Posts in Grand Canyon Synod
Men's Retreat Aims to Forge Emotional Sobriety in Recovery Journey

Embark on a transformative journey with the Balance in Recovery Retreat for men, focusing on achieving emotional sobriety. The retreat is designed to equip participants with the skills to balance life's aspects while nurturing mind, body, and spirit. Engage in insightful presentations, group dialogues, and individual reflection to rediscover your identity and connect with a deeper sense of spirituality. Learn more about this retreat at Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center, March 8 – 10, 2024.

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Prayers for Strengthening Ties with The Lutheran Church of Senegal

UPDATE: This trip has been postponed.

The Grand Canyon Synod and ELCA Churchwide delegation's upcoming trip to Senegal signifies a profound commitment to fostering global connections and learning from our brothers and sisters in The Lutheran Church of Senegal. We ask your prayers for the delegation, whose journey embodies our collective mission to live and serve in unity, across borders and cultures.

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Don't miss the final two 2024 Conference Spring Gatherings

We are excited to invite you to our annual Spring Gatherings, themed “Embody the Word.” These gatherings are not just meetings; they are opportunities for spiritual renewal, learning, and community building. Learn more here.

Cactus, Capital, Fiesta, Northeast Valley, and Rio Salado Conferences: Mar 17, 2024, 2pm at St. Andrew Lutheran Church in Phoenix

High Country Conference: Mar 23, 2024, 11 am at Christ Lutheran Church in Sedona

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Building Faith-Filled Futures for Children: Apply for Lilly Endowment Grants by March 4, 2024

Join Lilly Endowment’s mission to inspire the spiritual growth of children through the Nurturing Children Through Worship and Prayer Initiative. Eligible organizations can apply for substantial grants to create enriching worship experiences that resonate with young hearts and minds. Dive into this transformative journey to shape the faith of tomorrow. Interest Form and a Letter of Interest due by March 4, 2024.

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Embrace Diversity and Youth Participation at the 2024 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly

Join the Grand Canyon Synod Assembly in 2024 to foster diverse and youthful voices in church leadership. Learn how your congregation can contribute to a more inclusive and representative gathering. The Synod Council’s new resolution opens doors for additional youth, young adult, and diverse community members to participate as voting members, enriching our collective decision-making with a broader range of perspectives. View our assembly page about determining voting members for more info.

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Join the Grand Canyon Synod in Discerning Our Next Bishop | Únete al Sínodo del Gran Cañón en el Discernimiento de Nuestro Próximo Obispo
Ordination celebrations: February 23-29, 2024

This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:

  • Rev. Peter Perry, St. John’s, Glendale, who celebrates 27 years on February 23.

  • Rev. Kaila Armbruster, Crossroads, San Tan Valley, who celebrates 10 years on February 23.

  • Rev. Paul Block, New Song, Henderson, who celebrates 23 years on February 24.

  • Rev. Robert Crabb, who celebrates 29 years on February 26.

  • Rev. Christopher Heller, Mountain View, Phoenix, who celebrates 14 years on February 28.

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Join the National Faith + Climate Forum to Empower Your Congregation's Climate Action

March 2024's Blessed Tomorrow newsletter emphasizes the urgent need for faith communities to engage in climate action. Highlights include the National Faith + Climate Forum on April 16, ecoAmerica ACLA semifinalists announcement, Earth Day tabling kits, and resources for the 2024 election to motivate climate-conscious voting. Additionally, it features insights from Rev. Jim Antal on the significance of election sermons in faith communities and showcases the impactful actions of Blessed Tomorrow Ambassadors.

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Arizona Faith Network's February Highlights: From Nature Connections to Film Festivals and Webinars

Explore enriching events and initiatives with the Arizona Faith Network in their latest newsletter. From the 'Connection to Nature' community gathering and the 'I, Too, Sing America' Black History Month Film Festival to insightful webinars on American Christian Nationalism and engaging youth in interfaith dialogue. Plus, opportunities for poll monitors for the upcoming elections.

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How to Take Your Next Faithful Step

Join Dr. Alicia Granholm for Faith+Lead's free video series, 'How to Take Your Next Faithful Step,' starting Feb. 19, 2024. This four-part series, each less than 20 minutes a day, explores the cultural and church challenges impacting ministry today. Discover theological commitments, core tasks of ministry, and key pivots for a faithful future in ministry. Ideal for leaders seeking resources, facing leadership burdens, or longing for active congregational participation. Register for insights on transforming challenges into opportunities.

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Segment Two Coach Training: Elevate Your Ministry Through Advanced Coaching Skills

"Segment Two Coach Training" by Faith+Lead is an advanced eight-week live program designed for coaches and faith leaders looking to deepen their expertise. Participants who have completed Segment One or are in the process can earn 16 ICF credits, refining skills for transformative ministry and leadership. This $375 course, led by Dr. Dawn Alitz, offers immersive labs, personalized feedback, and a path to ICF credentialing, preparing leaders for lasting impact in their communities. Sessions run March 11th - May 6th and September 30th - November 18th, 2024.

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Segment One Basic Skills Coach Training

In "Segment One Basic Skills Coach Training," faith leaders learn empowering coaching methods to support their communities. This comprehensive program, spanning nine sessions, teaches skills like powerful questioning and affirming language. Participants practice real-life coaching, work towards ICF credentialing, and explore how to facilitate growth and active listening. Offered at $375, the course aims to equip leaders with tools to help others identify their paths aligned with God's calling. Courses are led by experienced instructors, Rev. Dr. Nathan Swenson-Reinhold and Rev. Dr. Dawn Alitz, providing a rich learning environment.

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Dare to Lead for Faith Leaders

"Dare to Lead for Faith Leaders" offers faith leaders an opportunity to apply Brené Brown's insights to their roles. Starting March 5th, 2024, this six-session training focuses on developing daring leadership skills, enhancing self-awareness, and fostering authentic connections. Participants will explore the balance between vulnerability and professional authenticity, aiming to lead their faith communities with courage and integrity. The program, led by Sarah Ciavarri, aims to equip leaders with practical wisdom for the 21st-century church.

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Burned Out and Overwhelmed: Experiencing God’s Healing Presence on the Ancient Paths

Join Jorge Acevedo for "Burned Out and Overwhelmed: Experiencing God’s Healing Presence on the Ancient Paths," a workshop offering practical wisdom and ancient spiritual practices to combat pastoral burnout. Scheduled for February 29, 2024, this session aims to reconnect Christian leaders with foundational spiritual disciplines, providing tools for peace, resilience, and holistic well-being amidst the challenges of modern ministry.

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Sacred Histories: Martin Luther on the Chosenness of Nations

As part of our Creating Space for Conversations series, we share a PDF of an article by Miles Hopgood, Sacred Histories: Martin Luther on the Chosenness of Nations, from A Chosen Nation?, an issue of Word and World, Luther Seminary’s journal of theology.

In considering the idea of any nation as “chosen” of God, Martin Luther understands that such a relationship would have to be relational at its core, a relation between God and a group of people. But this relationship would be proclaimed by God and not something that individuals or groups could claim. Though Israel was chosen by God, this passed to the true, invisible church.—Miles Hopgood

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