Explore your spiritual gifts at our online retreat led by Rev. Stewart McDonald. Held on the first three Saturdays in August, this $35 Zoom retreat will help you discern your gifts and understand how to serve God. Register now at the Diakonia website.
Read MoreIn this Pivot Podcast episode, Mark Scandrette shares his innovative "Jesus Dojo" concept and transformative spiritual practices that bring Jesus' teachings to life.
Read MoreIn the July 2024 issue of the Crucible Newsletter from Fuller Church Leadership Institute, Embrace resilience in church leadership by integrating regular rest and renewal into your routine, as inspired by legendary coach Bill Bowerman’s stress-recovery-improve principle. This summer, recharge with vacations or sabbaticals, and consider the ongoing rhythm of restoration for effective leadership.
Additionally, explore the Business of Ministry Cohort this September to enhance your administrative skills, and listen to the latest episode of the Spiritual Life and Leadership Podcast for insights on multi-inclusivity in church communities.
Read MoreThe Grand Canyon Synod is seeking a Director for Evangelical Mission, based in Phoenix, AZ. This vital role focuses on enhancing congregational vitality and leadership, aligning with our mission to nurture transformative relationships within communities. Responsibilities include educational strategy, team coordination, and leadership training. This full-time, contract position offers a competitive salary and benefits. Apply now and join us in shaping our spiritual and communal future. Apply here.
Read MoreGrace Lutheran Church invites you to the Campformation Reunion and Youth Gathering on July 31, 2024, from 6:00 PM to 9:30 PM at 1124 N 3rd Street, Phoenix. Enjoy an evening filled with inspiring music, a brief message, and light meals, followed by games and prizes. Whether you’re a youth, parent, or adult from the Grand Canyon Synod, come for a night of faith, fun, and fellowship. View this PDF flyer for info.
Read MoreWe share three recap videos from the 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering: Acts of Wisdom, Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana, and Let's Be Bigger. Follow the links or watch them all in this post.
Read MoreWe share three recap videos from the 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering: Day 1 recap, Day 2 recap, Day 3 recap, and the week in review.
Read MoreThe 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering in New Orleans has transformed participants through deep conversations, community engagement, and inspiring worship. Highlighted by Bishop Eaton’s powerful closing message and a living Good Samaritan story, the week exemplified discipleship and the call to see Jesus in every neighbor. As we return home, we embrace the Spirit of courage and authenticity, ready to serve and love as disciples of Christ.
Read MoreOn July 18, over 5,000 participants at the 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering in New Orleans took part in “Accompaniment Day,” engaging in community service and building meaningful relationships. Despite torrential rain, the day concluded with an inspiring Mass Gathering. Highlights included powerful speeches on justice and freedom, emphasizing the theme “Created to Be Free.”
Read MoreThe latest Seeds Monthly lifts up: New resources for “God’s work. Our hands.”; I’m a Lutheran: Carolyn Swenson; ELCA Youth Gathering; Bishop Eaton’s “Christian Nationalism and who is a 'real’ American”; featured calendar events and resources; and bulletin blurbs.
Read MoreJoin us at the 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering in New Orleans to support ELCA World Hunger in a significant way. Dive into an immersive role-playing experience in the Interactive Learning Space and learn about the daily challenges of those living in poverty. Take part in a special offering where your donation will be matched up to $250,000, doubling your impact. Donate via ELCA.org/GiveGZH or bring your contributions to the Gathering, and share your journey on social media with #GenZeroHunger. Together, we can strive for a world without hunger.
Read MoreWe are here at ELCA's Youth Gathering 2024 where we're learning, lamenting, listening, and loving along with 16,000 young people from across the country! Lutherans Restoring Creation was asked to help support ELCA's World Hunger's area in the Interactive Center as we make the connections between climate, natural disaster, hunger and migration.
Read MoreDuring the ELCA Youth Gathering in New Orleans on July 17, 2024, participants explored the city’s rich culture through a scavenger hunt, engaging in activities that highlighted local history and embraced the theme “Created to Be Authentic.” Highlights included Bishop Eaton’s interactions with youth, powerful worship led by Bishop Regina Hassanally, and vibrant discussions on identity and faith. The day ended with an uplifting Mass Gathering, reinforcing the call to authenticity and inclusion within the church.
Read MoreThe 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering in New Orleans brings together over 16,000 Lutheran youth and leaders, transforming the city into a vibrant scene of worship, play, and community. As the Gathering kicked off for the first time this week, the event featured engaging activities, powerful Mass Gatherings, and inspirational speeches from church leaders and speakers.
Read MoreSome members of the Office of the Bishop are in New Orleans for the ELCA Youth Gathering & Young Adult Gathering, while others maintain office operations, all with the goal of connecting people.
Read MoreThis week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Deacon Lana Neighbors, Honor Health, Scottsdale, who celebrates 27 years on July 20.
Rev. Joaquin Garcia, Vida Nueva, Glendale, who celebrates 41 years on July 20.
Rev. Dennis D. Nelson, who celebrates 50 years on July 21.
Rev. Harold Kriesel, who celebrates 56 years on July 21.
Rev. Richard Miller, who celebrates 56 years on July 21.
Rev. Doug Heskin, who celebrates 56 years on July 21.
Rev. Janice Brosen, who celebrates 40 years on July 22.
Rev. Paul Scheitlin, who celebrates 45 years on July 22.
Rev. Robert Jones, Santa Cruz, Tucson, who celebrates 41 years on July 24.
Rev. Colin Melby, who celebrates 41 years on July 24.
Rev. Craig Larson, Desert Hills, Green Valley, who celebrates 36 years on July 24.
Rev. Jeffery Gallen, Christ Evangelical, Goodyear, who celebrates 42 years on July 25.
Rev. Matthew Metevelis, Nathan Adelson Hospice, Las Vegas, who celebrates 14 years on July 25.
Rev. David Tiede, who celebrates 53 years on July 25.
This summer, the Arizona Faith Network is spearheading critical initiatives to combat the devastating effects of extreme heat and foster interfaith dialogue. Participate in our relief efforts by donating essential supplies, and engage in our educational webinars to learn about issues like Christian Nationalism and interfaith leadership. Your involvement is crucial in supporting our vulnerable neighbors and enriching our community dialogue. Join us to make a significant impact! Click here to learn more and participate.
Read MoreJ.W. Pepper is celebrating its 150th anniversary by launching a nationwide scholarship program, awarding 52 scholarships to future music educators. With $3,000 for each state’s recipient and an additional $10,000 for the top scholar, this initiative supports students entering college as music education majors in fall 2025. Applications open in October 2024—learn more and sign up for updates on this extraordinary educational opportunity.
Read MoreJust a few weeks ago in my June column for Living Lutheran I wrote, "I can't think of an election cycle more fraught and divisive than this one. People all across the political spectrum claim that life as we know it is on the line. It's not possible to agree to disagree—one must decide and put a stake in the ground. There is the potential for violence." That potential is now a reality after last weekend's shooting at a Trump campaign rally that killed Corey D. Comperatore and injured other attendees. I am thankful that former President Trump's injury was minor and pray for his recovery alongside those affected.
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