Join Lutheran World Relief in their longstanding tradition of distributing quilts and kits to families in need. Participate in these upcoming Quilts and Kits Ingatherings in the Grand Canyon Synod: Tucson area, Glendale/Phoenix area, and Las Vegas/St. George UT area. You can also bring quilts to the Women of the ELCA’s Triennial Gathering in Phoenix between 9/21-9/23.
Read MoreExplore the transformative power of compassion with Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center's Spirited Book Club. Reflecting on Joyce Rupp's "Boundless Compassion," this online event on September 7 & 21, 2023 at 2pm PDT/MST, 3pm MDT, aims to deepen your understanding of compassion and inspire you to be a more caring presence. Register now to gain wisdom, confidence, and inspiration to live with boundless compassion.
Read MoreDaniel Mambu shares his enriching journey as a volunteer at previous Gatherings, recalling the impact it had on him as a youth. With various volunteer roles available for the upcoming Gathering, he reflects on his excitement to return to New Orleans and the significance of being a part of this transformative experience. Read why Daniel loves volunteering on the ELCA Youth Gathering blog.
Read MoreReflecting on the 60th anniversary of the March on Washington, the ELCA Racial Justice blog emphasizes the lasting impact and current relevance of the fight for racial and economic justice. The post highlights the ongoing challenges of systemic racism, such as redlining and voting rights restrictions, and calls for continued advocacy in line with ELCA’s commitment to racial justice.
Read MoreLutherans across Tucson convened for a crucial discussion on allyship, advocacy, and justice. Led by Pastor Naomi Hartman, the gathering delved into Tucson's local challenges, the church's societal responsibilities, and ways to transform faith into actionable change.
Read MoreRaed AbuJries delves deep into his immigration experience, emphasizing the transformative power of kindness. As he navigated the complexities of American society, the diverse responses from individuals shaped his perspective on acceptance, prejudice, and the real-world implications of Matthew 25:35. Through his journey, Raed underscores the value of "inviting in" strangers and the profound ripple effect it can have on both individuals and communities. Read about his immigration experience on the AMMPARO blog.
Read MoreThe Lutheran Sudan Mission celebrated its Centennial in June at Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota. From its humble beginnings in 1923 with the first missionaries to the region, the mission has evolved, leading to the establishment of two churches with Indigenous leadership in Cameroon and the Central African Republic (CAR). Marking 100 years of partnership, the celebration focused on the past, present, and future of missionary work in the region, emphasizing relationship building and mutual fellowship in sharing the Gospel. Learn more at Living Lutheran.
Read MoreThe ELCA Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program ensures that investments align with Lutheran teachings through socially responsible practices, focusing on environmental, social, and governance issues (ESG). By working closely with Portico Benefit Services, they provide investment screens and issue papers to guide individual investors and organizations towards ethical investments, reflecting their commitment to integrity and sustainable long-term growth. Learn more at Living Lutheran.
Read MoreJoin Blessed Tomorrow in the One Home One Future campaign, engage in Climate Ambassador Training, and explore various events and initiatives aimed at caring for creation and climate justice in their September 2023 newsletter.
Read MoreJoin the Arizona Faith Network in a series of upcoming events aimed at building bridges and breaking barriers across communities. Engage in dialogue, meditation, book discussions, and more in their latest weekly newsletter.
Read MoreMembers of ADLA (African Descent Lutheran Association) gathered July 7-9, 2023 in Atlanta under the theme “This Is Us”. Members engaged in worship, attended educational workshops and conducted official business including elected a new governing board. In this video, we hear from some of the assembly attendees about the weekend and the importance of ADLA.
Read MoreThis week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Nathan Bowman, Hospice of the West, , who celebrates 38 years on August 25.
Rev. Sandra Jones, Bethany, Scottsdale, who celebrates 16 years on August 25.
The Rev. Kristin Rice, All Saints, Phoenix, who celebrates 16 years on August 26.
Rev. John Maroni, Shepherd of the Desert, Sun City, who celebrates 18 years on August 27.
Rev. Michael Sager, Desert Hills, Green Valley, who celebrates 29 years on August 28.
Rev. Hildegardo González Gómez, who celebrates 24 years on August 28.
Rev. Paul Ninnemann, who celebrates 47 years on August 29.
Deacon Barbara Sikkink, who celebrates 31 years on August 30.
Deacon Janice Zimbelman, Office of the Bishop, Phoenix, who celebrates 9 years on August 31.
Traveling for work and vacation are on the staff schedule, as well as developing resources for synod leaders. We also share a photo from the Rostered Leaders of Color Cohort retreat.
Read MoreJoin the Interim Ministry Association on Sep 18, 2023, 10am PDT/MST, 11am MDT, for a free webinar on Transition Consulting provided by the Interim Ministry Association. Learn how these specially trained facilitators help congregations navigate the interim period between pastors and the training required to become one.
Read MoreThe August/September update from ELCA's advocacy office covers urgent matters such as FEMA's funding crisis, clean energy tax credits for churches, efforts in the Farm Bill reauthorization, growing support for the Afghan Adjustment Act, and international funding decisions. These updates underline the pressing issues that call for advocacy, reflection, and action in our society.
Read MoreWe pray for Pastor Adele Stiles Resmer and the family and friends of Rev. Larry Resmer Stiles, who died unexpectedly after a fall on August 16, 2023.
A celebration of life will be held Saturday, September 9, 2023, 11 am, at The Fountains, A United Methodist Church, 15300 N Fountain Hills Blvd., Fountain Hills, AZ 85268. There will be no clergy vesting. There will be a brief reception following. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to the borderlands ministry of Cruzando Fronteras.
We will provide updates as we receive them.
Read MoreIn an ELCA blog post, ELCA Hunger shares how Calvary Lutheran Church in Perham, Minnesota, has been honored with the Northwestern Minnesota Synod's "Holy Cow Award" for the third time. Recognized for their unwavering support for missions, the church recently donated $12,500 to ELCA World Hunger. While proud of the award, the church's focus remains on its proactive giving spirit, viewing the award as a reflection of their core values rather than a goal in itself.
Read MoreAddressing Christian Nationalism in this video message, Bishop Eaton says this dangerous ideology “is a perversion of the gospel and a threat to our democracy. It’s precisely because I love my country that I warn against it.”
Read MoreThe Grand Canyon Synod invites applications for Project Support Grants and ACTS Grants for 2024. With $218,000 available for supporting congregations and strategic ministries, these grants align with the Synod's goals and visions. Don't miss this opportunity to fund projects ranging from educational materials to outreach efforts. Check the eligibility, apply by October 30, 2023, and make your ministry's vision a reality.
We will also provide an application webinar on Tuesday, September 26, 2023, 4:30pm PDT/MST, 5:30pm MDT. Click here to register.
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