Posts in Grand Canyon Synod
Bishop Hutterer: 40 Days of Contemplating Mortality and Embracing Life
Bishop Hutterer: 40 Days of Contemplating Mortality and Embracing Life

Some may find it strange, but I welcome Ash Wednesday. While I believe we are a resurrection people, I also feel we can’t have that joy of new life without contemplating the reality that life is broken, and that things have an ending as much as a beginning.

Ash Wednesday, as well as the season of Lent, invites us as to reflect on themes that our modern world often encourages us to evade: confession, grief, and mortality. These are not subjects to be feared or shunned but embraced as vital in shaping the richness and depth of our lives.

Read More
Bishop Hutterer, Letters, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardBishop Hutterer Letters, 2024 LentComment
Rev. Ralen M. Robinson: Finding God in desolate places
Rev. Ralen M. Robinson: Finding God in desolate places

From Women of the ELCA’s Boldcafe blog, Rev. Ralen M. Robinson shares two writings for Lent.

Finding God in desolate places: We are called to step into the season of Lent for 40 days to fast, reflect, repent and sacrifice like Jesus did in the desert. We are called to find God in desolate places. Where are you finding God this winter?

Faith reflections: Finding something in nothing: How often do we challenge ourselves to see potential in the impossible? That is what we are called to do this Lenten season.

Read More
Grand Canyon Synod, LettersBrian FlatgardWomen of the ELCA (WELCA), 2024 LentComment
What is Sumud? | Following the Way of Jesus: A Lenten Holy Land Journey
What is Sumud? | Following the Way of Jesus: A Lenten Holy Land Journey

“Following the Way of Jesus: a Lenten Holy Land Journey” begins on the Sea of Galilee. The introduction week will invite you into this 6-week series. Through this journey you will explore the Holy Land, the theology of Sumud and what it means for Palestinian Christians today.

Sumud is the ELCA’s new name for our church’s engagement in accompaniment, awareness-building and advocacy for justice in Palestine and Israel.

Read More
Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardSumud, Israel and Palestine, 2024 LentComment
Living with Grace: February Series at Community of Grace
Living with Grace: February Series at Community of Grace

Attend the third session of the 'Aging with Grace' series at Community of Grace on February 21st. Ms. Barbara Kvittiem-Barr, CPA, will cover 'Living with Grace,' focusing on financial and legal aspects of extended care. This session is crucial for those seeking guidance on managing the financial intricacies of elder care, along with the importance of personal self-care.

For a deep dive into each weekly topic and to connect with valuable resources, visit the full series details at Community of Grace or in this PDF.

Read More
Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardCommunity of Grace Peoria, Cactus Conference, Older AdultComment
Join the Thriving Leadership Formation Cohorts for Spiritual and Community Growth
Join the Thriving Leadership Formation Cohorts for Spiritual and Community Growth

Looking for a way to enhance your leadership and spiritual journey? Join the Thriving Leadership Formation Cohorts, a series of 12 sessions starting 2/16/2024 designed to create community and foster growth among church leaders. Dive into enriching spiritual practices in a supportive environment, all at no cost. Contact Pastor Susan Dollinger at bethanypastorsusan@yahoo.com for more info.

Read More
Grand Canyon Synod, Region 2Brian FlatgardThriving Leadership Formation ProgramComment
Annual Call for Insights: Rostered Ministers' Report Due Soon
Annual Call for Insights: Rostered Ministers' Report Due Soon

As rostered ministers of the Grand Canyon Synod, you have a unique opportunity to share insights and feedback directly with Bishop Hutterer through the annual Report to the Bishop. Your thoughtful participation is not only a commitment but also a valuable contribution to the synod's mission and future planning.

The deadline for submission is March 1, 2024, and the process has been made accessible with online and Word document forms.

Read More
Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardComment
Office of the Bishop Updates: 2/9/2024
Office of the Bishop Updates: 2/9/2024

Office of the Bishop staff travel the synod to preach, including the Installation of Pastor Kurt Fangmeier, at Sierra Evangelical Lutheran Church, Sierra Vista.

We also share photos from travels around the synod, including the Kino Conference Spring Gathering,at Our Savior’s Lutheran, Tucson; the Spring Gathering for Cactus, Capital, Fiesta, Northeast Valley and Rio Salado Conferences, at Living Water Church in Scottsdale, and others.

Read More
News, Bishop Hutterer, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardOffice of the BishopComment
Engaging Dialogues Await in AFN's SolidariTea for Peace and Black History Month Festival
Engaging Dialogues Await in AFN's SolidariTea for Peace and Black History Month Festival

The Arizona Faith Network's newsletter for February 7, 2024, highlights a variety of interfaith and community-oriented events. These include the SolidariTea for Interfaith Peace, Black History Month Film Festival, and webinars addressing American Christian Nationalism. The newsletter also announces the Anti-Hunger Advocacy Day and encourages faith leaders to participate in a study on racial disparities at Phoenix Sky Harbor.

Read More
Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardArizona Faith Network, Ecumenical and Inter-Religious RelationsComment