Thank God for the ways our church engages its members and leaders in discernment, biblical study and reflection, prayerful decisions and commitments, and teachings that help us grow in understanding of how our faith intersects with daily life and society. Pray that the recently approved social statement Faith, Sexism, and Justice: A Call to Action will guide and inspire us to act on a range of issues, including gender-based violence, workplace discrimination and economic inequality.
Read MoreView this post to see photos from our first synod Generosity Project Lab, representing eight decades, six generations, and five congregations. Recently featured in Living Lutheran, the Generosity Project connects generations and equips households for the faith practice of generosity.
Register for the Tucson and Las Vegas labs: Our Saviour’s Lutheran, Tucson, 10/12/2019; Reformation Lutheran, Las Vegas, 11/2/2019.
Read MoreThe federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act deals with health care privacy concerns. Privacy rules restrict the use of medical records and health information maintained by hospitals and other health care providers but generally do not cover ELCA congregations. View the PDF from the ELCA »
Read MoreWe give thanks for the forward thinking, people-blessing, Christ-centered congregation of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, in the Arcadia neighborhood of Phoenix, AZ. We lift up in prayer the people of Prince of Peace, including Pastor Rick Sherrill, Director Of Youth And Family Ministry Audrey Cox, Children's Ministry Coordinator Angela Sherrill , Preschool Director Nicole Hilden, Church Office Manager Maria Renovato , Accountant Keri Herding, Monthly Newsletter Editor Marge Mayes , Organist Dr. Allen Quie , Worship Music Leader/Pianist Lynne Mcginley, and Handbells Director Kay Cook.
Read MoreWith gratitude for those who have gone before and hope for the future, the ELCA gives thanks to God for the ministry of women. Watch this moving video as we celebrate 50 years of Lutheran women being ordained in the United States.
Read MoreConsider how our faith in Jesus Christ, God’s grace, the word of God, the witness of other people of faith and the calling we have through our baptism has influenced and changed us — and give thanks!
Read MoreWe take time to pray for Pastor Ben Bergren, his wife Rachel, and their three adult children: Molly, Carl, and Max. The Bergren family is going through many transitions. Pastor Ben will be installed at Community Lutheran, Las Vegas on Reformation Weekend, 11/16/19. By accepting this call, Ben will be moving to Las Vegas, while Rachel will remain in California. This summer, Rachel was promoted to Chief Programs Officer for The Marine Mammal Center. Rachel was also recently diagnosed with breast cancer and is working with Bay Area doctors to determine the best path forward for her long-term health. Pastor Bergren has shared this news in-depth on a family update page. We lift up this family, and remember Philippians 4:13: I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.
Read MoreELCA World Hunger has brand new resources to enrich the life of your congregation this Advent. All of them are free, with free shipping, while supplies last.
Please don’t hesitate to call (800-638-3522) or send an email (hunger@elca.org) should you need any help planning your congregation’s involvement with ELCA World Hunger this Advent.
Read MoreLutheran Social Services of Nevada and Lutheran Engagement and Advocacy in Nevada present “Food Deserts” in Nevada on Saturday, November 9, 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.
In Southern Nevada we know we live in a desert. We also have areas known as “food deserts”, but what are these and what can we do about them?
Read MorePray for the people of Puerto Rico, that their hope will be renewed and sustained; that they will have good, just governance and smooth transitions between political leaders; and that they will experience progress in their economic recovery and their long-term recovery from Hurricane Maria. Ask God to bless the ministry, service and witness of the Iglesia Evangélica Luterana en América Sinodo del Caribe (Caribbean Synod), its leaders and its congregations.
Read MoreBuilding on the theme of Beauty From Ashes, our goal is to create a retreat experience where women will have an opportunity to respond to the scripture from Isaiah 61, feel renewed and be restored. Our keynote speaker is Rev. Canon Debbie Royals, Vicar at St. Raphael in the Valley Episcopal/Lutheran Church in Benson, AZ.
View the event page and register soon: November 8-9, 2019, Love of Christ Lutheran, 1525 N Power Rd, Mesa AZ 85205.
Read MoreFrom Myrna Wells-Ulland, President, Grand Canyon Synod Women, comes good news of the first leadership event for Latina women in our Grand Canyon Synod, with 38 women attending from five different congregations.
Jesus says in Luke 14:35b “Listen, then, if you have ears!” Let us share what happened when an idea from our Latina sisters was heard…
Read MoreNow is a great time to access Tod Bolsinger's online resources as you read Canoeing the Mountains in preparation for the Bishop's Fall Gathering, October 21-22.
Click here to access a free online training resource based on Tod Bolsinger’s Canoeing the Mountains: Christian Leadership in Uncharted Territory.
Read MoreWe pray for the congregation of Reformation Lutheran Church in Las Vegas, a community of faith that values the Lutheran tradition, but isn't stuck in the past. We uplift in prayer: Pastor Jason Adams, Senior Pastor; Pastor Matt Metevelis, Associate Pastor; Marissa Metevelis, Youth Minister; Mary La Barbera, Office Manager; Linda Campbell-Miller, Musician; Keri Triunfo, Worship Leader; and Danny Stevenson, Custodian.
Read MoreHas your congregation struggled to manage membership data? Does your website need a fresh look? Are you looking for easier ways to connect with members and the community?
Tithe.ly is now expanding its product line to offer website services and church management software to ELCA congregations at a low cost. Learn more by joining us for a webinar on Thursday, Oct. 17, at 2 p.m. Central Time. Register here.
Read MorePraise God for the Evangelical Lutheran Education Association and the Christian Education Network of the ELCA, organizations that support, advocate for and equip Lutheran schools, educators, professionals and volunteers involved in faith formation ministries through our congregations and partner organizations.
Read MoreIn this article in Living Lutheran, Kimberly Knowle-Zeller reflects on the rally.
It goes by many names: Rally Sunday, Kickoff Sunday, Celebration Sunday, Beginning of Sunday School Sunday and a host of others. Whatever you call it, come September there’s a day in congregations when members anticipate renewed enthusiasm for ministries, increased attendance and a new beginning.
Read MorePray that, as people of faith and disciples of Christ, we may demonstrate through our words, actions and service a spirit of humility that expects no reward, recognition or repayment.
Read MoreWe have so much to celebrate as we complete Always Being Made New: The Campaign for the ELCA, the first comprehensive campaign for this church.
Through the generosity of members and congregations across this church, ELCA ministries received $250 million to continue their work. The final impact report will give you a glimpse of the campaign’s impact on these crucial ministries.
Read MoreRemember in prayer the Rev. Elizabeth Johnson, the Rev. Brian Palmer, the Rev. Linda Johnson Seyenkulo, Elie Sanda, Arnie and Willibroad Langdji, and James and Lorreva Foster — ELCA missionaries serving in partnership with the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Cameroon, the Lutheran Church in Liberia and the Lutheran World Federation in health care, development, women’s and youth ministries, Bible translation and literacy, and primary, secondary and theological education.
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