The 2024 Lutheran Day at the Legislature, held on January 18th in Arizona, was a resounding success with 125 advocates from across the state gathering for impactful discussions on policy priorities. The day was marked by engaging with over 30 legislators, insightful speeches from influential leaders, and meaningful networking. Highlights included nonpartisan cooperation talks, strategies for addressing key issues like hunger and housing, and building stronger community relationships through advocacy. View all the photos and info at lamaz.org.
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Maximize your impact on Arizona’s legislative process with LAMA’s RTS training on January 26, 2024, from 2-2:30 pm. Learn to use the RTS system to voice your opinions on legislative bills effectively. Register for the webinar and become a proactive citizen in shaping state policies.
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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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Mark your calendars for January 18, 2024, for "Lutheran Day at the Legislature." Join fellow advocates at the Arizona Capitol for a day of impactful action. Prepare with available resources and advocacy training at LAMA's resource page, and share the event using our promotional materials.
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Prepare for Lutheran Day at the Legislature (1/18/2024) with a special Zoom prep session on January 11, 2024 at 3:30 pm. Learn the agenda, understand the bills, and acquire tips for effective legislative communication. Register now to gain insights from experts and equip yourself for impactful advocacy.
For full details and registration, visit Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona's prep day page.
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LAMA encourages a pre-session check of your legislative district. Stay updated and engage effectively with your legislators. Find your legislators here.
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As 2023 comes to a close, LAMA invites you to celebrate with them the work we’ve accomplished together. They’re are grateful to you for your faithful advocacy this year, and look forward to the work that we will do together in 2024. And don’t forget to register for Lutheran Day at the Legislature! View their 2023 year end newsletter here.
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We share the latest updates from ELCA Advocacy, and highlight the entry from Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA) – lamaz.org, in this post.
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Embrace the spirit of Advent with Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona's inspiring message. This season, delve into the profound ways the Bible encourages us to prepare for meeting God - not just spiritually, but through active service. Explore various ways to incorporate advocacy into your daily spiritual practice, and learn how you can contribute to meaningful change.
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“We at the LAMA office want to wish you a happy and blessed Thanksgiving! We hope you take this holiday to enjoy God’s bountiful gifts of friends, family, and food— however those things may be present in your life. This year, we give thanks for our wonderful community of advocates and liaisons, for all the congregations who have welcomed us and joined us in our work, for all of our partner networks, and for the opportunities we have been given to do God’s work through advocacy.” Read the full post on the LAMA website.
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The Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona community convened at the Love of Christ Lutheran Church for an engaging and spirited LAMA Summit. This year's assembly, themed "Advocacy as a Spiritual Practice," not only fortified the bond between advocacy and spirituality but also highlighted key policy focuses: addressing hunger and food insecurity, enhancing voting and civic engagement, and conserving water resources.
The summit, facilitated by Pastor Sarah Stadler, featured story-sharing sessions, strategic planning for advocacy as a daily spiritual routine, and a meaningful invitation writing campaign to legislators for the upcoming Lutheran Day at the Legislature. Read more about the summit on the LAMA site.
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In October's ELCA Advocacy updates, global Lutherans convened in Krakow, Poland, for the LWF Assembly, with U.N. discussions focusing on the Sustainable Development Goals. Arizona's LAMA hosted an influential retreat, welcomed a new advocacy fellow, and continued their efforts in addressing hunger. Meanwhile, states like California and Colorado witnessed legislative shifts and advocacy initiatives on various topics. Stay updated with these important developments across the ELCA network.
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Recently, LAMA's Policy Council outlined its pivotal 2024 priorities, emphasizing action on food insecurity, voting and civic engagement, the water crisis, and housing and homelessness. Rooted in ELCA's teachings, LAMA commits to being a publicly engaged church, advocating for foundational societal changes that echo throughout hunger prevention, voter participation, sustainable water use, and housing access.
Join us in these pressing endeavors that seek to uplift our community and address the root causes of these social concerns. Interested members are encouraged to contribute to this transformative journey. Read more at lamaz.org.
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Join fellow advocates at the 4th Annual LAMA Summit, November 4, 2023, for a transformative exploration of 'Advocacy as a Spiritual Practice.' Connect with passionate Lutherans, engage in vital discussions, and participate in hands-on service projects. Lunch provided, special youth programs available. Don't miss this inspiring convergence of faith and action. Read more at lamaz.org.
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From September 17 - 20, the LAMA office hosted the State Public Policy Office (SPPO) directors from Ohio, Kansas, Florida, Wisconsin, Washington, California, New Jersey, Minnesota, Washington DC, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and, of course, Arizona, at Spirit in The Desert Retreat Center in Carefree. The faith based offices gathered together to discuss priorities for the upcoming year, fresh advocacy and engagement strategies, attend lectures and discussions led by guest speaker Amanda Tyler, and welcome the 2023-24 Hunger Advocacy Fellows. This year’s theme was on Keeping the Faith in Times of Divisions, with a focus on Christian nationalism. Read more on the Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona blog.
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This September, despite Arizona's rich produce, many face food insecurity. Stand with LAMA and others on Hunger Action Day, September 15, 2023. Wear orange, share, and act. How will you fight hunger?
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Discover the journey of Autumn Byars, our new GCS Hunger Advocacy Fellow for 2023-24 on the LAMA blog. From her roots in the Southwest to her deep-seated faith, learn how Autumn is channeling her passion for justice and hunger relief in her new role with Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona.
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The current congressional authorization for PEPFAR expires on September 30. This ELCA Advocacy Action Alert requests that you urge Congress to support this important legislation. Read more on the Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona site.
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Introducing a new video, Loving our Neighbor, from Lutheran Advocacy in Arizona (LAMA). This video introduction from Lutheran Advocacy Ministry in Arizona (LAMA) highlights the importance of civic engagement in faith communities, particularly in Lutheran congregations. As Lutherans and members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), we believe that we are freed in Christ to serve and love our neighbor.
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We are the Grand Canyon Synod, our namesake formed by the waters of the Colorado River. As citizens of the Southwest commemorating Earth Day 2023, we are keenly aware of the preciousness of water and the need to preserve this life-giving resource.
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