We uplift and pray for Rev. Jill Doherty, Rev. Joseph Doherty, Rev. Katie Langston and the people of New Promise Lutheran Church in St. George, part of the Colorado River Conference.
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The Festival of Homiletics 2025 is set for May 12-15 in Atlanta, GA, and online, offering preachers a time of renewal and learning under the theme “Preaching to Heal the Divide.” This year’s gathering takes place at Peachtree Road UMC, a church celebrating 100 years of ministry. Attendees can explore the church’s rich history and experience the Doves of Peachtree Road, a stunning Centennial art installation. Can’t attend in person? Join online! Register today: festivalofhomiletics.com.
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United Lutheran Seminary (ULS) has transferred its $100 million endowment to the ELCA Foundation’s Ministry Growth Fund, aligning its financial resources with the church’s mission and socially responsible investment principles. This strategic move ensures long-term, stable support for theological education and leadership formation. The partnership empowers ULS to sustain and expand its mission while benefiting from the ELCA’s proven financial stewardship. Read more in this ELCA News Release.
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The ELCA joins church leaders in Jerusalem in a humanitarian plea for Gaza, standing against the proposed forced displacement of millions. Bishop Eaton calls on Lutherans to respond through prayer, advocacy, and learning, lifting up the voices of our Palestinian siblings in faith. Read more and take action: Click here.
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In this Pivot Podcast, Nancy Dyson from St. John's Episcopal Church shares how her congregation's Laundry Love ministry emerged organically from listening to their neighbors' actual needs.
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The Winter 2025 Inside Out Network Newsletter is here, packed with inspiring stories of transformation, reentry partnerships, and ways congregations can support returning citizens. Highlights include the Men in Orange program, the Color Me Yellow fundraising campaign, and exciting reentry ministry models for churches. Read more and explore how you can be part of this work: Read the full newsletter or download the PDF.
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Are you a ministry partner looking to share your work at the 2025 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly? Reserve a Ministry Partner Table to engage voting members and visitors with an interactive display! Tables are available for ELCA-affiliated ministries and partners and must be registered by Monday, May 19, 2025. Learn more about display guidelines and how to sign up here.
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Registration is now open for the 2025 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly, taking place June 12-13, 2025. Early bird rates for voting members are available through April 7. Visitors and exhibitors are also welcome to register. Be part of this important gathering of Lutherans across our synod as we worship, discern, and celebrate together. Register today!
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We offer our heartfelt prayers for the friends and family of Pastor Dan Olson and his beloved wife, Barbara Olson. May God’s comforting presence be with all who mourn their passing and celebrate their faithful lives.
Pastor Dan Olson passed away on Friday, February 21, 2025. His wife, Barbara, preceded him in death just a couple of months earlier, on December 30, 2024. Their lives of faith and service will be honored in a joint memorial service at Spirit of Grace Lutheran Church (15820 W. Clearview Blvd., Surprise, AZ 85374) on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 11 a.m. Pastor Dan’s brother, Paul Olson, a retired ELCA pastor, will join in leading this service of remembrance and thanksgiving.
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For areas of the world impacted by ongoing war, conflict, and violence, especially Ukraine, Palestine, Myanmar, and South Sudan…
For refugees, migrants, and detained peoples around the world, including the deportation of Uyghurs out of Thailand…
For Muslim neighbors preparing to begin observance of the holy month of Ramadan…
For access to healthcare and for all who rely on government programs to maintain that access…
For medical research and advances in public health…
For Pope Francis, during his continued hospitalization…
For congregations and their leaders, as they prepare for Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent…
For the body of Christ in all of its diversity…
For Jesus’s Transfiguration and for all who seek to be seen and loved for who they truly are…
Looking for a meaningful way to engage in Lent this year? The 2025 ELCA Sumud Lenten Series Resource Guide offers six weeks of devotions, prayers, and theological reflections from ELCJHL pastors, Bethlehem Bible College students, and an ELCA bishop. This collaborative resource invites you to journey through Lent with voices from the Holy Land, reflecting on themes of faith, justice, and steadfast hope. Download the guide today and share it with your congregation or study group. Read more.
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This week, a rare planetary alignment offers a striking reminder of a truth found in Luke 9:28-36—we cannot control Jesus, just as we cannot control the heavens. The Transfiguration reveals that Christ is beyond human containment, yet he shines for all. As you reflect on this celestial wonder, consider: How might it be a gift that God is beyond our control? Read more about this connection between the cosmos and Christ in the latest Faith Lens.
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Rev. Luis Ochoa will be installed at First Evangelical Lutheran (142 N Date, Mesa, AZ 85201) on Saturday, 3/15/2025 at 2pm. Pastor Chris Stoxen will preach, with Bishop Hutterer presiding. Rostered ministers are invited to attend; no robes. Color of the day is purple. Livestream on YouTube here.
After the service, we will celebrate! To assist us in planning food, please RSVP by calling (480-969-7221) or emailing the office: felc@firstevlutheran.com with the number of people in your group.
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Calling all young artists! Children and youth across the Grand Canyon Synod are invited to participate in a special art project for the 2025 Synod Assembly, themed “Build Up the Body” (Ephesians 4:12-13). Submissions will be displayed at the event, featured online, and 25 selected pieces will be printed as postcards! The deadline to submit artwork is May 9, 2025. All participants will be entered into a drawing for a gift card to purchase art supplies. Encourage the young people in your congregation to share their vision of Jesus, Church, and Me through art! Learn more and submit artwork at gcsynod.org/2025/assembly/art.
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The Office of the Bishop Staff gathers for an in-person staff meeting and prepares for our synod assembly in June.
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This week, Arizona Faith Network highlights key events and advocacy actions to engage our interfaith community. Stand up for voting rights at the Crossover Week 2025 Press Conference, participate in a Know Your Rights training on immigration, and reflect with AFN’s Monday Meditation. Plus, get updates from AFN’s solidarity work at Oak Flatand stay engaged with the Arizona Faith Forum for real-time legislative tracking. Read the full newsletter and take action today: arizonafaithnetwork.org/newsletter.
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What if Christianity had a love story more radical than we imagined? This March, Spirit in the Desert’s Spirited Book Club explores Mary Magdalene Revealed, a rediscovered gospel that challenges traditional views on sin and shame, calling us instead to wholeness and transformation. Join the virtual discussion on March 6 & 20 at 3:00 p.m. AZ MST, Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center.
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Celebrate Bold Women’s Day on Sunday, March 2 and Women’s History Month with special events, worship, and reflections! Attend the Bold Women’s Day service on February 28 at Augsburg University (in-person or via Zoom), follow the Women of Faith blog series, and join the Boldcafe Monthly Dinner on March 6 to explore the theme of worthiness. Lent also begins March 5—check out Lenten resources, stewardship devotions, and Daily Grace reflections to guide your spiritual journey.
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Ash Wednesday is March 5! Join the Region 2 synods for the 2025 Lenten Challenge, focusing on hunger and water justice through daily devotions, water conservation, community engagement, and donations to support the Navajo Evangelical Lutheran Mission (NELM). Sign up your family and congregation today at lentenchallenge.org!
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