Rev. Dr. Willis Johnson's practical wisdom helps church leaders explore hope, justice, and spiritual formation amid division. Listen to the latest Pivot podcast for more.
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Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA) welcomes Carly Chamberlain to its Policy Council. A ministry student at LSTC and longtime member of Faith-La Fe in Phoenix, Carly brings her passion for justice, ecofeminist perspective, and commitment to advocacy to this three-year role. Join us in praying for Carly as she begins this important work of activating faith in love in the public square. Read more on the LAMA website.
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Join Lutherans from across Arizona on February 10, 2025, for Lutheran Day at the Legislature. From 9:30 am to 1:30 pm at Wesley Bolin Plaza in Phoenix, we’ll advocate for LAMA’s 2025 policy priorities. Prepare with training sessions on January 23, February 6, and February 20. Visit lamaz.org/lutheran-day-2025 to register today!
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This month’s ELCA Seeds Monthly newsletter highlights opportunities for engagement, including the National Day of Racial Healing (Jan. 21), Living Lutheran’s return to print, and vital support for wildfire victims through Lutheran Disaster Response. Learn more about how you can participate, reflect, and serve. Read the full Seeds Monthly here.
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From prayer and peacemaking to environmental advocacy and disaster relief, January and February are full of opportunities to live out our faith. Don’t miss the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity (Jan 23), Rev. Dr. Gary Mason’s events on reconciliation, Environmental Day at the Capitol (Feb 12), and MLK Day celebrations. Discover more and get involved through the Arizona Faith Network newsletter.
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When a bomb cyclone devastated parts of the Pacific Northwest, Isaiah 43:1-3 offered hope: God is with us through every storm. This promise guided young Lutheran advocates who met with federal leaders to address climate change. As we enter a new year, let us act boldly for the common good, rooted in faith and God’s abiding presence. Read more in the latest ELCA Advocacy Fellows Devotional.
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Congregations can now receive reimbursements for clean-energy projects like solar panels through the Inflation Reduction Act, with financing available via the Mission Investment Fund. Learn actionable tips for sustainability, updates on Portico’s new president, and IRS mileage rates for 2025 in the latest Administration Matters blog post.
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The American Relief Act, 2025, passed in December, narrowly avoided a government shutdown and extended key parts of the 2018 Farm Bill through March 14, 2024, while providing $110 billion in disaster relief, including $31 billion for agriculture producers. However, the deal also cut $177 million from USDA’s “orphan” programs, leaving communities and farmers who rely on these initiatives at risk. As Congress prepares to draft a new Farm Bill in 2025, the ELCA urges action to ensure policies reflect faith-based values of equity, sustainability, and care for creation. Learn how you can advocate for a just future in ELCA Advocacy’s Farm Bill blog post.
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For areas of the world impacted by ongoing war and conflict: Ukraine, Syria, South Sudan…
For ceasefire in Gaza…
For victims, evacuees, and firefighters facing wildfires in California…
For victims, survivors, and rescue workers involved with the mine disaster in South Africa…
For immigrants and all who travel for stability, opportunity, and safety…
For peaceful political transitions in the United States and around the world…
For the continued work of antiracism…
As wildfires devastate Los Angeles, we are reminded of our call to step in during times of need, just as Jesus did at the wedding in Cana. Whether through prayer, financial support for Lutheran Disaster Response, or opening our homes to those displaced, our actions embody God’s abundant love. In this week’s Faith Lens, explore how this week’s Gospel inspires us to act with grace and compassion in the face of crisis.
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How healthy is your congregation? As you prepare for Annual Meetings and submit your reports to Churchwide, take time to reflect on your congregation’s vitality. The Grand Canyon Synod offers tools, including a 36-question survey, to help evaluate congregational health and guide future planning. Visit gcsynod.org/vitality to learn more, or contact Pr. David Pavesic at David.Pavesic@elca.org for support.
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The Office of the Bishop Staff attends various congregations and meetings across the synod, including Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration of Diversity @ King of Glory, Tempe, and in Las Vegas (Jan 19, 2025, 3-5pm) and the of Prayer for Christian Unity Service in Tucson, Jan 23, 2025, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM.
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This month’s Good Green News from Lutherans Restoring Creation includes resources like the Kairos Moment study on January 21, opportunities to host the National Faith + Climate Forum, and upcoming events like an Ecumenical Prayer Circle for California fires. Visit the newsletter for full details and ways to get involved!
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We uplift and pray for Rev. Timothy Perlick and the people of Mount of Olives Lutheran Church in Phoenix, part of the Capital Conference.
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This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Luis Ochoa, Santa Trinidad, Chandler, Holy Trinity, Chandler, First Evangelical, Mesa, who celebrates 2 years on January 21.
Rev. Judi Tyler, Our Saviour’s, Phoenix, who celebrates 1 years on January 21.
We uplift and pray for Rev. Adam Barnhart and the people of Shepherd of the Hills Evangelical Lutheran Church in Flagstaff, part of the High Country Conference.
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The devastating fires in Los Angeles have deeply impacted the Southwest California Synod, including the loss of Bishop Brenda Bos’s home. Please join us in praying for all affected, the first responders, and the ministries offering relief.
For those who want to make donations, Lutheran Disaster Response is coordinating with the Southwest California Synod, Pacifica Synod, and other partners to assess the needs of people impacted by the wildfires. Gifts to "U.S. Wildfires" will be used in full (100%) to assist those affected by wildfires until the response is complete.
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Join other leaders at the Festival of Homiletics, May 12-15, 2025, in Atlanta, GA, or online for this year’s theme: Preaching to Heal the Divide. Experience renewal, insightful teaching, and rich fellowship. Don’t miss Atlanta’s historic sites and a life-giving week of inspiration. Learn more and register at festivalofhomiletics.com.
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Join ELCA AMMPARO and Episcopal Migration Ministries on January 17, 2025, for an essential webinar equipping ministry leaders to support migrants and undocumented individuals. Featuring expert immigration lawyers, the session covers “Know Your Rights” guidance, navigating immigration steps, and preparing for ICE interactions. Register today for this free online event and learn how your ministry can make a difference.
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