“We are at a 1945 moment” — Those words from António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, came in a speech on January 10, 2021, marking the 75th anniversary of the first meeting of the U.N. General Assembly. Referencing the moment when the world, emerging from the horrors of World War II, took their first steps into a new era of global cooperation and unity.
Read More
Our 2021 Assembly will elect synod council members, committee members, and will also elect voting members to attend the Churchwide Assembly which will be held in August, 2022, in Columbus, Ohio.
Our nominations page is the place to nominate yourself or someone else for leadership roles in synod council, synod committees, as well as voting members at our Churchwide Assembly in August, 2022.
Read More
During the season of Lent, Spirit in the Desert is offering individuals the opportunity to participate in one-on-one faith conversations with an experienced Spiritual Companion. Free of charge from Spirit in the Desert.
Read More
Enhance your Lenten journey by discovering how to use a Labyrinth as a spiritual practice for meditation, prayer & personal transformation. Ash Wednesday, February 17 from 12:00 - 2:00 pm. Online workshop by Spirit in the Desert.
Read More
As a way to prepare your heart for Lent, Spirit in the Desert invites you to a Spirited Lenten Journey, including a Labyrinth Workshop, Wednesday Contemplative Services, a 6-week Sunday evening Lenten Examen, and one-on-one Spiritual Accompaniment.
Read More
Rick Radwick writes and shares that Sierra Evangelical Lutheran Church, Sierra Vista, assembled Lenten Gift Bags for all of their members.
In an attempt to help keep everyone connected during these isolating times, some members put together Lenten gift bags to be delivered the weekend before Ash Wednesday.
Read More
Each Friday in February (and one in March), the African Descent pastors of the Southwest California Synod will be offering a podcast in honor of the Black History of the American Lutheran Church. Listen here.
Read More
Saint Barnabas in Paradise Valley, is seeking a new Director of Operations & Finance. View the job description here, applications due February 26, 2021.
Read More
We pray for Rev. Adam Barnhart and the people of Shepherd of the Hills Evangelical Lutheran Church in Flagstaff, part of the High Country Conference. Visit their site at sothflagstaff.org.
Read More
Register today for our first-ever online assembly, June 11 and 12, 2021! Only voting members need to register. Visitors will be able to stream via Facebook live and other platforms at no cost.
Register by 3/31/2021 and save $20 on your registration. Registration closes 5/7/2021, with no exceptions. We are strictly enforcing our registration deadline this year because of the complexity of our online voting system, training, and sending of materials.
Read More
This week, Bishop Eaton shares some of the rich contributions of Black Lutheran history.
Read More
Ken Wheeler wrote a reflection concerning Black Lutheran saints on “whose shoulders I stand.” He identified three pioneers of this church—Nelson Trout, Will Herzfeld and Rudolph Featherstone—who greatly inspired him and his vocation. Here is a closer look at the contributions of these saints.
Read More
This sold-out devotional returns to stock at Augsburg Fortress today, February 10, 2021. Quantities are limited. Order today to ensure timely arrival.
A Story to Tell: Devotions for Lent 2021 is a beautiful, full-color Lenten devotional highlights readings from the gospel of Mark with 46 entries, one for each day from Ash Wednesday to Easter.
Read More
The prophet Isaiah provides a beautiful column of words from which to build a thoughtful sermon, but truly on this Ash Wednesday the sermon will not be built by words, but by the world that is still trying to stop the hemorrhaging of our much loved friends and family. Truly we sit upon an ash-heap of tears and unrealized hopes in this pandemic.
Read More
Black History Month was the idea of African American historian Carter G. Woodson in the absence of a thorough picture of the contributions of African Americans to the larger American story.
The significance of this month ought not just be embraced by those of us who are African American. The history should be important to all of us. As an African American Lutheran pastor, I think of those Black Lutheran saints on whose shoulders I stand.
Read More
Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago (LSTC) offers virtual events each week of Black History Month to touch the mind, body and spirit through worship, academic discussions, poetry, artwork, and song. All events are open to the public with registration to receive the Zoom links.
Read More
Baltimore is home to Johns Hopkins University, renowned for its hospitals, clinics and research facilities. But despite their proximity, some of the city’s African American residents have struggled to fight the coronavirus pandemic, said Louis R. Tillman IV, pastor of St. Philip Evangelical Lutheran Church in East Baltimore.
Throughout the pandemic, the historic African-descent congregation has ensured that masks and other safety items reach anyone in need.
Read More
Energy Star for Congregations (energystar.gov/congregations) is a federal government initiative to help congregations cut their energy use, save money and protect the environment. Resources include an Energy Star guide for congregations.
Read More
In the first decades of the 20th century, African Americans faced grinding poverty and harsh racial restrictions. Many African American leaders fought against these evils and worked to bring justice to their communities.
One such leader was Rosa Young of Alabama, whose drive and determination enabled her to spearhead the development of Black Lutheranism in the South.
Read More