April marks a milestone for West Valley Young Adults, with 11 diverse events planned across new areas of the valley. This expansion aims to attract members from near the ASU West Campus, Surprise, and Arrowhead, fostering a larger, more vibrant community. Join us in this exciting venture to connect and grow together.
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Explore the unexpected journey of faith with Sarah Fryman as she reflects on the anticipation and reality of life's events through a spiritual lens. This week's Faith Lens delves into the surprises that come with following Jesus, highlighting the transformative Palm Sunday procession and inviting readers to consider their own expectations of God.
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Discover the impactful presence of Disability Ministries at the 2024 ELCA Youth Ministry Network Extravaganza, highlighted by three insightful workshops, a groundbreaking Thanksgiving for Baptism service utilizing Braille, and enhanced accessibility features. Explore how these firsts in the ELCA community are paving the way for more inclusive worship and participation, marking significant strides towards embracing all members of the church.
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Excitement is building for the 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering in New Orleans! Remember to update your check-in and checkout dates, reserve your spot for airport shuttle service, and note the venue policies for a seamless experience. Don't miss out on catered meals for your group and invite a friend before registration closes on April 15. Mark your calendar for key dates and get ready for an unforgettable week of faith, worship, and community!
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In the latest Faith Lens post, Kate Van Valkenburg shares a powerful story of an adventurous hike with a friend that turned into a lesson on trust, the unknown, and God's presence in difficult times. As they faced unexpected challenges, they encountered a group of women who provided the support they needed, reminding us that God shows up in surprising ways. The post also explores the Gospel of John, emphasizing the transformation and hope found in Jesus' teachings, and encourages us to be agents of change in the world.
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You're not late — everyone else is just early! From now until April 15, ELCA Youth Gathering registration is $475. It’s not too late to get your krewe together to attend the Gathering this summer.
Registration will close on April 15. Join us for a week of faith formation, worship, fun, jazz and great food. Please contact Pr. Jacqui JPagel@gcsynod.org if you have any YouthGathering 2024 questions.
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In this week's ELCA Faith Lens, Andrew Thompson shares a reflective piece on finding comfort and connection in assembling puzzles with family, drawing parallels to navigating the complex, interwoven stories of our world and scripture. The article, set against the backdrop of an increasingly digital and overwhelming news landscape, encourages taking a more focused and intimate approach to engaging with the vast "puzzle" of human stories and God’s unfolding narrative.
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In the latest ELCA Young Adult Ministry Updates newsletter, March is bustling with opportunities for young adults in the ELCA! Apply for the Horizon Apprenticeship, share your thoughts with the Commission for a Renewed Lutheran Church, dive into next year's YAGM cohort, and don't miss registering for the 2024 Young Adult Gathering. Plus, a unique internship at Grace House in Atlanta offers a year of discovery and ministry.
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Seize a transformative summer with the ELCA's Horizon Apprenticeship Program. Designed for young adults of color or those whose primary language is not English, this initiative offers an enriching blend of internships, mentorship, and online learning from June 2 to July 28, 2024. Apply by March 12 to embark on a journey of growth, leadership, and deepened faith engagement.
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This week's Faith Lens explores transitions in leadership, coinciding with the retirement of the respected editor, Rev. William H. King, affectionately known as Bill. Bill's tenure saw Faith Lens flourish, becoming a well-visited resource that connected scripture with current events. Welcoming Drew Tucker as the new editor, the post outlines the future of Faith Lens, promising the same valuable insights with a year-round publishing schedule and inclusion of personal reflection activities.
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Lutheran Summer Music Academy & Festival (LSM) is a residential academy for high school musicians. Students study with nationally recognized faculty, and are immersed in musical experiences through large ensembles (Choir, Band and Symphony Orchestra), chamber music, private lessons, elective classes, ongoing recitals and concerts.
Students also experience a welcoming and joyful community that worships together daily, offering musical gifts through Lutheran liturgy and hymnody. LSM 2024 takes place at Valparaiso University in Indiana from June 30-July 28 and is open to students who have completed grades 8-12. Spots for LSM 2024 are filling fast! Nominate a student today at LSMacademy.org/nominate.
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March is filled with excitement for West Valley Young Adults, featuring multiple Coffee & Conversation mornings, a competitive scavenger hunt, a bowling night, and more. These gatherings are perfect for making connections and having a great time!
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Lutheran Schools Week 2024, occurring from March 3-9, invites Lutheran communities to celebrate with the theme "On the Road," inspired by Luke 24:13-35. It's a call to witness God's presence in our journeys, providing resources for congregations and schools, including bulletin inserts, social media posts, classroom activities, chapel services, and more. Engage with these life-changing ministries and support lifelong faith formation through elcaschools.org.
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Explore the reflections of young people on what it means to be authentically created in God's image in the latest ELCA Youth Gathering Blog. Discover their personal stories and insights into being true to oneself, the importance of community support, and the empowerment found in authenticity.
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This week's Faith Lens explores the challenging call of discipleship through the lens of Mark 8:31-38, examining the concept of losing to win in the realm of faith and life. Reflecting on personal experiences with winning, losing, and the profound lessons of showing up, the discussion delves into Jesus' teachings on the cost of following Him, inviting us to embrace sacrifice for the sake of God's Word and the restoration of our relationship with the Divine.
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Gathering leadership shares some updates for the 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering, MYLE and the tAble this summer. To learn more about the Gathering or to register, visit elca.org/Gathering.
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It’s not too late to get your krewe together to attend the Gathering this summer. Registration will close on April 15. Join us for a week of faith formation, worship, fun, jazz and great food. Read more here.
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In the latest Faith Lens blog, Joshua Serrano reflects on handling life's highs and lows through the lens of celebrity stories and the early ministry of Jesus. He discusses Adam Sandler's humble reaction to a professor's early criticism, juxtaposed with the Gospel account of Jesus' baptism and subsequent temptation. Serrano encourages finding strength in our identity as beloved children of God, regardless of life's fluctuating circumstances.
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In this video, Gathering leadership shares some updates for the 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering, MYLE and the tAble this summer. To learn more about the Gathering or to register, visit elca.org/Gathering.
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This week’s "Faith Lens" blog post by Rachel Larson discusses the power of affirmation, especially within the context of faith. Reflecting on personal experiences of both receiving encouragement and facing criticism, the post delves into how these interactions can impact one's sense of self and calling. It connects this concept to the Transfiguration of Jesus, where God's affirming voice declares Jesus as His beloved son, setting the stage for Jesus' mission.
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