Thriving Leadership Formation (TLF): Contemplative Action Cohorts Forming Now!

Thriving Leadership Formation (TLF) is currently recruiting leaders and participants for the next round of Cohorts this Fall! Watch this video to hear from those who have found community and meaning through their Cohort. Click here if interested in joining a cohort. Click here if interested in serving as a Leader.

The goal of the Contemplative Action Cohorts is to foster and equip spiritual leaders for new models of ministry and church.

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Celebrate the ELCA Fund for Leaders with your congregation on Sunday, 8/14/2022

Twenty-five years ago, our church’s leaders took a bold step and invested in the future by creating the ELCA Fund for Leaders (FFL). In honor of the 25th anniversary, we are hosting the first-ever Day of Giving on Aug. 16. All gifts to FFL will be matched dollar for dollar until we reach $25,000.

You can help us celebrate by lifting up this important ministry in your congregation on Sunday, Aug. 14. In this post, find resources you can use in your worship services and church communities.

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ELCA World Hunger Education and Networking Grants Open August 1, 2022

The application period for 2022 Cycle 2 of ELCA World Hunger Education and Networking Grants will open on August 1st, 2022.

Hunger Education and Networking Grants are one of the ways ELCA World Hunger accompanies congregations, synods, organizations, partners and local teams throughout the US and the Caribbean. We know that learning about the root causes of hunger and effective responses is key to ending hunger locally and globally.

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A pastor ripped apart by our divided country

America is burned out. The feeling is particularly acute for those who have traditionally been society’s bridge builders — teachers, health care workers, faith leaders — as they increasingly find themselves in the cross hairs of our divisions.

Dan White Jr. was a pastor in New York for nearly 20 years until the stress of trying to mend the chasms within his church led to his physical collapse. When he went searching for a place to heal and find support, he found few options. So he decided to create his own.

[You can listen to this episode of “First Person” on Apple, Spotify or Google or wherever you get your podcasts.]

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ELCA Advocacy encourages you to take advantage of August recess opportunities

By design and adapted to present realities, August Recess is a congressional tradition that brings heightened opportunities to reach out to your federal lawmakers where you – and they – live. U.S. representatives traditionally return to their home districts in this month to engage with their constituents.

Start by locating your lawmaker’s Web presence (govtrack.us is one place to connect). And use this post from ELCA Advocacy for more resources, and guidance on specific topics like child tax credit, housing, gun violence, energy and environmental justice, gender based violence, asylum and immigration, and voting rights.

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Man Hei Yip: “Embody the Word” online Bible study series

We share a video from Man Her Yip, part of the pre-events of the ELCA Churchwide Assembly 2022.

In preparation for the 2022 ELCA Churchwide Assembly, ELCA members are encouraged to participate in a series of online Bible studies that will explore the assembly theme, "Embody the Word," from Luke 24. Register here for the live Bible study series held on Zoom.

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Spirited Book Club: This Here Flesh

The Spirited Book Club discusses This Here Flesh: Spirituality, Liberation, and the Stories That Make Us, the stunning NYT bestseller by Cole Arthur Riley. The online club is FREE, register here. 8/11/2022, read the first half or more, 8/25/2022, read the last half.

In her stunning debut, the creator of Black Liturgies weaves stories from three generations of her family alongside contemplative reflections to discover the “necessary rituals” that connect us with our belonging, dignity, and liberation.

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Courageous Leadership - Channeling the Energy of the Crowd: Explorations in Team and Group Coaching

On Wednesday, July 27, 2022, ELCA Coaching welcomes back Nathan Swenson-Reinhold, who will be facilitating conversation around harnessing the energy of groups to do the work of the Kingdom.

The login information can be found below and on the ELCA Coaching website. Join us WEEKLY on Wednesdays at 11am MST/PDT, noon MDT, to hear from a variety of leaders.

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Ordination celebrations: 7/22/2022-7/28/2022
  • Rev. Janice Brosen, who celebrates 38 years on July 22.

  • Rev. Colin Melby, who celebrates 39 years on July 24.

  • Rev. Craig Larson, Mount Zion, Tucson, who celebrates 34 years on July 24.

  • Rev. Jeffery Gallen, Christ Evangelical, Goodyear, Alleluia, Phoenix, who celebrates 40 years on July 25.

  • Rev. Matthew Metevelis, Nathan Adelson Hospice, Las Vegas, Living Hope, Las Vegas, who celebrates 12 years on July 25.

  • Rev. Marta Poling Schmitt, who celebrates 35 years on July 26.

  • Rev. Gary McCluskey, University, Tempe, who celebrates 42 years on July 27.

  • Rev. David Pavesic, Beautiful Savior, Tucson, who celebrates 20 years on July 27.

  • Rev. Denise Edwards, who celebrates 20 years on July 27.

  • Rev. Phillip Shuart, St. Andrew, Las Vegas, who celebrates 31 years on July 28.

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