Bishop Eaton Issues Statement on Fatal Shooting of Two Israeli Embassy Staff in Washington, D.C.

Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton has issued a statement on behalf of the ELCA expressing deep sorrow over the fatal shooting of two Israeli Embassy staff in Washington, D.C.—an act rooted in the deadly rise of anti-Semitism. The ELCA stands firmly against such hatred and calls for prayers for the victims’ families, the Jewish community, and the people of Gaza. The statement affirms the ELCA’s commitment to peace, dialogue, humanitarian aid, and a just resolution in the Holy Land.

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Tracey Breashears Schultz Elected Bishop of the ELCA Texas-Louisiana Gulf Coast Synod

The Rev. Tracey Breashears Schultz has been elected bishop of the ELCA Texas-Louisiana Gulf Coast Synod. Elected on the third ballot at the May 16–17 synod assembly in New Orleans, Schultz currently serves as the synod’s associate for leadership and brings experience from congregations in Houston and San Antonio. Her installation is scheduled for Sept. 7 at Living Word Lutheran Church in Katy, Texas. Bishop Michael Rinehart, who has served since 2007, will transition to a role with GSB Fundraising.

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How Congregations Can Support a Healthy Creation This Summer

From mental health to sacred land, this month’s Blessed Tomorrow newsletter calls us into faithful creation care and public witness. Learn how your congregation can join the One Home One Future campaign, support youth resilience in a changing climate, and stand in solidarity with Native leaders defending Oak Flat. Plus, don’t miss the June 2 Global Heat Action Day event featuring Rev. Katie Sexton. Click here to read the full newsletter.

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Lutheran World Federation newsletter
Now Hiring: Music Ministry Leader at Lutheran Church of the Foothills in Tucson

Lutheran Church of the Foothills (LCF) is seeking a talented and passionate Part Time Music Ministry Leader to guide and inspire our music ministries. This key role helps shape the musical life of our worship, engaging the congregation through a variety of musical styles, and works closely with clergy and music leaders. 

The ideal candidate will demonstrate musical excellence, creativity, and a strong understanding of Evangelical Lutheran worship liturgy and hymnody. They will also have the ability to lead and collaborate with a team of volunteer musicians who offer their gifts in worship through singing and instrumental accompaniment.  Those interested can reach out to pastor@lcftucson.org for the full job description (here as PDF as well) and information for how to apply. 

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Jesus, Church, and Me: Our Youngest Voices Speak Through Art

We’re excited to debut the first entries from our synod-wide children’s art project, Jesus, Church, and Me! Beginning with the joyful art of our youngest children (ages 3–5), we’ll be sharing new batches leading up to the 2025 Synod Assembly. These creative expressions will also be featured as postcards and slideshow displays during the assembly in Las Vegas.

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For What Shall We Pray?
  • For justice and peace among nations where war and violence rage, especially Ukraine and Russia, Palestine and Israel, Haiti, Sudan, Myanmar, Yemen, India and Pakistan…

  • For all victims of gun violence, especially in Durban, South Africa; Mexico City, Mexico…

  • For victims of the bombing of the Palm Springs, CA fertility clinic…

  • For relief and recovery efforts following severe storms in the midwestern and eastern United States…

  • For all who grieve a loved one on Memorial Day, and for those who serve in the armed forces…

  • For graduating students and for all whose academic years are drawing to a close…
    For synods of the ELCA as they gather in their assemblies…

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Facing Hate with Courage: Arizona Faith Leaders Speak Out

Antisemitic and hate incidents are on the rise across Arizona and the nation. In an interview with KJZZ’s The Show, Rev. Katie Sexton of the Arizona Faith Network and Rabbi Andy Green of Congregation Or Tzion discuss how faith communities are responding. From defining hate and confronting conspiracy theories to organizing rapid response networks and naming hope in struggle, this candid conversation highlights both the danger of rising intolerance and the strength found in shared action. Click here to read the full article and listen to the interview.

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“Here I Pod” Amplifies Voices on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women

The latest Here I Pod episode from ELCA Advocacy addresses the crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW), featuring a powerful conversation with ELCA Indigenous Ministries leaders. Vance Blackfox, Justice Nichols, and Brenda Blackhawk reflect on the church’s call to justice, truth, and healing. Timed with MMIW Awareness Day on May 5, this episode explores the intersections of advocacy, climate justice, media representation, and the ELCA’s ongoing Truth & Healing Movement. Click here to listen or learn more.

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From Cooling Stations to Climate Justice: How You Can Help This Season

Triple-digit temperatures have returned—and Arizona Faith Network is leading the charge to protect our most vulnerable neighbors through cooling stations, interfaith bag-packing events, and summer service opportunities. Learn how you can help, register for upcoming Zoom events, and explore opportunities to live out your faith in action this season. Read the full AFN newsletter here.

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Join ELCA Leaders in Minneapolis for a Liturgical Deep Dive

Join Lutheran pastors, deacons, musicians, and scholars August 13–15 in Minneapolis for the inaugural Seminar on Lutheran Liturgy. Centered on the theme “Let It Be With Me According To Your Word: From Praying to Knowing to Doing,” the event features top liturgical voices and musicians across the ELCA. Registration is now open at www.seminarliturgy.org.

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Rev. Dan Potaznick, Director of Generosity & Strategic Development, Annual Report: 2025

The Grand Canyon Synod’s FY 2024-2025 Annual Report highlights a year of remarkable generosity and strategic development. The Mission and Ministry Fund grew nearly 8%, enabling us to double the number of ministries we support—from 8 to 16—particularly in underserved communities. From congregational triumphs like Crossroads’ debt-free Easter to the creation of two new endowments and a new donor CRM system launching this summer, this year’s progress reflects a Spirit-led commitment to stewardship, sustainability, and expanding Christ’s mission across Arizona, Nevada, Utah, and the Navajo Nation.

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Faith Lens: Flourishing Together

What does it mean to truly flourish? A global study from Baylor University finds that regular participation in a faith community—not wealth or age—is a key factor in living a good life. Scripture agrees. In John 14, Jesus promises we are never alone, and the Spirit remains with us so we may live abundantly. This week’s Faith Lens explores how our call to community and presence—both divine and human—helps us flourish together, not apart.

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