office gathering, and the Ordination and Installation of Wyatt Linde.
Read MoreThis week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Deborah Hutterer, who celebrates 19 years on August 18.
Rev. Brent Maxwell, Gloria Christi, Phoenix, who celebrates 16 years on August 19.
Rev. Kurt Fangmeier, Living Christ, Flagstaff, who celebrates 22 years on August 19.
Rev. Marilyn Ascarza, who celebrates 33 years on August 19.
Rev. Scott Hackler, Spirit of Grace, Surprise, who celebrates 34 years on August 20.
Rev. Michael Purcell, who celebrates 45 years on August 20.
Rev. Barbara Rapp, who celebrates 30 years on August 21.
Rev. Martha Neff Stum, who celebrates 13 years on August 21.
Rev. Loren Swanson, who celebrates 52 years on August 22.
Rev. Gary Garvey, who celebrates 41 years on August 22.
Rev. Carlyle Smith, who celebrates 59 years on August 23.
Rev. Naomi Barcanic, who celebrates 26 years on August 24.
Lord of Grace Lutheran Church in Tucson has an opening for a Preschool Director. Our preschool is well established with an enrollment of 120 students. We are looking for someone with a love of children and an ability to share God's love through teaching and by supporting our teaching staff. If interested, please contact Carolyn Bernheim at cbernheim@yahoo.com.
Read MoreLutheran Disaster Response reminds us to mark our calendars for "God's Work. Our Hands." Sunday on September 10, 2023, as we celebrate a decade of community service. Engage in activities ranging from assembling preparedness kits to advocating for disaster relief policies. Join hands with your congregation and community to foster resilience, compassion, and love. Find out how to participate in this inspiring day of action at ELCA.org.
Read MoreThe Installation of Rev. Ken Miller will be Wednesday, 9/13/2023, 6pm, at Grace Lutheran Church in Kingman (2101 Harrison Street, Kingman, AZ 86401). Bishop Deborah Hutterer will preach and preside. Watch the livestream through Facebook, with the video available for 30 days..
Rostered ministers are invited to process. Color of the day is green. An ice cream social will follow the service. If you’d like to RSVP, contact Cyndi Poe, Council President, at cpbonesy@hotmail.com or text 928-377-8716.
Read MoreWatch insightful videos from the 2023 Rostered Ministers Gathering, featuring Bible studies with Rev. Dr. Karoline Lewis and Deacon Dr. Mindy Makant, sermons by Bishops Kevin Strickland and Vashti Murphy McKenzie, and keynotes by Rev. Carmelo Santos, Jeff Chu, and Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton.
Read MoreSave $100 on your rooms when you take advantage of early bird registration through 8/29/2023. Join Bishop Deborah Hutterer at the Franciscan Renewal Center for the Bishop's Fall Gathering, from October 23-25, 2023. Register today, and immerse yourself in the full experience of this uplifting event.
Read MoreSiblings Nathan and Riri were separated when an emergency caused them to move into group homes. Through Mosaic at Home, and a loving home provider, the two are together again, and the provider says, “I never want to give them up.” The post Siblings Find a Home Together at Mosaic appeared first on Mosaic.
Read MoreNavigating stewardship amidst uncertain economic times can be challenging. Join us on Aug. 21, 2023, 4pm PDT/MST, 5pm MDT, for a webinar, "Stewardship When Economics Are Uncertain", hosted by ELCA and the Lake Institute. Led by the Rev. Meredith McNabb and the Rev. Tim Brown, this session aims to inspire open and honest conversations about stewardship and generosity. Zoom Link here on the day of the webinar.
Read MoreJoin the Lutheran Faith Community Nurse Association's three-part series, "This Is How We Die," featuring hospice pioneer Barbara Karnes. Explore the natural process of dying, the labor of dying, and how to bring these insights into nursing practice. Earn up to 5.5 contact hours and equip yourself to offer compassionate care during the dying process. Click here to learn more and register, or view this PDF flyer.
Read MoreThe tenth anniversary of “God’s work. Our hands.” Sunday is a feature story in Living Lutheran this month. Read the article celebrating a decade of service in our communities.
Browse these resources to help you plan for “God’s work. Our hands.” Sunday:
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