We pray for the family and friends of Rev. Nelson Sulouff, a member of Resurrection, retired ELCA pastor, and military chaplain who passed away on February 14, 2024.
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We pray for the family and friends of Norma Jean MacAdam, who passed away on Palm Sunday, March 25,2024, at the age of 94. She is the wife of Rev. Thomas L. MacAdam, founder of Saved By Grace Lutheran Church in Pahrump.
Her son, Kevin MacAdam, lets us know that her memorial service will be held at Good Samaritan Lutheran Church on May 7th at 11:00 a.m. and her internment at the veterans cemetery next to Rev. MacAdam that same day at 2:00 p.m. in Boulder. Anyone that would like to attend either service is welcome.
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Discover a new approach to overcoming addiction with Rose Ann Forte’s "Choose Freedom Program" in free webinar from the Center of Addiction & Faith on April 24, 2024. This session combines scientific insights and biblical principles to transform relationships with substances, hosted by recovery activist George A. Wood. Register here.
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Join the ELCA Coaching network for a crucial session on "Responding to Polarization" with Dr. Matt Cook, exploring strategies for handling political and cultural divides within congregations. We share this as another resource that can be used as part of our "Creating Space for Conversation" series, aimed at fostering understanding and unity.
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The Office of the Bishop prepares for synod assembly, and travels the synod for preaching and visits.
We also share photos of travels around the synod, including the Installation of Rev. Carol George, Apr 17, 2024, at Resurrection Lutheran Church in Oro Valley.
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Resurrection Lutheran Church (RLC) in Oro Valley is looking for a full time Director of Youth Ministry who will direct and lead youth programming for Middle School and High School age youth as well as support the entire ministry of Children, Youth and Family (CYF). This person will work to fulfill the mission and vision of RLC through dynamic programming and connecting the congregation to the youth and their families by building relationships, equipping them, helping them discover their gifts and identify as a child of God. To learn more, view the job description as a PDF.
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LAMA invites us to join the Interfaith Campaign for Food and Nutrition Security on May 2, 2024, for a National Day of Prayer dedicated to ending hunger in the U.S. This virtual gathering will unite faith leaders and activists to mobilize support for national efforts against food and nutrition insecurity, aligning with the White House Challenge to End Hunger and Build Healthy Communities. Register here.
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In the latest Faith Lens, Rita Argus shares a reflection on the importance of connecting with nature and the teachings of Good Shepherd Sunday. By drawing parallels between personal experiences in nature and the biblical imagery of shepherding, Rita explores how these serene moments help ground us spiritually, mentally, and physically.
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Support the Grand Canyon Synod Youth Gathering by donating snacks or gift cards to fuel 165 attendees as they join 26,000 peers in worship and learning. Drop off contributions at the Synod office or donate online or via Amazon.
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This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Deacon Mary Jayne Baker, who celebrates 12 years on April 22.
Rev. Stephen J. Hammer, who celebrates 42 years on April 25.
Rev. Debra Slifer, who celebrates 37 years on April 25.
Submit your resolutions for the 2024 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly by April 22, 2024. Ensure they align with procedural guidelines for a chance to shape our collective direction. Details on submission and review process inside.
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Thank you to the 130+ rostered ministers who have submitted their annual reports, reflecting active engagement in our synod. We encourage remaining ministers to complete their reports, aiming to surpass last year’s total and strengthen our community bonds.
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Discover how to create and live out a meaningful land acknowledgement in your congregation with Wartburg College's Land Acknowledgement Workshop on April 22. Gain insights, resources, and inspiration to honor the history and people of the land. View this PDF for more info and use this link to connect via Zoom.
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The Office of the Bishop invites synod members to share their uplifting stories of faith and community. Inspired by the vibrant narratives from our spring gatherings, we look forward to celebrating your experiences and the remarkable ways God works through us. Submit your stories at gcsynod.org/share and let's inspire each other.
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For justice and peace among nations where war and violence rage, especially Palestine and Israel, Iran, Myanmar, Iraq, Haiti, Russia and Ukraine, and South Sudan…
For people in Central and South America affected by the dengue fever outbreak…
For farmers and farm laborers as spring arrives…
For peaceful and fair elections in India beginning this week…
For corals that will die and ecosystems that will suffer as ocean temperatures rise…
For communities grieving gun violence, especially New Orleans, Louisiana; Salisbury, North Carolina; and Chicago, Illinois…
For areas of the nation experiencing storms and severe weather…
For safety, understanding, and earnest dialogue amidst protests in Illinois, California, New York, and Oregon…
The ELCA Church Council convened for their spring meeting at the Lutheran Center in Chicago from April 11-14, focusing on enhancing the ELCA's commitment as a welcoming, thriving, and sustainable church. Key highlights included the reappointment of Rev. M. Wyvetta Bullock, the adoption of new social messages, and updates on ongoing dialogues and initiatives. The council also celebrated the ecumenical efforts and internal governance advancements. Read more at ELCA.org.
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Episcopal Migration Ministries (EMM) and AMMPARO, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's (ELCA) migrant ministry, have partnered to enhance training and support for asylum-seeker sponsors through the Neighbor to Neighbor program. This partnership aims to bolster community sponsorship efforts by offering practical support and fostering connections for asylum-seekers in areas such as housing, education, and employment. Read more at ELCA.org.
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In the ELCA webinar "Go and Tell," held on April 13, 2024, Rev. Rodny Said provided a poignant update from Ramallah, highlighting the current situation in the West Bank. Rev. Dr. Meghan Aelabouni took center stage to discuss effective methods of advocating for justice in Palestine and Israel, addressing frequently asked questions and explaining the concept of Sumud—the ELCA's commitment to partnership, awareness, and advocacy in the region.
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As part of our Creating Space for Conversations series, we share a PDF of an article by Isak Tranvik, Uncivil Religion, from A Chosen Nation?, an issue of Word and World, Luther Seminary’s journal of theology.
Read MoreMartin Luther King Jr. has entered the pantheon of American heroes, to be sure. But his legacy is contested, especially in his relation to the assumptions of American civil religion, the common ideals of the nation. Perhaps King pushed beyond these assumptions and challenged them to the core with his concerns for the poor and the radical nature of love. —Isak Tranvik