Posts in News
Contemplative Resilience: The Rural Church Cohort Journey
Contemplative Resilience: The Rural Church Cohort Journey

The Thriving Leadership Formation project invites you to explore a journey of spiritual rejuvenation and contemplative action with the Rural Church Cohort, a haven for church leaders amidst institutional transition and cultural turbulence. This group, meeting every Thursday via Zoom starting October 19, 2023, provides a creative and compassionate space for exploring Christian life and spiritual practices, especially focusing on leaders from rural communities. Discover more about this endeavor of spirituality, care, and friendship, by clicking here.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardThriving Leadership Formation ProgramComment
Bishop Eaton's National Day of Remembrance for Indian Boarding Schools message
Bishop Eaton's National Day of Remembrance for Indian Boarding Schools message

Saturday, September 30, 2023, is the National Day of Remembrance for Indian Boarding Schools. In her video, Bishop Eaton reminds us that this church is committed to understanding our role in the tragic and sinful history of Indian boarding schools so that we can begin to heal together. Visit ELCA.org/IndianBoardingSchools to learn more.

You can participate by wearing an orange shirt and posting a photo of yourself, members of your congregation or community on social media. #ELCA #TruthAndHealing #DayOfRemembrance.

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Bishop Eaton, ELCA, Letters, NewsBrian FlatgardBishop Elizabeth Eaton, Bishop Eaton Letters, American Indian and Alaska NativeComment
Moving Together: A Glimpse into Faith & Unity in Zambia
Moving Together: A Glimpse into Faith & Unity in Zambia

Experience the vibrancy of faith and community life in Zambia with ELCA Global Missionary Pastor Kristin Engstrom. From notable events like the 2023 ELCZa Church Assembly and Service of Ordination in Zambezi to the joyful moments of the Lusaka District Youth Camp, her September Newsletter is filled with inspiration and divine revelations. Witness how "ti yenda pamozi," or moving together, manifests in this part of the world.

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ELCA, Global Church, NewsBrian FlatgardPastor Kristin Engstrom, Evangelical Lutheran Church in Zambia, Global Mission Comment
Harvest of the Heart: Exploring Autumn Stewardship Traditions
Harvest of the Heart: Exploring Autumn Stewardship Traditions

Explore the essence and joy of autumn stewardship, a tradition rooted in the agrarian cycle of our ancestors, and discover how ELCA’s Congregational Stewardship Support is nurturing this spirit through events, resources, and thoughtful discussions, aiming to cultivate generous congregations and spread kindness and love in the world. Read more in the Where Your Heart is newsletter.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardStewardship, ELCA Congregational Stewardship Support, Where Your Heart IsComment
Building Bridges of Faith: Upcoming Events from Arizona Faith Network
Building Bridges of Faith: Upcoming Events from Arizona Faith Network

Join Arizona Faith Network’s upcoming events for profound insights on spirituality, justice, and societal unity. Engage in empowering discussions, experience enriching music and art from various faith traditions, and help in building a compassionate and equitable world. Read more in their weekly newsletter.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardArizona Faith Network, Ecumenical and Inter-Religious RelationsComment
Nourishing the Soul: Spirited Examen from Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center
Nourishing the Soul: Spirited Examen from Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center

Embark on a spiritual adventure with the Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center as the Spirited Book Club transitions to the Spirited Examen this fall. Dive deep into reflective practices focusing on strengthening your bonds with God, Creation, and fellow humans. Engage in meaningful online sessions every other Thursday from October 5, 2023. Discover more about this enlightening journey here.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardSpirit in the Desert Retreat CenterComment
2023 State Public Policy Office Retreat
2023 State Public Policy Office Retreat

From September 17 - 20, the LAMA office hosted the State Public Policy Office (SPPO) directors from Ohio, Kansas, Florida, Wisconsin, Washington, California, New Jersey, Minnesota, Washington DC, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and, of course, Arizona, at Spirit in The Desert Retreat Center in Carefree. The faith based offices gathered together to discuss priorities for the upcoming year, fresh advocacy and engagement strategies, attend lectures and discussions led by guest speaker Amanda Tyler, and welcome the 2023-24 Hunger Advocacy Fellows. This year’s theme was on Keeping the Faith in Times of Divisions, with a focus on Christian nationalism. Read more on the Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona blog.

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ELCA, Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardLutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA), Advocacy, ELCA AdvocacyComment
Serve & Celebrate: Gathering Volunteer Corps Awaits Your Application
Serve & Celebrate: Gathering Volunteer Corps Awaits Your Application

The Gathering Volunteer Corps (GVC) has extended its application deadline to November 1, 2023. GVCs play a crucial role in the Gathering, performing various duties, including ushering and assisting with activities. Applicants should be at least one year past high school and commit to being in New Orleans from July 14 to July 20, 2024. Perks include provided meals and shared lodging accommodations. Don't miss the chance to meet Lutherans from around the world and experience the joy of the ELCA Youth Gathering in the vibrant setting of New Orleans.

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ELCA, NewsBrian Flatgard2024 ELCA Youth Gathering, Youth and Young AdultComment
Join the Jubilee: Holden Village’s Annual Online Auction Returns
Join the Jubilee: Holden Village’s Annual Online Auction Returns

Support Holden Village with their fourth annual Jubilee Auction, taking place online from October 4th to October 8th, 2023. Holden Village, a remote retreat center in the North Cascade Mountains, relies on donations to support its mission of welcoming all to renew their relationships with God, the earth, and each other. Participate to bid on a range of exciting items and experiences, with proceeds going to daily operations, special projects, and programs at Holden Village. For more information, visit www.holdenvillage.org.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardHolden VillageComment
Convenient Giving with Tithe.ly: A Preferred ELCA Vendor
Convenient Giving with Tithe.ly: A Preferred ELCA Vendor

Explore more convenient and varied ways to contribute to your congregation with Tithe.ly, a preferred vendor of the ELCA known for its online giving platforms. Tithe.ly offers six diverse methods of giving, including text messages, a free church app, and more, all with no monthly fees or upfront costs, just a minimal transaction fee. Discover the ease of giving and special discounted pricing exclusively for ELCA congregations here.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardTithe.ly, StewardshipComment
Resilience and Inclusive Resources: Discovering ELCA's Disabilities Ministry Insights
Resilience and Inclusive Resources: Discovering ELCA's Disabilities Ministry Insights

ELCA's Disabilities Ministry Blog this month illuminates the resilience and imagination encapsulated in Rev. Jessica Harren’s journey as she shares insights on healing and being queer and disabled. The blog also highlights the notable incorporation of American Sign Language services in the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, extending support to those in crisis. A focus on providing more accessible resources is evident with the availability of dyslexia-friendly religious texts, an invaluable aid for those struggling with dyslexia. Read more about these topics and many more inclusive and supportive resources and insights here.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardDisability Ministries, ELCA Disability MinistriesComment
A Conversation with Rev. Alejandro Mejia: In Celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month
A Conversation with Rev. Alejandro Mejia: In Celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month

To celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, we present a thoughtful conversation with Rev. Alejandro Mejía from the Delaware-Maryland Synod, exploring his connection with the ELCA and his reflections on the representation and inclusion of the Latiné community within the church. Rev. Mejía emphasizes the importance of amplifying Latiné voices, fostering diversity, and promoting bilingualism, and he shares his hopes and prayers for the future. Read the full post at ELCA.org here.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardLatino, Racial Justice Ministries, Racial JusticeComment
Northeast Valley Consortium and LSS-SW pack refugee welcome bags as part of “God’s Work. Our Hands." Sunday
Northeast Valley Consortium and LSS-SW pack refugee welcome bags as part of “God’s Work. Our Hands." Sunday

We share an article from the Fountain Hills Times Independent featuring the churches of the Northeast Valley Consortium (Ascension, Christ the Lord, Living Water, New Covenant, and New Journey) and Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest and other partners. They helped pack over 200 welcome bags for refugees in Phoenix, offering essential items and a beacon of hope to those arriving from strife-torn regions.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardNortheast Valley Conference, Northeast Valley Consoritum, Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest, Immigration and Refugees, New Journey Fountain Hills, New Covenant Scottsdale, Living Water Scottsdale, Christ the Lord Carefree, Ascension Paradise Valley, In the NewsComment
Embarking on a Journey of Generosity: ELCA's Fall Cohorts
Embarking on a Journey of Generosity: ELCA's Fall Cohorts

In collaboration with the Lake Institute on Faith & Giving, the ELCA invites congregations to a transformative six-week webinar, “Cultivating Generous Congregations”, starting October 10, 2023. Reimagine stewardship and delve deep into generosity, participating in engaging cohort sessions and meaningful discussions, all aimed at fostering generosity in our faith communities.

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ELCA, Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardStewardshipComment