Rev. Eugene Cho Headlines Arizona Faith Network Event on Peacemaking: Register Today

Join the Arizona Faith Network Annual Gathering on December 9 at the Franciscan Renewal Center in Scottsdale, AZ, or online. Under the theme Building Bridges, Breaking Barriers: Peacemakers in Action, Rev. Eugene Cho, President of Bread for the World, will guide attendees in addressing the root causes of conflict and injustice in today’s world. Faith communities are invited to register now, as spots are filling quickly. For faith-based organizations, exhibitor and sponsorship opportunities offer a valuable platform to connect.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardDecember 3, 2024Arizona Faith Network, Ecumenical and Inter-Religious RelationsComment

Uniting Lutheran and Episcopal Voices: Advent Service of Hope and Peace

Join churches in Chandler and Mesa for “Anticipation, Hope & Peace: Advent Lessons and Carols” on December 8 at 5:00 PM at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church in Chandler. This collaborative service, uniting Lutheran and Episcopal congregations, offers an evening of scripture, music, and reflection. All are welcome to experience the Advent season through both traditions, celebrating the hope and peace that unite us.

Victorian Carolers Bring Classic Christmas Magic to Mountain View Lutheran in Phoenix

Join us on Friday, December 6, at 6:30 PM at Mountain View Lutheran Church in Phoenix for the Victorian Carolers Christmas Concert—a free evening of festive music, heartwarming songs, and a Christmas singalong. This talented ensemble of nine classically trained musicians brings joy and nostalgia through traditional carols and holiday favorites. Celebrate the season with us in this joyful community event! Learn more at mvlutheran.org.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardDecember 2, 20242024 Advent and Christmas, Mountain View Phoenix, Fiesta ConferenceComment

Daily Devotions During Advent from Spirit in the Desert

Spirit offers an Advent-specific daily devotion via email beginning Sunday, December 1 and ending on Christmas Day. If you would like to receive a special devotional reflection by Pr. Steve Holm in your inbox each day during Advent, register here.

Advent Continues: Finding Rest and Renewal

This Monday, December 9, at 12:00 PM AZ/MST, Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center invites you to the second session of Restore Our Hope: Advent Centering Prayer. This week’s theme focuses on slowing down in a world consumed by busyness and productivity. Through guided meditation and communal centering prayer, rediscover stillness and trust in God’s abundant grace. Register now to join this time of prayerful waiting.

Prayers for Community of Grace Lutheran Church in Peoria

We uplift and pray for Rev. Timothy Wright, Rev. Jose Valenzuela, Rev. Joshua Pontious and the people of Community of Grace Lutheran Church in Peoria, part of the Cactus Conference.

Grand Canyon Synod, Prayers, SpotlightBrian FlatgardDecember 2, 2024Community of Grace Peoria, Cactus ConferenceComment

Supporting ELCA Ministries: Giving Strategies for 2024 and Beyond

As 2024 draws to a close, the ELCA Foundation is offering a range of impactful and tax-advantaged ways to support ministries that matter to you. From IRA distributions to gifts of appreciated securities, there are options to maximize your giving while reducing taxes. Key deadlines for year-end gifts are fast approaching, so now is the time to act. Looking ahead, new opportunities like increased QCD limits in 2025 offer even more flexibility for generosity. Learn more about these strategies and contact Lisa Higginbotham for personalized guidance. Read the full newsletter.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardNovember 29, 2024Stewardship, ELCA FoundationComment

Reclaiming Advent — Simple Church Activities for Sacred Presence

In this episode of the Pivot Podcast, Rev. Dr. Steve Thomason shares how to simplify Advent with art, stillness, and meaningful spiritual practices.

Northeast Valley Consortium Supports Hunger Advocacy with $2,000 Grant

The Northeast Valley Consortium, a coalition of five Phoenix-area Lutheran churches, has pledged $2,000 to support the Grand Canyon Synod Hunger Leaders Network’s participation in the 2025 ELCA World Hunger Leaders Gathering. In addition to hunger advocacy, NEVC expanded its summer lunch packs and heat relief efforts in 2024, showcasing the power of collaboration in combating food insecurity and building resilient communities. Read more about how this partnership embodies being “church together” on the Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona site.

Lutherans Restoring Creation: Advent Opportunities to Renew and Reflect

This Advent season, Lutherans Restoring Creation invites you to join their circle of care. Participate in the Our Kairos Moment study group on December 17th, focusing on climate change and public health, or fill up with “Festive Fuel” on December 27th for fellowship and renewal. Share and receive sustenance by contributing favorite recipes, hymns, and inspiring resources to their interactive Padlet board. Learn more and register today.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardNovember 27, 20242024 Advent and Christmas, Climate Change, Lutherans Restoring CreationComment

Office of the Bishop Updates

The Office of the Bishop engages in visits to global companion synods, completes year-end preparations, reconciles financial records, participates in various meetings, and begins Advent.

News, Bishop Hutterer, Grand Canyon Synod, SpotlightBrian FlatgardNovember 27, 2024Office of the BishopComment

Rediscover the Heart of Advent with Faith+Lead's 4-Day Mindful Challenge

Pause and reflect this Advent season with the 4-Day Mindful Advent Challenge from Faith+Lead. Beginning December 2nd, this free devotional series will guide you through Advent’s themes of hope, peace, joy, and love with contemplative art by Pastor Steve Thomason, daily prayers, and simple practices. Visit faithlead.org/2024-advent to sign up and start this season with stillness and renewal.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardNovember 26, 20242024 Advent and Christmas, faith+lead, Luther SeminaryComment

Prayers for Crossroads Lutheran Church in San Tan Valley

We uplift and pray for Rev. Kaila Armbruster and the people of Crossroads Lutheran Church in San Tan Valley, part of the Rio Salado Conference.

Grand Canyon Synod, Prayers, SpotlightBrian FlatgardNovember 26, 2024Crossroads San Tan Valley, Rio Salado ConferenceComment

Advent Begins: Restore Our Hope with Centering Prayer

Advent is here! Join Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center this Monday, December 2, at 12:00 PM AZ/MST for Restore Our Hope: Advent Centering Prayer. This week, we reflect on a world marked by isolation, comparison, and fear, as we pray for connection, compassion, and liberation. Begin the season with 30 minutes of song, prayer, and quiet reflection. Register here to receive the Zoom link.

Celebrate the Season: Explore Our Advent and Christmas Highlights

Discover the Grand Canyon Synod’s 2024 Advent and Christmas hub! This special section of our site gathers worship resources, event calendars, and inspiring stories to guide you through this holy season. Visit gcsynod.org/2024-advent-christmas to explore and share your own events or reflections with the synod. Let’s prepare our hearts together for the coming of Christ!

Grand Canyon Synod, News, Leadership ResourcesBrian FlatgardNovember 26, 20242024 Advent and ChristmasComment

Ordination celebrations: November 29 – December 5, 2024

This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:

Rev. Brian Weinberger, Bethlehem, Mesa, who celebrates 16 years on November 29.
Rev. Naomi Hartman, Church of the Foothills, Tucson, who celebrates 15 years on November 29.
Deacon April Boyden, who celebrates 35 years on December 1.
Rev. Lars Hammar, Lord of Grace, Tucson, who celebrates 25 years on December 5.
Rev. Joshua Pontious, Community of Grace, Peoria, who celebrates 3 years on December 5.

Grand Canyon Synod, News, SpotlightBrian FlatgardNovember 26, 2024Ordination AnniversariesComment

2024 LSM Musical Advent Calendar available in December

Experience the anticipation and hope of the Advent season with Lutheran Summer Music's fourth-annual Musical Advent Calendar. From December 1-24, immerse yourself in a daily moment of music and reflection shared on our Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube pages and archived on our website at LSMacademy.org/acal.

To have these daily videos delivered straight to your inbox, sign up here.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardNovember 25, 2024Lutheran Summer Music, Worship Resources, 2024 Advent and ChristmasComment

Thanksgiving Gratitude: Office of the Bishop Closed Nov. 28–29

The Office of the Bishop will be closed on November 28 and 29, 2024, in observance of Thanksgiving and the following day. We give thanks for the faithful work of our congregations and ministries. Regular office hours resume December 2. May this season of gratitude bring peace and joy to you and your loved ones.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardNovember 25, 2024Office of the BishopComment

Prayers for Community Lutheran Church in Las Vegas

We uplift and pray for Rev. Brian Ward, Rev. Benjamin Bergren and the people of Community Lutheran Church in Las Vegas, part of the Colorado River Conference.

Grand Canyon Synod, Prayers, SpotlightBrian FlatgardNovember 24, 2024Community Las Vegas, Colorado River ConferenceComment

A Legacy of Learning: First Scholarships Awarded by Grace Lutheran Church in Phoenix

Grace Lutheran Church in Phoenix has awarded its first scholarships through the Grace and Grand Canyon Synod Scholarship Fund, established in 2023 to help ELCA members pursue higher education and professional growth. This fund honors Martin Luther’s legacy of learning, providing financial aid and community support. With matching funds available at many faith-based institutions, a single gift can make a significant impact. To learn about eligibility or contribute to the fund, contact Arizona Community Foundation at azfoundation.org or Grace Lutheran’s team at Treasurer@graceinthecity.com.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardNovember 22, 2024Grace Phoenix, Capital Conference, Grants, Youth and Young AdultComment

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