Give thanks for the commitment, creativity and compassion of teachers, teacher assistants, professors, educators and school staff who, facing difficult and uncertain situations, have persisted in attending to the educational and personal needs of their students ― our children, youth and young adults.
Read MoreWe offer prayers of thanksgiving for the successful surgery of Rev. Dr. Gene Perry (retired). The surgery, a heart procedure designed to help prevent strokes had been delayed by the coronavirus pandemic.
O Lord, your compassions never fail and your mercies are new every morning. We give you thanks for giving our brother Gene both relief from pain and hope of health renewed. Continue in him the good work you have begun; that he, daily increasing in bodily strength and rejoicing in your goodness, may so order his life and conduct that he may always think and do those things that please you; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Read MoreLEAN board member Sheila Freed shares the good news of how a gift through Sierra Pacific Synod made its way throughout Region 2, helping Lutheran Engagement and Advocacy in Nevada (which straddles both Sierra Pacific and Grand Canyon Synods), Lutheran Social Services of Nevada, the Food Bank of Northern Nevada, and Nye Communities Coalition.
Read MorePray that we will be mindful and responsive to those who have become more lonely, isolated or distant over the past weeks and months, and that they will feel more connected and comforted as we reach out to one
another and discover new ways of being in community and relationship with each other.
The ELCA recognizes June, 17 as day of Commemoration of the Emanuel 9 and a Day of Repentance of Racism. This post by Kelly France is featured as part of a series to call the ELCA to address white supremacy and racism. To find additional worship materials for June 17, please visit elca.org/EmanuelNine.
I love living and serving as a pastor in rural communities on the Great Plains. I have spent most of my life in this environment, and my family has been part of this landscape for generations. My identity is tied to this place, and that comes with complex realities and shameful truths.
Read MoreA recent news story emphasizes the importance of interpreters in the dealing with the current pandemic. In a place such as New York City, where more than 800 languages are spoken, one can only imagine how hard it must be to make sure someone with any medical emergency can provide a description of their condition, as well as receive understandable instructions.
Read MoreWe pray for Pastor David Sivecz and his family as the grieve the loss of David’s grandmother after she contracted coronavirus.
Merciful God, you give us the grace that helps in time of need. Surround us your steadfast love and lighten our burden. By the power of your Spirit, free us from distress and give us a new mind and heart made whole in the name of the risen Christ. Amen.
Read MoreAuthors Patricia Rusch Duffey, Elizabeth Baldizan, and Pastor Paul Block worked with New Song Lutheran, Henderson, to publish their book, Knock, Knock (Who's there?) I AM.: 40 Real-Life Stories From People Who Experienced God In Their Lives, available on Amazon.
Read MorePray that the Spirit of God working in us will help us value every generation for its faith, wisdom, gifts and diverse life experiences, and that we will not disparage or discount one another because of age, mistakes or differences of perspective but instead will give thanks and affirm and support one another as members of the body of Christ, which includes all generations.
Read MoreO God, on this day you open the hearts of your faithful people by sending into us your Holy Spirit. Direct us by the light of that Spirit, that we may have a right judgment in all things and rejoice at all times in your peace, through Jesus Christ, your Son and our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Read MoreHouse of Prayer has become the 'warehouse' location for preparing food boxes for distribution to at-risk Rock Point residents. The Mission staff has made a list of more than 50 elderly and otherwise fragile community members. These boxes are delivered to the door, along with a check-in to ensure all is well in the household. Read more in the NELM newsletter »
Read MoreWith the outbreaks of coronavirus disease 2019 in North America and around the world many people may be without a physical copy of Christ in Our Home. To assist with devotional life during this time, Augsburg Fortress is offering a limited-time complementary email subscription. Sign up and we will deliver the daily devotional to your email at 4am Central Time through June 30, 2020.
Read MoreMemorial Day Today we remember, mourn and give thanks for the military men and women who have given their lives in pursuit of justice, peace and freedom for our country and all nations.
Read MoreOur sister synod in Region 2, the Rocky Mountain Synod, recently gathered online for their synod assembly. What was initially to be an assembly spread over five cities became an assembly in 300 homes. Rev. Jason Chesnut provided this well-produced keynote, which we hope you’ll enjoy.
Read MoreRev. Jacqui Pagel, Bishop’s Associate for Candidacy and Faith Formation with the Grand Canyon Synod, brings greetings, the Gospel, and a sermon for the seventh Sunday of Easter. The Gospel, John 17:1-11, can be found at the beginning of the video. The greetings and sermon start at 2:00.
Read MoreGive thanks, praise and glory to God for restoring our relationship with our Creator and unifying us ― beloved children of God ― through the love and sacrifice of Jesus.
Read MoreUnder the headline “Sun City West church preserves a vital lifeline during a pandemic, one worshipper at a time,” Lord of Life Lutheran, Sun City West, was featured prominently on a front page article of the Arizona Republic (subscription may be required), a well-produced video story on YouTube, and an AZ Central photo gallery.
Read MoreIn an ELCA blog post, ELCA World Hunger provides one-page guides for each state to help families apply for benefits and access resources. Click to download PDFs of the guides for Arizona, Nevada, and Utah.
Each one-page guide shares info for unemployment insurance, SNAP, WIC, LIHEAP, rental and housing resources from HUD, and child care assistance. In addition, each sheet has contact information for the National Suicide Hotline, the National Domestic Violence Hotline and the Farmer Crisis Hotline.
Read MoreThink about the blessings, wisdom, revelations and gifts you have received by God’s grace through faith in Jesus Christ; give thanks for each one.
Read MorePresiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton gives her weekly message during the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on the gift of God’s creation.
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