Less Than One Month Left to Register for Bishop’s Fall Gathering

Time is running out to register for the Bishop’s Fall Gathering at the Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center from October 21-23, 2024. Join Bishop Deborah Hutterer and special guests Rev. Andrea Roske-Metcalfe and Elder Perci Ami for a time of worship, fellowship, and spiritual renewal under the theme “Embody the Word.” The registration deadline is September 13, 2024—don’t miss out on this opportunity to connect with fellow ministers in a serene and supportive environment. Register today!

Share Your Congregation’s News and Events with the Grand Canyon Synod

Have news, events, or opportunities to share? The Grand Canyon Synod invites all congregations to submit their stories, job openings, and volunteer opportunities. Keep our community informed and connected by contributing to our news blog, events calendar, and weekly email newsletter. Share your updates today at gcsynod.org/share.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardAugust 20, 2024Comment

Ordination celebrations: August 23-29, 2024

This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:

Rev. Carlyle Smith, who celebrates 60 years on August 23.
Rev. Naomi Barcanic, who celebrates 27 years on August 24.
Rev. Nathan Bowman, Hospice of the West, who celebrates 39 years on August 25.
Rev. Sandra Jones, Bethany, Scottsdale, who celebrates 17 years on August 25.
Rev. John Maroni, Shepherd of the Desert, Sun City, who celebrates 19 years on August 27.
Rev. Michael Sager, Desert Hills, Green Valley, who celebrates 30 years on August 28.
Rev. Hildegardo González Gómez, who celebrates 25 years on August 28.
Rev. Paul Ninnemann, who celebrates 48 years on August 29.
Rev. Carol George, Resurrection, Oro Valley, who celebrates 25 years on August 29.

Grand Canyon Synod, News, SpotlightBrian FlatgardAugust 20, 2024Ordination AnniversariesComment

Preorder the book "How to End Christian Nationalism"

How to End Christian Nationalism is the essential guidebook for Christians alarmed by the rising tide of Christian nationalism yet unsure how to counter it. Five years into leading the Christians Against Christian Nationalism campaign, Amanda Tyler unpacks key truths we can share with others: Patriotism is not the same as nationalism. Religious freedom means little if it's not for everyone. Christians follow a gospel of love, not the idol of power. Learn more and order the book here.

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.

FBI Extends Resources to Faith Communities Amid Rising Election-Year Tensions

The FBI has reached out to the Office of the Bishop with vital resources to combat the rise in hate crimes during election years, offering support and emphasizing community safety and civil rights protection.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardAugust 19, 2024Elections and Voting Rights, Church and SocietyComment

Celebrate the Season of Creation this September

In the month of September, the Season of Creation is celebrated in churches around the world. The first Season of Creation was celebrated in 2000, under Norman Habel’s leadership at St Stephen’s Lutheran Church, Adelaide, South Australia. Habel wrote, “For four weeks we relived the great creation stories in the Bible. The children loved it. We also confessed what we have done to creation and how God is working to renew creation. It was an exciting beginning!”

Join One Home One Future for a Season of Creation resource kit plus access to a robust resource hub, connections to over 100,000 people of faith, events, programs, and ongoing support.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardAugust 19, 2024Blessed Tomorrow, Season of Creation, Climate ChangeComment

Synod Spotlight: Soreo Expands Impact, Doubling Support for Aging and Disabled in Arizona

Soreo, a service of Mosaic, has doubled its service capacity in Arizona, expanding its in-home care for aging individuals and people with disabilities to nearly 950 people. This growth through the acquisition of Prileo reflects Mosaic’s commitment to expanding its mission and ensuring high-quality care across the state.

Grand Canyon Synod, News, SpotlightBrian FlatgardAugust 19, 2024Soreo, Mosaic, Disability Ministries, ElderlyComment

Spotlight: Grand Canyon Synod

The Grand Canyon Synod of the ELCA is a dynamic network of Lutheran congregations across Arizona, Southern Nevada, and St. George, Utah, dedicated to doing together what we cannot do alone. This spotlight highlights our synod’s vital role in connecting and supporting congregations, fostering collaboration, and empowering our communities to live out their faith.

Grand Canyon Synod, News, SpotlightBrian FlatgardAugust 15, 2024Comment

Introducing Synod Spotlight: Celebrating Our Community

Introducing Synod Spotlight, a new feature in our blog and newsletter dedicated to celebrating the everyday work of our congregations, ministries, and partners. Join us in highlighting the diverse and vibrant activities within our synod, Region 2, ELCA, and the global church.

Grand Canyon Synod, News, SpotlightBrian FlatgardAugust 15, 2024Comment

Part-Time Choir Director Opportunity at Esperanza Lutheran in Phoenix

Esperanza Lutheran Church (2601 E Thunderhill Pl, Phoenix, AZ 85048) is seeking a part time choir director to supplement our worship experience and partner with the congregation in giving glory to God. For more information, please contact the church office at esperanza@myesperanza.org and view this job description (PDF).

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardAugust 15, 2024Esperanza Phoenix, Fiesta Conference, Help WantedComment

Office of the Bishop Updates: 8/16/2024

The Office of the Bishop travels for work and vacation, and keeps the day-to-day and week-to-week operations flowing.

News, Bishop Hutterer, Grand Canyon Synod, SpotlightBrian FlatgardAugust 15, 2024Office of the BishopComment

Ordination celebrations: August 16-22, 2024

This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:

Rev. Mark Powell, who celebrates 44 years on August 17.
Bishop Deborah Hutterer, Office of the Bishop, Phoenix, who celebrates 20 years on August 18.
Rev. Brent Maxwell, who celebrates 17 years on August 19.
Rev. Kurt Fangmeier, Sierra Evangelical, Sierra Vista, who celebrates 23 years on August 19.
Rev. Marilyn Ascarza, who celebrates 34 years on August 19.
Rev. Scott Hackler, Spirit of Grace, Surprise, who celebrates 35 years on August 20.
Michael Purcell, who celebrates 46 years on August 20.
Rev. Barbara Rapp, who celebrates 31 years on August 21.
Rev. Martha Neff Stum, who celebrates 14 years on August 21.
Rev. Loren Swanson, who celebrates 53 years on August 22.
Rev. Gary Garvey, who celebrates 42 years on August 22.

Grand Canyon Synod, News, SpotlightBrian FlatgardAugust 15, 2024Ordination AnniversariesComment

UCC presents Community Safety Training Series

United Church of Christ presents a Community Safety Training Series via Zoom on August 19, September 9, 23, and 30, 5:00 - 7:00 pm. Register for Zoom info here.

How can congregations build an ecology of community safety that is rooted in care, investing in each other, believing in each other, and trusting each other and the rhythms and cycles around/within us? What community safety practices can we engage in now that also help us build the world we long for? Our experienced trainers will expand on our “Ecology of Community Safety” guide to offer practical skills, psycho-social care practices, planning tools, and analysis of current conditions.

Faith and Politics: How to Lead with Wisdom

Explore the complex relationship between faith and politics with Luther scholar, the Rev. Dr. Anthony Bateza in this enlightening episode of the Pivot Podcast.

How to Provide Comfort at the End of Life: A Lutheran Approach

Join Deaconess Cheryl Plummer on August 22, 2024, for “Spiritual Care of the Dying,” a vital Zoom workshop. Learn to address the spiritual and emotional needs of the dying through effective assessment tools and the Death Cafe dialogue model. This session, running from 5 to 7 PM MT, is essential for those involved in ministry and end-of-life care. Register now to deepen your understanding and care capabilities at this significant event. More info & registration on their site, or view this PDF flyer .

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardAugust 14, 2024Lutheran Faith Community Nurse Association (LFCNA)Comment

LAMA Liaison Roundtable: Engaging in Advocacy

Join the Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona Liaison Roundtable on Monday, August 19, 2024, from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM via Zoom. This monthly discussion offers a platform for congregational leaders and members to explore topics like civic engagement, overcoming reticence about advocacy, and educating members on the importance of advocacy as part of our Lutheran heritage. Participate in shaping future discussions and equipping our congregations for meaningful advocacy. Join via Zoom using Meeting ID: 879 9811 3829.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardAugust 14, 2024Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA), AdvocacyComment

Introducing “Book Time with LAMA” - A New Monthly Book Club

Join LAMA’s new book club, “Book Time with LAMA,” starting Wednesday, August 21, 2024, at noon. Our first book, I Think You’re Wrong (But I’m Listening) by Sarah Stewart Holland and Beth Silvers, explores grace-filled political conversations. Monthly meetings will provide a safe space for discussions on social justice. Register now to join the conversation! Register for Book Time: ‘I Think You’re Wrong’

Lifting Up Lutheran Campus Ministry at the University of Arizona

Join us in lifting up Lutheran Campus Ministry at the University of Arizona, where Rev. Rebecca Boardman and her team provide a welcoming and inclusive space for students of all backgrounds. Discover how this vibrant community fosters radical hospitality, spiritual growth, and a deep sense of belonging for young adults.

Prayers and Blessings for Flagstaff’s Episcopal and Lutheran Campus Ministry

As the new academic year begins, we lift up in prayer Rev. Michael Girlinghouse and The Episcopal and Lutheran Young Adult and Campus Ministries in Flagstaff. This inclusive ministry serves Northern Arizona University and the broader Flagstaff community, offering a welcoming space for all. Services resume on August 25th. Learn more at www.lcmcanterbury.org.

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