Posts in Grand Canyon Synod
Your Church Can Go Solar—and Save Big—with New Federal Incentives

The Inflation Reduction Act opens new opportunities for ELCA congregations to embrace clean energy with rebates of 30% on project costs. Partner with the Mission Investment Fund for financing and guidance to make your vision a reality. Join others in caring for creation while saving money and empowering ministry. Learn more about this faithful opportunity today!

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Thank You, Deacon Katie: Supporting Congregations Through Transition

This year, Deacon Katie Kline has been a tremendous blessing to the Grand Canyon Synod as our Interim Director for Congregation Transition. Her collaborative leadership and passion for supporting healthy leaders have guided many congregations through critical times of change. Join us in celebrating Deacon Katie’s impactful work and thanking her for her faithful service!

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Hunger Leaders Network meets for special year-end meeting

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. This year-end meeting will be combined with LAMA Liaison Roundtable, on Monday, December 16, 6:30 pm.

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Welcome Pastor John Maroni as the New Congregations in Transition Coordinator

Pastor John Maroni has been named the new Congregations in Transition Coordinator for the Grand Canyon Synod, beginning in 2025. Pastor John brings nearly two decades of pastoral experience and continues to serve as pastor at Shepherd of the Desert Lutheran Church in Sun City, Arizona. We thank Deacon Katie Kline for her dedicated service over the past year as Interim Director for Congregation Transition. Read more about Pastor John’s ministry and his role in supporting congregations in transition.

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Experience Advent Hope at Faith Lutheran in Phoenix on December 18th

Take a break from the season’s busyness to reflect on Advent’s hope and anticipation. Faith Lutheran Church in Phoenix invites you to a candlelit Service of Advent Lessons & Carols on Wednesday, December 18th, at 7:00 p.m. Experience scripture, song, and the timeless beauty of this cherished tradition. All are welcome!

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Celebrate Advent with Jazz and Generosity at Mount of Olives

Join Mount of Olives in Phoenix for Wednesday Evening Jazz Vespers through Advent, featuring live jazz performances, contemplative worship, and fellowship. Free and open to all, each evening begins at 5:30 p.m. with refreshments following. Donations support the church’s Food Pantry, helping over 150 families weekly.

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Experience Christmas in German Tradition at Mountain View Lutheran in Ahwatukee

Join Mountain View Lutheran Church in Ahwatukee on Sunday, December 15, for a German-language Christmas service and carol sing-along! Starting at 4:10 pm, this special gathering will celebrate Advent with traditional German carols and worship, offering a beautiful experience of faith and community. For more details, visit weihnachtsgottesdienstphoenix.com.

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Finding Light in the Darkness: A Blue Christmas Worship Service

When the holiday season feels heavy, join the Blue Christmas Winter Solstice Worship Service on Thursday, Dec. 19, 2024, from 6-7 PM MST (5-6 PM PST). This virtual candlelight service, presented by the Center of Addiction & Faith, creates space to acknowledge pain, seek hope, and plead for God’s light amid the darkness. Register now to participate: Click here to register.

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Advent Reflection: New Life Through Centering Prayer

As Advent deepens, join us this Monday, December 16, at 12:00 PM AZ/MST for the third session of Restore Our Hope: Advent Centering Prayer. This week, we reflect on how God brings life from places we often consider dead and hopeless. Experience 30 minutes of meditation, prayer, and renewal as we wait in hope for Christ’s coming. Register here to receive the Zoom link.

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Christ Lutheran Sedona Among 2024 ELCA Disability Ministries Grant Recipients

Christ Lutheran Church in Sedona has been awarded a 2024 ELCA Disability Ministries Grant! This exciting recognition highlights their commitment to creating a more inclusive church. Learn more about this and other grant recipients, discover featured resources, and find ways to get involved with disability ministries in the Grand Canyon Synod and beyond. Read more in the latest newsletter from ELCA Disability Ministries.

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Office of the Bishop Updates

The Office of the Bishop worships and preaches at ministries around the synod, and continues year-end projects.

We also share photos from Senegal and Mexico. The Grand Canyon Synod and the Lutheran Church of Senegal renewed and signed our covenant as global companions. Photos of Bishop Hutterer’s Senegal visit with President Latyr Diouf include worship at Bokotou village. In Mexico, to strengthen ties with Iglesia Luterana Mexicana and Pastor President Rev. Roberto Federico Trejo Haager, we share photos from Iglesia Bethel in Mazatlan and San Pablo in Tepic.

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December Events to Inspire: From Peacemaking to Blue Christmas Services

Join the Arizona Faith Network on December 9 for a morning of inspiration with keynote speaker Rev. Eugene Cho at the Franciscan Renewal Center in Scottsdale. This year’s theme, Building Bridges, Breaking Barriers: Peacemakers in Action, calls us to confront injustice and foster reconciliation. Registration closes December 6.

Explore other opportunities this month, including an Interfaith New Year’s Celebration, a Blue Christmas service, and a powerful series with Rev. Dr. Gary Mason on peacemaking in divided times. Learn more and register for these transformative events at Arizona Faith Network Newsletter.

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Simplify and Sustain: Reclaiming the Holidays with Faith and Purpose

Amid the busyness of the season, faithful celebration often gets lost in materialism and unsustainable practices. Discover how to simplify, honor creation, and embrace meaningful traditions this holiday season. Explore tips and resources from One Home One Future to make your celebrations joyful and climate-conscious.

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Latine Ministry Competency Workshop, December 12-14, 2024 | Taller de Competencia en el Ministerio Latino, 12-14 de diciembre de 2024

Únase al Taller de Competencia en el Ministerio Latino este diciembre para profundizar las habilidades de alcance cultural y comunitario de su ministerio. Este evento virtual de tres días, organizado por el CTLM del Seminario Teológico de Wartburg, ofrece a los líderes de la ELCA estrategias prácticas y modelos de ministerio inspiradores de expertos en ministerio latino. Las sesiones se llevarán a cabo del 12 al 14 de diciembre, con un enfoque en el fortalecimiento de comunidades de adoración multiétnicas y bilingües. La inscripción está abierta en wartburgseminary.edu/CTLM, con opciones para individuos y congregaciones. Descargue o vea el PDF aquí.

Join the Latine Ministry Competency Workshop this December to deepen your ministry’s cultural and community outreach skills. This three-day virtual event, hosted by Wartburg Theological Seminary’s CTLM, offers ELCA leaders practical strategies and inspiring ministry models from experts in Latine ministry. Sessions will be held December 12-14, with a focus on strengthening multi-ethnic and bilingual worshipping communities. Registration is open at wartburgseminary.edu/CTLM, with options for individuals and congregations. Download or view PDF here.

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