In her weekly message, ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton notes how a fresh snowfall and sunshine reminds her of God's work in creation.
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President Biden’s decision to re-join the Paris Agreement cannot be overstated in its importance for the United States and internationally. The detrimental effects of climate change resulting from global warming impact every corner of the world, impacting all sectors, putting a strain on existing social, environmental, health and economic systems, and negatively impacting sustainable development in every country.
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A reminder that our Annual Congregation Meeting Resources page is available if you haven’t had your annual meeting yet.
Attorney Bryan Daum reminds congregations using the written ballot procedure in addition to an online annual meeting, “Please remember that you must send a written ballot to each voting member and not just the persons who attended the virtual meeting.” View our resource page for full info.
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Though our creeds do not speak of Jesus’ teachings, miracles or example, give thanks that, through Scripture, the Spirit reveals Jesus to be the source of our redemption and a trustworthy guide, instructing us how to live with one another, serve our neighbor and do God’s work in the world today.
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In this week’s Story of Faith in Action (SOFIA): On Aug. 5, 2019, as the ELCA Churchwide Assembly met to elect leaders and make decisions regarding the future, Salvadoran Lutherans gathered for a similar reason.
For them, the day was historic: the Salvadoran Lutheran Church (SLC) ordained 14 pastors, increasing its roster from 35 to 49. Bolstered in part by Mission Support funds, the SLC provided training and support for these new leaders as they pursued a path to ordination.
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Remember in prayer those who continue to struggle with unemployment, underemployment and job searching as a result of the economic and health impacts of COVID-19.
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We pray for Rev. Gary McCluskey and the people of University Lutheran Church in Tempe, part of the Fiesta Conference. Visit their site at ulctempe.org, and their social media pages on Facebook and Twitter.
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Give thanks for the Lutheran liturgy and worship practices that equip us for daily life, helping us to praise God, listen to God’s word and experience unity in the body of Christ.
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Kristin Engstrom brings us the January 2021 Newsletter which includes an update on my life as an ELCA global missionary, an update on COVID in Senegal, and stories from two Young Adults in Global Mission (YAGM) Senegal alumni of when they experienced God enfleshed during their YAGM year in Senegal.
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Do you enjoy sifting and sorting? We are looking for a volunteer to go through papers from closed congregations to find archivable material. Contact Theresa Thornburgh if interested in this project.
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Join Pastor Adele Resmer, Rabbi Mari Chernow, Azar Hussain, and moderator Barb Peterson for a discussion of Women in Scripture, hosted by the Islamic Speakers Bureau of Arizona, held via Zoom on Fridays: Feb 12, 19, 26 & March 5 at 1 pm MST, noon PST. Info at isb-az.org/women-in-scripture.
The sessions will be recorded and posted on the Islamic Speakers Bureau website and offered as a resource for those who could not attend the meeting.
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Form A & C Parochial Reports, which are due February 15, 2021, are available on the ELCA.org Office of the Secretary resource page. These reports, as well as many types of other resources, can be found on the page.
If your congregation did not receive your password from ELCA Churchwide, or if you have any questions, please contact Theresa Thornburgh in the synod office.
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Join retired Rev. Carl Zimmerman and Barb Peterson, members of Peace Lutheran Church, Peoria, AZ, in a lecture series exploring the life and legacy of Martin Luther.
Monday evenings in March, 6:30pm MST, 5:30pm PST, will have a 15-minute presentation followed by 45 minutes of informal discussion. Click a link to join each meeting: 3/8/2021, 3/15/2021, 3/22/2021, 3/29,2021. RSVP @ petefv51@gmail.com.
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Have you or your worshipping community ever encountered a tough problem and found yourselves unable to come up with a solution? Then design thinking might be able to help! Design thinking is being used every day by global companies, top universities and people around the world to help solve big challenges.
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Give thanks for the self-sacrificing generosity of people who demonstrate their gratefulness for God’s gift of life and their concern for their neighbors’ well-being by donating blood, plasma and even organs.
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All are welcome to attend the installation of Pastor Annemarie Burke at Esperanza Lutheran Church, Phoenix, by Bishop Deborah Hutterer on Saturday, January 30 at 3 pm MST, 2 pm PST. The ceremony will be conducted on Zoom.
Click here to join the Zoom meeting, and view/download the Service of Installation as PDF.
Ever-living God, strengthen and sustain pastors, especially Pastor Annemarie Burke, that with patience and understanding they may love and care for your people. Grant that together they may follow in the way of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
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Cal Lutheran’s Fifty and Better program is commemorating Black History Month by hosting two lectures.
On Saturday, February 6th, Daniel Newman-Lessler will survey the lives and music of Black composers from all over the world, and on Saturday, February 13th, Eleanor Schrader will explore the career of Paul Williams, “Architect to the Stars.” Register here.
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Maximizing Social Media for Congregations, presented by Pastor Charles Newman and Melanie Moscicki of Crossroads Lutheran in San Tan Valley, is available for viewing on Vimeo or in this post. You can also view the Powerpoint presentation file.
We are grateful for the real-world expertise from the leaders at Crossroads, who are continually refining their digital presence.
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Lydia, Dorcas and Phoebe, witnesses to the faith Praise God for the witness and ministry of women of the early church. Give thanks for women of all ages and backgrounds who, responding to God’s call, continue to use their gifts, life experiences, knowledge and passions to grow the church, serve all people and be bearers of hope and healing in the world.
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We’ve developed a resource page on digital video, at gcsynod.org/video. We request video from people fairly often, and this page is a resource of tips and tricks for filming and transferring quality video.
If you have any tips, please contact Brian Flatgard, bflatgard@gcsynod.org, and we’ll put it in the mix.
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