On May 4th, 2022, congregations of the Colorado River Conference joined together for dinner and worship to “Celebrate Leaders’ who helped us navigate the last two difficult years in ministry. Rev. Marta Poling Schmitt was the guest preacher and music was provided by hosts Christ the Servant and New Song, with additional participation from Community Lutheran in Bullhead City, AZ, and Las Vegas churches Living Hope, Saint Andrew, Community, and Holy Spirit. View photos in this post.
Read MoreWhat is important to you when you think about government? What about how the church and the state relate to each other?
A task force is at work on a new social statement about civics and faith, and it wants to hear from you. There are two opportunities to participate on 5/24/2022 or 5/24/2022, 5-6:15pm MST/PDT, 6-7:15pm MDT. Click here to register and learn more at elca.org/civicsandfaith.
Read MoreIn this report, St. Raphael in the Valley in Benson shares how “Episcopal/Lutheran churches often tend to lean more toward one denomination than another. At St Raphael, we are embarked on a grand experiment to embrace more fully the richness of both the Episcopal and the ELCA Lutheran traditions. A year ago, we began a consultation with Bishop Hutterer and Bishop Reddall to develop a ministry support plan.”
Read MoreI am not a practicing Lutheran. Although many of my relatives and ancestors are, I grew up in a secular family, attending church only for Christmas Eve services and the occasional baptism or funeral. As you might imagine, it was an unusual path that led me to this year of being an ELCA Hunger Advocacy Fellow, of learning to navigate through new communities, new opportunities and new insights.
Read MoreThe Rev. Erik Gronberg, Fort Worth, Texas, was reelected April 29 to serve a second six-year term as bishop of the Northern Texas-Northern Louisiana Synod. The election took place during the synod assembly April 29-30 at King of Glory Lutheran Church in Dallas.
Read MoreMay is Mental Health Awareness Month and Bishop Eaton reminds us that caring for our mental health is not a sign of weakness, it’s a sign of courage, faithfulness and hope.
The ELCA World Hunger Team invites applications for Domestic Hunger Grants. Visit this FAQ page about applying. Applications are open April 18–May 20, 2022.
Read MoreIn this report, California Lutheran’s Thriving Leadership Formation Program shares an introduction video, and reminds anyone seeking spiritual community to join them to deepen friendship and your spiritual practice. Open to rostered and lay leaders.
Read MoreIn this post, California Lutheran University and Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary say thank you via video, share PDF reports (Cal Lutheran, PLTS).
Read MoreMMC is excited to announce an event exploring paperless singing, to take place in Eugene, Ore., on June 25. In preparation for the Annual Conference of the Hymn Society, join us in Washington, D.C., on July 16.
Online programs continue, including the new song-writing workshop “Composing Ourselves,” a webinar with Jorge Lockward exploring creative liturgical composition, Morning Grounding, and more. Visit the MMC website for additional details and to register.
Read MoreNote: Our block of rooms with Westgate Resort are fully booked. Be sure to call and reserve Country Inn and Suites by 5/25/2022.
Read MoreInside Out Network, new to our synod, shares their 2022 assembly report with two stories—one long and winding, and one short and sweet—both in the same Spirit.
Read MoreInside Out Network, with Rev. Fred Nelson (New Spirit, Tucson) as Executive Director, is a new strategic ministry of the Grand Canyon Synod, helping reshape reentry for people leaving incarceration with their ground-breaking, invisibility-busting ION online platform that allows returning citizens and service providers to communicate directly with each other. Think of ION as "eHarmony for reentry."
Learn how you can help and more about this ministry in this post, this front-page AZ Daily Star article, and the ION website.
Read MoreThe Arizona State University Lutheran Campus Ministry shares their 2022 assembly report in this video.
Read MoreCoronavirus cases and hospitalizations are rising in a majority of American states, signaling a surge that is increasingly national in scope.
According to the CDC’s COVID-19 Community Levels, all of our synod’s counties remain low level: Apache, Clark, Cochise, Coconino, Gila, Graham, Greenlee, La Paz, Maricopa, Mohave, Navajo, Pima, Pinal, Santa Cruz, Washington, Yavapai, and Yuma.
Read MoreThis week’s ordination anniversaries are Rev. Donald Thompson, who celebrates 39 years on May 8.
Rev. Mary Louise Frenchman, Native American Urban Ministry in Phoenix, celebrates 22 years on May 9.
Read MoreThis week, the Office of the Bishop team continues our ministry in meetings, assembly preparation, and the day-to-day presence to all our partner ministries.
Read MoreFor leaders running for elected office as the season for state and local primaries begins, and for all who use their political office to support the welfare of all people
With thanksgiving for mothers of all kinds and for all people who provide compassionate care to others…
For people for whom Mother’s Day is difficult, including those who are grieving, those in difficult relationship circumstances, or those experiencing infertility…
For all wrestling with difficult decisions about pregnancy, parenthood, and childcare…
For all people seeking safe, equitable, and empowered access to healthcare…
For the beloved memory of the more than 15 million lives lost, directly and indirectly, due to the Covid-19 pandemic…
For those battling wildfires in New Mexico, suffering dust storms in Colorado, and cleaning up after tornadoes in Texas and Oklahoma…
A message from Deacon Tammy Jones West, 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering Program Director…
First, there is no curtain but for a peek into the behind-the-scenes happenings of the ELCA Youth Gathering, let me start with my first few months on staff. Let me introduce you to the people who are called to serve this ministry at the ELCA.
