Grand Canyon Synod

News

Posts in ELCA

Get ready for “God’s work. Our hands.”

Get ready for “God’s work. Our hands.”

On Sunday, Sept. 8, congregations of the ELCA will join together for our annual day of service, “God’s work. Our hands.” This day continues to be an opportunity to celebrate who we are as the ELCA — one church, freed in Christ to serve and love our neighbor.

This year we also celebrate 50 years of ELCA World Hunger. In commemoration of this milestone, consider including ministries focused on alleviating hunger and poverty in your plans for “God’s work. Our hands.” Or make it a season of service! Expand your volunteer opportunities, advocacy efforts or food drives until World Food Day on Oct. 16.

ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardAugust 22, 2024God's Work Our Hands SundayComment

ELCA Spotlight: The Impact of Lutheran Services in America

ELCA Spotlight: The Impact of Lutheran Services in America

This week’s Synod Spotlight highlights Lutheran Services in America, a national network of 300 faith-based organizations that serve over 6 million people annually across the United States—one of every 50 Americans. In Arizona and Nevada, their impact is felt through member organizations that provide critical care and support to more than 64,000 people each year. View their fact sheets for Arizona and Nevada.

ELCA, SpotlightBrian FlatgardAugust 21, 2024Lutheran Services in AmericaComment

For What Shall We Pray?

For What Shall We Pray?

For those caught in the midst of warfare and conflict, especially in Gaza, Israel, Lebanon, Iran, Iraq, Myanmar, Haiti, Russia, Ukraine, Burkina Faso, Sudan, and South Sudan…
For those attending or participating in the Democratic National Convention, and for all leaders in government…
For any countries experiencing political unrest and turmoil, especially Bangladesh…
For the care, safety, and well-being of women and girls around the world…
For those in the path of Hurricane Ernesto…
For the northeastern United States in the midst of record flooding…
For healing and protection in the wake of a new COVID variant and the Mpox virus…
For those experiencing extreme heat throughout different regions…

ELCA, Prayers, SpotlightBrian FlatgardAugust 21, 2024ELCA Worship, For What Shall We PrayComment

Faith Lens: Finding Life

Faith Lens: Finding Life

When Jesus’ teachings become difficult to understand, many of his followers leave. But Simon Peter stays, proclaiming, “Lord, to whom can we go? You have the words of eternal life.” In this week's Faith Lens, we explore the importance of trusting in Jesus, even when faith is challenging. Discover how, like Peter, we can find life in Christ, even in the face of difficult teachings.

Worship Resources, ELCA, ResourcesBrian FlatgardAugust 20, 2024Faith Lens, Youth and Young AdultComment

Save the date for World Food Day, 10/15/2024

Save the date for World Food Day, 10/15/2024

Save the date for World Food Day—Celebrating 50 Years of ELCA World Hunger—a Zoom webinar on Tuesday, 10/15/2024, 5 pm MST/PDT, 6pm MDT. Register here.

This special online event will be hosted by the Rev. Amy Current, bishop of the Southeastern Iowa Synod, and Imran Siddiqui, vice president of the ELCA.

ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardAugust 20, 2024Hunger, ELCA World HungerComment

Explore Lutheran Values in Election Year: Corporate Social Responsibility with Rev. Kaari Reierson

Explore Lutheran Values in Election Year: Corporate Social Responsibility with Rev. Kaari Reierson

Join the ELCA’s online workshop series through October to delve into how our faith informs our actions and voting on critical social issues. August’s focus is Corporate Social Responsibility with Rev. Kaari Reierson. View a PDF flyer and register now to engage deeply with our social teachings and lead community discussions.

ELCA, Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardAugust 19, 2024Creating Space for Conversations, Social Statements, Elections and Voting Rights, Church and SocietyComment

Spotlight: The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)

Spotlight: The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)

This week’s Synod Spotlight celebrates the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), highlighting its formation in 1988, its three-part structure of congregations, synods, and churchwide organization, and its significant role in the global church through partnerships and advocacy. The ELCA continues to unite Lutherans in worship, service, and community, shaping our shared mission locally and globally.

ELCA, SpotlightBrian FlatgardAugust 15, 2024Comment

“Drawn In! Moving Out!” at the 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering

“Drawn In! Moving Out!” at the 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering

At the 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering where the theme “Created to Be” inspired young people to be their brave, free, authentic, disruptive, and discipling selves, there was a place in the Interactive Learning space that invited them to be “Drawn In! Moving Out!” It was an absolute joy to once again bring the vision of a worship learning experience I brainstormed in 2016 to life for the 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering in New Orleans. We staffed the booth with an incredible team from the ELCA Worship Staff, Lutheran Summer Music, the Association of Lutheran Church Musicians, and the ELCA Spiritual Renewal Team.

ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardAugust 15, 20242024 ELCA Youth Gathering, Youth and Young AdultComment

For What Shall We Pray?

For What Shall We Pray?

For those caught in the midst of warfare and conflict, especially in Gaza, Israel, Lebanon, Iran, Iraq, Myanmar, Haiti, Russia, Ukraine, Burkina Faso, Sudan, and South Sudan…
For protection for all in the path of Tropical Storm Ernesto…
For those affected by wildfires in Greece…
For safety following the earthquake felt in Syria, Jordan, and Lebanon…
For victims of stabbings in London, England and Eskisehir, Turkey…
For those grieving plane crash victims in Sao Paulo, Brazil…
For the United States and other countries preparing for government elections…
For those beginning or preparing for a new school year…
For those affected by the earthquake in Los Angeles and the wider area…
For the protection of creation, wildlife, and water sources…

ELCA, Prayers, SpotlightBrian FlatgardAugust 15, 2024ELCA Worship, For What Shall We PrayComment

August Worship Updates: Conferences, Workshops, and New Music Resources

August Worship Updates: Conferences, Workshops, and New Music Resources

Discover new resources and events for worship leaders and musicians this fall! From workshops hosted by Music that Makes Community to the latest video interviews from the Center for Church Music, explore ways to deepen your worship leadership. Plus, mark your calendars for ALCM’s 2025 Summer Conference and revisit LSM 2024 performances online. Read the full list of resources and events highlighted by ELCA Worship here.

ELCA, News, Worship Resources, ResourcesBrian FlatgardAugust 14, 2024Worship Resources, ELCA WorshipComment

Meet Bishop-elect Nathan Pipho: A Vision for Justice and Community

Meet Bishop-elect Nathan Pipho: A Vision for Justice and Community

Meet Bishop-elect Nathan Pipho, who has clear priorities for the New England Synod: proclaiming Jesus, building community, and pursuing racial justice. With over 20 years of ministry experience and a master’s from Harvard, Pipho is prepared to lead. His term begins August 1, with installation on September 7. Discover his vision and commitment to embodying God’s healing and love in the world in this Living Lutheran article.

ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardAugust 12, 2024Living LutheranComment

From Coaching to Construction: How Sam Swenson-Reinhold Serves His Community

From Coaching to Construction: How Sam Swenson-Reinhold Serves His Community

Service has always been integral to Sam Swenson-Reinhold’s life, growing up as the son of two ELCA pastors. Now, he serves as an ELCA coach and project coordinator for Operation Backyard with the Knoxville Leadership Foundation. Through his roles, he mentors individuals, oversees construction projects for those in need, and finds spiritual nourishment in church and nature. Swenson-Reinhold’s dedication to community and faith exemplifies the Lutheran commitment to service and personal growth. Read more about his inspiring journey and impact in Living Lutheran.

ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardAugust 11, 2024Living LutheranComment

HopeWood Outdoors: Embracing Change with an ELCA Innovation Grant

HopeWood Outdoors: Embracing Change with an ELCA Innovation Grant

HopeWood Outdoors, a vibrant ELCA outdoor ministry in Ohio, is redefining how they welcome diverse campers with the help of a $40,000 ELCA Innovation Grant. Under the leadership of Drew Tucker, HopeWood is focusing on accessibility, cultural training, and sustainability. This initiative is part of their mission to connect people with nature and faith, inspiring them to embrace their callings. Discover more about HopeWood’s transformative journey and their commitment to growth and inclusion in this Living Lutheran article.

ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardAugust 10, 2024Living Lutheran, Outdoor MinistryComment

Faith and Politics: Lutheran Legislators Advocate for Respectful Discourse

Faith and Politics: Lutheran Legislators Advocate for Respectful Discourse

Washington State Senators Annette Cleveland and Ron Muzzall, both Lutherans, are advocating for civility in politics, inspired by their faith. Emphasizing grace, respect, and love, they aim to foster respectful dialogue across political divides. Their efforts align with the ELCA’s mission to promote healthy civic engagement, highlighted in recent social messages and draft statements. Read about their efforts in Living Lutheran.

ELCA, News, LettersBrian FlatgardAugust 9, 2024Creating Space for Conversations, Living Lutheran, Elections and Voting Rights, Church and SocietyComment

Faith in Action: How ELCA is Leading Civic Engagement in 2024

Faith in Action: How ELCA is Leading Civic Engagement in 2024

Engage in the 2024 election year with the ELCA’s robust initiatives and training opportunities. From online workshops like “Crucial Conversations” to the NCC Freedom Summer campaign, there are numerous ways to get involved. Discover resources and reflections designed to inspire and guide your civic engagement. Visit ELCA.org/votes for more information and read the full post from ELCA Advocacy here..

ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardAugust 8, 2024Advocacy, ELCA Advocacy, Lutheran CitizenshipComment

Letters from Sweden: A Unique Lutheran Love Story

Letters from Sweden: A Unique Lutheran Love Story

Explore an extraordinary Lutheran love story in David Schaeffer’s Letters from Sweden. Through his father’s wartime and postwar letters to his fiancée, Mary, this book unveils a journey of faith, love, and commitment. Schaeffer’s reflections offer insights into the resilience of the “Greatest Generation” and the enduring power of handwritten letters. Read the article in Living Lutheran.

Letters, News, ELCABrian FlatgardAugust 8, 2024Living LutheranComment

I’m a Lutheran: Bill Bamford

I’m a Lutheran: Bill Bamford

In this article in Living Lutheran, Bill Bamford, an aerospace engineer and member of Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church in Millersville, MD, shares his journey of faith and service. For 18 years, Bill and his family have been active in their church community, deeply valuing the support and connection they found there. Professionally, Bill works at NASA, focusing on satellite navigation, and believes in the power of community both in his work and faith. His journey from a “Chreaster” Catholic to a dedicated Lutheran highlights his appreciation for forming a personal relationship with God, a key value in his life.

ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardAugust 7, 2024Living LutheranComment

For What Shall We Pray?

For What Shall We Pray?

For justice and peace among nations where war and conflict rage, especially Palestine and Israel, Iran, Lebanon, Iraq, Myanmar, Haiti, Russia and Ukraine, Burkina Faso, Sudan, and South Sudan…
For de-escalation of political protests in Bangladesh and anti-immigration protests in England…
For relief and recovery efforts and for all affected by the path of Hurricane Debby…
For victims of flooding and landslides in China…
For collaboration, civility, and compassion in national and international politics…
For protection for those fighting wildfires in California and the Pacific Northwest, and for safety for all evacuees…
In thanksgiving for the diversity, camaraderie, and international good will demonstrated during the Olympic Games…

ELCA, PrayersBrian FlatgardAugust 7, 2024ELCA Worship, For What Shall We PrayComment

Youth Gathering 2024: A Week of Gratitude and Growth in New Orleans

Youth Gathering 2024: A Week of Gratitude and Growth in New Orleans

The 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering in New Orleans was an incredible week of faith, fun, and fellowship. We extend our deepest thanks to everyone who contributed, from the city’s warm hospitality to the adult leaders, volunteers, and participants. Highlights included inspiring speeches, engaging activities, and raising nearly $100,000 for ELCA World Hunger’s Generation Zero-Hunger. Looking ahead, mark your calendars for the next gathering in Minneapolis from June 28 to July 2, 2027. Thank you for making this event a success!

ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardAugust 6, 20242024 ELCA Youth Gathering, Youth and Young AdultComment

Engage with Your Representatives: August Recess Toolkit Available Now

Engage with Your Representatives: August Recess Toolkit Available Now

August is a key time to meet with your U.S. representatives and advocate for your policy priorities. Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona provides a 2-page toolkit with tips on arranging, preparing for, and following up on in-district meetings. Download the toolkit here and make your voice heard this August.

ELCA, News, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardAugust 1, 2024Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA), Advocacy, ELCA AdvocacyComment