This week's Faith Lens explores the challenging call of discipleship through the lens of Mark 8:31-38, examining the concept of losing to win in the realm of faith and life. Reflecting on personal experiences with winning, losing, and the profound lessons of showing up, the discussion delves into Jesus' teachings on the cost of following Him, inviting us to embrace sacrifice for the sake of God's Word and the restoration of our relationship with the Divine.
Read MoreGathering leadership shares some updates for the 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering, MYLE and the tAble this summer. To learn more about the Gathering or to register, visit elca.org/Gathering.
Read MoreExplore the theme of reconciliation in ELCA World Hunger's 2024 Lent Study. This week focuses on the transformative journey of Jerri Eliano de Quevedo and Sirlei Eloí in Kilombo Monjolo, Brazil, and the vital role of reconciliation in addressing hunger through the story of their community's resilience and partnership with the Igreja Evangélica de Confissão Luterana no Brasil.
Read MoreJoin the Office of the Bishop this Black History Month in exploring MasterClass's "Black History, Black Freedom, and Black Love," a powerful series led by seven preeminent Black scholars. This initiative aims to deepen our understanding of America's racial history and present, and envision a future anchored in justice and love.
Read MoreAs part of our Creating Space for Conversations series, we share a PDF of an article by Miles Hopgood, Sacred Histories: Martin Luther on the Chosenness of Nations, from A Chosen Nation?, an issue of Word and World, Luther Seminary’s journal of theology.
Read MoreIn considering the idea of any nation as “chosen” of God, Martin Luther understands that such a relationship would have to be relational at its core, a relation between God and a group of people. But this relationship would be proclaimed by God and not something that individuals or groups could claim. Though Israel was chosen by God, this passed to the true, invisible church.—Miles Hopgood
In the latest monthly worship news from ELCA Worship, explore a diverse range of resources for Lent and Easter, including special materials for International Women's Day, enriching discussions on worship and culture, and the "All Creation Sings" worship guide. Join the journey through Lent with insightful conferences and the revival of ancient liturgies to enrich your congregation's worship experience.
Read MoreReligious leaders across Arizona, including Bishop Hutterer, rallied at the state Capitol to support legislative efforts aimed at alleviating the affordable housing crisis. They advocated for a bill, “Yes in God’s Backyard,” to permit religious institutions to develop affordable housing on their properties. Read or listen to the article from KJZZ here, and read the Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona article here.
Read MoreThe Center of Addiction & Faith is set to host an enlightening webinar titled "Addiction & Ending It For Good," featuring Christina Dent, the visionary founder of End It For Good, on Wednesday, Feb. 28th, 2024 1pm MST, 2pm PST. This free, one-hour session will explore revolutionary approaches to understanding and addressing drug addiction—a journey from a punitive to a health-centered perspective. Register here.
Read MoreWeek 1 of “Following the Way of Jesus: A Lenten Holy Land Journey” is: Sumud the Way of Jesus with Ranan Issa Abu Shanab at the Church of Annunciation.
Sumud is the ELCA’s new name for our church’s engagement in accompaniment, awareness-building and advocacy for justice in Palestine and Israel. Sign up for updates about Sumud and upcoming events at: https://www.bit.ly/SumudSubscribe You can also learn more at https://www.ELCA.org/sumud.
Read MoreJoin Region 2's 2024 Lenten Challenge and embrace "Daily Declutter" as a path to spiritual renewal. Simplify your space and mind, making room for growth this Lenten season.
Read MoreJoin Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest for a day of inspiration and community at their Building Foundations Luncheon on February 29th, 2024, 11:15 am at the Hilton Double Tree - Reid Park, in Tucson. The theme is A Journey Of Faith.
Read MoreDon’t miss the last chance to apply for the Scholarship for International Travel, available to Grand Canyon Synod pastors ordained for 10 years or less. Explore enriching landscapes and broaden your horizons. Apply between January 1 and March 1, 2023, and embark on a journey of learning and spiritual growth.
Read MoreConclude the 'Aging with Grace' series on February 28th at Community of Grace with Ms. Alma Init, RN, discussing 'Ending with Grace.' Delve into end-of-life care considerations, including hospice and palliative care processes. This compassionate and informative session will provide valuable insights into ensuring dignity and care in life’s final stages, coupled with a focus on self-care for caregivers.
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 MoreThe ELCA calls on its congregations and rostered ministers to complete the simplified Annual Congregation Report by March 1, 2024. This streamlined Form A is crucial for the ELCA's understanding of church vitality and planning. For forms and assistance, visit the ELCA website or contact the secretary's office.
Additionally, the Rostered Minister Report to the Bishop offers a direct communication line to Bishop Hutterer, also due by March 1. Your timely submissions reflect our collective identity and resourcefulness, helping us be a united church in mission.
Read MoreThe National Fund for Sacred Places is accepting letters of intent (LOIs) until Thursday, February 29th at 11:59 EST. The LOI is the first step in a two-step application process. To access the LOI form, please visit fundforsacredplaces.org/apply.
The National Fund for Sacred Places is a grant-making program that provides capital grants ranging from $50,000 to $500,000 as well as wrap-around support services to congregations undertaking once-in-a-generation preservation projects.
Read MoreMosaic is a values-led organization, and those values come alive in the lives of the people we support. Read about the success Mosaic experienced in Fiscal Year 2023 in providing high-quality, personalized services and in meeting our financial goals. Read the full post Mosaic Success Demonstrates Values in Action on Mosaic.
Read MoreIt’s not too late to get your krewe together to attend the Gathering this summer. Registration will close on April 15. Join us for a week of faith formation, worship, fun, jazz and great food. Read more here.
Read MoreJoin Lutherans Restoring Creation and ELCA World Hunger for a compelling exploration of ecological solutions to climate change with the documentary "Regenerating Life: How to Cool the Planet, Feed the World, and Live Happily Ever After." Mark your calendars for Tuesday, 2/27/2024, 6pm MST, 5pm PST, for an insightful discussion with filmmaker John Feldman.
Register now to access this transformative film and be part of a movement towards climate justice and ecological healing. Don't miss this chance to engage with global voices and envision actionable steps for your community.
Read MoreYour partnership in the Be Connected Faith Network is making a difference in the lives of veterans and service members. We are excited to join you at the next Faith Gathering event on Wednesday, February 21, 10:00 - 11:30 am online. More info and registration here.
In 2023, we discussed moral injury, how it occurs and the devastating trauma that can result. It’s time to further the conversation into healing. The February Arizona Faith Gathering will dive into the work of healing from moral injury with a panel of military chaplains who will share their work in moral injury healing and the most effective methods they have used.
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