As we face the 2024 elections, threats to religious freedom are more prevalent than ever. In the latest Christians Against Christian Nationalism newsletter, their Report from the Capital sheds light on the misuse of the Bible in politics and the dangers of Christian nationalism. Learn how you can prepare to vote, protect your freedoms, and engage in efforts to safeguard religious liberty.
Read MoreGenesis Project has moved to Epiphany of Christ Lutheran Church in Apache Junction. They continue their mission of serving the hungry and homeless with hot meals, clothing, and support at their new location.
Read MoreAugust is National Make-a-Will Month—a perfect time to review and update your estate plans. The ELCA Foundation provides essential resources to guide you through every step, ensuring your values and priorities are honored. Explore tools like Giving Docs, learn about the benefits of a trust, and consider supporting an ELCA ministry as part of your legacy.
Read MoreKick off the new monthly young adult events in the Phoenix area with a fun night of unlimited bowling on Monday, September 9th, from 5:30 to 8:30 PM at Main Event in Tempe. This gathering, led by local young adult leaders, is the first of many opportunities to connect with peers across the Grand Canyon Synod. Don’t miss out on the fun—join us for this exciting event!
Read MoreJoin Rev. Jim Wallis for an insightful discussion on “Democracy, Faith, and Peace-Building in 2024.” Reflecting on his latest book, Wallis will address the challenges of Christian nationalism and the importance of reclaiming a faith that supports democracy. Co-sponsored by local faith organizations, this event is a must-attend for those passionate about the intersection of faith and politics.
Tucson: Wednesday, September 11, at 6:00 pm MST. Southside Presbyterian Church, located at 317 W. 23rd Street, Tucson, AZ 85713. Register here.
Phoenix: Thursday, September 12, at 7pm MST. Trinity Cathedral, 110 W Roosevelt St., Phoenix AZ 85003. Register here.
Enhance your counseling ministry by becoming a certified Prepare-Enrich Facilitator at a special training on September 27th in Oro Valley. Offered at a discounted rate to Grand Canyon Synod clergy, this workshop equips you with essential tools for effective marriage counseling and supporting families. Register by September 15th to secure your spot.
Read MoreBennett Henrikson is offering free clergy shirts in red, white, and black, available for those in need. Shirts are size 17, with an optional request to donate to your favorite charity. Contact Bennett at bhenrikson@cox.net for details.
Read MoreThis week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Deacon Barbara Sikkink, who celebrates 32 years on August 30.
Deacon Janice Zimbelman, who celebrates 10 years on August 31.
Rev. Renee Geiger, who celebrates 36 years on September 1.
Rev. John Schaumburg, who celebrates 52 years on September 2.
Rev. Kirk Anderson, who celebrates 52 years on September 3.
Deacon Cathy Mannel, who celebrates 25 years on September 4.
Rev. Gregory Mannel, who celebrates 46 years on September 4.
Rev. Jeffrey Solheim, ELCA, Chicago, who celebrates 25 years on September 5.
Join us on September 10 for a special regional conversation with Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton on “God’s Love Made Real.” This live Zoom event, hosted by Bishop Brenda Bos, will explore how we can embody God’s grace and love in our communities. Registration is encouraged but not required.
Read MoreWe extend our heartfelt thanks to Autumn Byars, our Grand Canyon Synod Hunger Advocacy Fellow, for her dedicated year of service with Lutheran Advocacy Ministry of Arizona (LAMA). Her work has been an inspiring example of how mission support from congregations flows through the synod and the ELCA to return as impactful ministry in our communities. We invite you to join us in praying for Autumn’s continued good work in the church and the world.
Reflecting on a year of impactful advocacy, Autumn shares key moments, including testimony against restrictive SNAP bills and support for the Grand Canyon Food Pantry. LAMA empowers congregations to turn their faith into action, advocating for justice and food security at all levels of government.
Read MoreSupport Lutheran World Relief’s 2024 Fall Ingathering by donating quilts and kits at the Tucson collection on September 13-14 or the Phoenix/Glendale collection on October 18-19. Learn more about how to participate and what to donate on the LWR website, lwr.org/pack.
Read MoreJoin us for the 2024 Bishop’s Fall Gathering, October 21-23, at Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center. With the theme “Embody the Word,” this retreat offers a unique opportunity for rostered ministers, seminary students, and those serving in congregations to explore the power of storytelling in ministry. Register by September 13 to secure your spot.
Read MoreDownload a new FREE arrangement from Lutheran Summer Music 2024 by Anne Krentz Organ: The Ash Grove for a solo instrument with keyboard accompaniment. The Ash Grove is a theme and variations based on the beloved Welsh folk tune and is this year’s installment in the LSM Hymn Tune Project. Free sheet music download: LSMacademy.org/resources.
Read MoreWe uplift and pray for Rev. Daniel Hoeger and the people of All Saints Lutheran Church in Phoenix, part of the Capital Conference. Visit their site at allsaintsphoenix.org.
Read MoreDiscover ecoAmerica’s new Climate Assessment Tool and make informed voting decisions this November. Join the One Home One Future celebration on September 24th, explore grassroots faith-based climate solutions, and prepare for a special webinar on preaching election sermons. Engage with these initiatives and take meaningful climate action today in their September 2024 newsletter!
Read MoreBrandon excels at his job that includes car detailing, carpentry, refurbishing pellet stoves and much more. It’s impressive work, and even more so with Brandon, as he’s legally blind. The post Brandon Brings Positivity Everywhere He Goes appeared first on Mosaic.
Read MoreLutherans Restoring Creation announces the extension of Gabrielle’s fellowship through 2024 and begins a Strategic Planning process to shape its role in the ELCA. Join us in celebrating Pr. Nick Utphall’s walk on the Ice Age Trail and participate in upcoming events like “God’s Work, Our Hands” Sunday and our August Connection Call on the Season of Creation. Read the news in full in their August 2024 Great Green News.
Read MoreExplore the transformative stories and impactful work featured in the Inside Out Network’s Summer 2024 Newsletter. Discover how faith-based initiatives are making a difference in the lives of incarcerated individuals and learn how you can support this vital mission. Read the full newsletter online or in this PDF.
Read MoreThe Lutheran Men in Mission 2024 Summer Ambassador-Gram is available by clicking here. You can also view the LMM page where Ambassador-Grams (including this one) are archived.
Their summer Foundations newsletter is also available via PDF and contains valuable info, including their cover story, Fighting Human Trafficking One Mile and One Meal at a Time: “Cyclists in Iowa rode 200 miles to raise over $2 million to combat human trafficking, supported by Lutheran Men in Mission and congregations like Emanuel St. John’s in Lytton. Their journey reflects the bold and daring challenge of living out faith through action.”
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