We give thanks for the life and ministry of Pastor Harold Peterson, who passed away on Saturday, 9/14/2024. A memorial service will be held September 17, 2024, at 11 a.m. at American Lutheran Church in Sun City, with a luncheon to follow. Please keep Pastor Harold’s family and friends in your prayers.
Read MoreJoin the ELCA’s online workshop series through October to delve into how our faith informs our actions and voting on critical social issues. September's focus is Faith, Sexism and Justice with Dr. Mary Streufert, Director of Gender Justice and Women’s Empowerment, and Heather Dean, Program Coordinator of Theological Discernment at the ELCA. View a PDF flyer and register now to engage deeply with our social teachings and lead community discussions.
Read MoreJoin faith leaders and community members at the 6th Annual Addiction & Faith Conference, a virtual event from October 17-19, 2024. Explore crucial topics like the role of trauma in addiction and effective community healing strategies through faith. Featuring over 35 expert speakers, the conference offers up to 15 CEUs and a platform for spiritual and professional growth. Learn more and register here.
Read MoreWe uplift and pray for Rev. Kim Taylor and the people of American Lutheran Church in Tucson, part of the Kino Conference. Visit their site at godsplaceforgrace.org.
Read MoreWe uplift and pray for Rev. Brian Weinberger and the people of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Mesa, part of the Rio Salado Conference. Visit their site at blcmesa.org.
Read MoreIn this episode of the Pivot Podcast, dive into the world of Fresh Expressions with Dr. Eliseo Mejia, director of Expressiones Divinas for Fresh Expressions North America.
Read MoreIn response to the Grand Canyon Synod’s Congregational Safety Webinar, Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Sun City West shares critical security resources. These tools include self-assessments, emergency planning guides, and training programs to help churches improve safety and security. Read more to access the full list of resources and strengthen your congregation’s preparedness.
Read MoreEnhance your counseling ministry by becoming a certified Prepare-Enrich Facilitator at a special training on September 27th in Oro Valley. This workshop equips you with essential tools for effective marriage counseling and supporting families.
Read MoreUnited Church of Christ presents a Community Safety Training Series via Zoom on September 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.
Read MoreRooms for the Bishop’s Fall Gathering are sold out, but commuter registration is still open through October 7! Join Bishop Hutterer and special guests Rev. Andrea Roske-Metcalfe and Elder Perci Ami for worship, storytelling, and fellowship at Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center. Meals are included for commuters—register now to secure your spot!
Read MoreThe Office of the Bishop celebrates the Ordination of Daniel Volkmann in Shiner, Texas, on Sep 13, 2024, and the Installation of Rev. Doug Dill at Mountain View Lutheran, Sep 15, 2024, 10:30 AM.
We also share photos from the Installation of Julie Gerrish at Christ Lutheran in Sedona, Prayer Vigils for Peace During the 2024 Election Season in Paradise Valley and the Annual Conference for ELCA Chinese Pastors and Lay Leaders.
Read MoreWe pray for the family and friends of Arlene Helen (Iverson) Johnson—widow of the Rev. Ken Johnson—who passed away peacefully at the age of 93 on August 1, 2024, in Phoenix Arizona.
She served as church secretary at Grace Lutheran Church in Phoenix from 1979-1996. Her life was marked by her unwavering support to her husband’s pastoral work, embodying the role of a pastor’s wife with grace and resilience. They served congregations in St. Helens, Oregon; Portland, Oregon and Phoenix, Arizona.
A service to celebrate Arlene’s life will be held on October 5th, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at Mountain View Lutheran Church in Ahwatukee, located at 11002 S. 48th St, Phoenix, AZ 85044. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Arlene’s memory to Mountain View Lutheran Church.
Read MoreIntroducing a brand new voter engagement video series from Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona! Filmed on location at the 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering, people of faith share their thoughts on the question, “Does your faith influence your political opinion?”
Read MoreLearn how to protect our churches and communities with insights from the FBI and Phoenix Police Department. During a May 2022 webinar, experts shared critical safety tips for houses of worship, emphasizing the importance of planning ahead. Access the full recording and explore resources to enhance security at your church.
Read MoreJoin the National Faith + Climate Forum 2025 on March 27 to explore Seven Acts of Faith for Building Thriving Congregations. This free, live-streamed, and in-person event will offer practical insights on how to integrate creation care into your congregation’s mission. With sessions focused on youth leadership, climate justice, and community resilience, the forum will provide tools and inspiration to drive meaningful action. Register today to be part of this nationwide movement!
Read MoreMissed the “Learn How to Construct a Narrative Mission Plan” webinar with Pastor Tim Brown? No problem! The full recording is now available, along with essential resources to guide you through creating a mission-focused budget. Learn how to effectively communicate your congregation’s impact with these step-by-step tools. Access the recording and resources today!
Read MoreApply Now for the Manna Grant! Organized congregations, SAWCs, and special ministries in the Grand Canyon Synod are invited to apply for the Manna Grant, which provides funding for hunger relief projects that also address systemic root causes of hunger. Applications are due by September 13, 2024. Approximately $20,000 is available in total funding. Download the application form and apply today!
Read MoreTraditional leadership programs often fall short, focusing more on theory than practical application. In the latest The Crucible newsletter, Tod Bolsinger of the Church Leadership Institute addresses this challenge with The Practicing Change Series, a set of books designed for real-time leadership learning. Additionally, this week marks the final chance to apply for the Business of Ministry Cohort, equipping ministry leaders with essential skills in administration and management. For those in Colorado Springs, a Fuller Seminary training event offers tools for rethinking church leadership. Learn more and register now!
Read MoreThis week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Jill Doherty, New Promise, St. George, who celebrates 26 years on September 13.
Rev. David Brandfass, Christ, Sedona, who celebrates 29 years on September 13.
Rev. Richard Mauthe, who celebrates 38 years on September 14.
Rev. Carl Mangold, who celebrates 49 years on September 14.
Rev. Craig Geiger, who celebrates 52 years on September 17.
Rev. Martin Iszler, who celebrates 63 years on September 17.
Hesitant to preach? Diakonia graduates are invited to a four-week Zoom course titled “Preaching Good News to a World in Shambles,” starting October 19. Led by Reverend Carl Zimmermann, this class will help participants craft and deliver heart-engaging sermons, drawing on resources from Dr. Tom Long and Pastor Barbara Brown Taylor. Register now on Diakonia’s website.
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