Posts in Grand Canyon Synod
Faith and Generosity: Answering the Call to Support the Grand Canyon Synod
Faith and Generosity: Answering the Call to Support the Grand Canyon Synod

It is a question of equality between your present abundance and their need,
so that their abundance may also supply your need, in order that there may be equality. 
As it is written,
“The one who had much did not have too much,
and the one who had little did not have too little.” 
—2 Corinthians 8:13b-15

The Grand Canyon Synod Council encourages all congregations to faithfully allocate mission support as an intentional commitment to our shared mission as church together. We encourage congregations to be generous and proportionate in their mission support, in accordance with the witness of scripture and the saints who came before us.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardStewardship, GCS Stewardship Team, Synod CouncilComment
Ordination celebrations: October 18–24, 2024
Ordination celebrations: October 18–24, 2024

This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:

  • Rev. Paul Gregory, Hospice Family Care, Mesa, who celebrates 38 years on October 19.

  • Rev. Susanne Havlic, who celebrates 28 years on October 20.

  • Rev. David Swan, who celebrates 51 years on October 21.

  • Rev. Mitchell Eickmann, who celebrates 40 years on October 22.

  • Rev. Linda Brown, who celebrates 13 years on October 22.

  • Rev. Glenn Schrader, Our Saviour’s, Tucson, who celebrates 1 years on October 22.

  • Rev. Amalia Vagts, Our Saviour’s, Tucson, who celebrates 3 years on October 23.

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Grand Canyon Synod, News, SpotlightBrian FlatgardOrdination AnniversariesComment
Thriving Leadership Formation: New Series Starts October 23
Thriving Leadership Formation: New Series Starts October 23

Join the Thriving Leadership Formation series starting October 23, 2024. This weekly online workshop integrates the Enneagram with practical leadership skills to enhance self-awareness, communication, and conflict resolution. Each session is stand-alone, and registration is required. Don’t miss this opportunity to grow into a more effective and compassionate leader!

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Grand Canyon Synod, Region 2, Leadership ResourcesBrian FlatgardThriving Leadership Formation ProgramComment
Explore Lutheran Values in Election Year: Final discussion on 10/22/2024
Explore Lutheran Values in Election Year: Final discussion on 10/22/2024

Join the ELCA’s online workshop series through October to delve into how our faith informs our actions and voting on critical social issues. The final discussion is October 22: Freed in Christ: Race, Ethnicity, and Culture with Dr. Richard Perry, emeritus faculty at the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago.. View a PDF flyer and register now to engage deeply with our social teachings and lead community discussions.

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ELCA, Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardCreating Space for Conversations, Social Statements, Elections and Voting Rights, Church and SocietyComment
Celebrating Indigenous Peoples’ Day: Lifting Up Native American Ministries in Our Synod
Celebrating Indigenous Peoples’ Day: Lifting Up Native American Ministries in Our Synod

In celebration of Indigenous Peoples’ Day, the Grand Canyon Synod lifts up Native American Urban Ministry in Phoenix and the Navajo Lutheran Mission in Rock Point, AZ. Both ministries serve as powerful examples of faith and service, providing spiritual and material support to Native American communities. We honor their efforts and the Indigenous people whose land we now inhabit.

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Grand Canyon Synod, News, SpotlightBrian FlatgardNative American Urban Ministry Phoenix, American Indian and Alaska Native, ELCA Indigenous Ministries and Tribal Relations, Navajo Evangelical Lutheran MissionComment
Preorder the book "How to End Christian Nationalism" for 10/22 release date
Preorder the book "How to End Christian Nationalism" for 10/22 release date

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.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardChristian Nationalism, Christians Against Christian Nationalism, Elections and Voting Rights, Church and SocietyComment
Embrace the Journey of Retirement at the 2024 Grand Canyon Synod Retirees Retreat
Embrace the Journey of Retirement at the 2024 Grand Canyon Synod Retirees Retreat

Join the 2024 Grand Canyon Synod Retirees Retreat from October 28-30 at the Spirit in the Desert Retteat Center in Carefree, AZ. This year’s theme, “Signs of Hope in Turbulent Times,” features sessions with Rev. Mark Hanson. The retreat offers a rich program of fellowship, worship, and reflection. Secure your spot now and find renewal in the company of peers. View this PDF for registration and scholarship information, or contact Jan Fosen at (602-758-0875) or via email at fosen1215@gmail.com with questions.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardSpirit in the Desert Retreat Center, Grand Canyon Synod Retirees Retreat TeamComment
Unlock the Art of Preaching with Diakonia’s Four-Week Course
Unlock the Art of Preaching with Diakonia’s Four-Week Course

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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Grand Canyon Synod, Leadership Resources, NewsBrian FlatgardDiakoniaComment
Navigating Health Benefits for 2025: Portico and Your Congregation’s Role
Navigating Health Benefits for 2025: Portico and Your Congregation’s Role

The 2025 Portico Compensation Guidelines highlight updated health benefits through Portico Benefit Services for rostered ministers and lay employees. Congregations are encouraged to review the available health plan options—Gold+, Value Copay, and Silver+—and engage in conversations with plan members to select the best fit for their needs during annual enrollment. Learn more about the shared responsibility between congregations and plan members and how to support the well-being of those serving in ministry.

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Grand Canyon Synod, Leadership Resources, NewsBrian FlatgardPorticoComment
Fall Fun Awaits at Mountain View Lutheran’s Trunk or Treat
Fall Fun Awaits at Mountain View Lutheran’s Trunk or Treat

Join Mountain View Lutheran Church in Phoenix on Friday, October 25, 2024, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. for an evening of fall fun at their Fall Festival with Trunk or Treat! Enjoy games, inflatables, glow sticks, food trucks, and more, while special guests like local firefighters and sheriff deputies join the festivities. Sign your car up to hand out candy or just come to enjoy the event with your family. Register online at this link or contact the church at 480-893-2579.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardMountain View Ahwatukee, Fiesta ConferenceComment
ELCA Foundation: National Estate Planning Month is here
ELCA Foundation: National Estate Planning Month is here

October is National Estate Planning Awareness Month, a perfect time to reflect on your legacy and ensure your future wishes are clearly outlined. Estate planning is not just for the wealthy — it’s for everyone who wants to protect their loved ones, ensure their assets are distributed according to their wishes, and avoid unnecessary stress down the road.

Please reach out to Lisa Higginbotham or your regional gift planner if you have any questions or would like to schedule a meeting. Together, we can create a charitable plan that gives you peace of mind, cares for loved ones, and ensures the continuation of God’s work in the world for years to come.

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ELCA, Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardELCA Foundation, StewardshipComment
Celebrating the Legacy of Gloria Christi Federated Church
Celebrating the Legacy of Gloria Christi Federated Church

Gloria Christi Federated Church in Paradise Valley, AZ, held its final service this past Sunday, celebrating decades of unity and service. In a spirit of generosity, the congregation made significant gifts to the Grand Canyon Synod, including an endowment supporting our mission and campus ministries. Their legacy lives on through these acts of love and outreach, blessing future generations in faith. Read more in this post from Rev. Dan Potaznick, Director of Generosity & Strategic Development.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardStewardship, Rev. Dan PotaznickComment
Guarding the Gift: How Estate Planning Extends Your Ministry Beyond This Life
Guarding the Gift: How Estate Planning Extends Your Ministry Beyond This Life

In this reflection, Pastor Mike Girlinghouse, Interim Chaplain at LCM Canterbury in Flagstaff, shares how estate planning serves as an act of faithful stewardship, allowing us to bless ministries and loved ones even after we’re gone. Inspired by 2 Timothy 1:12-14, we are reminded of the importance of entrusting our lives and resources to God’s care.

Read Pastor Girlinghouse’s devotion about the impact of planned giving and how to secure your legacy through trusts and wills. Interested in setting up an estate plan? Contact the Office of the Bishop at gcsynod.org/contact.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardStewardship, GCS Stewardship Team, ELCA FoundationComment
Ordination celebrations: October 11–17, 2024
Ordination celebrations: October 11–17, 2024

This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:

  • Rev. John Biggs, Saved By Grace, Pahrump, who celebrates 11 years on October 13.

  • Rev. Steven Kruse, New Covenant, Scottsdale, who celebrates 39 years on October 13.

  • Deacon Gloria Owens, who celebrates 37 years on October 13.

  • Rev. Daniel Hoeger, All Saints, Phoenix, who celebrates 35 years on October 15.

  • Rev. Douglas Dill, Mountain View, Phoenix, who celebrates 9 years on October 17.

  • Rev. Julia Sprenkle, American, Sun City, who celebrates 14 years on October 17.

View all our ordination anniversaries here.

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Grand Canyon Synod, News, SpotlightBrian FlatgardOrdination AnniversariesComment