It is such a joy to see people continue to grow and thrive with the right supports. In this story, even family members are amazed at the new things their brother can do. The post New Talents and Activities Surprise Family Members appeared first on Mosaic.
Read MoreJoin us Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center online for "Spirited Advent: My Soul Magnifies the Lord!" – a soulful Zoom journey this Advent. Hosted by Sheri Brown, each Sunday session offers a sacred space for reflection and connection, exploring themes of hope, peace, joy, and love. Inspired by Mary's Magnificat, these 30-minute gatherings provide a much-needed spiritual respite during the busy holiday season. Register now for this enriching, free series and discover your soul's unique begotten-ness.
Read MoreEmbark on a spiritual adventure with the Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center as Spirited Examen wraps up this yearl. Dive deep into reflective practices focusing on strengthening your bonds with God, Creation, and fellow humans. Engage in this final meaningful online session of 2023. Discover more about this enlightening journey here.
Read MoreWe share the latest updates from ELCA Advocacy, and highlight the entry from Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA) – lamaz.org, in this post.
Read MoreDiscover fresh ways to engage with Advent this year, as featured in Living Lutheran. Dive into a variety of innovative resources created by the ELCA, from the Metropolitan Washington, D.C., Synod's new podcast, "The World Is About to Turn," to Church Anew's convenient "Advent in a Box" package, and the enduring appeal of Luther Seminary's traditional daily devotional. These creative tools offer meaningful experiences to deepen your Advent journey, whether at home, in church, or on the go.
Read MoreLiving Lutheran shares this table prayer for Advent.
Blessed are you, O Lord our God, the one who is, who was and who is to come. At this table you fill us with good things. May these gifts strengthen us to share with the hungry and all those in need, as we wait and watch for your coming among us in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Read MoreDive into the latest "Go & Do News" from ELCA World Hunger, where Peter McLellan, the new program director for hunger education, emphasizes the power of storytelling in our fight against hunger. Discover the upcoming ELCA World Hunger Leadership Gathering in 2024, explore new Advent and Lent resources, and learn about impactful advocacy efforts. Plus, get inspired by the first ELCA Fall Climate Summit and the celebration of 50 years of ELCA World Hunger's transformative impact.
Read MoreELCA Good Gifts provide an easy way for your congregation to make a real impact. Your gifts help share the love of Christ one goat, water well or school uniform at a time.
Whether you organize a special event or simply promote the program with your members, everything you do to help share ELCA Good Gifts with your congregation is deeply appreciated.
Read MoreGet into the festive spirit with our New Orleans-themed Christmas Spotify playlist and join us for the much-anticipated 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering. With regular registration open until February 14, 2024, at $425 per person there's still plenty of time to add members to your group or invite new friends for an unforgettable faith-formation experience. Read all the latest info in the latest newsletter. Plus, don't miss the opportunity for young adults to become Servant Companions, playing a pivotal role in this life-changing ministry with benefits including housing, food, and a travel stipend.
Read MoreSome of the Office of the Bishop staff gather for an in-person staff retreat this week, as we wrap up 2023 and prepare for the 2024 calendar year.
Read MoreThis week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Scott Summers, who celebrates 33 years on December 8.
The Rev. Erika Von Haaren, Gloria Christi, Phoenix, who celebrates 17 years on December 9.
Deacon Lorraine Brugh, who celebrates 44 years on December 10.
Rev. Abel Arroyo Traverso, who celebrates 5 years on December 14.
Join us for our Spring Gatherings themed "Embody the Word" across the Grand Canyon Synod! Engage in meaningful discussions, understand the bishop election process, and hear inspiring stories from our ministries. Mark your calendars for these gatherings at various locations from January to March 2024. Visit our 2024 Spring Gatherings page for all the details.
Read MoreThe ELCA mission support memo for November, 2023 is available as PDF or as a Word doc. This month they highlight how Mission Support empowers us to be church together, hearing from the Rev. Jonathan Hemphill, assistant to the bishop for congregational life with the Southeastern Synod. They also highlight how to access valuable Stewardship video resources and end sharing how grateful we are the for the ways we stay connected.
Read MoreThe Inside Out Network’s Fall-Winter 2023 newsletter is available, with great news; “After several years of on-again, off-again discussions and negotiations with Securus Technologies, we finally have a path forward to integrate our online ION website with the 600,000 tablet computers they supply to inmates across the country. This is the breakthrough moment we’ve been working and praying for and that inmates, corrections staff, and reentry service providers have been waiting for.
Read MoreAre you surprised that it's already time for Advent? Luther Seminary’s faith+lead would like to extend some support and encouragement to help you start this holiday season centered on Jesus. Get ready to take a daily pause to breathe in their free 5-Day Advent Challenge: Season of Hope. Discover Your Place in God’s Story in just 20 minutes per day.
Read MoreStill have a balance in your Flexible Spending Account (FSA) – either for health or dependent care expenses? Be sure to spend those dollars by Dec. 31, 2023, so you won’t lose them. Check your balance on myPortico, and submit receipts via the link to Further. Need ideas on what you can use your dollars for? This list can help.
Read MoreAmidst the joy and celebration – and, yes, stress – of this season, your body can use all the help it can get. Whether it’s treatment for a pesky cough, a listening ear to help process impostor syndrome or budget worries, or ideas for a new healthy holiday tradition, check out Portico’s curated list of resources to support you and your family this season (and Advent blessings to you!)
Read MoreThe ELCA Advocacy office's latest update includes critical efforts towards peace in the Israel-Hamas conflict, advocacy for the 2018 Farm Bill extension, support for climate-smart farming, U.S. commitment to end child marriage, and legislative progress on immigration reform. These actions reflect ELCA’s commitment to global justice, environmental stewardship, and gender equality.
Read MoreThe ELCA has actively participated in the United Nations Conference of Parties (COP28) meeting in Dubai, showcasing its commitment to addressing climate change. Six ELCA representatives, including experts in environmental science, policy, and advocacy, joined global leaders to discuss and devise strategies to combat the climate crisis. The ELCA's engagement at COP28 highlights our church’s dedication to environmental stewardship and its role in contributing to crucial global dialogues on environmental challenges.
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