Mohrenweiser Lecture 2024: Planning for Life’s Unpredictable Turns

Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary invites you to the insightful 2024 Mohrenweiser Lecture, exploring the intersection of health crises and ethical decision-making. Join online as renowned speakers Rev. Herbert Anderson, Ph.D., and Margaret McLean, Ph.D., delve into these timely topics on February 7th.

To attend in-person, please register at this link. To attend on Zoom, please register at this link.

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Discover the Divine in Nature with Rev. Sara Olson-Smith

Embrace a day of spiritual growth and eco-conscious learning with Rev. Sara Olson-Smith’s Bible Study, "Scripture and nature: Teachers of faith," on February 3, 2024, 9:30 am, at American Lutheran Church. Dive deep into how weather, creatures, rivers, and food can enhance our faith and kinship with the earth. Register now for a transformative morning followed by fellowship over lunch. For more information and to register, please visit GrandCanyonwomen.org/Events.

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Las Vegas Faiths Unite for Prayer Service at Christ Church Episcopal

Experience unity in faith at Christ Church Episcopal in Las Vegas for a prayer service dedicated to the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, with Bishop Deborah Hutterer and other leaders. Join us on January 26 at 7:00pm for an evening of ecumenical prayer, followed by a community reception.

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Office of the Bishop Updates: 1/26/2024

We begin our Spring Gatherings with the Colorado River Conference Spring Gathering, Saturday, January 27, 2024, 10 am at Good Samaritan at the Lakes (map), and while in Las Vegas attend the Prayer Service at Christ Church Episcopal, 7pm PST on January 26, 2024, (map).

We also share many photos from the Receiving Faithful Teaching, Receiving Faithful Teaching Lutheran-Catholic Dialogue, 2024 Lutheran Day at the Legislature, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Service, Spirit of Grace’s 75th Anniversary, and our in-person staff meeting.

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Ordination celebrations: January 26 – February 1, 2024

This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:

  • Rev. David Sivecz, Grace, Phoenix, who celebrates 6 years on January 27.

  • Deacon Carol Arnold, who celebrates 42 years on January 27.

  • Rev. Janice Von Rappard, who celebrates 19 years on January 30.

  • Rev. Paul Nordeen, who celebrates 47 years on January 30.

  • Rev. Jose Valenzuela, Community of Grace, Peoria, who celebrates 15 years on January 31.

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Streamlined Annual Congregation Reports for ELCA are now open

The ELCA has revamped the Annual Congregation Report for 2024, consolidating it into a single, more readable form, Form A. This effort simplifies the reporting process, which is now open and accessible, aiding in our mission to understand and plan for the church's future. Your timely submission by March 1 enables us to assess our vitality and resources, so we invite you to contribute to this essential task. Access the easy to use forms and worksheets here.

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Faithful Discernment: Embracing the ‘Election Sermon’ Tradition for 2024

Rev. Dr. Jim Antal’s blog post, featured by Blessed Tomorrow, a faith-based environmental advocacy group, revives the tradition of the ‘Election Sermon’ to guide faith communities through the 2024 elections with integrity and compassion, underscoring the importance of political participation as a reflection of our core spiritual values. Read the post on the Blessed Tomorrow web site.

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Upcoming AFN Events: From Christian Unity to Protecting Voting Rights

Join AFN’s array of January and February events, from the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity to Environmental Day at the Capitol. Engage in meditative practices, advocate for voting rights, celebrate Black History Month, and more. Sign up for the newsletter to stay connected and read all the news here.

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Disruptive Compassion: Autumn Byars’ Vision for a Kinder Election Cycle

In her poignant reflection, Autumn Byars, an ELCA Hunger Advocacy Fellow with the Lutheran Advocacy Ministry in Arizona, part of our Grand Canyon Synod, calls for a disruption in the exhausting cycles of the federal election process through the power of compassion. Byars challenges candidates and constituents alike to approach the political arena with understanding and grace, fostering solutions grounded in our shared humanity rather than divisive rhetoric.

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For What Shall We Pray?
  • For peace among nations, especially between Israel and Palestine, Russia and Ukraine…

  • For relief and recovery efforts following an earthquake in western China and a landslide in southwestern China…

  • For political protests in Germany and France, for primary elections in the United States, and all areas of political deliberation and tension…

  • For those suffering severe storms and flooding in southern California and for all areas of the country experiencing storms, ice, and other difficult weather…

  • For all victims of gun violence, especially in Joliet, IL; Tinley Park, IL; Moody, AL; Oakland, CA; Covington, KY; and Tampa, FL…

  • For safety and provision for all migrants…
    For all facing unemployment and underemployment, and for all seeking fair wages and equitable employment opportunities…

  • For collaboration and hospitality among people of faith, across denominations and across faith traditions…

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Introduction to the National Fund for Sacred Places webinar

Attend an information session webinar on Thursday, February 1st at 12:00 PM EST to learn more about the National Fund for Sacred Places and whether your sacred place (or the sacred places in your community or judicatory) may qualify.

The National Fund for Sacred Places is a grant-making program that provides capital grants ranging from $50,000 to $500,000 as well as wrap-around support services to congregations undertaking once-in-a-generation preservation projects. To learn more, please visit us at fundforsacredplaces.org.

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Further Your Discipleship Journey with Holy Trinity's Walking Wet Discipleship Day

Join Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Chandler for the Walking Wet Discipleship Day on February 3, 2024. A day of learning, fellowship, and faith exploration, featuring keynote speakers Rev. Miguel Gomez-Acosta and Rev. Peter Perry. Registration includes meals, with childcare available upon request. Dive deeper into your faith journey with us! Register now at bit.ly/discipleship2024.

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Faith Lens: I Swear

In the wake of a historic all-female city council swearing-in in Saint Paul, Minnesota, the diverse books chosen by the officials highlight the guiding principles of our leaders and pose the question: what grounds us in our roles and lives? Explore this theme of grounding and the importance of focusing on what truly matters, drawing from Jesus' example of seeking solitude for prayer amidst his bustling ministry. Discover the full context and discussion on the significance of these guiding principles in the Faith Lens weekly blog post.

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