The West Valley Young Adult Community is bustling with activity this February! Packed with diverse and engaging events, the calendar is designed for young adults aged 19-35 to connect, share experiences, and engage in meaningful dialogue about life and faith. From the calming ambiance of "Coffee & Conversation" to the competitive fun of "Par Tee" at Popstroke, and the vibrant "2nd Saturdays" street fair, there's something for everyone. The lineup also includes a lively "Mardi Gras" celebration and a "Pizza & Game Night" for those who enjoy a laid-back evening. To cap off the month, test your problem-solving skills at the "Escape Westgate" event.
Read More
Discover the transformative power of a simple hug in the latest ELCA Faith Lens, "Healing Touch." Dive into how Jesus' healing actions and our everyday gestures of compassion can significantly impact our physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.
Read More
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.
Read More
Join the West Valley Young Adults for a week of lively conversation and friendly competition! Catch up over coffee at Black Sheep Coffee on January 29th and hit the lanes at Bowlero on January 31st for unlimited bowling. Connect, relax, and enjoy the community vibe!
Read More
Amidst the digital world's confusion, where verified statuses can be bought and authenticity is questioned, we are reminded of the importance of discerning the true voice of Christ. Like the first disciples, may we learn to follow not the symbols of verification but the undeniable call of love and truth.
Read More
Don't miss out on West Valley Young Adults events! Start with "Coffee and Conversation" on Jan 22 and roll into "Great Skate Night" on Jan 23 for unlimited pizza and skating fun. Perfect for 19-35-year-olds looking to connect and hang out.
Read More
Each year, the primary way that music students find their way to LSM is through the encouragement of their church musician! LSM offers opportunities for musicians of all kinds: brass, winds, strings, percussion, piano, organ, voice, harp, guitar, handbells, and more. Know a young person (grades 8-12) who would benefit from the life-giving and joyful musical community at LSM? Nominate them for LSM today at LSMacademy.org/nominate.
Read More
West Valley Young Adults is hosting a half-price game night at Dave and Busters on January 16. Connect with others and enjoy a variety of games!
Read More
Camp ALOMA is looking for young men and women who are eager to serve the Lord and who enjoy sharing His word with children! Camp ALOMA needs summer staff 18-25 years old and high school volunteers!
Learn lifelong skills by spending the summer in the crisp pines of Prescott AZ! If you have a heart for ministry, the outdoors, and children, then we are eager to meet you! 8 weeks starting mid-May. Camp ALOMA: office@campaloma.com, (928) 778-1690, campaloma.com or apply at www.nloma.org.
Read More
In a world where AI-generated content blurs the line between reality and fiction, ELCA's Faith Lens challenges us to explore the authenticity of our faith experiences. How do we discern the truth in what we see and share a genuine testament of God's love in our lives? Dive into a thoughtful discussion on the intersection of faith and perception at ELCA.org.
Read More
West Valley Young Adults invites you to start the year with meaningful connections through a winter retreat and engaging social events. Join us for reflection, fun, and fellowship.
Read More
Discover the intersection of urgency in our lives and faith in this week's Faith Lens. Reflect on the festive season and explore the deeper meanings of our traditions and the Gospel of Mark. For thoughtful insights and discussion, check out the full post.
Read More
Attend two exciting West Valley Young Adult events. Experience the Winter Retreat at Camp ALOMA, packed with activities from Jan 12-15. And don't miss the Morning Hike on Jan 6 at Thunderbird Park. It's a great way to engage with the community and enrich your faith.
Read More
The 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering staff shares some updates for the 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering, MYLE, the tAble and Young Adult Gathering next summer. To learn more about the Gathering or to register, visit elca.org/Gathering.
Read More
Start the new year right with the West Valley Young Adults' vibrant events and Young Adult Winter Retreat! From thrilling outdoor adventures to cozy gatherings and a retreat focused on community and spiritual growth, start the year with excitement and camaraderie. View fliers for all the details and follow them on Instagram for live updates.
Read More
In early November, two youth joined Pr. Jacqui Pagel at the ELCA Youth LeadershipSummit at Churchwide in Chicago. The summit brought together youth from more than 30 synods around the theme, "Called on the Way," focusing on the unique journeys individuals take in response to their calling and how those journeys shape their leadership abilities. The youth were glad to have been selected to participate and share reflections on their experiences in this post.
Read More
Being a youth leader can be both rewarding and challenging. It’s a role that requires a great deal of energy, compassion, and patience. If you’re feeling tired or overwhelmed during this Advent Season, you’re not alone. The demands of guiding and supporting young people, coupled with all the responsibilities of the season, in addition to balancing the visioning prep for upcoming trips and all that goes into them, can take a toll.
Read More
Explore the power of belief and the importance of listening to women's voices in this week's Faith Lens post. Drawing inspiration from Britney Spears' memoir and her #FreeBritney movement, we delve into the societal tendency to dismiss women's stories and the impact of such attitudes. This post connects this theme to the Gospel, emphasizing the significance of believing Mary's account of Jesus' divine origin and the ongoing struggle to give women a voice in the church and society.
Read More
Explore the challenging yet enriching call to step beyond our comfort zones in the latest Faith Lens blog, which delves into the history and current impacts of Indigenous people’s subjugation, drawing parallels to John the Baptist's unsettling call for change and repentance. Engage with thought-provoking questions and activities that encourage embracing Jesus' liberating message of love and justice.
Read More
Get into the festive spirit with our New Orleans-themed Christmas Spotify playlist and join us for the much-anticipated 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering. With regular registration open until February 14, 2024, at $425 per person there's still plenty of time to add members to your group or invite new friends for an unforgettable faith-formation experience. Read all the latest info in the latest newsletter. Plus, don't miss the opportunity for young adults to become Servant Companions, playing a pivotal role in this life-changing ministry with benefits including housing, food, and a travel stipend.
Read More