The third week of the 2024 ELCA World Hunger Lent Study focuses on "Christ crucified" and its call to confront systemic oppression. Highlighting Bethlehem Lutheran Church's Community Table in New Orleans, the study explores encountering God in crucifixion and community resilience. It challenges participants to see God's presence in suffering and to engage in acts of compassion and solidarity.
Read MoreThe Office of the Bishop celebrates the Installation of Pastor Chris Heller at Esperanza Lutheran in Phoenix, continues to prepare for our synod assembly and work on our yearly audit.
Read MoreThis week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Jeremy Nausin, Holy Spirit, Las Vegas, who celebrates 9 years on March 1.
Rev. Elaine Watskey, who celebrates 21 years on March 1.
Rev. Timothy Wright, Community of Grace, Peoria, who celebrates 40 years on March 4.
Rev. Jonathan Linman, Faith, Phoenix, who celebrates 35 years on March 4.
For peace among nations where war and violence rage, especially Palestine and Israel, Syria, Myanmar, Russia and Ukraine, and Sudan…
For cease-fires and for safe return of hostages…
For nations in political transition, including Italy and Palestine…
For safe and just resolution to protests in Nigeria, South Korea, and across Europe…
For those grieving Laken Hope Riley and for the Augusta University and University of Georgia campus communities…
For all experiencing unseasonable, unstable, and extreme weather across the United States…
For those battling wildfires, especially in Nebraska and Texas…
For safety, compassion, and welcome for refugees, asylum seekers, and all migrants…
For victims of hate crimes, violence, and abuse…
For medical professionals, researchers, and scientists…
This week's Faith Lens explores transitions in leadership, coinciding with the retirement of the respected editor, Rev. William H. King, affectionately known as Bill. Bill's tenure saw Faith Lens flourish, becoming a well-visited resource that connected scripture with current events. Welcoming Drew Tucker as the new editor, the post outlines the future of Faith Lens, promising the same valuable insights with a year-round publishing schedule and inclusion of personal reflection activities.
Read MoreLutheran Summer Music Academy & Festival (LSM) is a residential academy for high school musicians. Students study with nationally recognized faculty, and are immersed in musical experiences through large ensembles (Choir, Band and Symphony Orchestra), chamber music, private lessons, elective classes, ongoing recitals and concerts.
Students also experience a welcoming and joyful community that worships together daily, offering musical gifts through Lutheran liturgy and hymnody. LSM 2024 takes place at Valparaiso University in Indiana from June 30-July 28 and is open to students who have completed grades 8-12. Spots for LSM 2024 are filling fast! Nominate a student today at LSMacademy.org/nominate.
Read MoreMarch is filled with excitement for West Valley Young Adults, featuring multiple Coffee & Conversation mornings, a competitive scavenger hunt, a bowling night, and more. These gatherings are perfect for making connections and having a great time!
Read MoreJoin our Lenten challenge by supporting ELCA World Hunger with a daily or one-time donation, embodying generosity and making a difference in the fight against global hunger and poverty.
Read MoreFebruary's Advocacy Connections from the ELCA Advocacy office outlines critical updates on social justice initiatives, including the expansion of the Child Tax Credit, potential funding shortfalls for the WIC program, and legislative efforts to protect human rights defenders. The update also highlights ongoing advocacy for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas and concerns over proposed changes to immigration law, emphasizing the ELCA's commitment to social justice and humanitarian aid.
Read MoreThe ELCA World Hunger's Lent Study for the second week focuses on the theme of Transfiguration, exploring how encounters with God, as demonstrated in Mark 9:2-9, inspire both spiritual and physical responses to injustice. Through stories like Ahmed's, a youth supported by Church World Service and ELCA World Hunger, the study urges a faith that not only transforms perception but also motivates action in the real world, especially in supporting vulnerable migrants.
Read MoreWeek 2 of “Following the Way of Jesus: A Lenten Holy Land Journey” is: Good News of Great Joy For All People with Rev. Imad Haddad by the Shepherd's Field.
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 MoreThe ELCA has revamped the Annual Congregation Report for 2024, consolidating it into a single, more readable form, Form A. This effort simplifies the reporting process, which is now open and accessible, aiding in our mission to understand and plan for the church's future. Your timely submission by March 1 enables us to assess our vitality and resources, so we invite you to contribute to this essential task. Access the easy to use forms and worksheets here.
Read MoreThe new Faith+Lead Membership is revolutionizing ministry leadership with a robust online platform that delivers on-demand courses, live coaching, workshops, and an engaging community. Ideal for clergy, volunteers, and innovators in ministry, it offers the tools to navigate modern challenges with a focus on discipleship, community engagement, and shared leadership.
Read MoreWomen of the ELCA are all about acting boldly on our faith in Jesus Christ. And at least once a year they celebrate that boldness, whether it's a quiet and persistent bold or a loud and brash bold. How will you celebrate Bold Women's Day on March 3?
They’ve got lots of resources to consider, from FB cover photos to a brand new litany to program ideas. You can celebrate in community or in your daily devotion. What's important is celebrating boldness, so if March 3 doesn't work for you, pick another date!
Read MoreThe annual Report to the Bishop is an opportunity for you to connect directly with Bishop Hutterer. She looks forward to your responses and feedback. Completion of this required report is one of the commitments rostered ministers are invited to make upon entering the synod. The report is due back to Bishop Hutterer by March 1, 2024. Find quick and easy online forms here. And a special thanks to all those who have shared their reports already.
Read MoreLutheran Schools Week 2024, occurring from March 3-9, invites Lutheran communities to celebrate with the theme "On the Road," inspired by Luke 24:13-35. It's a call to witness God's presence in our journeys, providing resources for congregations and schools, including bulletin inserts, social media posts, classroom activities, chapel services, and more. Engage with these life-changing ministries and support lifelong faith formation through elcaschools.org.
Read MoreGood Samaritan Lutheran is excited to celebrate 20 years of ministry at Good Sam for Pastor Don, and you’re invited to contribute and celebrate. If you have a memory to share, a funny story, how Pastor Don may have had an impact on you or any photos, we would love for you to email them to tommi@goodsamlv.com. Cards or well-wishes accepted as well.
They’d love to have you join them at the luncheon on Sunday, 3/3/2024 at 11:30am PST, in the Good Samaritan Fellowship Hall at the Windmill Campus (8425 W. Windmill Lane, Las Vegas, NV 89113). Head to goodsamlv.com to RSVP for the luncheon by February 26.
Read MoreNEW DATE: The ELCA Christian Community and Leadership Team in partnership with Congregation and Synod Mission Support Team invites Mission Developers and New Ministries leaders to a one-day online empowerment event. This online stewardship workshop offered at no cost for Grand Canyon Synod congregations: Thursday, 3/7/2024, 9am-2pm MST, 8am-1pm PST. Click here to register.
Read MoreEmbark on a transformative journey with the Balance in Recovery Retreat for men, focusing on achieving emotional sobriety. The retreat is designed to equip participants with the skills to balance life's aspects while nurturing mind, body, and spirit. Engage in insightful presentations, group dialogues, and individual reflection to rediscover your identity and connect with a deeper sense of spirituality. Learn more about this retreat at Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center, March 8 – 10, 2024.
Read MoreJoin our synod’s mission to connect people by signing up for our weekly newsletter, and invite your congregation or ministry to stay connected with uplifting stories, news from our partners, and updates from the ELCA and the global church.
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