Give praise and glory to God that through our worship and liturgy we will be reminded of the promises spoken at our baptisms, the forgiveness and new life we receive through the washing with water and the word of God, and the call we receive to pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness — as individuals and communities of faith.
Read MoreThis very popular continuing education event for pastors and church leaders will explore how concepts from a MBA program can be applied to the arena of congregational life. This event is for any denomination. Jan. 6-10, 2020 @ Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center, Carefree, AZ. Download the flyer and view the event page.
For the 6th year, California Lutheran University offers a week of continuing education with faculty from the School of Management at Spirit in the Desert! In the complex environment of congregational management, we all can use new tools for ministry. Each day, we explore a different theme.
Read MoreReflect on the gifts, abilities and courage of faith we have received from the Holy Spirit, and on the joy and confidence we have in the promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ; give thanks for who we have become in Christ for the sake of mission and service in the world.
Read MorePray for Bible study leaders, teachers and volunteers serving in our congregations who share their faith, help us study and explore Scripture, join us in prayerfully and thoughtfully wrestling with spiritual questions, and help us connect the word of God with everyday life.
Read MoreGive thanks that God is slow to anger and inclined to forgive our sins, shortcomings, mistreatment of our neighbors and deliberate wrongdoings, and to treat us with mercy and compassion for the sake of restoring our relationship with God and setting us back on track in our daily lives.
Read MorePray for the ministry of ELCA Advocacy, its Washington office and its state public policy offices as they work with ELCA members to develop and advance legislation that will overcome poverty, defend God’s creation and promote peace, dignity and justice.
Read MorePraise God who exists throughout the universe and all time yet has compassion and concern for people who are poor and in great need; pray that we will be moved by God’s ways, examples and commands to show attentiveness, mercy, compassion and love for our neighbors in need.
Read MoreDeadlines are quickly approaching for congregations and individuals to sign up for The Generosity Project’s Labs, which connects generations and equips households for the faith practice of generosity. Register and learn more here.
All Saints Lutheran, Phoenix, 10/5/2019
Our Saviour’s Lutheran, Tucson, 10/12/2019 • Registration deadline: 10/4/2019
Reformation Lutheran, Las Vegas, 11/2/2019 • Registration deadline: 10/25/2019
Pray for the 15 ELCA missionaries serving in parish ministry and education as they work alongside our companions in Slovakia and Russia.
Read MoreRemember in prayer ministry candidates who have responded to God’s call to ministry and leadership through the church and are involved in the process of preparation, discernment and waiting for assignment. Pray for candidates and their families during this time that can be both joyful and anxious; and pray that leaders and ELCA staff involved in the assignment process will be guided by the Holy Spirit in their discernment and decision-making.
Read MorePray that the Holy Spirit will work in us and guide us to be faithful, trustworthy and responsible with all God has entrusted to us in this life, that we may serve our neighbors in need, care for creation and honor God.
Read MoreA time of learning, examining next steps, embracing disruptive changes as doors to deeper mission, listen & learning as spiritual practices. Practical learning, Sabbath rest, worship & collegial support at Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center. Begins Tuesday, Nov. 19 at noon, ends Friday Nov. 22 at 11:30 a.m. View the flyer and visit the event page.
Read More9/21 Matthew, apostle and evangelist: Pray that we will serve as willing, faithful and bold followers of Christ even though our backgrounds, life experiences, professions and gifts are diverse and may seem incongruent with what we imagine God desires in a disciple or evangelist.
Read MoreIn this video, Dr. Anthony Bateza discusses the question: What does it meant be a Lutheran seeking justice through public policy today?
Read MoreWith grateful hearts, thank God for the mercy and grace we receive through Jesus Christ, who embraces who we are in all our humanness and shortcomings and transforms us for service and faithful leadership in the world.
Read MorePray for relief and access to clean water where people are suffering from extreme heat and drought in the world; ask God to help us work with one another to care for our environment and precious water resources, find ways to ease and prevent the impact of climate change, and share generously our resources to provide for the essential needs of people everywhere.
Read MorePray that we might be persistent and caring in seeking, inviting and welcoming people who have left our congregations, feel unwelcome because of who they are or what they’ve done, have been hurt by conflict or feel they have no place in the church, the body of Christ.
Read MorePray for God’s mercy, forgiveness and guidance when we stray from God’s ways or find ourselves worshiping wealth, earthly possessions, power or status more than we worship God.
Read MoreNational Hispanic Heritage Month: Give thanks for the gifts, contributions and rich cultural diversity of our Latino brothers and sisters and pray for the work and growth of the 147 ELCA Latino ministries in the United States as they share the gospel, encourage our unity in Christ, support pastors and lay leaders, and serve their neighbors in many community contexts.
Read More9/14 Holy Cross Day Today, give thanks and lift up words of celebration for Jesus’ self-sacrificing, redemptive, life-giving offering on the cross for the sake of all humanity.
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