As we wind down the season of Advent and 2023, we send you Christmas greetings from the Office of the Bishop! The Synod Office will be closed Friday through Tuesday ,12/22 – 12/26/2023, and again on Monday, January 1, 2024.
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The ELCA Seeds Monthly for December 2023 is available online, featuring Advent and Christmas resources, featured events and resources, as well as bulletin blurbs.
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The latest ELCA Disability Ministries news updates are available, featuring: a webinar with Dr. Bill Gaventa, The Curb Effect: How Accessibility Impacts Everyone; a book review of The Difference That Disability Makes by Rod Michalko; the Disability Ministries advisory team’s “Top 10” list ; resources for a Blue Christmas worship service; and a reminder that Jan. 4 is World Braille Day and that Extravaganza 2024 takes place Jan. 18-21, 2024, in New Orleans, La.
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Being a youth leader can be both rewarding and challenging. It’s a role that requires a great deal of energy, compassion, and patience. If you’re feeling tired or overwhelmed during this Advent Season, you’re not alone. The demands of guiding and supporting young people, coupled with all the responsibilities of the season, in addition to balancing the visioning prep for upcoming trips and all that goes into them, can take a toll.
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What is your response when someone asks, “Where are you from?” Mine is a joke and reality. I often reply with my Eswatini accent, “I am from Decorah, Iowa.” I was raised in Eswatini, attended Luther College in Decorah and Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minn., and am now a Lutheran pastor in Jersey City, N.J. For most people in America, “Where are you from?” is a tricky question. We need a different question if we are to be hospitable to one another.
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Explore the power of belief and the importance of listening to women's voices in this week's Faith Lens post. Drawing inspiration from Britney Spears' memoir and her #FreeBritney movement, we delve into the societal tendency to dismiss women's stories and the impact of such attitudes. This post connects this theme to the Gospel, emphasizing the significance of believing Mary's account of Jesus' divine origin and the ongoing struggle to give women a voice in the church and society.
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For peace among nations, especially in Israel/Palestine…
For the volcanic eruption in Grindavik, Iceland…
For those injured, grieving, or displaced by earthquake in northern China, especially amid freezing temperatures…
For the cease-fire to hold and for fair elections in the Democratic Republic of Congo…
For all left without power due to storms in the northeastern United States…
For feeding ministries and those working to provide basic needs during the holiday season…
For families of all shapes and sizes, chosen families, and friendships…
For all experiencing grief, depression, loneliness, or need…
The Installation of Pastor David Sivecz will be at Grace Lutheran, (1124 North 3rd Street, Phoenix, AZ 85004) on Saturday, January 13, 2024 at 3pm. Bishop Hutterer will be preaching and presiding. View the livestream on the Grace Facebook page.
Clergy are invited to vest and process. Color of the day will be white. There will be a reception following.
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Please be advised that the Office of the Bishop will be closed for the holidays from December 22 to December 26, 2023, and on January 1, 2024. We wish everyone a joyous Christmas and holiday season and look forward to reconnecting in the New Year!
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Produced by Lutheran Film Associates in 1966, A Time for Burning is a 58-minute, black-and-white cinema verite documentary that chronicles the struggle between the pastor of Augustana Lutheran Church in Omaha, Neb., and his all-white congregation as he encourages members to reach out to a neighboring Black church. Bill Jersey, one of the pioneers of cinema verite, and Barbara Connell directed the film, which was nominated for an Academy Award. The film is streaming on The Criterion Channel.
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As we gather to celebrate this holy season, we extend our wishes for a blessed and joyous Christmas to you. Let us remember the great light that shone with the birth of Christ—a light that continues to guide and uplift us through all the seasons of our lives.
In this imperfect season—where shadows of trouble and war loom over this world—may we find renewed hope, peace, and joy in the message of the angels and the humble birth of Jesus. Join us in embracing the warmth of our communities and ministries, the love of family and friends, and the comfort of God's enduring presence among us.
Gracious God, as we rejoice in the miracle of Christmas, guide us to be bearers of your peace and joy in a world that yearns for your presence. Strengthen our faith, enliven our hope, and let your love shine through us each day. Amen.
Wishing you a Christmas filled with peace and joy,
—The Office of the Bishop Staff
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Raise your voices in song at the Grand Canyon Synod’s MLK Celebration! Join us on January 14 at King of Glory Lutheran Church for a worship service filled with soulful Gospel music in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Under the direction of vocal coach LaRiche Lamar, we'll perform classics like Total Praise and His Eye is on the Sparrow."Choir members and directors, sign up now at htlutheran.com/mlk for a chance to be part of this spiritually enriching experience.
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For peace among nations, especially among Israel/Palestine and Russia/Ukraine…
For victims of terrorist attacks in Pakistan…
For those suffering prejudice and hate due to race, religion, gender, or class…
For areas suffering due to climate change and for policies that protect environmental concerns…
For educators, administrators, and all leaders of educational institutions…
For relief and rebuilding efforts following tornadoes in Tennessee…
For all who are celebrating and making preparations for winter holidays…
This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Deacon Katie Adelman, House of Prayer, Rock Point, who celebrates 38 years on December 15.
Rev. Thomas Stephens, who celebrates 39 years on December 16.
Rev. Bjorn Pedersen, who celebrates 36 years on December 20.
Some of the Office of the Bishop staff gather for an in-person staff retreat this week, as we wrap up 2023 and prepare for the 2024 calendar year.
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Explore the challenging yet enriching call to step beyond our comfort zones in the latest Faith Lens blog, which delves into the history and current impacts of Indigenous people’s subjugation, drawing parallels to John the Baptist's unsettling call for change and repentance. Engage with thought-provoking questions and activities that encourage embracing Jesus' liberating message of love and justice.
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Discover the art of civil discourse with "Hot Topics, Cool Heads: A Handbook for Civil Dialogue." Authored by experts who also have ties to our synod, this guide offers practical tools for engaging in respectful conversations on challenging topics. This essential read is part of our our "Creating Space for Conversations" resource page.
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Just in time for your winter break, we’ve uploaded the latest version of the synod constitution to our website. The latest version of the constitution is always available at gcsynod.org/constitution.
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