Illinois Couple Becomes Strong Voice for Preserving Medicaid, Say Funding is ‘Vital’ for Son’s Future

Although she was diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder too late to fully benefit from treatment, MaryBeth’s family became advocates that all infants be tested for the disorder. Her family has met others who, because of the now mandatory testing, started treatments as infants to counter the effects of the disorder.

The post Illinois Couple Becomes Strong Voice for Preserving Medicaid, Say Funding is ‘Vital’ for Son’s Future appeared first on Mosaic.

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Speak Up for Gaza: Aid Must Reach the Vulnerable Safely

The ELCA urges action to ensure safe and neutral humanitarian aid access in Gaza. Current aid delivery mechanisms, backed by U.S. and Israeli authorities, force Palestinians to risk their lives for food and fail to provide access to medical and hygiene supplies. As people of faith, we are called to advocate for peace and human dignity. Learn how you can contact your lawmakers and make your voice heard. Click here for more.

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Navigating Political Violence with Faith: New Season of Here I Pod Launches

The second season of Here I Pod from ELCA Advocacy launches with a compelling episode on faith, advocacy, and community in the face of political violence. Host Regina Q. Banks speaks with Lutheran leaders in Minnesota and across the church, including the Rev. Amy Reumann and the Rev. Angela Denker, about how we can respond theologically and practically to violence in our public life. To explore how our faith informs action in this moment, click here.

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Installation and Ordination of Solomon Kuch at Emmanuel Sudanese Lutheran Church in Mesa

Pending a congregational vote on August 3, Solomon Kuch will be ordained and installed at Emmanuel Sudanese Lutheran Church (7205 N 51st Ave., Glendale, AZ 85301) on Sunday, August 24, 2025 at 1 pm. Bishop Deborah Hutterer will preach and preside. Rostered ministers are invited to process. The color of the day is red.

The service will be live-streamed on the Emannuel Sudanese Facebook page.

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The Elephant in the Sanctuary: Facing Addiction Together in Faith

Join a free, one-hour webinar on Wednesday, July 30 at noon Central hosted by the Center of Addiction & Faith. This interactive forum is a chance to share your congregation’s experiences with addiction and mental health ministry, hear from others, and discover what’s working across the church. Let’s build a stronger, more compassionate network for healing. Register here to receive the Zoom link.

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Bishop Eaton Responds to IRS Ruling: “Protect the Church from Partisanship”

ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton has issued a video message in response to a recent IRS ruling that may reinterpret the Johnson Amendment to permit partisan activity by religious organizations. Emphasizing the church’s theological commitment to remain nonpartisan, Eaton urges vigilance while affirming our gospel call to advocate for justice. Watch the video and read the ELCA’s full statement online.

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Church and State: ELCA Responds to IRS Ruling on Political Activity

In response to a recent IRS court filing, the ELCA reaffirms its support of the Johnson Amendment, which prohibits churches from endorsing political candidates. The church warns that loosening these protections could compromise gospel clarity and introduce partisanship into congregational life. The ELCA encourages faithful, nonpartisan civic engagement rooted in Lutheran theology.

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Ordination of Kevin Anderson at Love of Christ in Mesa

Kevin Anderson will be ordained Wednesday, August 6, 2025 at 1:30 pm. The service will be in the Sanctuary at Love of Christ Lutheran Church (1525 N. Power Rd. Mesa, AZ 85205). Pastor Steve Talmage will be serving as Assisting Minister. Pastor Nanette Christofferson will be preaching. Bishop Deborah Hutterer will be presiding. The service will be live-streamed at on the church website, on Facebook and YouTube.

Rostered Ministers are invited to process, robes are encouraged. The color of the day is red. A light reception will be offered after the service in Love of Christ’s Center of Compassion. If clergy would RSVP, that would be helpful so we can know how many seats to reserve.

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Music That Feeds: Jazz Vespers Continues August 10 in Phoenix

Jazz with a purpose! Join Mount of Olives Lutheran Church in Phoenix on Sunday, August 10 at 5:30 PM for Jazz Vespers featuring Beth Lederman and Kimberly Weston. This free concert supports the Olive Branch Food Pantry, which feeds over 150 families weekly. Refreshments follow, and the series continues September 14—guest artist to be announced.

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For What Shall We Pray?
  • For an end to war, violence, and genocide across the world, especially in Ukraine, Gaza, Iran, Israel, Haiti, Sudan, Myanmar, Yemen, India, and Pakistan…

  • For the ongoing work of first responders and relief organizations, including Lutheran Disaster Response in Kerr County, Texas, and in all places affected by natural disasters…

  • For those experiencing or anticipating storms and floods in the Northeast US and in the Gulf region…

  • For the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada who has elected the Rev. Dr. Larry Kochendorfer to serve as its fifth National Bishop and in thanksgiving for the ministry of outgoing National Bishop Susan Johnson…

  • For our own church and the discernment of voting members who will soon elect a new Presiding Bishop and Secretary of the ELCA…

  • For those affected by recent ICE raids in Camarillo, California, including those injured and killed…

  • For all victims of sexual abuse and assault…

  • For those killed and injured in a recent fire at an assisted living facility in Fall River, Massachusetts…

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July 2025 Mission Support Memo: Chaplaincy Ministers to All

Explore how ELCA chaplains serve in places beyond church walls—offering God’s love to people of all backgrounds through specialized and federal ministries. This month’s Mission Support Memo also highlights a fresh way to use The Generosity Project and gives thanks for the storytellers who share grace across our church.

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Faith, Heat, and Hope: August Climate News You Can Use

Discover how congregations are stepping up for climate justice in the August Blessed Tomorrow newsletter. From Earth Care booths and cooling centers to new climate research, plastic-free living tips, and a powerful podcast on ecological lament, this month’s update offers resources and reflections for every faith leader. Read the full newsletter.

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What’s New from AFN: Bags of Hope, Bahá’í 101, and Advocacy in Action

Explore this week’s AFN newsletter for interfaith events, service opportunities, and community news—including Bags of Hope updates, faith-based learning events, advocacy opportunities, and a call for urgent donations. Read the full update or subscribe at arizonafaithnetwork.org/newsletter.

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How Your Congregation Can Support People with Dementia—Register for August Workshop

Join the August 21 workshop Creating a Dementia-Friendly Congregation, led by Dr. Kristin Mauk and sponsored by the Lutheran Faith Community Nurse Association. Open to nurses and non-nurses, this online event equips participants with evidence-based tools and Christ-centered strategies to better support people living with dementia and their families. Registration is $30–$50 and includes 2.0 nursing contact hours. Register at lutheranfcna.org/event-6168932.

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Why Liturgy Matters Now: Join Us in Minneapolis This August

Registration is still open for the inaugural Seminar on Lutheran Liturgy, August 13–15 in Minneapolis. Join clergy, musicians, and lay leaders from across the country to explore how liturgy forms faithful leadership and serves as a counter to Christian Nationalism. Registration closes August 1. Learn more and register now at: seminarliturgy.org/event-list.

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Register Now: Upcoming Zoom Sessions for 2026 ELCA-Primary Health Plan Updates

Major changes are coming to all ELCA-Primary Health Plan options in 2026. Rostered ministers, lay staff, and congregational leaders are invited to two live Zoom sessions on Wednesday, August 27 to learn about the updates and how to prepare for Annual Enrollment. Sessions are not recorded, so advance registration is required. Times and registration links are included.

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Strengthen Your Roots: Join the “Love Our Neighbors” Online Cohort

Join the Love Our Neighbors Online Cohort launching this fall from LEAD. Designed for teams of congregational leaders curious about neighborhood ministry, this five-session series will explore holy listening, Scripture, and community-rooted action. Registration closes August 15. Sessions begin September 4. Learn more at leadconnects.org.

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