Grace Lutheran Church in Phoenix is providing heat relief while practicing Covid safety. From June 7, 2021 until August 27, 2021, Monday through Friday, 9am–5pm, Grace will open the courtyard for our community. Read this post for how they are building community and for donation and volunteer opportunities.
Read MoreWith so many lives in danger, we will continue to honor the Lutheran legacy of generous and compassionate welcome for those who seek refuge in our communities. How would we respond if the refugee on our doorstep were Jesus himself? As Jesus taught, “Just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me” (Matthew 25:40).
Read MoreIn her June/July column for Living Lutheran, Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton reflects on what we’ve learned from the Apostle Paul about the deeply spiritual act of stewardship. Read her column in English at https://bit.ly/3gBIYFR and in Spanish at https://bit.ly/3xqt8ER.
Read MoreOn Wednesday, June 16 at 4:30 p.m. MST/PDT, the Ecumenical Consultation on Protocols for Worship, Fellowship, and Sacraments will host a webinar titled “Leading the Church in a Lingering Pandemic.”
Read MoreThe Ecumenical Consultation on Protocols for Worship, Fellowship, and Sacraments provides a comprehensive update to the guidance originally published in the summer of 2020. View/download the Care-Filled Worship and Sacramental Life in a Lingering Pandemic PDF document.
The consultation included an ecumenical group of theologians, scientists, physicians, pastors, bishops, and practitioners from at least seven church bodies.
Read MoreNewly ordained Pastor Nanette Christofferson, serving at Love of Christ, Mesa, shares some gratitudes as part of our 2021 Assembly updates.
Read MoreNewly ordained Pastor Pam Reynolds, serving at Lord of Life, Sun City West, shares her some her joys as part of our 2021 Assembly.
Read MorePastor Don Lorfing, senior pastor at Good Samaritan Lutheran, Henderson, led us in a devotion and prayer based on our 2021 assembly’s theme and scripture: Freed in Christ.
“For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters; only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for self-indulgence, but through love become slaves to one another. For the whole law is summed up in a single commandment, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’” — Galatians 5:13-14
Read MorePastor Karn Carroll (Our Saviour’s Church in Phoenix) serves as our synod’s representative to the ELCA church council. At our 2021 Assembly, she and Pastor Jacqui Pagel shared specifics about our future church and ways to move forward.
Read MoreCongratulations on your role to bring a group from your congregation to the 2022 ELCA Youth Gathering. This is an incredible opportunity for you and all who will be involved. Perhaps you feel excited and/or overwhelmed, wondering where to start, especially if you have never been to the Gathering before.
Read MoreRev. Miguel Gomez-Acosta, Director for Evangelical Mission and Bishop’s Associate for Congregational Vitality, gives an update as part of our 2021 Synod Assembly.
Read MoreWe opened our 2021 Assembly with greetings from Pastor Roberto Trejo Haager, president of the Mexican Lutheran Church, or Iglesia Luterana Mexicana.
Read MoreWith numerous bishop elections, we’re using this page to keep a running list of newly-elected Bishops in the ELCA.
Brenda Bos elected bishop of ELCA Southwest California Synod
Megan Rohrer elected bishop of ELCA Sierra Pacific Synod
Kevin Jones elected bishop of ELCA Northeastern Iowa Synod
Paula Schmitt elected bishop of ELCA Allegheny Synod
Timothy Smith reelected bishop of the ELCA North Carolina Synod
Lee Miller II elected bishop of ELCA Upstate New York Synod
Felix Malpica elected bishop of ELCA La Crosse Area Synod
Dee Pederson elected bishop of ELCA Southwestern Minnesota Synod
Listen to greetings to our 2021 Assembly from President Adama Faye, Lutheran Church of Senegal.
Read MoreWe’re delighted to present the 44 members of the Grand Canyon Synod who sang in our 2021 Assembly’s virtual choir. Community Lutheran Church in Las Vegas was greatly represented by Philip Fortenberry as pianist, Director Bruce Ewing, and preparation assistance from Chuck Berg.
We also thank the full choir in this post.
Read MoreRev. Albert Starr, our Churchwide representative for our 2021 Synod Assembly, delivered the Gospel reading and sermon for our worship service. He is the ELCA's Director of Multi-Ethnic Ministry Development.
Read MoreFor many individuals and families, real estate is a cherished and much-utilized asset. Real estate can be a great way to make a gift to your congregation and the ministries that matter the most to you.
Our ELCA Foundation regional gift planners, Lisa Marie Higginbotham and Josh Kerney, are available to answer any questions you may have on how a gift of real estate can benefit you and the ministries that mean the most to you!
Read MoreVocalist Nicole Pryor and percussionist Brett Barnes perform Freedom as part of the 2021Grand Canyon Synod Assembly worship service, recorded at Community Lutheran Church in Las Vegas.
Read MoreAll active Rostered Ministers or retired ministers serving as interim pastors are invited to the Bishop’s Fall Gathering to be held on October 18-20, 2021 in Phoenix. Bishop Eaton will be our guest for this event. More details are on the way.
Read MoreAs part of the Synod Council and Bishop Report of our 2021 Assembly, Bishop Deborah Hutterer shared some exciting news about our new appeal, Growing Generosity. We are already over halfway to our $500,000 goal, with $281,656 in gifts and pledges!
With a 100% participation rate from the Growing Generosity leadership team, Synod Council, and Office of the Bishop staff, we have already received leadership gifts from three congregations: New Promise Lutheran Church in St. George, UT; Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Tucson; and Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Paradise Valley. Read her report and learn how you can join us in growing generosity in our synod.
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