The Arizona Faith Network's newsletter for February 7, 2024, highlights a variety of interfaith and community-oriented events. These include the SolidariTea for Interfaith Peace, Black History Month Film Festival, and webinars addressing American Christian Nationalism. The newsletter also announces the Anti-Hunger Advocacy Day and encourages faith leaders to participate in a study on racial disparities at Phoenix Sky Harbor.
Read MorePastor Kurt Fangmeier will be installed Saturday, 2/10/2024, 11am, at Sierra Evangelical Lutheran Church (101 N. Lenzner Ave, Sierra Vista, AZ 85650). Bishop Hutterer will be preaching and presiding. A potluck reception will follow. The service will be live-streamed at selcaz.org.
Read MoreJoin the Saint Andrew Lutheran Church team in Phoenix as a part-time Maintenance and Groundskeeping Specialist, ensuring the campus remains in excellent condition. View the job description here.
St. Andrew Lutheran Church invites dedicated and dynamic applicants for the role of Worship and Music Director, offering a nurturing environment to lead and innovate in church music programs. Read the job description as PDF.
Read MoreIn this celebratory video, we celebrate the 50 years we have joined together as Lutherans to address the root causes of hunger and poverty around the world through ELCA World Hunger. As we reflect on our last 50 years of ministry together, we know God calls us to respond to the needs of the world now more than ever. Will you join us? Learn more at ELCA.org/WH50.
Read MoreMark your calendars for a pivotal event in the fight against hunger in Arizona—the AZ Anti-Hunger Alliance Advocacy Day on February 21, 2024, at Wesley Bolin Plaza. Learn more about this event, sponsored by Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona and other members of the Arizona Anti-Hunger Alliance.
Read MoreIn this video, Gathering leadership shares some updates for the 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering, MYLE and the tAble this summer. To learn more about the Gathering or to register, visit elca.org/Gathering.
Read MoreThe 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.
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