A great practice for expanding language is to read the definition of a word that you already understand.
I’ve heard the word lament plenty of times—I was an English major who loved Gothic novels—but I had never actually taken the time to really define it.
The definition didn’t hold any surprises, but as I researched definitions, I also researched Bible verses.
Read MoreEarly Tuesday morning, a powerful tornado ripped through Nashville and other parts of Tennessee, leaving destruction in its wake. The tornado was part of a series of severe storms. At least 24 people have been killed, homes and other buildings have been destroyed, and thousands of people are without electricity. The worship space for St. John’s Lutheran Church of Nashville, an ELCA congregation, was crushed by the tornado.
Read MorePray that during Lent we will carve out time in our busy lives to pause and reflect on our faith, our baptismal journeys and the life and suffering of Christ, who sacrificed himself for us that we might enjoy a new life, reconciled to God and full of love, mercy, hope and a spirit of service.
Read MoreWith the outbreaks of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the United States, congregations and houses of worship need to be well-informed and well-prepared. According to the World Health Organization, COVID-19 is now a pandemic. A step-by-step approach to prepare for a serious outbreak can be useful. View the Congregational Planning Checklist for Public Health Concerns (updated 3/11/2020).
Read MoreThe ELCA has updated its “Worship in times of public health concern” document, available as a PDF document (updated March 12, 2020). Specifically addressed are best practices during passing of the peace and Holy Communion.
Read MoreAt the 2018 ELCA Youth Gathering, I left each Mass Gathering feeling a buzz of energy, passion, and excitement that coursed through every extremity of my body like a wave of adrenaline. This feeling came from the power of experiencing God’s love, grace, and hope in community with tens of thousands of other equally energized worshippers.
Read MoreAsayel Slay, a female rap artist from Saudi Arabia, currently faces arrest and punishment by Saudi officials because of her YouTube video/song “Mecca Girl.” The work, which celebrates women in Mecca, has been condemned by conservatives as disrespectful toward the values and traditions that have long prevailed in Meccan society. Asayel’s supporters regard her as a champion of women’s progress in that society, while her detractors view her as a threat to social norms. Religious convictions animate both sides of the controversy.
Read MoreLutheran Social Services of Nevada has released their March newsletter, available online.
Highlights include a groundbreaking ceremony on Thursday, March 5th, 2020; the 2020 Wine Tasting and Silent Auction Fundraiser will be Thursday, May 7th, 2020; LSSN is collecting Easter baskets; a calendar of their March programs; and news of 2 interns from UNLV.
Read MoreBrad Munroe of the Phoenix presbytery would like to invite pastors and lay leaders to a Leading Emotional Systems Training (LEST) to be held at the presbytery office in Phoenix the week after Easter, April 13-17. See brochure.
The LEST training covers communication and family system dynamics the first three days and then divides into separate tracks for interim training and conflict reconciliation the final two days.
Read MoreBe glad and shout for joy! Trust in God’s love and mercy, which strengthen and preserve us in our every need and circumstance.
Read MoreRev. Ron Hovick (last rostered in Pacifica Synod), member of Reformation Lutheran Church, Las Vegas, died February 20, 2020.
Funeral will be at Reformation Lutheran Church, Saturday, March 7, 2020 at 11 am.
Read MoreGive thanks for the witness and work of the Rev. Lancelot Themba Mkhabela and Kwena Mkhabela, regional representatives for Madagascar, West Africa and Central Africa; the Rev. Kirsten Laderach, YAGM country coordinator for Madagascar; and the seven volunteers serving alongside our companions in that country as part of the Young Adults in Global Mission program.
Read MoreWe lift up our Christian siblings in Safford, Arizona. Despite not having a formal church, these brothers and sisters of what was Faith Lutheran in Safford continue to meet and give their gifts to the Grand Canyon Synod.
Read MoreGive thanks for the contributions and impact of women of all ages and abilities who shape our society and communities, share their faith and wisdom, serve our neighbors in need and respond to God’s call to serve as lay and rostered leaders in our congregations and church.
Read MoreDuring the 40 days of Lent we recall how Jesus, the Son of God, withstood temptations even in a weakened state. Pray that we will find confidence and courage through faith in Jesus and will draw on the strength of God to endure the temptations and distractions of daily life.
Read MoreWhen the 500th anniversary of The Lutheran Reformation took place in 2017, the Vatican and The Lutheran World Federation issued a joint statement and study document, “From Conflict to Communion.” (View online or as PDF.)
A series of Lenten dialogs is our local participation in that endeavor to build ecumenical understanding and cooperation. Three Wednesday morning sessions, from 10:30 am to noon, will take place in March, with Bishop Hutterer and Bishop Weisenburger attending some of the dialogs.
March 11, 2020 @ Lutheran Church of the Foothills
March 18, 2020 @ St Cyril of Alexandria Catholic Church, featuring Bishop Weisenburger
March 25 @ Dove of Peace Lutheran Church, featuring Bishop Hutterer
Give thanks for ELCA missionaries and young people serving in the ELCA Young Adults in Global Mission programs in Egypt, Israel, Jerusalem/West Bank and Palestine. Pray that God will bless and further their work with our companions in the Middle East and North Africa, especially in finding nonviolent paths to peace and justice.
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 MoreThe Southern Arizona Lutheran Camping Association (SALCA) is offering Lutheran Bible Camp for grades 3-8 on May 25-29, 2020, at the Triangle Y Ranch in Oracle, Arizona.
Spend a week with other youth, pastors, and lay leaders from around Southern Arizona on an experience of faith, fellowship, and growth. For more info go to www.mysalca.com or view this PDF flyer.
Read MoreCreation, humanity and nature are knitted together intricately by our Creator in ways that sustain all life and enable the earth to thrive. Pray that we will repent for what we have done to harm or unbalance creation, and that God will grant us wisdom and insight for restoring creation and treating it with care and respect.
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