In the latest Faith Lens blog, Joshua Serrano reflects on handling life's highs and lows through the lens of celebrity stories and the early ministry of Jesus. He discusses Adam Sandler's humble reaction to a professor's early criticism, juxtaposed with the Gospel account of Jesus' baptism and subsequent temptation. Serrano encourages finding strength in our identity as beloved children of God, regardless of life's fluctuating circumstances.
Read MoreBe alert to a wave of phishing emails impersonating church leaders. Confirm the legitimacy of requests, especially involving money or gift cards, to avoid scams.
Read MoreAttend the third session of the 'Aging with Grace' series at Community of Grace on February 21st. Ms. Barbara Kvittiem-Barr, CPA, will cover 'Living with Grace,' focusing on financial and legal aspects of extended care. This session is crucial for those seeking guidance on managing the financial intricacies of elder care, along with the importance of personal self-care.
For a deep dive into each weekly topic and to connect with valuable resources, visit the full series details at Community of Grace or in this PDF.
Read MoreLooking for a way to enhance your leadership and spiritual journey? Join the Thriving Leadership Formation Cohorts, a series of 12 sessions starting 2/16/2024 designed to create community and foster growth among church leaders. Dive into enriching spiritual practices in a supportive environment, all at no cost. Contact Pastor Susan Dollinger at bethanypastorsusan@yahoo.com for more info.
Read MoreRejuvenate your preaching spirit at the 2024 Festival of Homiletics in Pittsburgh. Sign up by February 15th for early bird rates and prepare for a nurturing, spirit-filled experience.
Read MoreAs rostered ministers of the Grand Canyon Synod, you have a unique opportunity to share insights and feedback directly with Bishop Hutterer through the annual Report to the Bishop. Your thoughtful participation is not only a commitment but also a valuable contribution to the synod's mission and future planning.
The deadline for submission is March 1, 2024, and the process has been made accessible with online and Word document forms.
Read MoreThe ELCA calls on congregations to submit the streamlined Annual Congregation Report, Form A, by March 1. This consolidated form simplifies the process, aiding in future church planning and identity assessment.
Read MoreWe share the ELCA Mission Support Memo for February 2024. This month highlights the beauty and difficulty of attending a closing service of a local church in the Southeast Michigan Synod and how it was "Brutiful". Also find links to our ELCA resources to SOFIA, these Mission Support Memos, but also Annual Report Covers, Intent templates and more. There is also a heartfelt thank you to all treasurers and bookkeepers across our wider church. Read the memo here.
Read MoreDiscover the transformative power of art at Lord of Grace Lutheran Church with the unveiling of a new sanctuary mural by Michael Schultz. Celebrate the close of a successful capital campaign with this vibrant expression of faith and community. Read more in our post and the article at lordofgrace.org.
Read MoreJoin the Lenten Challenge and strengthen your faith while supporting ELCA World Hunger. Participate in three meaningful practices, including daily devotions, to reflect, give back, and potentially lead our synod to a friendly victory in support of a noble cause.
Read MorePastor Amy Janssen will be installed on Wednesday, 3/20/2024, 6:30 pm, at Tanque Verde Lutheran Church (8625 E. Tanque Verde Rd. Tucson, AZ). Bishop Hutterer will preach and preside. Clergy are invited to vest and process. The color of the day is purple. A dessert reception will follow. Livestream is available at tvlc.org/livestream.
Read MorePastor Chris Heller will be installed Sunday, 3/3/2024, 9 am, at Esperanza Lutheran Church (2601 E. Thunderhill Place, Phoenix, AZ 85048). Bishop Hutterer will preside and preach. Clergy are invited to vest and process. Color of the day is purple. A reception will follow. Watch a livestream video here.
Read MoreThe ELCA Worship's blog post for February 8, 2024, showcases a variety of resources and events offered by Lutheran and ecumenical partner organizations. Highlights include the Institute of Liturgical Studies' conference on liturgy in consumer culture, free music compositions from Lutheran Summer Music, and the Association of Lutheran Church Musicians' educational conference. Augsburg Fortress presents liturgical resources for the Three Days of Easter, while Music that Makes Community shares practices for communal song-sharing. Luther Seminary’s Faith+Lead introduces a course for lay leaders on planning worship experiences.
Read MoreWelcome to Episode 1 of Talks at the Desk, season 3. Talks at the Desk is a four-part video series by African Descent Ministries of the ELCA. This season focuses on the Reclaim Gathering and will explore its themes: reclaim, embolden, embody and liberate. A new video will premiere each Wednesday in February at 6:30pm MST, 5:30pm PST, beginning 2/7/2024. Watch live at youtube.com/ELCA, and view the trailer in this post.
Read MoreThis week we celebrate the ordination anniversary of Rev. Mark Wickstrom, Living Hope, Las Vegas, who celebrates 38 years on February 9.
Read MoreOffice of the Bishop staff travel the synod to preach, including the Installation of Pastor Kurt Fangmeier, at Sierra Evangelical Lutheran Church, Sierra Vista.
We also share photos from travels around the synod, including the Kino Conference Spring Gathering,at Our Savior’s Lutheran, Tucson; the Spring Gathering for Cactus, Capital, Fiesta, Northeast Valley and Rio Salado Conferences, at Living Water Church in Scottsdale, and others.
Read MoreDiscover a sacred donation opportunity: the vestments of a devoted ELCA pastor are seeking a new home. Embrace these symbols of faith and carry on a legacy of ministry with stoles and robes offered by the son of Oliver Krug 'OK' Klafter.
Read MoreThe Arizona Faith Network's newsletter for February 7, 2024, highlights a variety of interfaith and community-oriented events. These include the SolidariTea for Interfaith Peace, Black History Month Film Festival, and webinars addressing American Christian Nationalism. The newsletter also announces the Anti-Hunger Advocacy Day and encourages faith leaders to participate in a study on racial disparities at Phoenix Sky Harbor.
Read MoreFor peace among nations, especially between Israel and Palestine, Russia and Ukraine…
For all facing mudslides, floods, storms, and power outages in southern California…
For those experiencing the destruction caused by wildfires in Chile…
For elections and government transitions around the world, especially in Pakistan and Senegal…
For victims of a shooting attack in Istanbul, Turkey…
For those injured or killed in a factory explosion in Harda, India…
For those stranded by storms in China…
For all victims of gun violence, and for all areas of conflict in the world…
In thanksgiving for the gifts of BIPOC leaders in our churches and communities…
For the church, as we enter the spiritual disciplines and reflections of Lent…
