Caregivers in Northwest Maricopa: Free Training & Support Program Launching This October

Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest is offering free caregiver training for those caring for children under five in Northwest Maricopa County. Starting October 1, the seven-week program includes CPR certification, self-paced online courses, and weekly in-person sessions at Community of Grace Lutheran Church, 10561 W Pinnacle Peak Rd, Peoria, AZ 85383. Register now to gain essential skills in injury prevention, healthy eating, and emotional literacy. Visit LSS-SW Children and Family Services and view this PDF for more details.

Vote 2024: Is voting important to you?

Another new voter engagement video from LAMA! Filmed on location at the 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering, people of faith share their thoughts on the question, “Is voting important to you?”

Arizona’s Proven Voting Method: Request Your Mail-in Ballot Today

Voting by mail is a trusted option for many Arizonans, says this blog post from Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona. If you want to vote by mail in the November 5th General Election, be sure to request your ballot soon! Ballots will be mailed out starting October 7th, and the deadline to request yours is 11 days before the election. Act early to ensure your vote is counted!

Form Lasting Faith Connections This October: Lectio Divina, Enneagram, and Cohorts

This October, Thriving Leadership Formation is offering exciting opportunities to grow in faith and leadership through a Lectio Divina series (bit.ly/TLFLectioDivina), Enneagram workshops (bit.ly/TLFEnneagram), and cohort groups (bit.ly/TLFCohortGroupInterest). Sessions begin the first week of October, and all are welcome to participate.

2024 Arizona Ballot Measures: Learn, Share, and Vote with LAMA’s Guide

Arizona voters will decide on 13 ballot measures this fall. LAMA’s 2024 Voter Guide helps voters navigate these measures through a faith-based lens focused on Hunger, Water, and Civic Engagement. As people of God, ELCA members are encouraged to participate in direct democracy and vote thoughtfully. Download the guide to make informed decisions on critical issues impacting our state. Read LAMA's blog post introducing the guide here.

ELCA Bishops Lead Call for Peace Amid Political Division

ELCA bishops in Pennsylvania are leading a movement for peace in the face of growing political tension, sparked by a violent incident at a rally. Working with Lutheran Advocacy Ministry in Pennsylvania (LAMPa), they issued a joint statement calling for dialogue and dignity. The statement has garnered over 380 signatures from faith leaders and remains open for more to join. Read the original article at Living Lutheran.

ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardSeptember 18, 2024Living Lutheran, Church and SocietyComment

Northeast Valley Consortium Wraps Up 2024 Heat Respite Project

The Northeast Valley Consortium wrapped up its 2024 lunch packing series for Arizona Faith Network’s heat respite centers, providing over 2,600 lunches and vital supplies for vulnerable communities in Phoenix. Supported by local churches, grants, and donations, NEVC’s collaborative efforts exemplify the power of working together to save lives in extreme heat.

Explore New Funding Strategies for Your Ministry with "Funding Forward"

Facing financial challenges in your congregation? Grace Pomroy’s Funding Forward offers practical strategies to align your mission with your finances. Download a free chapter to explore innovative ways to foster sustainable growth and discover inspiring stories of churches overcoming financial obstacles.

Grand Canyon Synod, News, Leadership ResourcesBrian FlatgardSeptember 18, 2024faith+lead, Luther SeminaryComment

Welcoming Rev. David Pavesic: Our New DEM Begins November 1

We are excited to announce that Rev. David Pavesic will be joining the Office of the Bishop as our new Director for Evangelical Mission (DEM), beginning his service on November 1, 2024. As DEM, Rev. Pavesic will play a vital role in leading and supporting the mission and outreach efforts across our synod, fostering growth in congregational vitality and nurturing new ministries.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardSeptember 18, 2024Rev. David Pavesic Comments

Lutherans Restoring Creation: September 2024 Good Green News

Lutherans Restoring Creation share their latest Good Green News, noting that over 600 ELCA congregations have shared insights into their creation care efforts. Join them on September 24th for a virtual celebration with One Home One Future and make your voice heard by advocating for the protection of old-growth forests. Discover the full survey results, register for events, and learn more about upcoming opportunities to care for creation.

ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardSeptember 18, 2024Climate Change, Lutherans Restoring CreationComment

Synod Spotlight: Coaching for Grand Canyon Synod Rostered Leaders

Coaching provides essential support for rostered leaders in the Grand Canyon Synod, helping them grow as spiritual leaders while managing the emotional and administrative demands of ministry. With trained coaches available through Rev. Phil Gustafson, leaders can strengthen their leadership skills, manage stress, and set goals to foster thriving congregational communities. Contact Pr. Phil, Coordinator of Coaches in the Grand Canyon Synod, at pngustafson01@gmail.com to get matched with your coach.

Grand Canyon Synod, News, SpotlightBrian FlatgardSeptember 18, 2024Coaching, Grand Canyon Synod Coaching MinistryComment

Office of the Bishop Updates: 9/20/2024

The Office of the Bishop staff attends the Synod Council Retreat, and travels for work and vacation.

We also share photos from the Ordination of Daniel Volkmann in Shiner, Texas, on Sep 13, 2024, and the Installation of Rev. Doug Dill at Mountain View Lutheran, on Sep 15, 2024.

News, Bishop Hutterer, Grand Canyon Synod, SpotlightBrian FlatgardSeptember 18, 2024Office of the BishopComment

Christian Voices for Justice: Screening & Discussion on Voter Rights

Join us on Tuesday, September 24, 2024, at 5 p.m. PDT/MST (6 p.m. MDT) for a screening of Suppressed and Sabotaged: The Fight to Vote, followed by a panel discussion on combating Christian nationalism and voter suppression. This online event, hosted by the BJC Center for Faith, Justice and Reconciliation, will offer insights and action steps to protect democracy and voter rights. Register today and help spread the word!

The Backbone of the Mosaic Workforce

We’re in Direct Support Professional Recognition Week. DSPs are the backbone of our workforce, and without them we could not accomplish our mission to love and serve others. The post The Backbone of the Mosaic Workforce appeared first on Mosaic.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardSeptember 17, 2024Disability Ministries, MosaicComment

Half a Century of Faith: Tanque Verde Lutheran Church Marks 50th Anniversary

Tanque Verde Lutheran Church celebrates its 50th anniversary this fall with a special worship service on Sunday, September 29 at 10:00 AM, followed by a banquet. Join the TVLC community in reflecting on five decades of ministry and celebrating the continued work of God’s grace. For more information, visit TVLC’s event page.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardSeptember 17, 2024Kino Conference, Tanque Verde TucsonComment

Administration Matters: September 2024

The latest "Administration Matters" issue from the ELCA covers vital church administration topics including:

ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardSeptember 17, 2024Administration MattersComment

Empowering a New Generation | Empoderando a una Nueva Generación

In celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month which is celebrated in the United States September 15- October 15, ELCA Racial Justice shares an article which is cross-posted from Living Lutheran. The original post can be found here.

ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardSeptember 17, 2024Racial Justice, Racial Justice Ministries, ELCA Racial Justice MinistriesComment

Created to Be: wHoly You

The ELCA Disability Ministries blog post for this month is a sermon preached by Pastor Mack Patrick at the opening worship at the tAble, a pre-event to the 2024 Youth Gathering. Based on Psalm 139, it grounded attendees and staff in their time together, exploring “how we are created to be wHoly”.

ELCA, Letters, NewsBrian FlatgardSeptember 17, 2024Disability Ministries, ELCA Disability MinistriesComment

Mark Your Calendars: 2025 Bishop’s Fall Gathering at the Franciscan Renewal Center

The 2025 Bishop’s Fall Gathering will take place from September 29 through October 1 at the Franciscan Renewal Center in Scottsdale. This annual event offers a time of spiritual renewal, theological reflection, and fellowship for all within the Grand Canyon Synod. Mark your calendars, and stay tuned for more details!

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardSeptember 17, 20242025 Bishop's Fall GatheringComment