Explore a variety of free ELCA Coaching events this August, including gatherings on healing, truth-telling, and faith practice. Upcoming highlights include “Creating Beloved Community” sessions each Wednesday and “Decolonizing Worship” on August 29. Registration is also open for coaching trainings beginning in August and September. Learn more and register at elcacoaching.org/events.
Read MoreThis month’s AFN newsletter includes a full calendar of interfaith opportunities—meditation gatherings, youth climate action, ELCA Assembly vigils, and a 5-week Rohr book study. RSVP now and stay connected through prayer, learning, and justice. Read the full newsletter at arizonafaithnetwork.org/newsletter.
Read MoreGather with fellow rostered leaders at the Franciscan Renewal Center, September 29–October 1, for the Bishop’s Fall Gathering. Under the theme Life Together: Lament, Love, and Christian Hope in a Time Such as This, we’ll explore Bonhoeffer’s vision of community with theologians from Wartburg Seminary, enjoy meaningful worship, and share in meals and fellowship. Space is limited—register by September 5.
Read MoreThe Office of the Bishop attends and volunteers at the final events of the Churchwide Assembly, and also attends the Ordination of Kevin Anderson at Love of Christ in Mesa, Aug 6, 2025, 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM.
Read MoreToday we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Rebecca Boardman, U of A LCM, Tucson, who celebrates 21 years on July 31.
Rev. James Schubert, who celebrates 35 years on July 31.
Stepping Up to Supervision is a practical, faith-based leadership training designed to help ministry leaders supervise with clarity and care, while staying rooted in their pastoral identity. Led by author and coach Rev. Susan Beaumont, this live online training runs August 5–19 and includes 9 contact hours, a comprehensive workbook, and year-long access to all materials. Scholarships available.
Read MoreKevin Anderson will be ordained Wednesday, August 6, 2025 at 1:30 pm. The service will be in the Sanctuary at Love of Christ Lutheran Church (1525 N. Power Rd. Mesa, AZ 85205). Pastor Steve Talmage will be serving as Assisting Minister. Pastor Nanette Christofferson will be preaching. Bishop Deborah Hutterer will be presiding. The service will be live-streamed at on the church website, on Facebook and YouTube.
Rostered Ministers are invited to process, robes are encouraged. The color of the day is red. A light reception will be offered after the service in Love of Christ’s Center of Compassion. If clergy would RSVP, that would be helpful so we can know how many seats to reserve.
Read MoreToday we celebrate the ordination anniversary of Rev. Tony Scheer, Beautiful Savior, Tucson, who celebrates 25 years on July 30.
Read MoreToday we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Matthew Wiswall, who celebrates 35 years on July 29.
Rev. J Matthew Mateo Chavez, San Juan Bautista, Tucson, who celebrates 7 years on July 29.
Rev. Susan Schubert, who celebrates 35 years on July 29.
Today we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Gary McCluskey, who celebrates 45 years on July 27.
Rev. David Pavesic, Office of the Bishop, Phoenix, who celebrates 23 years on July 27.
Rev. Denise Edwards, who celebrates 23 years on July 27.
Today we celebrate the ordination anniversary of Rev. Marta Poling Schmitt, who celebrates 38 years on July 26.
Read MoreThe July Bible study series exploring For the Life of the World through the lenses of climate justice, gender justice, and reconciliation is now available online. Watch the videos and download study guides to explore how Scripture and faith speak into the world’s most urgent challenges. Perfect for personal reflection or group study.
Read MoreAlthough she was diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder too late to fully benefit from treatment, MaryBeth’s family became advocates that all infants be tested for the disorder. Her family has met others who, because of the now mandatory testing, started treatments as infants to counter the effects of the disorder.
The post Illinois Couple Becomes Strong Voice for Preserving Medicaid, Say Funding is ‘Vital’ for Son’s Future appeared first on Mosaic.
Read MoreToday we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Jeffery Gallen, who celebrates 43 years on July 25.
Rev. Matthew Metevelis, Nathan Adelson Hospice, Las Vegas, who celebrates 15 years on July 25.
Rev. David Tiede, who celebrates 54 years on July 25.
Rev. Louis Liss, Mount Zion, Tucson, who celebrates 1 years on July 25.
The ELCA urges action to ensure safe and neutral humanitarian aid access in Gaza. Current aid delivery mechanisms, backed by U.S. and Israeli authorities, force Palestinians to risk their lives for food and fail to provide access to medical and hygiene supplies. As people of faith, we are called to advocate for peace and human dignity. Learn how you can contact your lawmakers and make your voice heard. Click here for more.
Read MoreThe second season of Here I Pod from ELCA Advocacy launches with a compelling episode on faith, advocacy, and community in the face of political violence. Host Regina Q. Banks speaks with Lutheran leaders in Minnesota and across the church, including the Rev. Amy Reumann and the Rev. Angela Denker, about how we can respond theologically and practically to violence in our public life. To explore how our faith informs action in this moment, click here.
Read MoreJoin a free, one-hour webinar on Wednesday, July 30 at noon Central hosted by the Center of Addiction & Faith. This interactive forum is a chance to share your congregation’s experiences with addiction and mental health ministry, hear from others, and discover what’s working across the church. Let’s build a stronger, more compassionate network for healing. Register here to receive the Zoom link.
Read MoreELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton has issued a video message in response to a recent IRS ruling that may reinterpret the Johnson Amendment to permit partisan activity by religious organizations. Emphasizing the church’s theological commitment to remain nonpartisan, Eaton urges vigilance while affirming our gospel call to advocate for justice. Watch the video and read the ELCA’s full statement online.
Read MoreIn response to a recent IRS court filing, the ELCA reaffirms its support of the Johnson Amendment, which prohibits churches from endorsing political candidates. The church warns that loosening these protections could compromise gospel clarity and introduce partisanship into congregational life. The ELCA encourages faithful, nonpartisan civic engagement rooted in Lutheran theology.
Read More
