Early voting for the 2024 General Election is here! Early voting ends on 11/1/2024 for all three states on our synod.
We also encourage you to look into the pros and cons of early voting in this post from LAMA.
Find out key early voting dates, locations, and how to sign up for mail ballots in our latest blog post, and be sure to make your voice heard before Election Day!
Read MoreJoin ecumenical prayer vigils across Arizona as Christian leaders from various denominations unite to pray for peace and unity during the 2024 election season. The last vigil will be held on November 4th at Sun City Christian Church. All are welcome to come together in faith to seek God’s guidance and peace for our nation. View a PDF flyer here.
Read MoreThis week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. John Lillie, who celebrates 44 years on October 26.
Rev. Daniel Valasakos, Mount Zion, Tucson, who celebrates 28 years on October 26.
Rev. Kari Williamson, St. Andrew, Phoenix, who celebrates 21 years on October 26.
Rev. Verónica Alvarez, Faith/La Fe, Phoenix, who celebrates 2 years on October 30.
Rev. Brian Ward, Community, Las Vegas, who celebrates 14 years on October 31.
We uplift and pray for Rev. Steven Crittenden and the people of Epiphany of Christ Lutheran Church in Apache Junction, part of the Rio Salado Conference.
Read MoreWe uplift and pray for Patty Charley and the people of House of Prayer Lutheran Church in Rock Point, part of the High Country Conference.
Read MoreThe Office of the Bishop celebrates the installation of Rev. Joshua Pontious. We also shares photos from the 2024 Bishop's Fall Gathering at Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center.
Read MoreJoin 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.
Read MoreYou can check your voter registration status and find more information on Utah’s election website. Vote411.org also has clear information for Utah.
Utah registration deadlines are 10/25/2024 by mail and online, and Election Day, 11/5/2024 for in-person.
Read MoreJoin 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.
Read MoreJoin Deacon Kate Adelman on Saturday, November 2nd, 2024 for “From Darkness to Light: Interfaith Dialog”, a one-day event featuring Gita Saraydarian, guest speakers, music, and connection. Explore how spirituality across different faiths leads to hope and unity in difficult times. Enjoy a day filled with learning, fellowship, a buffet lunch, and a mini concert. Register by October 27th to secure your spot!
Read MoreRev. Lisa Hackler will be installed Thursday, 11/7/2024, at 3 pm, at American Lutheran Church, (17200 N Del Web Blvd, Sun City, AZ 85373). Bishop Deborah K. Hutterer will preach and preside. Clergy are invited to vest and process. The color of the day is green. A reception will follow.
RSVP to d.bautista@alcsuncity.org if one is a rostered minister planning to process, otherwise no RSVP needed. Visit www.alcsuncity.org for streaming information.
Read MoreCalling all hunger champions: join this network of the Grand Canyon Synod! Meet to hear updates on national and local Hunger and Food Insecurity efforts and initiatives, to learn from one another, and to share with the group what's happening in our congregations. Anyone interested in alleviating hunger is welcome. Prepare to be encouraged and supported! Tuesday, 10/29/2024, 6-7pm MST/PDT.
Read MoreOctober is National Disability Employment Awareness Month. Read about why Marti, Steven and Brandon enjoy their jobs. The post Disability Employment Awareness Month Celebrates Workers with Disabilities appeared first on Mosaic.
Read MoreIn the latest Crucible newsletter from the Church Leadership Institute, you can find a collection of episodes from their Spiritual Life and Leadership podcast that dig deep into the challenges of faith and politics:
Political Power and American Evangelicalism, with Tim Alberta
Tackling Toxic Polarization in Your Church, with Allen Hilton and Andrew Hanauer
Leading Your Church Through Political Division, with Allen Hilton
How Your Church Can Respond to Immigration, with Karen Gonzalez
If you’re looking for some quicker insights, they also have shorter episodes from our “Quick Conversations for the Long Haul of Leadership” series with Tod Bolsinger:
The Office of the Bishop hosts the 2024 Bishop's Fall Gathering, Oct 21– -23, at Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center. We also share photos from the Installation of Rev. Daniel Volkmann at All Saints Lutheran in Phoenix, Oct 13, 2024, and the Prayer Vigils for Peace During the 2024 Election Season in Tucson on October 14, 2024.
Read MoreFaith-based advocacy for climate justice is more important than ever. Join ELCA Advocacy’s Christine Moffett on October 29 for a conversation on Nationally Determined Contributions ahead of COP29. Consider becoming a Creation Care Ambassador by attending the virtual Christian Climate Training on November 16, or advocate for worker safety by supporting OSHA’s proposed heat protection rule. Find out more and register for these events here.
Read MoreThis October, the Arizona Faith Network invites you to engage in faith-driven action. Help voters as a poll monitor for the upcoming election, attend important discussions on peaceful political engagement, or join reentry support and climate justice events in your community. Learn more about these opportunities to live out your faith at Arizona Faith Network’s newsletter.
Read MoreAnswer the call to support free and fair elections in Arizona! Election Protection Arizona is seeking nonpartisan poll monitors to assist voters during the 2024 General Election. Help ensure every vote counts by guiding voters through potential challenges on Election Day. Sign up for training at allvoting.org/afn2024, and be part of this crucial effort.
Read MoreLa ELCA está expandiendo su alcance a las comunidades hispanas y latinas con un nuevo recurso: Vidaluterana.org. Creado por líderes latinos para la comunidad latina, este sitio web ofrece contenido basado en la fe en español e inglés, conectando a los luteranos latinos con recursos espirituales y eventos de la ELCA. Visita Vidaluterana.org para aprender más y apoyar este importante ministerio.
The ELCA is expanding its outreach to Spanish-speaking communities with a new resource: Vidaluterana.org. Created by Latino leaders for the Latino community, this website offers faith-based content in Spanish and English, connecting Latino Lutherans to spiritual resources and ELCA events. Visit Vidaluterana.org to learn more and support this important ministry.
Read MoreThe deadline for the Grand Canyon Synod’s $175,000 grant opportunity is fast approaching—applications are due by midnight on October 18, 2024. Funding will support projects aligned with the Synod’s Strategic Plan, with priority given to those collaborating with other ELCA ministries. Make sure to watch the recorded Grants Webinar and review application guidelines before submitting.
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