Posts in Grand Canyon Synod
Advent Mondays: Restore Our Hope with Spirit in the Desert

This Advent, join Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center for Restore Our Hope: Advent Centering Prayer, a free online program led by Sheri Brown. Every Monday in December, spend 30 minutes in song, guided meditation, and communal prayer as we prepare our hearts for Christ’s coming. Sessions are at 12:00 PM AZ/MST. Register now at Spirit in the Desert’s website.

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Celebrate Faith and Culture with AFN: Highlights for December 2024

Join the Arizona Faith Network Annual Gathering on December 9 at the Franciscan Renewal Center for a morning of connection and inspiration, featuring keynote speaker Rev. Eugene Cho. Don’t miss weekly guided meditations, an urgent call to protect the sacred Great Bend of the Gila, and the 6th Annual Turkish Festival on December 7-8 in Chandler. Plus, support Arizona Jews for Justice’s Winter Clothing Drive to aid the unsheltered community. Explore these events and more in the full AFN Newsletter.

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LAMA 2025 Priorities: A Commitment to Justice, Education, and Dignity

The Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA) Policy Council convened November 17–18 to discern priorities for the coming year. Their 2025 focus includes food insecurity, civic engagement, public schools, immigration, housing, and informed Christian engagement. Guided by Lutheran teachings, LAMA is committed to addressing critical issues affecting Arizona communities. Interested in joining the Policy Council? Read the full post on the LAMA site for more info.

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Next Steps for Creation Care and Climate Justice Post-Election

Reflecting on the election, Blessed Tomorrow’s December newsletter highlights faith-driven climate action, from sustainable holiday practices to sparking meaningful family conversations with the “Climate at the Dinner Table” Skit Kit. Learn about opportunities like the 2025 American Climate Leadership Awards and the National Council of Churches’ renewed call for environmental justice. Read more.

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Festival of Homiletics Early Bird Registration ends 11/30

Registration for the 2025 Festival of Homiletics is open! Join us in Atlanta or online from May 12-15 for a journey of healing and unity through the power of preaching. This year’s theme, Preaching to Heal the Divide, responds to the pressing need for reconciliation in our polarized world. Early bird rates are available until November 30—don’t miss this chance to be part of the conversation!

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God’s Presence in Mental Health Challenges: Enroll in a Free Course by November 28

Equip yourself with faith-based tools to navigate mental health challenges in our communities. God and Mental Health Challenges, a free Faith+Lead course available through November 28, explores how faith shapes our response to mental health struggles, offers practical caregiving strategies, and helps break down stigmas. Learn more and register today: faithlead.org/course-lp/god-and-mental-health-challenges.

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Shepherd of the Hills in Flagstaff Seeks Choir Leader

Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church in Flagstaff seeks a part-time Choir Director or Choral Intern to guide their vibrant choir in worship and growth. Ideal for experienced choral leaders or those starting in church music ministry, this position offers flexibility and a welcoming community. Contact the church for application details, read the job description here, and take the next step in your musical ministry journey!

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Hunger Leaders Network meets 6pm last Tuesday of every month

Calling 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, 11/26/2024, 6-7pm MST/PDT.

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Thanksgiving Eve at Mountain View in Phoenix: Worship, Food Pantry Drive, and Pie

Join Mountain View Lutheran in Phoenix for a worship service of thanks on Wednesday, Nov. 27th @ 6:30 pm in the Worship Center (Sanctuary), 11002 S. 48th Street | Phoenix, AZ 85044..

Please bring non-perishable foods that we will collect and send to the Generations Church Food Pantry. Please also bring pie for the Pie Social after the worship service!

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All Church Open House: Rehoming Resources from Gloria Christi Federated Church

On November 20-22, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Gloria Christi Federated Church in Paradise Valley will hold an All Church Open House to rehome its ministry items as it closes its doors. Churches in need of supplies—ranging from office chairs and file cabinets to altar paraments, banners, and even an organ—are invited to attend and collect resources to support their ministry work. Cash donations are welcome, and attendees should bring their own boxes or bags. This event offers a meaningful way to continue Gloria Christi’s legacy throughout our synod.

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“Finding Our Place in Creation”: Climate Study and Action with Lutherans Restoring Creation

Explore Our Kairos Moment, the ELCA’s new climate study guide, in a four-month series led by Lutherans Restoring Creation starting November 19. Dive into themes of stewardship and interdependence while preparing to implement the guide in your congregation. Plus, register for Saturday’s Creation Care training and other upcoming events! Learn more and get involved here.

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Blessed Tomorrow Grants: Empowering Faith Communities for Creation Care

Nineteen faith organizations across 13 states received grants through Blessed Tomorrow’s Getting Outside the Walls initiative, funding projects from community gardens to solar energy. Join the celebration on December 12 at 4 PM ET to learn more about these inspiring projects. Interested in leading a local effort? Host the 2025 National Faith + Climate Forum and apply for a grant to support climate action in your community. Let us live out our faith boldly and work toward a thriving, just future. Learn more on the Blessed Tomorrow website.

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Missional Leadership Reimagined: JR Woodward’s Four Spaces of Belonging

Discover a revolutionary approach to church leadership with Dr. JR Woodward in this eye-opening episode of the Pivot Podcast. Author of “The Scandal of Leadership,” Woodward unpacks the crisis of discipleship facing the church today and offers practical solutions for creating a culture of authentic spiritual growth.

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Fresh Expressions of Church and the Mixed Ecology

In this groundbreaking episode of the Pivot podcast, we turn the tables on our regular host, the Rev. Dr. Dwight Zscheile, to explore the revolutionary concept of Fresh Expressions of Church. Dwight, co-author of the forthcoming book “Embracing the Mixed Ecology,” offers an exclusive preview of his research on innovative approaches to ministry in our rapidly changing world.

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