In her July column for Living Lutheran, ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton asks: “How do we live as people of Truth in a time of spin?” In deep humility, profound gratitude and real joy. Read her column in English at https://bit.ly/2NrsO6H and in Spanish at https://bit.ly/2JaSfDS, or download the column as PDF or as a Word doc.
Read MoreOn May 3, 2019, Cyclone Fans, a category four storm, made landfall in Puri, Odisha, India, the first to hit Odisnha in 43 years. At least 16 million people were affected and 43 people have been reported dead, with about 508,000 homes damaged.
Read MoreRecent news stories of appalling conditions at immigrant detention centers and of deep human sorrow on our country’s southern border have many of us desperate to be part of change.
Lutherans have a deep-rooted history in refugee and immigrant issues. One of every six Lutherans in the world was a refugee or displaced person after WWII. The God-given dignity in all people and value of family unity have been cornerstones of ELCA faith-based advocacy, and we understand that many immigrants, as well as their families, are both afraid and confused by recent developments. Here are some ways Lutherans have acted and can continue to respond.
Read MoreTwo important anniversary dates occurred last week. On June 19th there was the observance of Juneteenth, the date on which African descent slaves in Texas received the good news that they had been set free from their bondage. Two days earlier marked the fourth anniversary of the slaying of nine African descent Christians at a Bible Study in their church in Charleston, South Carolina, by a young man hoping to start a race war. On both of those dates last week, there was a nationwide showing of the documentary “Emanuel.”
Read MoreThe world is in a critical state, and we are far behind in our efforts to limit global warming. There are four numbers that matter:
1.5 or less – The degrees Celsius to which we must limit global warming;
2050 – the year by which the world must reach carbon neutrality;
2030 – the year by which we must limit global emissions by 35-40%; and
2020 – when new and revised Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), quantifying commitment for greenhouse gas reductions, must be issued by countries.
We uplift in prayer American Lutheran Church of Sun City, AZ. We pray for Rev. Lowell D. Nelson, Senior Pastor; Rev. Gary R. Ulrich, Pastor of Care; Rev. Gary R. Garvey, Pastor of Visitation; Linda Shirck, Interim Organist; Janet MacDonald, Interim Choir Director; George Zoske, Director of Christo Bells; Julie Ochs, Financial Coordinator; Diane Lewis, Admin. Assistant; Carol Weber, Financial Consultant; Lori Kellar, Wellness Coordinator; Judy Gilmore, Communications Coordinator/Admin Assistant; Dave Tigges, Property / Grounds,
Read MoreWe offer prayers of support for Pastor David Pavesic and the people of Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church, Tucson, including: Jenni Pavesic, Office Administrator; Rebecca Solomon, Accompanist; and W. Aaron Rice, Music Director.
Read MoreUniversity Lutheran Church, Tempe, AZ, shares news articles of Ruth Wootten: “Ruth Wootten has consistently volunteered for 57 years, most recently at Banner Gateway Medical Center in Gilbert. She has most recently manned the information desk at the center, "where she helps visitors with a smile."
Watch news of Ruth on Fox 10, 12 News, and ABC 15.
Read MoreJuly 15-19, 2019: This 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. Learn more about their entire program and register here: Executive Skills for Church Leaders.
Read MoreTanque Verde Lutheran Church and Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest got a mention in this Tucson.com article. “Refugees and community resource groups in Tucson celebrated the day with live music, food and children’s games and activities. Community groups also provided information for refugees as they integrate into the Tucson community.”
Read MoreSome of our synod pastors want the synod to be aware of recent scam messages sent to church members. The messages purport to be from their pastor and asking them to do him a favor asap. When they responded they were asked to purchase an eBay gift card for a friend in the hospital. These are scams, and should be deleted.
View this resource page from the FTC for ways you can protect yourself from phishing scams.
Read MoreCongrats to New Spirit Lutheran Church, Tucson, and All Saints Lutheran Church, Phoenix!
Recipients of the Servant of Christ Award from Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest, they have truly shown the love of our Savior and embodied the mission of Lutheran Social Services—showing kindness, doing justice, and serving those in need.
Read MoreFrom Pastor Lars Hammar comes Open Space’s newsletter. Click here to view it in PDF. Excerpt: “We have worship the fourth Thursday of each month, with music, scripture, meditation, discussion, and, if you want, a table of supplies to explore the faith with your hands. Bring your kids! 7pm.”
Learn more at www.openspacetucson.com.
Read MoreThe 2019 Session of the Nevada Legislature is history. They say politics is a blood sport, so as in any sport, it’s time for the post-game wrap-up. Lutheran Engagement & Advocacy in Nevada (LEAN) stayed in the game ‘til the end. We scored some wins and some losses.
Read MoreCrisis and urgency bordering on chaos are common themes of most news outlets’ headlines. Violence, climate change, hunger, migration… Are we faced with hopeless situations as the headlines seem to indicate? Absolutely not.
Addressing crises of the world may be urgent but must be expediently tactical. God has gifted us with many tools to help us navigate toward viable solutions. The Talanoa Dialogue process is one such tool.
Read MoreDear Friends,
A Homeland Security bus pulled up and out walked 30 people, most from Guatemala and a few from Honduras. Volunteers met them outside and welcomed them. As you can imagine, they were quiet but some offered big smiles. Once all were assembled, an orientation was given. Shortly after orientation, phone calls were made to sponsors so travel arrangements could be made for the last leg of their journey.
Read MoreA Parish Administrator is needed at Lord of Grace Lutheran Church - Northwest Tucson near Marana. This is a part time job, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday. Please email your resume to: logstaffsearch@gmail.com
The parish administrator is required to perform high level, complex, responsible, and confidential duties as well as make independent decisions.
Read MoreIs there a song on your lips? A hymn in your heart? Then New Promise Lutheran Church, St. George, Utah, is looking for you (or maybe someone you know) as they seek to fill the PAID, part-time position for Music/Choir Director.
If you or someone you know has lead a choir, been a music director or has special musical skills, please contact Larry at 240-367-5651 or shoot him a quick email at lgpalm@msn.com.
Read MoreListen to Andrew Steele’s full interview with Rev. Rafael Malpica Padilla, executive director of ELCA Global Mission. Learn more about the church’s mission theology of “accompaniment,” which defines how ELCA missionaries carry out their work with more than 80 companion churches around the world.
Read MoreImagine yourself suddenly, unexpectedly arrested and put in jail. You find yourself locked in a cell, perhaps with multiple strangers or perhaps all alone, staring at cracks in the concrete block, wondering what has just happened and what’s going to happen next.
The church wants to stand beside you and to pray with you and for you in that dark night, whatever it may be. Hear My Voice: A Prison Prayer Book (Augsburg Fortress, to be released July 2019) has been written for anyone who is incarcerated or imprisoned in any form.
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