New Toolkit Available for Hosting Anti-Christian Nationalism Meetings

Christians Against Christian Nationalism is calling our community to action against the rise of Christian nationalism. Utilize their new toolkit to host a community meeting, engage in meaningful dialogue, and develop strategies to combat this divisive ideology. Download the toolkit, organize a local meeting, and join them in protecting the core values of our faith and democracy. Visit their website for full details and support materials.

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Livestream LSM 2024 throughout July

Lutheran Summer Music invites you to livestream over 30 inspiring concerts, recitals, and worship services throughout the entire month of July. Performances and services are shared by over 250 students, faculty, fellows, worship staff, and guest artists who come together to create a vibrant community of music-makers. Visit LSMacademy.org/2024 to explore the schedule and access the livestream and video archive

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Staying On Track with Retirement Planning

The idea of retirement can bring up many questions and emotions. Portico offers a series of 30-minute, prerecorded, online workshops called the Retirement Readiness Series to help ELCA Retirement Plan members feel confident about discerning their next steps. Workshops are easily accessible on myPortico. There’s no need to preregister — just sign in and watch.

Want to go deeper? Schedule a conversation with a Portico Financial Planner to understand more about where you are now and how to ensure you’ll reach your retirement goals.

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Time for a Mid-Year Checkup?

One of the best ways to stay healthy is to get regular checkups, vaccinations, and screenings. Preventive care is not only essential for maintaining overall health, it’s also one of the best ways to catch unknown health issues early. An annual preventive exam is part of your ELCA-Primary health coverage and this video can help you maximize the time with your doctor so you can live, work, and serve well.

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ELCA Strengthens Commitment to Gender Justice Through Enhanced Leave Policies

The ELCA has recently updated its parental and family leave policies, endorsing up to twelve weeks of paid leave to support rostered ministers and church staff in their caregiving roles. This policy revision, part of the ELCA’s commitment to gender justice and equitable treatment, was approved with overwhelming support at the Churchwide Assembly.

The Quality of Call Initiative has assembled a report examining how synod compensation guidelines recommend parental and family leave policies and practices for rostered ministers providing care. View the report and synod maps.

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Community Spotlight: West Valley Community Food Pantry

In an article for Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona, Autumn Byars, GCS Hunger Advocacy Fellow, shares her experience at the West Valley Community Food Pantry, housed at and run by St. John’s Lutheran Church in Glendale. At the invitation of Associate Pastor for Outreach and Synod Director Of Generosity And Strategic Development, Pastor Dan Potaznick, Byars joined director June Kelsey and her team. Read the full article at LAMAZ.org.

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Seeds Monthly: Celebrating Diversity and Strengthening Faith: Key Updates from the ELCA

In the latest Seeds Monthly, we find this summer is full of opportunities for growth and fellowship within the ELCA community. Join us in celebrating Pride Month through engaging stories from our LGBTQIA+ members, participate in the massive ELCA Youth Gathering in New Orleans from July 16-20, and learn about new initiatives in family leave policies for our ministers.

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A thank you from Grace Lutheran, Phoenix, for synod assembly hygiene kits

From a letter of gratitude from Pastor David Sivecz, “On behalf of Grace Lutheran Church, I extend our deepest gratitude for your generosity in making hygiene kits during the synod assembly. Your thoughtfulness and generosity have significantly impacted our ability to support those in need within the downtown Phoenix community.”

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Open Call to Faithful Arizonans: Be a Poll Monitor in 2024

Join the Grand Canyon Synod and Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona in supporting the 2024 Arizona primary elections by volunteering as a poll monitor. View full information in this LAMA article. Training sessions are offered on multiple dates in July by Election Protection Arizona and the Arizona Faith Network. Register now to ensure that every vote is counted and every voice heard in a fair and dignified manner. Let’s live our faith by advocating for justice and integrity at the polls!

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Ordination celebrations: July 5-11, 2024

This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:

  • Deacon Bernice Johnson, who celebrates 65 years on July 5.

  • Rev. Arlyn Norris, who celebrates 49 years on July 6.

  • Rev. Joshua Auchenbach, Tanque Verde, Tucson, who celebrates 18 years on July 9.

  • Rev. Timothy Nybroten, Resurrection, Oro Valley, who celebrates 24 years on July 9.

  • Rev. Daniel Hodgson, who celebrates 57 years on July 9.

  • Rev. Richard Staats, who celebrates 58 years on July 10.

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Peanut Butter Wars: A Friendly Battle Against Food Insecurity in Las Vegas

Join the 2024 Peanut Butter Wars to help fight food insecurity in Las Vegas! From July 1 to August 5, 2024, groups across the community are competing to donate the most peanut butter and raise funds. The event aims to collect $25,000 and 10,000 pounds of peanut butter for Lutheran Social Services of Nevada.

Participate or donate to make a significant impact—every jar counts towards battling hunger. Get involved by emailing martin@lssnv.org and help spread the word using #peanutbutterwars!

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Ordination and Installation of Louis Liss

Louis Liss will be ordained and installed at Mount Zion Lutheran Church (4520 West Ajo Way, Tucson, AZ 85746-9706) on Thursday, July 25, 2024 at 11 am. Bishop Hutterer will preside, and Pastor Andrew Schlect will preach. A livestream link will be provided.

Rostered leaders are encouraged to vest and process, color of the day is red. There will be a reception following in the Fellowship Hall.

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Explore Key Faith-Based Initiatives This Summer with the Arizona Faith Network

Join the Arizona Faith Network this summer for a series of impactful events and learning opportunities. Highlights include discussions on recent Supreme Court decisions, voting rights initiatives, and educational webinars on American Christian Nationalism and process theology. Participate in our advocacy workshops to learn about critical issues like hunger and housing. Mark your calendars and RSVP to contribute to these vital community discussions and actions. Learn more and get involved.

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For What Shall We Pray?
  • For justice and peace among nations where war and violence rage, especially Palestine and Israel, Iran, Myanmar, Iraq, Haiti, Russia and Ukraine, Burkina Faso, Sudan, and South Sudan…

  • For all in the path of hurricanes, especially in the Caribbean…

  • For areas impacted by ongoing floods, droughts, wildfires, and landslides…

  • For all who live with disabilities, especially those who struggle to access adequate healthcare, and those whose contributions to the world are continually undervalued

  • For the peaceful and respectful transition of power during a season of elections around the world, especially in Iran, France, the UK, Rwanda, and Syria…

  • For the family and friends of those killed in the stampede at a religious event in India, as well as all who were injured…

  • For inventors and innovators like Nikola Tesla and all the ways God invites us into the work of creation and discovery…

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