During these times of COVID-19/Coronavirus, ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton provides some thoughts as many of us are quarantined.
Read More
As COVID-19 continues to spread and cause alarm worldwide, we here at Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest want to take a moment to step back and consider the work that still needs to be done.
It is our belief that, though times like these can cause panic and disinformation, it also has the tendency to bring out the best in people. We ask only that you consider sharing or donating what you can, and know that we are thankful for having you as part of our community.
Read More
Christ the Lord Lutheran, Carefree, (CtL) is organizing a literal relief drive, bringing truckloads of items to Navajo Evangelical Lutheran Mission (NELM). For procedures on how to give and a list of items needed, please read this post in full and use this flyer.
Questions? Please contact Janet Thornhill, jlt1124@gmail.com, or 240-447-1725.
Read More
The Western States Youth Gathering (WSYG) and Western States Youth Leaders (WYLE) planning teams have cancelled the upcoming youth gathering scheduled to be held at California Lutheran University June 24th - June 29th, 2020.
Read More
Due to the nature of the virus, information is being updated on a daily basis. We encourage you to contact and listen to your local health experts and authorities concerning best practices and the status of the outbreaks in your local context. The following links may serve as helpful resources.
Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC.gov):CDC Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Home | Español | 中文
World Health Organization (WHO.int):Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak home
Arizona Department of Health Services (AZDHS.gov):
AZDHS Coronavirus Disease 2019 HomeNevada Department of Health and Human Services (dhhs.nv.gov):
With all residents ordered to shelter in place, it is very hard to find the basics of life, including clean drinking water, on the already underserved Navajo Nation. With schools shut down, Navajo Evangelical Lutheran Mission continues to provide. Read more and learn how to give »
Read More
AZ Central featured Grace Lutheran, Phoenix, and other places of worship in their article: For people of all faiths, church goes on, online or in solitude.
Read More
The Department of Labor (DOL) has issued the required Notice of Employee Rights under the FFCRA. Employers with fewer than 500 employees are required to distribute this notice to all current employees as of April 1, 2020. Employers may satisfy this requirement by emailing or direct mailing this notice to employees, or posting this notice on an employee information internal or external website. Download the notice here.
Read More
On Saturday, March 28, 2020 the Grand Canyon Synod Council met, via Zoom, to discuss postponement of our Synod Assembly. Because the GCS Constitution stipulates an annual assembly, the event could not be cancelled. The Council voted unanimously to postpone the Synod Assembly to September 17-18, 2020.
Read More
Many members may be concerned about how to support the work of their congregations, synods and churchwide ministries if they are ill or choosing to stay home to reduce the risk of getting or spreading the virus.
A majority of ELCA congregations currently offer online giving as an option for both one-time and recurring gifts; and all still accept checks. For congregations looking for online giving, the ELCA has negotiated with preferred vendors who can quickly respond with options.
Read More
From the ELCA Public Health page, Intercessory Prayers in the midst of the spread of COVID-19 from the Lutheran World Federation are available in English and Spanish.
Read More
The churchwide office is launching a comprehensive Covid-19 response across the ELCA beginning today. We have three new approaches designed to provide several levels of support for our most vulnerable congregations and ministries. These three approaches are Daily Bread Grants, Here to Serve, and the Covid-19 Response Appeal.
Read More
From the ELCA Public Health page, Guidance for funeral practices during a health crisis (download PDF) is available, updated March 18, 2020.
How does the Christian community respond to these needs when public gatherings for worship are limited or suspended because of a health crisis such as COVID-19? How do we provide pastoral care to the grieving while also acting out of love for those most at risk in our communities by practicing social distancing?
Read More
Read the minutes from the synod council meeting on March 28, 2020, in PDF format.
Read More
From the ELCA Public Health page, Congregational Planning Checklist for Public Health Concerns is available in English and Spanish, updated March 11, 2020.
With 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. A step-by-step approach to prepare for a serious outbreak can be useful.
Read More
Dear church, how quickly our world has changed.
Two weeks ago, I sent a letter urging our congregations to suspend in-person worship until early April. And now, I write to urge you to suspend in-person worship until early May, possibly longer.
As we near the end of Lent, what about Holy Week and Easter?
Read More
Although some relief efforts have been temporarily suspended due to COVID-19, Lutheran Disaster Response continues to be present with the Southeastern Synod to address the long-term recovery needs of survivors.
Read More
From the ELCA Public Health page, How to stream your worship service — A starter guide is available in English and Spanish, updated March 13, 2020.
If you’ve ever wondered how to stream your congregation’s worship or events online, this guide is for you. It’s not comprehensive, and the information contained here may change at any time because the software and hardware are always evolving. But the guide explains how to begin streaming for very little money and with equipment you already own or might borrow.
Read More
We lift up Deaconess Judi Tyler and her family upon the sudden passing of her mother, Ann. Judi is a Deaconess at Faith Lutheran, Phoenix, and has gone to Tucson to care for her father. Ann was his primary caretaker. Many blessings to the family and rest eternal for Ann with Our Loving God!
Read More