Harness the Power of Rest
Harness the Power of Rest

Just as every Sunday is a “little Easter,” every night offers a chance to take a “little sabbath” and restore your body through healing rest. If you have trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or feeling like you’re getting a good night’s sleep, Portico members with ELCA-Primary health coverage have a wealth of resources to help. Since March is National Sleep Awareness month, why not check out Learn to Live’s course on insomnia (use the access PORTICO to register), or the Being Academy’s course on sleep.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardPorticoComment
2023 Tax Preparation Resources Available from Portico
2023 Tax Preparation Resources Available from Portico

Two helpful tax guides are now available for church personnel. Portico provides rostered ministers and congregations participating in the ELCA benefit program with access to no-cost tax guides available on myPortico and EmployerLink.

The Clergy Tax Return Preparation Guide by Richard R. Hammar gives special attention to tax-related topics most relevant to ministers. Federal Reporting Requirements for Churches helps congregations understand their federal tax-reporting requirements.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardPorticoComment
Understanding Christian Nationalism webinar available for viewing
Understanding Christian Nationalism webinar available for viewing

Diakonia recently hosted a webinar on Christian Nationalism in America at Peace Lutheran Church, which is available for viewing here. The event, structured in three informative sessions, explored its definition, history, theological aspects, and practical responses. Experts guided attendees through understanding this phenomenon in the context of faith and national identity.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsGrand Canyon SynodChristian Nationalism, Diakonia, Church and SocietyComment
Statement from the ELCA Conference of Bishops in solidarity with migrants in Texas
Statement from the ELCA Conference of Bishops in solidarity with migrants in Texas

We are deeply troubled by the actions of the Texas attorney general's office against Annunciation House, a volunteer-run faith-based organization that has been a pillar of welcome and hospitality in El Paso for more than 40 years. Annunciation House has been singled out by the attorney general's office over potential legal violations for the social services it provides to immigrants in Texas. We recognize Annunciation House's exemplary way of faith—by way of humanitarian works in close partnership with the federal government and other nonprofits in the region—that ensures migrants are treated with dignity and respect.

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ELCA, LettersBrian FlatgardConference of Bishops, Immigration and RefugeesComment
Week 3: Belovedness in the Wilderness with Rev. Fursan Zu'mot
Week 3: Belovedness in the Wilderness with Rev. Fursan Zu'mot

Week 3 of “Following the Way of Jesus: A Lenten Holy Land Journey” is: Week 3: Belovedness in the Wilderness with Rev. Fursan Zu'mot.

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.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardSumud, Israel and Palestine, 2024 LentComment
Tackling the Silent Epidemic: Addressing Loneliness with Dr. Laurie Theeke
Tackling the Silent Epidemic: Addressing Loneliness with Dr. Laurie Theeke

Join the Lutheran Faith Community Nurse Association's event on March 14, 2024, for an insightful session on "How Loneliness Influences Health and What Nurses Can Do to Help," led by Dr. Laurie Theeke. Learn about loneliness as a unique health stressor and explore interventions to support those feeling isolated within our communities. View this PDF for more info or visit their website.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardLutheran Faith Community Nurse Association (LFCNA)Comment
Shape the Future of the ELCA: Join the CRLC Survey by March 15
Shape the Future of the ELCA: Join the CRLC Survey by March 15

Your insights can help shape the future of the ELCA. Participate in the Commission for a Renewed Lutheran Church survey by March 15, 2024, and contribute to our church's mission of renewal and commitment to justice.

Don't miss your chance to contribute to this significant moment in the ELCA's history. The deadline for survey participation is March 15, 2024. For more details and to complete the survey, visit the official CRLC page: ELCA CRLC Survey. Questions and further inquiries can be directed to crlc@elca.org.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardCommission for a Renewed Lutheran ChurchComment
Situation Report #2: Maui Wildfires
Situation Report #2: Maui Wildfires

On Aug. 8, 2023, multiple wildfires broke out on Maui. Exacerbated by strong winds, they destroyed homes, businesses, and lines of communication. The town of Lahaina was the most impacted, although there was also damage from smaller fires near Kihei and Kula.

Lutheran Disaster Response is supporting the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement (CNHA). The grant will assist their continuing work with fire survivors through the Kākoʻo Maui Relief & Aid Services Center, the resource center CNHA opened within weeks of the fire at the Maui Mall.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardLutheran Disaster ResponseComment
ELCA Conference of Bishops calls for permanent bilateral cease-fire in Gaza
ELCA Conference of Bishops calls for permanent bilateral cease-fire in Gaza

The Conference of Bishops of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) is adding its voice to the growing group of faith leaders urgently calling for a permanent bilateral cease-fire in Gaza. We urge President Joe Biden, our legislators, and all who lead and make decisions on behalf of the United States to do everything in their power to bring an end to the current suffering and lay the foundation for lasting peace with justice. 

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ELCA, News, LettersBrian FlatgardIsrael and Palestine, Conference of BishopsComment
Lenten Challenge 2024: Incorporating Daily Wellness into Your Spiritual Journey
Lenten Challenge 2024: Incorporating Daily Wellness into Your Spiritual Journey

As we continue our 2024 Lenten Challenge, let’s explore the intersection of Lent and mental health with daily wellness activities. Commit to self-care this Lenten season by incorporating at least one wellness activity into your routine, enhancing your spiritual journey with physical and mental well-being.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian Flatgard2024 Lenten Challenge, 2024 Lent, Hunger, ELCA World HungerComment
AFN's February Digest: From Voter Mobilization to Interfaith Iftars
AFN's February Digest: From Voter Mobilization to Interfaith Iftars

Arizona Faith Network's February newsletter highlights an array of upcoming events and calls to action that encourage community involvement and advocacy. Notably, the Arizona Mass Poor People’s and Low-Wage Workers’ Moral March aims to mobilize voters around critical issues, while a series on American Christian Nationalism seeks to educate and engage participants on pressing sociopolitical matters. Additionally, there are opportunities for spiritual enrichment through AFN Monday Meditation and informative sessions on refugee resettlement, all reinforcing AFN's commitment to faith-based social justice and intercommunity dialogue.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardEcumenical and Inter-Religious Relations, Arizona Faith NetworkComment
Episode 4, Talks at the Desk Season 3: Black History Month video series
Episode 4, Talks at the Desk Season 3: Black History Month video series

Episode 4 of Talks at the Desk features truth and power from the Rev. Christina Montgomery on the theme of Liberate. We also hear from a collection of other wise voices from Day 4 of the Reclaim gathering from September 2023. Reclaim featured workshops, praise and worship, shared meals and engaged conversations. We also share a highlight from last week in which Black Lutherans share their experiences of being part of a predominantly White church and discuss ways the Church can be more welcoming.

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ELCA, News, LettersBrian FlatgardTalks At the Desk, Racial Justice, African Descent Lutheran Association, 2024 Black History MonthComment