Give thanks for ELCA Disability Ministries and its work of connecting and assisting congregations, ministries and members to invite all people into full participation in this church and in the world. Pray that the Spirit will enrich and further the work and advocacy of intellectual and developmental disabilities ministries, mental illness ministries, deaf ministries, and blindness and visual impairment ministries.
Read MoreThese petitions are offered as guides to prayer for the global, social and outreach ministries of the ELCA, as well as for the needs and circumstances of our neighbors, communities and world. Thank you for your continued prayers for the life and mission of this church. Download a Word doc, or PDF for letter size printout or legal size printout, or view the ELCA resource page.
Read MoreRecently featured in Living Lutheran, the Generosity Project connects generations and equips households for the faith practice of generosity. This is the week to register for the Phoenix and Tucson labs.
All Saints Lutheran, Phoenix, 10/5/2019
Our Saviour’s Lutheran, Tucson, 10/12/2019
Reformation Lutheran, Las Vegas, 11/2/2019.
We celebrate Nanette Christofferson’s ordination and installation this weekend!
Ordination is Saturday, October 5th 2019, 5:30 pm, at Peace Lutheran Church in Peoria, AZ (18265 N.89th Ave., Peoria AZ. 85382.) All rostered leaders are invited to robe and process. The color of the day is green. Reception for all following ordination.
Installation is Sunday October 6, 2019, 3 pm in the sanctuary at Love of Christ Lutheran Church (1525 N Power Rd., Mesa AZ 85205.) All rostered leaders are invited to robe and process. The color of the day is red. Reception for all following installation.
Read MoreRegistration is open for the Youth Ministry Extravaganza in Anaheim, CA, January 31-February 3, 2020.
The “E" is for all engaged in faith formation with children and youth. The goal of the Youth Ministry Network is to connect, learn and educate. The location for this year’s gathering is CA, so consider sending your volunteers and paid staff who work with children, teens and young adults in your congregation.
Read MoreGive 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 MoreFrom Mary Campbell of AMPARRO (who recently spoke at the synod council and conference deans workshop), comes this opportunity to join court-approved interviews of Flores class member minors detained at CBP facilities in Tucson, on October 3-4, 2019.
The Center for Human Rights and Constitutional Law helps reunify the thousands of refugee children that have been separated from their mothers and fathers. Register here.
Read MoreSharing God’s gifts with one another through stewardship is an integral part of the Lutheran faith. But sometimes the idea of stewardship gets misunderstood, equated simply with monetary giving rather than a generosity of much more—time, spirit, love. Linda Staats is trying to change that with the Generosity Project, a new stewardship resource she authored for ELCA congregations.
Read the article in Living Lutheran, and find out more about the Generosity Project in the Grand Canyon Synod and register for upcoming lab dates.
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 MoreThe search for an Executive Director to serve LuTMA is underway: Job Description, Submitting a Letter of Interest. Applications are due October 31, 2019. More info on their site.
The position of Executive Director is viewed as part-time, on average requiring 10-15 hours per week. The time required will vary from month to month.
Read MoreClear those calendars for the 2020 Assembly! We gather to do business and celebrate at Community Lutheran Church in Las Vegas under the theme “Why Jesus.”
Assembly opens Thursday, June 11, 2020 at 3:00 pm, and closes Friday, June 12, 2020 at 4:00 pm. By having assembly business done during the weekdays, this trip should be more affordable and convenient for those who travel. We are planning optional extra activities for those who wish to stay longer and better get to know their synod brothers and sisters.
Read MoreThere’s still time to register for the Bishop’s Fall Gathering, featuring Tod Bolsinger, author of Canoeing the Mountains: Christian Leadership in Uncharted Territory, who will lead us in creating new possibilities of communicating Jesus and connecting people. Register now!
Our thanks to Thrivent for sponsoring the Monday evening gathering The Perch Pub and Brewery, and to Desert Hills Lutheran Church Foundation in Green Valley, Arizona, for providing a book to all pastors and deacons for this event.
Read MoreWe pray for Spirit of Grace Lutheran Church in Surprise, AZ. We lift up: Harold Stromer, Interim Pastor; Dave Sitzman, Church Council President; Sue Kopcha, Council Vice President; Vicki McCarville, Council Secretary; Council Members Spence Videon, Dick Lyda, Richard Johnson, Robin Aguilar, Treedah Magee, and Phyllis Borchardt; Sheila Marlow, Admin Assistant; Fred Bornhoeft, Director of Music; Deb Frusciano, Faith Community Nurse; Gerry White, Finance Director; Glenn Schultz, Accountant; Jerry Huston, Facilities Manager; Norm Lindstrom, Assistant to Facilities Manager; Ken Carnes, Choir Director; and Accompanists Georgette Harper and Elaine Indahl.
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 MoreWe pray for Pastor Terry Pletkovich and the congregation of Mount Cross Lutheran Church in Payson, AZ, as they proclaim Christ as Lord and Savior through joyful worship, prayer, life-long learning, active and loving service.
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