As I enjoy my first May here in the Grand Canyon Synod, I am reminded of the prophetic voice of first Isaiah as they envision new life in the desert.
Read MoreWe include quite a bit in our news system, which consists of our site’s blog and calendar, as well as posts to Facebook and our weekly newsletter. Since we revamped our system, we’ve posted over 5,000 times in our blog, with 300 newsletters.
Looking ahead, our commitment is to continue sharing, connecting, and uplifting. We hope to enrich our news system and keep the lifeblood of our synod flowing.
Read MoreFor our 2023 synod assembly, New Spirit Lutheran Church in Tucson shares their story of feeding 325 children for 38 weeks of the most recent school year.
Read MoreOur regional gift planners Lisa Higginbotham and Josh Kerney share the 2023 annual report for the ELCA Foundation as a PDF, a video, and in this blog post.
The vision of the ELCA Foundation is to be a thriving ministry that develops a culture of intentional generosity and financial stewardship to expand the work of the ELCA. Our mission is to support and sustain ELCA ministries by enhancing gifting capacity and stewarding resources.
Read MoreAfter an assembly season of being bold in our baptism, the Office of the Bishop will be closed on Monday and Tuesday, June 13-14, 2022.
Read MoreFor our 2023 assembly, we are sharing last year’s great symposium on Parliamentary Procedure and Robert’s Rules of Order by David Swartling. View the PDF handout here, and the presentation is available for viewing here with passcode: TQgC5E!7
Special thanks to our amazing guest, David Swartling, for providing this valuable information.
Read MoreOur 2023 Assembly will elect an At-Large Representative to the Synod Council, as well as members to the Consultation Committee and the Committee on Discipline. View the nominees and their info on our nominee page.
Read MoreToday we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Randall Olson, Honor Health, Scottsdale, who celebrates 47 years on May 30.
Rev. Dennis R. Nelson, who celebrates 52 years on May 30.
ELCA World Hunger provides an update on countries in southeastern Africa which were hit by one of the most powerful cyclones in memory. Read the update at ELCA.org, or visit their Malawi Virtual Tour.
Read MoreWhat a year this has been! The Holy Spirit has been active and new things are happening in the Grand Canyon Synod. This year was full of new ministries and initiatives, as well as a new role for me.
Read MoreFor our 2023 synod assembly, New Spirit Lutheran Church in Tucson shares their story of feeding 325 children for 38 weeks of the most recent school year.
Read MoreAs we continue to strive to have our leadership reflect the diversity of the Southwest, it is my pleasure to continue and work with you towards a brighter ELCA.
Read MoreFor our 2023 synod assembly, Arizona Faith Network shares their video story of working with ministries on providing heat respite and more.
Read MoreIn New Orleans, there is a Lutheran congregation shining this resurrection hope of Jesus in their community. Founded in 1888, Bethlehem is a remarkable church with a rich history of service that goes deep into the community. Bethlehem is a beacon of light on a hill in a weary world.
Read MoreToday we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Nicholas Mays, who celebrates 57 years on May 29.
Rev. Norene Smith, who celebrates 40 years on May 29.
Rev. Leroy Rehrer, who celebrates 46 years on May 29.
Rev. Ronald Glusenkamp, who celebrates 42 years on May 29.
During the past year the Synod Council has continued to focus on the primary goals of the synod’s strategic plan – to communicate Jesus, connect people, create possibilities.
Read MoreThis week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. David Swanson, who celebrates 59 years on May 26.
Rev. Jon Clutz, who celebrates 59 years on May 27.
The Rev. Donald Bebber, St. Raphael, Benson, who celebrates 0 years on May 27.
Rev. Benjamin Bergren, Community, Las Vegas, who celebrates 25 years on May 28.
Creation Care Ambassadors (Ambassadors), trained through a certification program of Lutherans Restoring Creation (LRC) with ELCA collaborator Blessed Tomorrow, empower themselves to make a difference with tools, resources and networking to act and advocate for climate solutions. Reach out to an Ambassador to help support local congregational and synod creation care activities using the 🗺️ LRC locator map, and consider taking the free training.
Read MoreAs we get ready for assembly, be sure to visit our 2023 Synod Assembly Agenda page, where you’ll find the latest agenda. We are looking forward to gathering, doing the business of the church, recognizing our accomplishments, and welcoming our special guests.
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