COP29: Church leaders amplify call to protect ecosystems, livelihoods and future generations
COP29: Building hope for a climate just future | Event updates
16 Days: Unite to end violence against women and girls | Event updates
Lutherans and Orthodox meet to prepare next dialogue session
A tool for faith-based contribution to gender just climate policies
Grace Lutheran Church in Phoenix has awarded its first scholarships through the Grace and Grand Canyon Synod Scholarship Fund, established in 2023 to help ELCA members pursue higher education and professional growth. This fund honors Martin Luther’s legacy of learning, providing financial aid and community support. With matching funds available at many faith-based institutions, a single gift can make a significant impact. To learn about eligibility or contribute to the fund, contact Arizona Community Foundation at azfoundation.org or Grace Lutheran’s team at Treasurer@graceinthecity.com.
Read MoreLooking to make a difference and save on taxes before 2024 ends? Discover smart ways to give that benefit both you and the ELCA ministries you care about. From simple cash donations to leveraging appreciated securities, gift annuities, and IRA contributions, these giving options can maximize your impact. Contact Lisa Marie Higginbotham, our Regional Gift Planner, to explore how you can contribute meaningfully this holiday season.
Read MoreJoin Bishop Deborah Hutterer and the Grand Canyon Synod from October 15–26, 2025, for a pilgrimage through Greece and the Greek Islands, retracing the footsteps of the Apostle Paul. Visit historic biblical sites, renew your baptism at Lydia’s river, and embark on a 4-day cruise to the island of Patmos where the Book of Revelation was written. With limited space available, register today to secure your spot! For full details and registration, visit Elias Tours.
Read MoreJoin churches in Chandler and Mesa for “Anticipation, Hope & Peace: Advent Lessons and Carols” on December 8 at 5:00 PM at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church in Chandler. This collaborative service, uniting Lutheran and Episcopal congregations, offers an evening of scripture, music, and reflection. All are welcome to experience the Advent season through both traditions, celebrating the hope and peace that unite us.
Read MoreYoung adults across the Grand Canyon Synod are invited to join the upcoming Winter Retreat at Camp ALOMA in Prescott, January 17-20. Enjoy faith-based learning, fellowship, and fun activities like Laser Tag, s’mores around the fire, and hiking. Connect with other young adults in a beautiful outdoor setting and grow in your faith. Spaces are limited—register today!
Read MoreHave news, events, or opportunities to share? The Grand Canyon Synod invites all congregations to submit their stories, job openings, and volunteer opportunities. Keep our community informed and connected by contributing to our news blog, events calendar, and weekly email newsletter. Share your updates today at gcsynod.org/share.
Read MoreFrom fighting child hunger to advocating for bold climate action at COP29, the ELCA continues to embody Christ’s call to justice. Explore updates on global partnerships, featured resources like Bishop Eaton’s post-election message, and dates to mark, including World AIDS Day. Read more to find ways your congregation can take action this season.
Read MoreDiscover how Lutherans are putting faith into action this November with advocacy updates from the UN and state public policy offices. From amplifying human rights at the United Nations to championing civic engagement and justice in Colorado, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Wisconsin, our church is making an impact globally and locally. Learn more about these efforts and how you can get involved.
Read MoreDiscover how to move beyond quick fixes and embrace a deeper transformation in your church with Dr. Michael Goheen. Listen to the latest Pivot podcast from faith+lead here.
Read MoreWondering how to make a positive impact in the world right now? With ELCA Good Gifts, choose from over 60 charitable gifts to give in honor of friends and loved ones this Christmas! New gifts include safe birth, a climate resilience kit and supporting a Young Adults in Global Mission volunteer for a month. Give online and you can personalize free, printed cards to be sent directly to your loved ones. Find several special-edition Christmas cards for select gifts now. Browse gifts.
Read MoreThe latest Seeds Monthly is here, featuring: Advent resources from ELCA World Hunger; Living Lutheran School pickup prayers; Holiday shopping with ELCA Good Gifts; "Woven Together Post-Election Message from Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton; upcoming events; "God With Us" Advent Devotional; ELCA.org refresh; and bulletin blurbs.
Read MoreYoung adult parents rate religious faith as the least important value to pass on to their children. How can congregations respond? This post in ELCA.org explores ways faith communities can engage parents, support their well-being, and foster connections between faith and shared values like empathy and responsibility. Read more for practical insights and reflection questions to spark creative ministry.
Read MoreThe Church Council of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) gathered at the Lutheran Center in Chicago, Nov. 14-17. The council, which serves as the ELCA churchwide organization’s board of directors and interim legislative authority between meetings of a churchwide assembly, focused much of its work on preparations for the ELCA 2025 Churchwide Assembly.
In her report to the council, ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton spoke of God’s Love Made Real as the umbrella for the church’s vision of “a world experiencing the difference God’s grace and love in Christ make for all people and creation.” The vision calls for two distinct strategies for the church moving forward: the church that is and the church that is becoming.
Read MoreThis Advent, join Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center for Restore Our Hope: Advent Centering Prayer, a free online program led by Sheri Brown. Every Monday in December, spend 30 minutes in song, guided meditation, and communal prayer as we prepare our hearts for Christ’s coming. Sessions are at 12:00 PM AZ/MST. Register now at Spirit in the Desert’s website.
Read MoreThe Office of the Bishop begins 2025 synod assembly planning, visits global companion synods, does year-end preparations, balances books, and gives thanks.
We also share photos from the recent LAMA retreat, First Call Theological Accompaniment, and the Installation of Rev. Anna Rieke at Christ the Lord in Carefree.
Read MoreSpirit offers an Advent-specific daily devotion via email beginning Sunday, December 1 and ending on Christmas Day. If you would like to receive a special devotional reflection by Pr. Steve Holm in your inbox each day during Advent, register here.
Read MoreJoin the Arizona Faith Network Annual Gathering on December 9 at the Franciscan Renewal Center for a morning of connection and inspiration, featuring keynote speaker Rev. Eugene Cho. Don’t miss weekly guided meditations, an urgent call to protect the sacred Great Bend of the Gila, and the 6th Annual Turkish Festival on December 7-8 in Chandler. Plus, support Arizona Jews for Justice’s Winter Clothing Drive to aid the unsheltered community. Explore these events and more in the full AFN Newsletter.
Read MoreThis month’s ELCA Worship updates include exciting tools for Advent and Christmas, insights from the recent Pastoral Care survey, and new features like the NRSVue Bible on SundaysandSeasons.com. Discover Ordinary Blessings by Meta Herrick Carlson, join Lutheran Summer Music’s Advent Calendar, and dive into hymn stories with Living Lutheran. Read more for resources to support your ministry this season.
Read MoreWhat does Reign of Christ Sunday mean for us today? Established less than a century ago in response to rising nationalism, this celebration reminds us that Christ’s authority transcends all worldly powers. Discover how this modern festival calls us to place our ultimate allegiance not in rulers, but in the One who reigns through sacrificial love.
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