Today I am grateful for essential workers.
I get glimpses of positive moments in this pandemic. One is the realization for me and many others that these workers—so often invisible or ignored in our society—are in fact essential and deserve more than our recognition.
Read MoreThank God for our special relationship with the Episcopal Church, a full communion partner with the ELCA since 1999. Pray for the church, its diverse ministries and its members and leaders, and pray that together we will find mutual support, new partnerships and new resources for the work of sharing the gospel and serving our neighbor.
Read MoreJoin us on July 8, 11 am, to hear from Indigenous theologian, Vance Blackfox, who has been committed to teaching ELCA leaders and members the importance of learning about Indigenous people and how to be in better relationship with "the oppressed of the oppressed."
Read MoreWorship in the Home: Sunday, July 12, 2020. Sixth Sunday after Pentecost, Lectionary 15.
Praying separately in our homes yet united in the Spirit, let us together intercede for all the needs of the world.
Read MoreWe understand well Paul’s struggle between the inclinations of human nature and following the ways of God and teachings of Jesus. Pray for forgiveness and strengthened faith when we are weak or make poor decisions; pray that we will be guided and encouraged by the Spirit of God that dwells within us.
Read MoreJoin us on Wednesday, July 8 at 10 am, as Chuck Peterson, Video Producer for New Journey Lutheran Church, Fountain Hills, shares their process for incrementally improving their worship videos as a small church with a simple setup: camcorder, one light, church audio mixer/system, basic video and audio software.
The Grand Canyon Synod Tech Lab is a weekly online Zoom conversation designed to spark possibilities as our church rapidly changes. Use the link bit.ly/gcstechlab to access the Zoom meeting every Wednesday at 10 am.
Read MoreOn July 1 Kairos Palestine and Global Kairos for Justice, a worldwide coalition born in response to the Kairos Palestine “Moment of Truth: a word of faith, hope, and love from the heart of Palestinian suffering,” issued an urgent call to Christians, churches and ecumenical institutions: “Cry for Hope”.
We share this with you as an authentic voice of Palestinian Christians and encourage you to read and study it.
Read MorePray for wisdom and patience as we navigate how to gather as congregations and discern what is appropriate, safe, caring and respectful of the ongoing concerns of our members, communities and nation.
Read MoreGive thanks that God’s love and truth are revealed to us through faith in Jesus Christ and that the Spirit is at work inspiring and equipping us to share the good news, spread truth and invite others to believe.
Read MoreLiberating God, we give you thanks for this country in which we live. We give you thanks that you have guided us to this point in our history. Remind us of our heritage and those who have struggled to help us live up to the ideals of what we should stand for. Deliver us from arrogance. Help us to remember that you are God of all nations and peoples. As stories of freedom and struggles are told this day, make us bold enough to be revolutionary in our faith. May we pursue liberty and justice, not just for ourselves, but for all.
Read MoreAsk God to help us cherish and not abuse the blessings of freedom and liberty, work to change our society where there is injustice and oppression, and accompany our global neighbors and companion churches striving for freedom, justice and voice.
Read MorePresiding Bishop Eaton recently responded to the Supreme Court decision on the DACA program and praises the SCOTUS decision on LGBTQIA+ rights.
Read MoreKathryn Mary Lohre writes: “500 years ago, Martin Luther wrote the treatise ‘The Freedom of a Christian.’ Our freedom in Christ is not a freedom for ourselves, but for the sake of our neighbors, lived out in love. As an expression of the liberating love we share in Jesus Christ, we join our Palestinian family, and our partner Bishop Azar, in calling for ‘liberation not annexation.’
Please join in ELCA advocacy through Peace Not Walls: June action alert”
Read MoreIt’s hard to overstate the impact COVID-19 has had on our communities and our worship experiences. To help with this, ELCA World Hunger is delighted to share an adapted version of this year’s Vacation Bible School: “On Earth As in Heaven…At Home!”
This adaptation simplifies some of the activities in the original leader’s guide, offers tips for doing crafts and games at home, and provides links to pre-recorded videos you can share.
Read MoreTo celebrate 4th of July weekend, the Office of the Bishop will be closed Friday, July 3, 2020.
Read MoreAsk the Spirit to help us express our gratitude and concern for first responders, nurses, doctors and hospital employees, and to show us how to serve as God’s hands and voice in caring for their spiritual, physical and emotional needs.
Read MoreFor quick comparison, we are using New York Times 7-day average graphs for each state in our synod: Arizona, Nevada, and Utah.
Arizona: This week, 87,495 cases, 1,765 deaths. Last week, 63,064 cases, 1,494 deaths.
Nevada: This week, 19,861 cases, 525 deaths. Last week, 14,893 cases, 495 deaths.
Utah: This week, 23,466 cases, 176 deaths. Last week, 19,544 cases and 164 deaths.
Navajo Nation: This week, 7,613 cases, 369 deaths. Last week, 7,157 cases and 347 deaths.
Hopi Nation: This week, 301 cases. Last week, 256 cases.
We pray for Pastor Doris Nolan, Transitional Associate Pastor at Desert Cross Lutheran Church, who has been diagnosed with uterine cancer.
"Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." Matthew 11: 28-30
Read MoreGive thanks for God’s ever-present love and care, and for the message of the psalmist who proclaims, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”
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.
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