The Office of the Bishop prepares for synod assembly and celebrates the Installation of Rev. Tina Mills at Our Savior's Lutheran Church, East Mesa Campus, May 18, 2025, 3:00 PM.
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This week’s AFN newsletter highlights interfaith action and justice: welcome Pope Leo XIV, support heat relief efforts, celebrate a legal win protecting sacred Apache land, and join powerful upcoming events on climate, immigration, and Indigenous justice. See it all and subscribe: arizonafaithnetwork.org/newsletter
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The Rev. Dr. Katrina Foster has been elected bishop of the ELCA’s Metropolitan New York Synod, following the conclusion of their synod assembly on May 3. Foster, who currently serves as pastor of St. John’s Lutheran Church in NYC, was elected on the fifth ballot and will begin a six-year term. She succeeds the Rev. Paul Egensteiner, who is returning to parish ministry.
Foster brings over three decades of pastoral leadership in New York and holds degrees from ELCA-affiliated institutions including Newberry College and United Lutheran Seminary. Her election marks a new chapter for the Metropolitan New York Synod. Click here for more.
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Join the Center of Addiction & Faith on May 28 from 10–11 a.m. (AZ/NV) for “Breaking Chains, Building Hope,” a free webinar with Jeff Horowitz, CEO of SAFE Project, on how faith communities can respond to America’s addiction crisis. Learn practical strategies to support those struggling with addiction and move beyond judgment to life-saving compassion. Register now.
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Children of Hope Preschool, a ministry of Esperanza Lutheran Church in Ahwatukee, is hiring a full-time Preschool Director. This 5-star Quality First program seeks a leader with experience in early childhood education and a passion for Christian formation. Salary starts at $42,000. Learn more in this PDF and apply by sending a resume and cover letter to esperanza@myesperanza.org.
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From ordinations to online gatherings, Lutheran Men in Mission is on the move this spring. Celebrate Kevin Burke’s ordination, preview their refreshed website, catch up on the Bold Gathering, and discover ways to get involved—from retreats and Bible studies to sharing your own story in their quarterly Foundations newsletter. Read the full newsletter »
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The 2025 School for Lay Ministry launches May 17! This 12-month program equips lay leaders with theological grounding, spiritual depth, and practical skills—from preaching and pastoral care to worship planning and administration. Download the info sheet and learn how to enroll or seek support from your congregation. Tuition is $600 with scholarships available. Learn more at faithlead.org/school-for-lay.
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How can we lead the church when old models no longer fit? Join Rev. Dr. Dwight Zscheile and Rev. Blair Pogue on June 2 for a free Faith+Lead webinar exploring how congregations can blend tradition and innovation in partnership with their neighbors. Learn practical ways to reimagine leadership, find encouragement, and embrace the mixed ecology of church today. Replay available for all registrants.
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The 2025 Synod Assembly Nominees page is now live. In addition to electing our next Synod Vice President, voting members will choose leaders for the Consultation Committee and Committee on Discipline. Learn more about the nominees—including bios and reflections—online.
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In this inspiring profile from Living Lutheran, Brenna Holmes shares how her life of faith is rooted in community, service, and empowering the next generation. From leading children’s choirs at Epiphany Lutheran Church in Ohio to guiding high school students toward bright futures through her work with I Know I Can, Brenna embodies Lutheran values in every sphere of life. Her story reminds us how vocation and faith come together to form safe, welcoming spaces where others can grow.
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A new Pew Research Center study shows that Christianity in the U.S. has remained relatively stable between 2019 and 2024, prompting a mix of cautious hope and honest reflection among ELCA leaders. Lutheran scholar Christian Scharen and ELCA researcher Adam DeHoek unpack what the numbers mean for congregations navigating post-pandemic realities, generational shifts, and a spiritually curious—but often institution-wary—public. Click here to read the full article at Living Lutheran.
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Author and wellness coach Heidi Barr’s new poetry collection, Church of Shadow and Light, explores themes of personal and collective healing, spiritual connection, and the holy found in life’s everyday tensions. In this Living Lutheran interview, Barr reflects on how shadow and light shape her writing, her understanding of church, and the faithful path toward peace in uncertain times. Click here to read the full interview at Living Lutheran.
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The Deaconess Community of the ELCA is hiring a Strategic Mission and Interpretation Manager to support its storytelling, outreach, and strategic goals. This flexible, benefits-eligible position may be part-time or full-time, remote or called. Learn more in this PDF and share the opportunity widely.
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Join the Grand Canyon Women of the ELCA for an online Bible study event with Gather magazine author Rev. Brooke Petersen on Saturday, May 17 from 9–11am MST/PDT. Learn to lead the Summer 2025 study, “Where Two or More Are Gathered: Flourishing in Relationships.” Open to all—register now at www.GrandCanyonWomen.org. View PDF flyer here.
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This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Jonathan Heilner, who celebrates 50 years on May 18.
Rev. Greg Hartman, New Spirit, Tucson, who celebrates 6 years on May 18.
Rev. Patricia Reed, who celebrates 24 years on May 19.
Rev. Richard Glover, who celebrates 66 years on May 20.
Rev. Phillip Hausknecht, who celebrates 62 years on May 20.
Rev. Mel Soderberg, who celebrates 58 years on May 21.
Deacon Laura Book, Williams Field High School, Gilbert, who celebrates 15 years on May 21.
Rev. Carl Zimmermann, who celebrates 48 years on May 22.
The benefits of being a nurse at Mosaic cannot be measured simply by a paycheck. The intangible, but real benefits gained through relationships and fulfilling work are invaluable. The post Mosaic Nurses Fill a Unique Role With Unique Rewards appeared first on Mosaic.
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As we approach Endangered Species Day on May 19, Avery Davis Lamb reflects on the deep spiritual resonance of sitting with Michaux’s sumac, a small endangered shrub. This act of presence becomes a holy vigil, inviting us to recognize the wounds of creation—and to wonder whether resurrection extends not just to humanity, but to all living things. In the Easter season, could practicing resurrection mean bearing witness to extinction with reverence, grief, and hope? Click here to read the full reflection on practicing resurrection in the presence of an endangered species.
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This month’s Faith and Freedom Dispatch highlights local efforts to counter Christian nationalism, BJC’s legal advocacy at the Supreme Court, and practical tools for public engagement from the Respecting Religion podcast. See how people of faith are changing the narrative and learn how you can get involved. Read more.
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Listen in to Here I Pod from ELCA Advocacy, where we connect faith-based advocacy and current events that matter in our neighborhoods, worship communities, social service and lives. Each episode brings you insights on important advocacy topics and shows you how to get involved. You will hear from ELCA staff who share their knowledge and experience, helping you reflect on today's challenges. We bring together voices of faith-advocates caring for all people and creation. Tune in to learn, act, and be inspired!
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Looking for ways to deepen your worship life or equip your music and liturgy leaders? Each month, ELCA Worship highlights events and tools from partner organizations across the Lutheran and ecumenical landscape. Opportunities this summer include the Lutheran Summer Music Academy (June 22–July 20), the ALCM Conference (Aug. 4–8), and the “Let It Be With Me” liturgy seminar (Aug. 13–15), along with rich resources from Sundays and Seasons, Music That Makes Community, and more. Click here to explore the full May update of events, training, and worship resources from ELCA partners.
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