Join us in celebrating the success of the Back to School Fair hosted by Lutheran Social Services of Nevada, a delightful event that served 338 children with 14 wrap-around services! From dance-offs to educational support, this community-driven fair was filled with fun, love, and compassion. Check out the highlights and heartwarming photos of the event, and learn how sponsors, volunteers, and community partners made it all possible.
Read MoreEvery summer, this friendly competition brings together churches, businesses, and service groups in a race to collect peanut butter—one of the most in-demand food pantry items—and make a real difference in fighting food insecurity.
New Song Lutheran Church emerged as the 2023 champions with a jaw-dropping 16,235 pounds of peanut butter collected! They were closely followed by Community Lutheran Church, winning an award for the most creativity, with 9616 pounds. Other notable contributions came from churches such as Good Samaritan, Saint Andrew, Christ the Servant, and more, all of whom displayed impressive efforts in their collections.
Read MoreJoin the Lutheran Faith Community Nurse Association's workshop on Documentation and Legal Aspects of FCN Practice, led by Denise Viker, RN BSN. Dive into legal guidelines, professional boundaries, and documentation standards, helping you optimize your faith community nursing practice. Click here to learn more about this virtual event on 8/17/2023.
Read MoreNavigating the digital landscape as a parent can be challenging. Join Luther Seminary’s Faith+Lead’s "Parenting in a New Media Culture" online workshop on August 12th, 2023, 12pm PDT/MST, 11am MDT, hosted by renowned Dr. Angela Gorrell.
Designed to equip parents and mentors with essential tools to guide our youth in this digital era, this is an opportunity not to be missed. Register today, get more info, and let's help our children thrive in our digital world.
Read MoreJoin facilitator Sheri Brown in viewing hopeful, encouraging, and soul-strengthening films, followed by group discussion and mutual support. Climate Theater meets online via Zoom for their final film, Kiss the Ground, on Thursdays, August 17 & 24 at 4pm PDT/MST, 5pm MDT. Register here to receive the Zoom link.
To significantly mitigate the climate crisis, there are a lot of problems humans need to solve — and as this documentary suggests, one of the biggest problems is right under your feet: the soil. Narrated by Woody Harrelson, the star-studded film explains why transitioning to regenerative agriculture could be key in rehabilitating the planet, while simultaneously invigorating a new sense of hope and inspiration in viewers.
Read MoreJoin the Be Connected Faith Network as they explore the concept of 'spiritual readiness' with renowned expert, Dr. Harold Koenig, at the next online Be Connected Faith Gathering, Wednesday, 8/16/2023, 9am PDT/MST, 10am MDT. Click here to register for free.
In this PDF learn more about the importance of this essential quality in the lives of service members and veterans. Don't miss this opportunity to delve deeper into a theme that resonates across cultures and faiths.
Read MoreJoin us for an enlightening discourse on the perceptions of wealth and richness across different faiths, in our upcoming event titled "Living Our Faith - A Tri-Faith Discussion." Scheduled for Tuesday, August 15, 2023, at 6pm PDT/MST, 7pm MDT, this free virtual event invites you to gain insights from diverse religious perspectives. Click here to register.
Our esteemed presenters for the evening include Rabbi John Linder, Pastor Bill Utke, and Imam Didmar Faja. They will delve into the topic "Who is Rich? What is Wealth?" providing valuable viewpoints from their respective faiths.
Read MoreGet involved in the 2024 Gathering! With volunteer applications now open, a new course series on gLearn, and a comprehensive Registration Workbook available, we've made preparation easy for you. Mark your calendar for the opening of Priority Registration and Financial Assistance on Sept. 15, 2023. Learn more about these exciting opportunities and resources in the 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering’s latest blog post.
Read MoreJoin us as we celebrate Lynn Hockenberger, the Early Childhood Director of the Year recognized by the Evangelical Lutheran Education Association (ELEA). Serving as the director of Children of Hope Development Center at Esperanza Lutheran Church in Phoenix, Lynn exemplifies administrative excellence and a deep commitment to integrating faith and education.
Read MoreDownload and discover the Evangelical Lutheran Education Association's (ELEA) 2023-2024 Devotion Guide titled "On the Road / En La Carretera." The guide, compiled by educators, leaders, and bishops, serves as a powerful resource for parents, staff, and those involved in our schools and centers. Join others on this journey of faith and education which follows the lectionary each week.
Read MoreLutheran delegate Willie F. Korboi shares insightful reflections from his participation in the 2023 United Nations High-Level Political Forum. From emphasizing collective action for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to advocating for child safety, Willie's experience at the forum offers a profound perspective on global challenges and the urgent need for tangible actions. Read more at ELCA.org to delve into these reflections and understand the crucial role of faith-based communities in addressing global issues.
Read MoreChurches in Germany held an ecumenical requiem for the rapidly disappearing Northern Schneeferner glacier to draw attention to the catastrophic impacts of climate change. The symbolic ceremony on Zugspitze, Germany's highest peak, not only mourned the loss of the glacier but also urged collective action to combat climate change. Explore this post from Lutheran World Federation to delve deeper into this unique blend of spirituality and environmental awareness.
Read MoreThe ELCA Fund for Leaders invites everyone to join the Day of Giving on August 16, 2023. Celebrate over 25 years of investing in seminary education and help shape the future of our church by donating, spreading the word on social media, or fostering awareness in your community. Every gift will be matched, doubling your impact. Learn more about this significant event here.
Read MoreChildren of Hope Child Development Center, an outreach ministry of Esperanza Lutheran Church in Phoenix, proudly announces its achievement of a 5-star Quality First rating, the highest level of recognition for early learning providers in Arizona. Discover how this milestone validates their commitment to delivering excellent early education, setting children up for success in kindergarten and beyond, in their latest blog post.
Read MoreThe Office of the Bishop staff travels the synod, and attends the Ordination and Installation of Wyatt Linde, Aug 9, 2023, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM, Resurrection, Oro Valley.
Read MoreToday we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Sharon Brown, Spirit of Joy, Clarkdale, who celebrates 10 years on August 2.
Rev. Mark Perry, Sierra Evangelical, Sierra Vista, who celebrates 37 years on August 2.
Rev. Thomas McFarland, who celebrates 37 years on August 3.
Rev. Janet Richardson, who celebrates 34 years on August 6.
Rev. Richard Peterson, who celebrates 30 years on August 8.
Rev. John Hoelter, who celebrates 56 years on August 9.
Rev. Joseph Dillon, who celebrates 47 years on August 10.
Thriving Leadership Formation is seeking leaders for our next round of Contemplative Action Groups. Leaders receive a stipend of $2,500. A job description can be found here.
Leaders will receive training in spiritual practices, the Enneagram, and access to other resources for spiritual leadership and support. If you are interested in leading a cohort, please complete this interest form.
Read MoreThe Arizona Faith Network's August events bring opportunities to connect, learn, and make a difference. From social justice meetings to enlightening sessions on religious nationalism and faith practices, there's something for everyone. We also highlight our efforts to combat extreme heat, showcasing the importance of collective action. Discover more about their events and how you can participate in their latest newsletter.
Read MoreThroughout the next couple of months, the ELCA is asking for your help. We are looking for your thoughts and ideas on how we are called to be a church in today’s world.
Please visit our website on Future Church: God’s Love Made Real – lovemadereal.elca.org – where you can learn more about this action and complete a survey to share your views of the church and the world today.
In the coming weeks we will offer listening sessions where you can participate in online opportunities to provide your thoughts on God’s call for the church.
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