Creating Inclusive Spaces: ELCA Disability Ministries at the Extravaganza

Learn how to foster deeper inclusion in your congregation with ELCA Disability Ministries’ workshops at the 2025 Extravaganza! Held January 23-26 in Louisville, these sessions explore accessible games for youth groups and baptismal theology from a disability perspective. Register today at elcaymnet.org/workshops.

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Thanksgiving for Baptism: A New Resource Through the Lens of Disability

Discover a powerful new Thanksgiving for Baptism resource from ELCA Disability Ministries, crafted to celebrate the diversity of God’s creation and reflect on baptism through the lens of disability. First shared at the ELCA Youth Extravaganza, this inclusive liturgy is now available for congregational use, offering fresh ways to affirm the sacredness of every life.

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Honoring Transgender Day of Remembrance, November 20

Each year, we pause to remember the lives lost to anti-transgender violence, especially Black and brown transgender women. Vicar Vica-Etta Henrietta Steel reflects on the intersection of racial and transgender justice, urging us to honor this day by amplifying marginalized voices and committing to advocacy and allyship. Read more at ELCA.org about how the church can lift trans joy and pursue justice for all.

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Journey Through Advent: Exploring Justice and the Holy Land

This Advent, explore justice and inclusion through the fourth annual Advent Pilgrimage in Palestine, hosted by ELCA Sumud and ELCA Young Adults. Resources drop November 22, leading into weekly reflections in December that connect the story of Christ’s birth with themes of empire and justice.

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God’s Presence in Mental Health Challenges: Enroll in a Free Course by November 28

Equip yourself with faith-based tools to navigate mental health challenges in our communities. God and Mental Health Challenges, a free Faith+Lead course available through November 28, explores how faith shapes our response to mental health struggles, offers practical caregiving strategies, and helps break down stigmas. Learn more and register today: faithlead.org/course-lp/god-and-mental-health-challenges.

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Shepherd of the Hills in Flagstaff Seeks Choir Leader

Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church in Flagstaff seeks a part-time Choir Director or Choral Intern to guide their vibrant choir in worship and growth. Ideal for experienced choral leaders or those starting in church music ministry, this position offers flexibility and a welcoming community. Contact the church for application details, read the job description here, and take the next step in your musical ministry journey!

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Faith Amid the Storms: A Synod’s Journey of Resilience and Rebuilding

Recent hurricanes have devastated congregations across the Florida-Bahamas Synod, yet the resilience of God’s people shines. From outdoor worship at Paradise Lutheran to emergency grants helping families rebuild, our church is responding with love and hope. Read how faith endures through the storm and how you can support recovery efforts.

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Lutheran Worship Updates: Advent, Music, and More

Discover enriching worship resources and events for Advent and beyond! From the Lutheran Summer Music Advent Calendar to the ALCM’s 2025 conference and Augsburg Fortress seasonal offerings, there’s something for everyone. Explore tools for liturgical renewal, musical inspiration, and meaningful congregational engagement. Read more at ELCA Worship.

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Hunger Leaders Network meets 6pm last Tuesday of every month

Calling all hunger champions: join this network of the Grand Canyon Synod! Meet to hear updates on national and local Hunger and Food Insecurity efforts and initiatives, to learn from one another, and to share with the group what's happening in our congregations. Anyone interested in alleviating hunger is welcome. Prepare to be encouraged and supported! Tuesday, 11/26/2024, 6-7pm MST/PDT.

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Thanksgiving Eve at Mountain View in Phoenix: Worship, Food Pantry Drive, and Pie

Join Mountain View Lutheran in Phoenix for a worship service of thanks on Wednesday, Nov. 27th @ 6:30 pm in the Worship Center (Sanctuary), 11002 S. 48th Street | Phoenix, AZ 85044..

Please bring non-perishable foods that we will collect and send to the Generations Church Food Pantry. Please also bring pie for the Pie Social after the worship service!

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All Church Open House: Rehoming Resources from Gloria Christi Federated Church

On November 20-22, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Gloria Christi Federated Church in Paradise Valley will hold an All Church Open House to rehome its ministry items as it closes its doors. Churches in need of supplies—ranging from office chairs and file cabinets to altar paraments, banners, and even an organ—are invited to attend and collect resources to support their ministry work. Cash donations are welcome, and attendees should bring their own boxes or bags. This event offers a meaningful way to continue Gloria Christi’s legacy throughout our synod.

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Lutheran World Federation newsletter
“Finding Our Place in Creation”: Climate Study and Action with Lutherans Restoring Creation

Explore Our Kairos Moment, the ELCA’s new climate study guide, in a four-month series led by Lutherans Restoring Creation starting November 19. Dive into themes of stewardship and interdependence while preparing to implement the guide in your congregation. Plus, register for Saturday’s Creation Care training and other upcoming events! Learn more and get involved here.

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Blessed Tomorrow Grants: Empowering Faith Communities for Creation Care

Nineteen faith organizations across 13 states received grants through Blessed Tomorrow’s Getting Outside the Walls initiative, funding projects from community gardens to solar energy. Join the celebration on December 12 at 4 PM ET to learn more about these inspiring projects. Interested in leading a local effort? Host the 2025 National Faith + Climate Forum and apply for a grant to support climate action in your community. Let us live out our faith boldly and work toward a thriving, just future. Learn more on the Blessed Tomorrow website.

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Missional Leadership Reimagined: JR Woodward’s Four Spaces of Belonging

Discover a revolutionary approach to church leadership with Dr. JR Woodward in this eye-opening episode of the Pivot Podcast. Author of “The Scandal of Leadership,” Woodward unpacks the crisis of discipleship facing the church today and offers practical solutions for creating a culture of authentic spiritual growth.

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Fresh Expressions of Church and the Mixed Ecology

In this groundbreaking episode of the Pivot podcast, we turn the tables on our regular host, the Rev. Dr. Dwight Zscheile, to explore the revolutionary concept of Fresh Expressions of Church. Dwight, co-author of the forthcoming book “Embracing the Mixed Ecology,” offers an exclusive preview of his research on innovative approaches to ministry in our rapidly changing world.

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