Do you know a student considering a career in ministry? Thanks to a generous gift from O. Jay and Pat Tomson of Mason City, students will essentially have a full scholarship to attend Wartburg College for the undergraduate portion of the program.
If you know of a high school student who is considering a career in ministry, click here to submit a student referral and to learn more.
Read MoreThe Rocky Mountain Synod has invited the Grand Canyon Synod (GCS) to join a 3-year grant from The Lilly Foundation, Inc. In preparation for the grant, we invite congregational and rostered leaders to help us understand what economic areas you are most concerned about.
Your responses to these questions are deeply valued. Your answers are anonymous—neither your name nor your email are requested or associated with your response.
There are two surveys: a rostered leader survey and a congregational leader survey. Deadline for submission is November 26, 2019.
Read MoreLutheran outdoor ministry leaders are joining with their ecumenical peers and partners in Lake Junaluska, N.C., for the Great Gathering conference. Pray for their time together, that they might build relationships, discover each other’s gifts and equip vital ministries to meet the emerging needs of God’s people.
Read MoreAs Thanksgiving approaches, we are reminded to notice God’s abundance and “count our blessings.” You may even practice this at a Thanksgiving table of family, friends and food.
It’s easy to think of Jesus at such a table. The Gospel gives us numerous examples of Jesus and the disciples giving thanks for the bread of that day, and then returning to the dusty road of service with nothing more than simple clothes and sandals for walking.
Read MoreWe pray for Living Christ Lutheran Church, in Flagstaff, AZ, a community of disciples embraced by God's unconditional love and enduring grace.
We pray for the staff of Living Christ: Kurt Fangmeier, Pastor; Linda Preston, Administrative Assistant; Katie Sheridan, Choir Director/Music Coordinator; Aaron Carney, Pianist; and Webmasters John Cencioso and Dean Garner.
We lift up their church council: Susan Weaverling, President; Joan Ver Douw, Vice-President; Colleen Snyder, Secretary; Mick Koehnstedt, Treasurer, and council members Joan Ver Douw, Dean Garner, Patty Gee, Margie Goulden, Susanna Harget, Mick Koehmstedt, Colleen Snyder, and Susan Weaverling.
Read MoreThe ELCA has multiple positions open around the world! Current openings include YAGM country coordinators, English-language educators, seminary professors, medical professionals and more. Explore and apply here.
Read MoreIt’s hard to believe that it’s time to start planning for 2020 already, but ELCA World Hunger’s new Vacation Bible School program for 2020 is now here! “On Earth As in Heaven” invites children of all ages to learn about God’s world by diving deeply into the Lord’s Prayer. This full, five-day VBS is free and available for download and order (coming soon.)
Read MoreRemember people who have served or are currently serving in the military, and give thanks for their service and sacrifices. Pray for military chaplains, caregivers, congregational and synod programs, and special ministries that care for veterans and their families.
Read MoreSierra Evangelical Luthern Church in Sierra Vista has five pews available to any group in need. They also have six trays for individual cups to donate. Contact their office at (520) 459-0444 or email admin@selcaz.org.
Read MoreRejoice and give thanks that in God all have life — eternal, abundant and renewed life for doing God’s work in the world and serving our neighbor now.
Read MoreGive thanks that when we confess our sins, the good we have failed to do and our misbehaviors to God, we are met with mercy and forgiveness.
Read MoreImagine 490 ELCA members lost to suicide in 2017! Based on national averages and the number of Americans who are ELCA members, 490 represents the number of members who may have died and will die each year to suicide.
Read MoreRemember in prayer students who find school challenging or difficult, and pray that the people in their lives will be patient, encouraging, creative and skilled in understanding the unique ways in which we each learn.
Read MoreIn observance of Veterans Day, ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton invites congregations to hold a Sunday of prayer and action. Congregations are encouraged to invite veterans to share their stories, learn about the issues they face, and let them know that the church is grateful for their service.
Read MoreFrom Allie Papke-Larson comes this reflection. Papke-Larson is Program Coordinator for Lutheran Campus Ministries/Canterbury Episcopal Campus Ministries at Northern Arizona University and Youth Director at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church in Flagstaff.
From September 2015 to September 2017 I lived and worked in an intentional community located in the North Cascades of Washington State called Holden Village. My time in the village deeply shaped me and I would like to share with you a piece of what it felt like to begin to leave that place.
Read MoreThe Rev. Scott Hackler was installed as pastor at Spirit of Grace Lutheran Church, Surprise, AZ on Sunday, October 20, 2 pm.
Read MoreI couldn’t breathe. It was minutes before I was to be ushered in front of thousands of excited teens for the 2018 ELCA Youth Gathering in Houston, Texas. It would be the most vulnerable I have ever been to such a large crowd of strangers. I felt paralyzed, the words had run out of my head, my heart was pounding, palms sweating, fear course through my veins.
Read MoreMarriage is a complicated thing. Some families come from traditional marriages and others are blended. Marriage takes a lot of commitment, work and faithfulness. There are also many reasons to get married, but the primary reason, according to an article from Pew Research, is to marry for love. 88% cited love as an important reason to get married. Other reasons listed are commitment, companionship and to have children.
Read MoreWe’d like to thank the Planning Committee for the 16th Annual Retirees Retreat, conducted at the Spirit of the Desert Retreat Center in early November. Thanks to their leadership, 85 participants gathered for a stimulating learning event under the theme: “AWAKENING... STILL: The Importance of Knowing the Right Questions!”
Read MorePray for the leaders of our church who serve on the ELCA Church Council. Ask the Spirit to guide their work of enabling and supporting our church as we strive to do God’s work in the world with thoughtfulness, integrity, respect and partnerships that share a common vision.
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