Bishop Eaton's letter to Bishop Dr. Sani Ibrahim-Azar

In a letter to Bishop Dr. Sani Ibrahim-Azar of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land, Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton offers the support, prayers and advocacy efforts of the ELCA. Read Bishop Eaton’s full letter here, as well as Bishop Dr. Azar’s statement.

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ELCA Coaching's Courageous Leadership: What happens when Autism and Faith intersect?

We talk about Autism as being a spectrum. Some folks talk about Faith as being a spectrum. What happens when Autism and Faith intersect? Join us via Zoom on Wednesday, October 18, as we hear from Rev. Anna K. Gordy, Pastor for Pláticas de Santa Sofia, a ministry of the ELCA.

Join ELCA Coaching every Wednesday at 11am MST/PDT, 12pm MDT, as we practice Courageous Leadership. Log in info is on the ELCA Coaching website.

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Last Call for Inspirers: ELCA Youth Gathering Volunteer Deadline Extended

The ELCA Youth Gathering has extended the volunteer application deadline to November 1, 2023. Don't miss this renewed chance to serve and inspire our youth in New Orleans next summer. Check your registration details, note down key dates, and remember, the Gathering team is here to answer any questions. Read more in the latest updates.

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Nurturing Creation: October’s Call to Action with LRC

This October, Lutherans Restoring Creation (LRC) offers enriching opportunities to intertwine faith with environmental stewardship in their October newsletter. From the upcoming Ecumenical Training to their newly announced Young Adult Vocational Fellowship, they’re empowering voices and actions that care for our planet. Dive into our resource hub, attend upcoming events, and let your faith-filled actions resonate. Read more to join them in these vital steps for Earth's care.

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Ecumenical Bonds Strengthened: A Celebratory September for ELCA

This September, ELCA celebrated profound ecumenical unity, highlighted by Bishop Gohl's participation in Bishop Schofield-Broadbent's ordination. Our new Congregation and Synod Support Team and the successful "God's work. Our hands" Sunday reflect our ongoing commitment to shared mission and service. Read more in the September 2023 ELCA Mission Support Memo, available at ELCA.org, as a PDF, or a Word doc.

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2023 Arizona Faith Network Annual Gathering: Building Bridges, Breaking Barriers

Join a celebration of unity at AFN’s 2023 Annual Gathering, "Building Bridges, Breaking Barriers," on October 24, 2023! With a stellar lineup of artists, musicians, and speakers from diverse faiths, this event promises inspiration and interfaith dialogue. Register today and be part of this transformative experience.

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Harmonizing Worship: October Highlights from ELCA Partners

Each month ELCA Worship highlights resources and events from other organizations and institutions. These Lutheran and ecumenical partner organizations work alongside the ELCA to support worship leaders, worship planners, musicians, and all who care about the worship of the church. From communal song-sharing workshops with Music that Makes Community to the Calvin Institute's worship grants, and insightful reads from Augsburg Fortress, there's something to inspire everyone.

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Ordination celebrations: October 13-19, 2023

This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:

  • Rev. Steven Kruse, New Covenant, Scottsdale, who celebrates 38 years on October 13.

  • Deacon Gloria Owens, who celebrates 36 years on October 13.

  • Rev. Daniel Hoeger, All Saints, Phoenix, who celebrates 34 years on October 15.

  • Rev. Douglas Dill, Central, Arizona City, who celebrates 8 years on October 17.

  • Rev. Julia Sprenkle, who celebrates 13 years on October 17.

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Advocacy Meets Spirituality: Unveiling Paths to Change at the LAMA Summit 2023

Join fellow advocates at the 4th Annual LAMA Summit, November 4, 2023, for a transformative exploration of 'Advocacy as a Spiritual Practice.' Connect with passionate Lutherans, engage in vital discussions, and participate in hands-on service projects. Lunch provided, special youth programs available. Don't miss this inspiring convergence of faith and action. Read more at lamaz.org.

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From words to action: Congregation joins the Truth and Healing Movement

In April, ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton launched the Truth and Healing Movement to increase the church’s understanding of the impacts of colonization on Indigenous people in past and present generations. Living Lutheran reached out to Richard A. Magnus, a retired pastor who attends Edina (Minn.) Community Lutheran (ECLC), to hear how the congregation’s work with the movement has affected members and the community.

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Honoring Hispanic Heritage Month

In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, Living Lutheran talked with Latiné Lutherans and heard their needs and hopes. Today we pause to reflect on the work being done throughout the ELCA to affirm and honor our siblings of Latiné descent. In the article, read quotes from the ELCA Ethnic Specific and Multicultural Ministries team. For more information about the ELCA’s Latiné ministries or other ethnic specific ministries, click here or email Jennifer De Leon, director for racial justice, at jennifer.deleon@elca.org.

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Faith Lens: Faith and Vaccines

This week's Faith Lens explores the profound intersection of faith and science, spotlighting the life-saving advancements brought forth by Katalin Kariko, Drew Weissman, and their pioneering mRNA research. As we reflect on the impact of COVID-19 vaccines, we're invited to ponder deeper questions: How does our faith shape our view of science and vaccines? In what ways are we called to be stewards of God’s love in the face of global challenges? Delve into a thoughtful discussion on the Christian response to scientific achievement and the continuing call to serve humanity.

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For What Shall We Pray? 10/10/2023
  • For peace in our world…

  • For nations of the world experiencing violence and unrest, especially in Gaza/Israel, Ukraine, and Nagorno-Karabakh…

  • For victims of terrorism and for those who mourn them…

  • For Jewish, Christian, and Muslim siblings in the Middle East, especially all who live in fear and under oppression…

  • For all victims of gun violence, especially in Baltimore and Laurel, MD; Fort Wayne, IN; Louisville, KY; Lansing, MI; and Castleton, VT…

  • For all in the path of Hurricane Lidia…

  • For continued recovery and relief efforts following the earthquake in Afghanistan…

  • For rescue efforts following flash flooding in the Indian Himalayas…

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Celebrate with us the Successful Completion of our Growing Generosity Appeal Goal

Thanks to generous contributions from congregations and individuals, the Growing Generosity Task Force proudly announces the successful achievement of the appeal goal with over $750,000 pledged. This achievement unlocks an additional $150,000 grant, supporting diverse ministries within the Grand Canyon Synod, enhancing financial viability, nurturing future initiatives, and empowering voices for justice.

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Grand Canyon Synod Retirees Retreat is 10/30-11/1/2023 at Spirit in the Desert

You’re invited to consider and register for the 2023 GCS Retirees Retreat at Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center, October 30, 31 and Nov. 1.  All the information you need to do this is in this PDF

You will find that the theme and presenter bring a truly ‘Reformation’ dynamic to this retreat, as we are looking forward to having Rev. Dr. Donald Heinz with us.  If you have any questions, please contact Conrad Braaten at conradabraaten@gmail.com.  

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