Posts in News
Manna Grant Now Open: Apply by July 31 to Fund Anti-Hunger Ministries

Now accepting applications: The 2025 Manna Grant offers up to $20,000 in total funding to Grand Canyon Synod ministries that address hunger and its root causes. Projects must demonstrate a commitment to inclusive leadership. Apply by July 31. Made possible through a legacy gift from Orpha Hoganson of Ascension Lutheran, this grant continues her mission to combat hunger with love and equity.

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Register Now: ELEA Leadership Gathering Unites Lutheran Educators Nationwide

Lutheran school leaders are invited to the ELEA Leadership Conference 2025, “Inspiring Leaders, Strengthening Faith,” held November 5–7 in Cleveland, Ohio. This national gathering offers three days of professional development, spiritual renewal, and community for educators shaping the future of Lutheran schools. Register now and join the movement to nurture the next generation of faithful leaders.

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From Scarcity to Abundance: Discovering the Gifts Your Church Already Has

Feeling like your church doesn’t have enough? Join a free webinar on Thursday, Aug. 14 at 6 p.m. Central (4 p.m. AZ)to discover the hidden resources your congregation already holds. Learn from the Kaleidoscope Institute how currencies of relationship, truth, and more can help us move from a mindset of scarcity to one of abundance. No registration required—just click to join.

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A Roadmap for ELCA Congregations: Understanding Bylaws & Continuing Resolutions

Navigating church governance can be complex, but a new resource from Pastor David Brandfass and Pastor Dan Potaznick clarifies the role of bylaws and continuing resolutions in ELCA congregations. This How-To Guide helps church leaders align their governing documents with ELCA best practices while maintaining flexibility for ministry needs. Available now at www.gcsynod.org/congregations, this resource is essential for congregational councils and leadership teams.

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A Deeper Well: Renewal and Resilience for Clergy Through Depth Psychology

A seven-week Zoom course—Renewal and Resilience: A Depth Psychology Approach for Clergy—offers active clergy a space to explore burnout, internalized pressure, and hidden congregational dynamics. Led by Rev. Richard Mallory, the program runs Tuesdays from Sept. 9–Oct. 28. Limited to 8 participants.

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Pray Without Ceasing: A Movement Rooted in Hope and Resilience

Join the Pray Without Ceasing movement—a Spirit-led call to prayer spreading across the ELCA. Weekly Zoom gatherings on Thursdays at 1:00 p.m. Central connect prayer leaders and participants from around the country. Pray for peace, for renewal, and for your neighbors. Learn more and receive the Zoom link to join in: pray-without-ceasing.org

If you have created a group, or would like more information, please contact the Director for Evangelical Mission, Pr. David Pavesic at david.pavesic@elca.org.

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Register today for "Bearing Worthy Fruit," A Retreat for Rostered Ministers with Rev. Karoline Lewis

Rostered and synodically authorized ministers are invited to “Bearing Worthy Fruit,” a fall retreat led by Rev. Karoline Lewis, October 13–15 at the Franciscan Renewal Center in Scottsdale. Together, participants will explore gender justice, embodied leadership, and preaching rooted in God’s transformation. Registration is open and act fast, as space is limited to 25 participants.

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From Curiosity to Commitment: Meet Our Diakonia Grads

Celebrate the 2025 Diakonia graduates (view grads in this PDF) with us on Saturday, June 28 at 11:00 AM MST at Our Saviour’s Lutheran in Tucson, or online via YouTube. This joyful service and luncheon, featuring a message from Bishop Hutterer, honors those completing one or two years of faith formation through the Diakonia program. RSVP by June 15 to tinag963@yahoo.com or watch the livestream.

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Ordination celebrations: June 22, 2025

Today we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:

  • Rev. Sarah Upham-Birdsall, who celebrates 23 years on June 22.

  • Rev. Matthew Dobyns, ELCA, Chicago, who celebrates 17 years on June 22.

  • Rev. Gary Hess, who celebrates 48 years on June 22.

  • Rev. Duane Peterson, who celebrates 67 years on June 22.

  • Rev. Andrew Schlecht, Maricopa, Maricopa, who celebrates 17 years on June 22.

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Ordination celebrations: June 21, 2025

Today we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:

  • Rev. Michael Johnson, who celebrates 38 years on June 21.

  • Rev. Roger Thompson, who celebrates 44 years on June 21.

  • Rev. Joseph Carucci, who celebrates 64 years on June 21.

  • Rev. Terry Pletkovich, who celebrates 44 years on June 21.

  • Rev. John Sersland, who celebrates 44 years on June 21.

  • Rev. Nancy Milleville, who celebrates 45 years on June 21.

  • Rev. Michael Girlinghouse, LCM Canterbury, Flagstaff, who celebrates 38 years on June 21.

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Apply Now: Join the Grand Canyon Synod Delegation at the 2025 ELCA Hunger Gathering

Registration is now open for the 2025 ELCA World Hunger Leadership Gathering, taking place September 18–21 in Columbus, Ohio. Centered on Micah 6:8, the gathering will unite leaders to collaborate on ending hunger and its root causes. Thanks to a sponsorship from the Northeast Valley Consortium, the Grand Canyon Synod will fully sponsor three participants. If you’re interested in attending as a representative, do not register online—instead, contact Solveig at director@lamaz.org to be considered.

This is a key opportunity to reflect, connect, and act in our shared ministry for a world without hunger. Click here for full event details.

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Experience Live from LSM this July

Join Lutheran Summer Music for our 43rd season at Valparaiso University, June 22–July 20! Can’t attend in person? Experience over 30 inspiring concerts, recitals, and worship services online through Live from LSM.

Highlights include the beloved Bach Cantata Eucharist, the Festival of Hymns, the debut Faculty Organ Recital, and Festival Week performances by the Festival Band, Orchestra, and Choir. Explore the full schedule and tune in at LSMacademy.org/2025. All events are free and available to stream live or on demand. Don’t miss this transformative celebration of music, faith, and community!

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Advocacy Following Rare Diagnosis Helped Countless Others

Although she was diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder too late to fully benefit from treatment, MaryBeth’s family became advocates that all infants be tested for the disorder. Her family has met others who, because of the now mandatory testing, started treatments as infants to counter the effects of the disorder. The post Advocacy Following Rare Diagnosis Helped Countless Others appeared first on Mosaic.

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