Posts in Grand Canyon Synod
Director of Worship and Music wanted at Saint Andrew Lutheran Church

Do you love church music, working with a choir and musicians to lead worship, and blending classical and new approaches in ways that inspire congregations to grow spiritually? Do you have an innate ability to know what music and arrangements will make a service more meaningful? If yes, you may be the person to help take the St. Andrew Lutheran Church music program to new heights.

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Feed Arizona’s Future: Join AFN’s Hunger and Housing Advocacy This July

This July, engage with the Arizona Faith Network’s crucial initiatives, which you can find in full in their latest newsletter. Volunteer as a Poll Monitor to safeguard the election process, delve into the impact of Christian Nationalism in our democracy, advocate for hunger and housing, support heat relief efforts, and help build a stronger interfaith community. Each event offers a unique opportunity to act on our Lutheran values and make a significant impact.

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Community Spotlight: Our Savior’s Lutheran & Grace St. Paul’s Episcopal

Hunger Advocacy Fellow Autumn Byar visited Tucson to learn more about the partnership between Our Savior’s Lutheran Church and Grace St Paul’s Episcopal Church as they find new ways to get involved in neighbor-love right in their own neighborhood.

“From food pantries to mobile showers, our ELCA churches have found many different ways to minister to the needs of their neighbors, each one tailored to the specific needs of the community. For Our Savior’s, it didn’t make sense to build a new ministry like this when a robust community partner exists just around the corner. Our Savior’s Lutheran sits right across the street from the University of Arizona and Banner University Hospital. It isn’t the only church to occupy this advantageous area; just a few blocks away sits Grace St. Paul’s Episcopal parish.” Read the full article on the Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA) website.

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Learning How to Step Back from the Abyss of Political Violence

We share an article by Don Henninger from the Episcopal Diocese of Arizona. You can read the full article at azdiocese.org.

“Picture a country where fear of one’s neighbor is rampant, distrust of law enforcement is the standard, destructive riots occur regularly, and threats of political violence loom large over the minds of its citizens.

This evokes images of modern America, but we’re thinking of another country: Northern Ireland, in the lead-up to the violent and deadly multi-decade conflict known as The Troubles. With worries of political violence top of mind for millions of Americans, learning from leaders who have helped navigate conflict in other countries may give us insights for maintaining peace here at home.”

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Ordination celebrations: July 12-18, 2024

This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:

  • Rev. Abigail Byrd, who celebrates 32 years on July 12.

  • Rev. Richard Sherrill, Prince of Peace, Phoenix, who celebrates 26 years on July 12.

  • Rev. Steven Holm, who celebrates 54 years on July 12.

  • Rev. Keith Ingle, who celebrates 54 years on July 12.

  • Rev. Susan Sauerberg, who celebrates 27 years on July 13.

  • Rev. Arthur Goetz, who celebrates 62 years on July 14.

  • Rev. Sherwood Glover, who celebrates 51 years on July 15.

  • Rev. James Price, who celebrates 27 years on July 15.

  • Rev. Erin Morris, Resurrection, Oro Valley, who celebrates 5 years on July 15.

  • Rev. Mark Huggenvik, who celebrates 52 years on July 16.

  • Rev. Timothy Brown, who celebrates 30 years on July 17.

  • Rev. Alan Field, who celebrates 39 years on July 18.

  • Rev. Karn Carroll, who celebrates 25 years on July 18.

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Know Your Voting Rights: A Comprehensive Guide

ecoAmerica has developed the Know Your Voting Rights Guide — an essential resource to help you understand your rights, detect and address voter intimidation or deception, and guarantee broad participation in our democracy. By protecting voting rights, we enable ourselves to elect leaders committed to climate solutions that benefit everyone. Share this guide to empower voters and safeguard our democracy. Explore the guide here.

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Celebrate Inclusion with the Latest Issue of Promise Magazine from Mosaic

Mosaic believes it’s extremely important to include people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in all facets of community life. Inclusion not only enriches the lives and overall wellbeing of those we serve, it also enriches communities by teaching humility, understanding and selflessness, and it highlights the significant need to advocate for those who might otherwise be marginalized. 

In the newest issue of Promise magazine, enjoy reading three stories about individuals who came to Mosaic under different circumstances and how they achieved—and continue to achieve—what they want for their lives. Learn more here.

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School Supplies needed for students in your community

Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest provides services to a variety of needed community members, from children navigating the foster care system, families at risk of homelessness, to newly arrived refugees. We are able to take our support to our community a step further through the help of churches and other community members.

Our organization is in need of generous donors who wish to donate needed school supplies to our clients who receive services through us. Help your community receive school supplies so they can be successful in their upcoming school year! Visit lss-sw.org/backtoschool or view this PDF flyer for more info. Supplies are needed by 7/24/2024.

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Community Call: Paint and Care with Trinity Lutheran Church in Phoenix

Trinity Lutheran Church in Phoenix needs volunteers for painting the exterior of church offices and assisting elderly members with house and yard work. Join property manager Dave Koschney in this vital effort to support our community. All materials and tools provided. Interested? Call Dave Koschney at 602-625-3605 to make a difference.

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Explore Lutheran Values in Election Year: Join the Social Teachings Series

Join the ELCA’s online workshop series through October to delve into how our faith informs our actions and voting on critical social issues. Sessions include topics like corporate social responsibility, abortion, and climate crisis, led by knowledgeable speakers. View a PDF flyer and register now to engage deeply with our social teachings and lead community discussions.

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New Toolkit Available for Hosting Anti-Christian Nationalism Meetings

Christians Against Christian Nationalism is calling our community to action against the rise of Christian nationalism. Utilize their new toolkit to host a community meeting, engage in meaningful dialogue, and develop strategies to combat this divisive ideology. Download the toolkit, organize a local meeting, and join them in protecting the core values of our faith and democracy. Visit their website for full details and support materials.

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Livestream LSM 2024 throughout July

Lutheran Summer Music invites you to livestream over 30 inspiring concerts, recitals, and worship services throughout the entire month of July. Performances and services are shared by over 250 students, faculty, fellows, worship staff, and guest artists who come together to create a vibrant community of music-makers. Visit LSMacademy.org/2024 to explore the schedule and access the livestream and video archive

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Staying On Track with Retirement Planning

The idea of retirement can bring up many questions and emotions. Portico offers a series of 30-minute, prerecorded, online workshops called the Retirement Readiness Series to help ELCA Retirement Plan members feel confident about discerning their next steps. Workshops are easily accessible on myPortico. There’s no need to preregister — just sign in and watch.

Want to go deeper? Schedule a conversation with a Portico Financial Planner to understand more about where you are now and how to ensure you’ll reach your retirement goals.

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Time for a Mid-Year Checkup?

One of the best ways to stay healthy is to get regular checkups, vaccinations, and screenings. Preventive care is not only essential for maintaining overall health, it’s also one of the best ways to catch unknown health issues early. An annual preventive exam is part of your ELCA-Primary health coverage and this video can help you maximize the time with your doctor so you can live, work, and serve well.

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Community Spotlight: West Valley Community Food Pantry

In an article for Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona, Autumn Byars, GCS Hunger Advocacy Fellow, shares her experience at the West Valley Community Food Pantry, housed at and run by St. John’s Lutheran Church in Glendale. At the invitation of Associate Pastor for Outreach and Synod Director Of Generosity And Strategic Development, Pastor Dan Potaznick, Byars joined director June Kelsey and her team. Read the full article at LAMAZ.org.

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A thank you from Grace Lutheran, Phoenix, for synod assembly hygiene kits

From a letter of gratitude from Pastor David Sivecz, “On behalf of Grace Lutheran Church, I extend our deepest gratitude for your generosity in making hygiene kits during the synod assembly. Your thoughtfulness and generosity have significantly impacted our ability to support those in need within the downtown Phoenix community.”

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