The ELCA Advocacy blog shares crucial updates from various State Public Policy Offices, focusing on legislative efforts across states like California, Ohio, Texas, and Washington. From budget challenges to advocacy victories and ongoing community engagement events, the updates underscore the collaborative work for justice and public policy reform.
Read MoreFaith communities are gathering for the National Faith + Climate Forum on April 16, 2024, to address how climate change affects our ministries and actions we can take. This event provides a space for purposeful dialogue and practical workshops, empowering congregations with tools for creation care and climate activism. Learn more here.
Read MoreLord of Grace Lutheran Church is gifting a mint condition, solid oak book table to any interested church. With a glass lid for display, this table is a quality piece offered for free. Contact the church for more info.
Read MoreAs part of our Creating Space for Conversations series, we share this video from the ELCA’s "Study Curriculum on Civic Life and Faith." Watch the video as a standalone resource, or explore the full set of the curriculum, including leader’s guides.
Read MoreOn February 14th, Community of Grace's 'Aging with Grace' series presents Mr. Mike O'Dell discussing 'Transitioning with Grace.' Explore the processes and resources available for moving loved ones to home care or other extended care facilities. Gain valuable insights into ensuring a smooth and compassionate transition for your loved ones, along with vital tips on self-care.
For a deep dive into each weekly topic and to connect with valuable resources, visit the full series details at Community of Grace or in this PDF.
Read MoreIn a compelling piece for Black History Month, Seminarian Clair Minson reflects on the significance of this observance, rooted in Dr. Carter G. Woodson's initiative to educate African Americans about their heritage. Minson emphasizes the transformative power of understanding one's history, paralleling the importance of biblical stories in nurturing faith. Black History Month, for Minson, is a call to remember the resilience and contributions of African Americans, urging a reevaluation of its meaning within our faith communities and a commitment to honor and value the lives of people of African descent.
Read MoreWe invite all active and retired rostered ministers to complete the annual Report to the Bishop by March 1, 2024. This essential report allows ministers to share insights and feedback directly with Bishop Hutterer, who eagerly awaits your responses. Your participation is crucial and appreciated.
Read MoreIn their latest weekly newsletter, the Arizona Faith Network (AFN) announces a dynamic lineup of events and initiatives for February 2024, highlighting key areas of advocacy, community engagement, and interfaith dialogue. Highlights include the Arizona Voting Rights Coalition 2024 Legislative Kick Off, the Black History Month Film Festival, weekly AFN Monday Meditation sessions, SolidariTea for Interfaith Peace, and a webinar on American Christian Nationalism's impact on democracy.
Read MoreIn the latest Where Your Heart Is newsletter, Rev. Tim Brown invites congregations to actively engage in stewardship planning during the winter season, suggesting the creation of a year-round stewardship calendar. This approach aligns church activities with its mission, integrating stewardship discussions throughout the year.
Upcoming webinars and events, including one on constructing a stewardship calendar and another on deepening relationships with fundraising, aim to equip leaders with the skills for impactful ministry. These initiatives underscore the importance of continuous stewardship education and the embrace of holistic financial practices within church communities.
Read MoreELCA Coaching is hosting weekly Wednesday gatherings (noon MST, 11am PST) for faith leaders to engage in meaningful discussions on topics like navigating political diversity in congregations, dealing with institutional decline, fostering community collaboration, addressing race relations, and enhancing stewardship among overworked members. Get more info and login information here.
Read MoreCelebrate Black History Month with season three of “Talks at the Desk,” a four-part video series by African Descent Ministries of the ELCA. This season focuses on the Reclaim Gathering and will explore its themes: reclaim, embolden, embody and liberate. A new video will premiere each Wednesday in February at 6:30pm MST, 5:30pm PST, beginning 2/7/2024. Watch live at youtube.com/ELCA, and view the trailer in this post.
Read MoreOur spring gatherings continue with Kino Conference Spring Gathering, Our Savior’s Lutheran, Tucson and the Spring Gathering for Cactus, Capital, Fiesta, Northeast Valley and Rio Salado Conferences, Living Water Church in Scottsdale.
We also share photos from the Colorado River Conference Spring Gathering, Las Vegas and Phoenix Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, as well as visits to congregations in the Colorado River Conference.
Read MoreThis week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Katie Langston, New Promise, St. George, who celebrates 2 years on February 4.
Rev. Shari Bernau, Living Water, Scottsdale, who celebrates 19 years on February 5.
Rev. Pam A. Reynolds, Lord of Life, Sun City West, who celebrates 3 years on February 6.
The ELCA's new initiative, Sumud: For Justice in Palestine and Israel, presents “Following the Way of Jesus: A Lenten Holy Land Journey.” This Lenten video series for individuals and congregations consists of six short videos that introduce people to the land, the theology of sumud and its significance through Scripture as the “way of Jesus.” Each video will be available in both English and Arabic.
Sumud is the ELCA’s new name for our church’s engagement in accompaniment, awareness-building and advocacy for justice in Palestine and Israel. Sign up for updates about Sumud here.
Read MoreIn this Living Lutheran article, get introduced to Elizabeth Gilbert, of First Lutheran Church, Cincinnati. Gilbert is a product data scientist withCisco and former co-chair of the Gather Network.
Read MoreThe Kino Conference Spring Gathering is at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church, Tucson, on Saturday, Feb 3, 2024, 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM (watch livestream here), and the Spring Gathering for Cactus, Capital, Fiesta, Northeast Valley and Rio Salado Conferences will be held at Living Water Lutheran on Sunday, Feb 4, 2024, 2:00 PM – 4:30 PM (view the livestream here).
These gatherings are not just meetings, but an opportunity for spiritual growth, learning, and community engagement, centered on the transformative message of John 1:14. Don't miss this chance to deepen your faith and connect with your synod community.
Read MoreMosaic's 2024 advocacy agenda continues its commitment to positive legislative influence, focusing on Direct Support Professional recognition, expansion of Home and Community Based Services, updating SSI asset limits, and fostering key partnerships. Building on 2023's successes, Mosaic aims to leverage its strong advocate base to support individuals with I/DD and the workforce dedicated to them. Read more at mosaicinfo.org.
Read MoreThe Winter 2023-24 edition of "Lutheran Men in Mission" centers on fostering bold followers of Christ. It delves into personal stories of faith and the impact of ministry, reflecting on both loss and communal triumphs. The newsletter outlines upcoming events like "One Year to Live Retreats," aiming to enrich men's spiritual journey. Read the newsletter here, and also explore their latest Ambassador-Gram here.
Read MoreAs congregations welcome new leaders and express gratitude to those completing their service, it's a pivotal time to nurture a deep sense of calling in lay leaders. Share Joe Davis' inspiring "BE the Church" spoken-word piece to invigorate this calling. Support the spiritual growth of outgoing leaders with enriching courses like "Following Jesus to Purpose and Meaning." Equip incoming leaders with Faith+Lead's on-demand courses that blend practical tools with spiritual practices, ensuring they're ready to spiritually and effectively guide their churches. Find out more in Faith+Lead’s latest newsletter.
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