Pray that we, too, will hear Paul’s assurance to the Philippians in difficult times, that “the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Ask that the Spirit fill our lives with peace, love and mercy that will shine brightly in the world.
Read MoreEnvisioning an Environmentally Just World with Ruth Ivory-Moore: Live via Zoom from SITD is Sunday, October 25, 2020, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM.
Ruth Ivory-Moore explores racial inequities, social & economic conditions, incorporating ESG principles into policy, sustainability & faith. Sponsored by Spirit in the Desert.
Read MoreThe Lutheran Office for World Community (LOWC), a joint ministry of the ELCA and the Lutheran World Federation, represents Lutherans at the United Nations. Give thanks for the LOWC’s work in monitoring issues of concern to the church, sharing our perspectives and speaking for peace, justice, human rights, respect for international law, and better standards of living for all people.
Read MoreGive thanks and praise to God for welcoming us into the kingdom of God, an undeserved gift to be shared with the world. Pray that we will never take the joy and blessings of this gift for granted or hide it from our neighbor.
Read MoreHow does cave diver Jill Heinerth focus during near-death moments while underground, in the dark, and in fast moving water? Take a really deep breath and focus on small, pragmatic steps. Listen to a Fresh Air interview as she discusses her memoir, Into the Planet.
Read MoreThis excellent article from the StarTribune follows six lives through the pandemic: a 51-year-old Eden Prairie man, a Wayzata funeral home director, a new mother in South Minneapolis, a young nurse in St. Paul, a Chinese restauranteur, and Minnesota’s health commissioner, who would set aside her grief from a deeply personal loss, and get to work. Read here.
Read MoreRemember in prayer those who have lost jobs or are furloughed from work, that they will have the resources and support to meet their daily needs as they seek employment. Pray that our congregations will be welcoming, supportive and ready to help, concerned for their dignity and their spiritual, physical and emotional needs.
Read MoreOver the next decade, the number of elderly homeless Americans is projected to triple — and that was before Covid-19 hit. In Phoenix, the crisis has already arrived.
In this New York Times Magazine feature article (also available to listen via Audm), we follow seniors through an Arizona summer. It’s good to see Phoenix’s Justa Center highlighted as well, the only daytime resource center in the state set up exclusively for older homeless adults. Read and listen here.
Read MoreThe Risk to Bloom with Dcn. Tammy Devine: Live via Zoom from SITD is Saturday, October 24, 2020, 8:30 AM – 11:30 AM.
Risk to Bloom Virtual Retreat with Tammy Devine offers an opportunity to pause… and to connect with self, with one-another, and with God. Sponsored by Spirit in the Desert.
Read MoreIn this podcast from the New York Times, health reporter Donald G. McNeil Jr. finds reasons for optimism in the historic speed of upcoming vaccines and other innovative interventions. Listen here.
Read MoreBishop Eaton addresses the importance of voting during an uneasy and important time in our nation. More resources available at ELCA.org/civicengagement.
Read MoreUnder the theme "The Bible – Word, Not Weapon," the 2020 Hein-Fry Book of Faith Challenge will address how Bible verses taken out of context can become weapons that discredit others or justify cruel treatment of those portrayed as different.
This year the challenge will comprise four online events. Register here.
Read MoreNicolette Rohr, a lay person in the Pacifica Synod, is creating a small group brave space for lay/non-rostered people. Time together will include an opening ritual, spiritual practice, reflection, commitment to action, and an opportunity to build community. You will gather for 12 Zoom sessions, to be scheduled, beginning in 2020 and carrying into 2021.
Read MorePray that we will actively engage with our communities and neighbors, developing the resilience and hope needed to absorb, endure and recover from the spiritual, medical, social and economic impacts of natural and human-caused disasters.
Read MoreELCA Advocacy provides updates from U.N. | Arizona | Colorado | Ohio |Pennsylvania | Washington | Wisconsin, where our very own Solveig Muus reports that Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona is all hands on deck to get out the vote.
“Every faith community and advocacy group in Arizona seems to be in step; all are publicizing the importance of voting and helping in any way to ensure everyone’s voice is heard. Arizona has an excellent track record for successful mail-in ballot counting.”
Read MoreThis is your last chance to apply for Savings Matching programs through the ELCA’s Resourceful Servants initiative.
The first step is to review the Savings Matching Programs Overview Booklet. After reading, complete the online Financial Wellness Assessment. If you qualify for either program, you will be directed to apply. Complete the process is October 15, 2020.
Read MoreThis week’s Gospel presents a strange, parable, exaggerated to the point of ridiculous. A king sends out invitations to a wedding banquet, but no one responds.
Read MoreJesus said, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me.” Join us as Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton addresses what this call means for our church and for our nation.
Read MoreRegion 2 bishops and leaders of the Sierra Pacific, Pacifica, Southwest California, Rocky Mountain and Grand Canyon Synods of the ELCA invite you to gather for a time of prayer and reflection as we pray for our nation, for those seeking office, for God’s beloved community, and for our rostered ministers as they seek to lead in their specific contexts during these conflicted times.
These livestream gatherings will be on the Rocky Mountain Synod’s Facebook page, facebook.com/rmselca at 7 pm MST, 6 pm PST, 4 pm HST on Sunday, November 1 and Thursday, November 5.
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