Posts in Grand Canyon Synod
Prayers for ASU Lutheran Campus Ministry as New Academic Year Begins

As Arizona State University welcomes students for a new academic year, we lift up Rev. Arhiana Shek-Dill and the ASU Lutheran Campus Ministry in Tempe. This inclusive community provides spiritual growth, fellowship, and service opportunities, offering weekly Bible studies, worship services, and free meals for students. With retreats, community outreach, and a range of activities, this ministry creates a safe, welcoming space for all. Join us in praying for their continued impact on students’ lives as they begin this new academic journey. Visit ulctempe.org/campus-ministry to learn more.

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Experience the Wisdom of Elder Perci Ami at the Bishop’s Fall Gathering

Join us for the Bishop’s Fall Gathering from October 21-23, 2024, at Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center. The highlight of this event is Elder Perci Ami, a Hopi/Tewa grandmother, storyteller, and healer. Experience her wisdom on October 22. Registration includes meals, and scholarships are available. Register by September 13 to secure your spot!

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Santa Cruz Lutheran Joins Project AZUL to Expand Community Outreach

In this article from Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona, learn how Santa Cruz Lutheran Church in Tucson partners with Project AZUL to bring essential resources to the community. With the help of Sahuarita Food Bank, the mobile project offers education, health services, and job assistance, enhancing our food ministry. As new homes are built nearby, they aim to expand their services to include GED, resume writing, and ESL classes. Support and prayers are welcomed as they strive to fulfill our “God’s Work, Our Hands” vision.

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Join AFN’s Summer of Listening: Strengthening Interfaith Bonds

The Arizona Faith Network (AFN) invites you to participate in our “Summer of Listening: Building Bridges for a Stronger Interfaith Community” campaign. Running from June through August, this initiative aims to foster interfaith collaboration and ensure our efforts meet Arizona’s diverse community needs. Your input via our community survey is crucial in helping us build a more inclusive and resilient interfaith community. Take the survey to contribute to a stronger, more connected community. And read more news in their latest weekly newsletter.

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Ordination celebrations: August 9-15, 2024

This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:

  • Rev. John Hoelter, who celebrates 57 years on August 9.

  • Rev. Wyatt Linde, Resurrection, Oro Valley, who celebrates 1 years on August 9.

  • Rev. Joseph Dillon, who celebrates 48 years on August 10.

  • Rev. Paul Campbell, who celebrates 45 years on August 12.

  • The Rev. Cheryl Fox, St. John’s, Williams, who celebrates 15 years on August 15.

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Fuller Church Leadership Institute shares their Crucible newsletter for August, 2024

In the August 2024 Fuller church Leadership Institute newsletter The Crucible, reflect on Jürgen Moltmann’s influential legacy and his emphasis on finding hope amidst life’s tensions. Enhance your ministry leadership skills by joining the Business of Ministry Cohort with Mike Bonem, preorder Tod Bolsinger’s adaptive leadership series, and attend a practical training event in Colorado Springs.

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Faithful Preaching in the Digital Age: Leveraging AI Tools

Artificial intelligence is transforming sermon preparation, making it more efficient and accessible. Tools like ChatGPT can generate compelling sermons tailored to specific congregations, enhancing the preaching experience. However, faithful preaching requires more than AI can offer alone. Dr. Karoline Lewis of Luther Seminary emphasizes that while AI can support the homiletical process, preachers must integrate their unique voice and context into sermons. Discover how AI can serve as a valuable co-pilot in sermon crafting, ensuring that the message is both impactful and faithful. Read more on using AI effectively in your preaching in the full post from Ryan Panzer.

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Stepping Up to Supervision: Essential Training for Church Leaders

Join faith+lead for “Stepping Up to Supervision,” a training series by Susan Beaumont, designed to enhance your supervisory skills within a faith-based context. Starting on August 13, this three-session course covers essential topics like performance management, hiring practices, and effective feedback. Register now to gain practical strategies and theological insights that will empower you to lead your congregation more effectively. Sessions will be held on August 13, 20, and 27, 2024, from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM Central Time. Enroll for $195 and access the recordings for a year. Enroll Now

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Community Spotlight: Santa Cruz Lutheran Food Bank

In this story by Hunger Advocacy Fellow Autumn Byars, discover how Santa Cruz Lutheran Food Bank in Tucson, led by Pastor Bob Jones and Joanie Contreras, extends Christ’s love beyond food distribution. Open every Wednesday from 11 am to 7 pm, the food bank offers flexible support, additional services, and hosts resource fairs. Serving southern Tucson and nearby reservations, this holistic approach creates a strong community, addressing broader issues of food insecurity. Explore the inspiring story of Santa Cruz and their dedicated volunteers who make a difference every week on the LAMA website.

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Restoring Nature, Restoring Ourselves: Embrace Climate Action This Summer

From the latest Blessed Tomorrow newsletter: “Explore how restoring nature can lead to healthier, more fulfilling lives in our new Climate Action Guide. Learn from young climate leaders, discover the role of health professionals in climate advocacy, and prepare to vote with our comprehensive guide. Join One Home One Future for the Season of Creation and stay connected with Blessed Tomorrow for more updates and resources.” Read the full newsletter here.

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Unlock the Art of Storytelling with Rev. Andrea Roske-Metcalfe at the Bishop’s Fall Gathering

Join us October 21-23, 2024, at the Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center in Carefree, AZ, for the Bishop’s Fall Gathering. Featuring Rev. Andrea Roske-Metcalfe, this event will focus on the craft of storytelling with three engaging sessions designed to inspire and equip you for future ministry. Registration includes meals and is available until September 13, 2024. For more information and to register, visit our 2024 Bishop’s Fall Gathering page.

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Finding Grace Amidst Division: Upcoming Workshop on Preaching in Polarized Times

Be sure to sign up for “Preaching in an Age of Polarization,” an online workshop on August 22, 2024, from 10am - 11:30 am MST/PDT. This session, led by Rev. Katie Langston of the Grand Canyon Synod, offers tools and insights for preaching with grace and humor in politically charged times. Engage in practical discussions, learn to address hot-button topics, and stay true to your Christian identity amid polarization. Register now at faithlead.org/polarization to secure your spot or access the post-event recording.

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Faith-Based Civic Engagement: Join NCC Freedom Summer 2024

Join the NCC Freedom Summer 2024, a faith-based campaign inspired by the 1964 Freedom Summer, focusing on voter education, registration, and mobilization in five key states. The campaign begins the week of Juneteenth and includes the Virtual Freedom Summer Academy and a five-city Freedom Ride, culminating in a Freedom Summit on August 17, 2024. Discover how you can participate and make a difference in communities across the nation by engaging with this pivotal initiative. Visit their sign-up page to get involved and help bring about social change through faith and action.

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Understanding Who “Guadalupe” Is: A Lutheran and Latine Perspective

Join Rev. Jesus Escamilla on August 17th for “Understanding Who Guadalupe Is,” a presentation by Wartburg Seminary’s CTLM. Explore the significance of the Virgin of Guadalupe within Lutheranism from a Latine perspective. This online event runs from 7am -10am MST/PDT. View a PDF flyer here, and register now at wartburgseminary.edu/ctlm.

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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.

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POSITION FILLED: Bookkeeper/Accountant Needed at King of Glory Lutheran Church

King of Glory Lutheran Church in Tempe is looking for a Bookkeeper/Accountant to maintain financial records, prepare reports, and manage budgets. This part-time role requires attention to detail, confidentiality, and teamwork. Interested candidates should contact Vicki Hegebush at vickih@kogaz.org or 480-838-0477. View job description here.

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