We share a letter written by Interim Bishop Murray D. Finck of the Southwest California Synod, addressing the series of fires spreading through California.
“I have worn the shirt pictured above a number of times in the past years…on the island of Kawai; in San Diego; Fallbrook; New Orleans. I want to put this shirt on now and go somewhere where I can be helpful, but today I do not believe that is possible. Instead I have gone to elca.org and made a contribution.”
Read MoreIn Detroit, Mich., co-pastors at Love Rising Lutheran Church noticed a problem when families were asked to shelter in place. Many people did not have reliable access to internet.
Thanks to Love Rising and your gifts to the COVID-19 Response Fund, internet access is one less thing that families in their neighborhood will have to worry about this year. To learn more and donate, visit ELCA.org/covidresponse.
Read MorePresiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton invites members and congregations to join together for the ELCA's annual day of service on Sept. 13, 2020. For more information: ELCA.org/dayofservice
Read MoreArizona Central shares the story how Trunk Space worked with the arts scene as well as the community of Grace Lutheran and Native American Urban Ministry to help find housing for two boys experiencing homelessness after the death of their mother.
Read MoreWho can argue with the psalmist who proclaims that it is good and pleasant when we live together in unity? Pray that, amid unrest, conflict and division, we will work for the unity that God desires for us, a unity rooted in love, respect, justice, diversity, reconciliation, mutual understanding and advocacy for neighbors in need.
Read MoreThe Office of the Bishop team is dwelling in the words of Acts 16:6-10, and will be for the next few months. In a time of weariness, when we are unable to go to the places we desire, this story from the church in its infancy has much to offer.
Read MoreGod is gracious and blesses us; God’s face shines on us. Join creation and every nation in praising God and singing for joy!
Read MorePhoenix Fusion is in the midst of four sessions on advocacy, which can be seen as a series or on their own, Thursdays at 6:30 pm. Hosted by Pastor Sarah Stadler and friends, you can find more info and Zoom links on their Facebook event page.
8/20/2020 6:30 pm: What are best practices for communicating with lawmakers?
8/27/2020 6:30 pm: What is LAMA (Lutheran Advocacy Ministry of Arizona), and how can we participate in it?
Listen to the following choral recordings made available through Augsburg Fortress: “We Sing to You O God,” “Lord Jesus, You Shall Be My Song ,” “Christ, the Solid Rock.”
Read MoreGive thanks for nimble, creative teachers and school staff as they adapt to the changing dynamics of the COVID-19 pandemic with concern for the safety, education and personal needs of students and their parents.
Read MoreEleventh Sunday after Pentecost, Lectionary 20
O God, with all your faithful followers of every age, we praise you, the rock of our life. Be our strong foundation and form us into the body of your Son, that we may gladly minister to all the world, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.
Read MorePlease join Other+Wise for three Indigenous-centered Zoom workshops with founder and director, Vance Blackfox.
For more details, view this PDF flyer or read more on this post. Click to register for these 7pm CDT workshops: Indian 101, 8/19/2020; Movements in Indian Country, 9/26/2020; Indigenous Thought and Theology, 10/14/2020.
Read MoreTwo Savings Matching programs through the ELCA’s Resourceful Servants initiative address financial challenges being experienced by rostered ministers, namely a lack of emergency savings and a lack of retirement savings.
These programs partner with rostered ministers to encourage a habit of saving by providing matching funding to more rapidly grow savings and retirement accounts. The due date to complete the process is October 15, 2020.
Read MoreGod asks us to do justice and do what is right. Pray that we will be faithful to God’s ways and commandments and to Jesus’ example of unrestrained love and compassion for people who are needy, suffering or oppressed.
Read MoreRemember in prayer the people and communities of India and Bangladesh that were affected by Cyclone Amphan in May. Pray for the response of Lutheran World Service India Trust, supported by Lutheran Disaster Response, as it provides food to families in urban slums, tarps and temporary shelters, and assists families in obtaining aid for housing reconstruction. Pray for God’s presence, comfort, hope and healing throughout their recovery.
Read MorePray for forgiveness and God’s mercy when our actions, words, intentions or thoughts dishonor God’s ways and commandments. Ask for the Spirit to help us shine as bright witnesses to God’s unbound, unbiased love for humanity and to serve our neighbor without prejudice or reluctance.
Read MoreJoin Valley Interfaith Project and the Arizona Faith Network in urging the Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation and Reentry (ADCRR) and Arizona Department of Health Services (DHS) to protect prison staff, inmates, and their families during the COVID-19 crisis.
On Tuesday, it was reported that half the population of the Whetstone Unit of the Arizona State Prison Complex, 517 individuals, have tested positive for COVID-19. Learn more and sign a petition for a testing blitz and other measures to control the virus in Arizona prisons.
Read MorePray for the leaders, voting members and others of the Eastern North Dakota Synod who are gathering for their digital assembly, that the Spirit will strengthen, guide and encourage them in choosing leaders, proclaiming the gospel, growing the church, serving our neighbor and doing God’s work in an ever-changing world.
Read MoreDevotional Music Links: For your individual or group devotion, you may choose to listen to the following choral recordings made available through Augsburg Fortress: “May God Bestow on Us Grace,” “Creating God Your Fingers Trace,” “When to the World the Savior Came.”
Read MoreEleventh Sunday after Pentecost, Lectionary 20
Because of his cross and resurrection, Jesus Christ makes bread available to all the peoples, including us — the bread of the eucharist when we can gather, but always the bread of his healing word. And so we come to see our neighbor in a stunning new way: another needy person beside us, under God’s mercy.
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