We pray for The Lutheran Church of the Foothills in Tucson. We lift up the congregation and Pastor John Lillie, Administrative Assistant Dakota Worden, “Desert Song” Pianist Marjorie Ahlstrand, Organist Ralph Geror, Jr., and Celebration Choir Director Dr. Andy Bade as they celebrate New Life in Christ, seek to love God with their whole being, and love their neighbors as themselves.
Read MorePraise God for filling us with mercy, compassion, joy, a sense of justice, and a bold, confident faith that spills over into the world.
Read MoreAs Hurricane Dorian moves on from the Bahamas, consider donating to Lutheran Disaster Relief (LDR). Learn how LDR has maintained a presence since the last hurricanes by reading 2017 Hurricanes: Two Years Later.
Except: “‘I was hoping to get help from FEMA. I wasn’t expecting the Lutherans,’ says Dennis, a 72-year-old retired Marine living in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. He told Lutheran Social Services of the Virgin Islands about the damage to his home, and soon after they came for a visit.”
Read MoreGive thanks to God for our early-learning centers, K-12 schools, lay schools for ministry, colleges and universities, and seminaries, and for the significant role they serve in faith formation, education and equipping leaders throughout life.
Read MoreOn this day we recognize and pray for the work and service people do to sustain their families and benefit their communities and society. Pray that all receive fair wages, work in safe environments, are renewed through times of sabbath, and experience joy and fulfillment in their labor; pray that all those who seek employment will find work and for the well-being, care and support of people unable to work.
Read MoreFaith Lens is a weekly Bible study that engage youth and young adults in connecting world events with the Bible, faith, and everyday life.
It was a warm night in Springfield, Illinois on August 16th when the rapper Twista took the stage, spitting bars in his traditionally rapid-fire style. On the side of the stage stood a sign language interpreter. Her hair was buzzed short on the sides, a fiery red on top. She was bobbing up and down with the beat and, to everyone’s amazement, keeping up with Twista’s rapid rhymes.
Read MorePray that we learn humility, respect and hospitality from the example and teachings of Jesus and the Spirit at work in the lives of people around us, and that we exercise in daily life this regard for others without bias, reluctance or feeling that we deserve something in return.
Read MoreKyle Lefler, a year round program coordinator at Flathead Lutheran Bible Camp in NW Montana, shares this story of service.
Jesus walked. Miles & miles across the hills and valleys of the Holy Land. He and his disciples traveled great distances with little comforts to be with, among and beside the people.
While we need not always travel great distances to be of service to others, we are called to be out among our neighbors.
Read MoreGive thanks and praise to God, who is “merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.”
Read MoreHurricane Dorian has caused widespread power outages and flooding throughout the U.S. Virgin Islands. Dorian is expected to strengthen into a category 4 storm by the time it makes landfall in the mainland U.S., threatening to cause significant damage in areas that are still recovering from recent storms.
Lutheran Disaster Response is closely monitoring the situation and in touch with our synods, affiliates and other partners throughout impacted areas. We are ready to respond and stand by our neighbors as they recover from this hurricane.
Read MoreGet ready for a time for fellowship, relaxation, worship and learning in a pleasant desert setting: November 4-6, 2019, at Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center in Carefree, Arizona.
We are delighted that Fr. Greg Adolf, Rector of St. Andrew the Apostle Parish in Sierra Vista, AZ, has accepted our invitation to be the 2019 Presenter! Chaplain will again be the Rev. Steve Holm, a well-known retired parish pastor who continues to write a daily devotional for Spirit in the Desert’s website. We are also privileged that our new Bishop, the Rev. Deborah Hutterer, and synod staff member, the Rev. Mark Holman, will be with us! View this PDF for more info and to register.
Read MoreIn this video, Dr. Wanda Deifelt discusses the question: What experiences have shaped your work as a theologian and advocate for justice?
Read MoreRemember in prayer students who are beginning or continuing their seminary education in response to God’s call to leadership and service. Pray that God will equip them to share their faith and wisdom, serve their neighbor, manage and guide the work of congregations for the sake of mission, and inspire others to bold witness in an ever-changing world.
Read MoreWe’re happy to share some more thoughts and photos from Grand Canyon Synod representatives to the ELCA Churchwide Assembly.
Read MorePortico’s Board of Trustees has approved health plan and benefit changes for 2020, featuring new ways for ELCA-Primary members to save on out-of-pocket costs and strengthen their emotional well-being.
Read MoreThis day is an opportunity to celebrate who we are as the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America – one church, freed in Christ to serve and love our neighbor.
You work every day to make your community a better place. Let us continue doing this work together in 2019! View the video and access resources to guide your congregation’s planning, promotion and more.
Read MoreNote that this event has been postponed.
Read MoreThis August, Spirit of Grace, Surprise, AZ gathered for a study on Swimming with Jonah, developed and presented by Cyndy Warnier, Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center. Each day approximately 65 members and friends enjoyed a coffee and craft hour followed by a presentation by community service organizations with a close with prayers and hymn sing.
Read MoreALOA has much to offer Lutheran congregations in the area of Older Adult Ministry. In addition to the resources on our website, ALOA offers their free September Webinar, Caring for Mind, Body and Spirit in Thanks to God, on Thursday, September 12, 2019. Find complete information and register at aloaserves.org/events/webinars/
Read MoreAs we enter the 2020 GCS grant process (applications open 9/2/19), we share stories from our 2019 Grant recipients, which you can see on our Grant Dollars at Work page.
Covenant Lutheran, in Quartzsite, has established Carol’s Closet Ministry to distribute clothing to those in need at no cost to the client. This is done in conjunction with the Community Food Bank. Members of the congregation initiated the closet ministry, purchased clothing racks and other equipment, renovated the building, and staff Carol’s Closet.
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