Posts in Resources
Form A & C Reports filing system shuts down on June 11, 2021

The filing system for Form A & C Parochial Reports on the ELCA.org Office of the Secretary resource page shuts down for the year on June 11, 2021. Forms should be submitted electronically before that date in order to be included in the 2020 ELCA statistics.

Thank you for your work with these reports. We know 2020 will be an interesting year. If your congregation did not receive your password from ELCA Churchwide, or if you have any questions, please contact Theresa Thornburgh in the synod office.

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“River of Life” Vacation Bible School At-Home Guide

The at-home guide for ELCA World Hunger’s “River of Life” Vacation Bible School program for 2021 is now available for download.

This at-home guide is a supplemental resource for the full “River of Life VBS leader’s guide and includes modified activities, suggestions for online and at-home VBS, links to new videos and tips for parents, caregivers and other adults leading VBS with children at home!

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Want to offer your congregation a chance to deepen, strengthen, and stretch their faith?

GCS Diakonia believes that through the proper formation and with the right education, lay ministry is an invaluable asset to your congregation, and the church as a whole. If you are interested in finding out how your involvement in Diakonia can help your church do God's work with our hands, check out our website for more information: diakoniaaz.org.

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Caring for Creation page available on gcsynod.org

We’re pleased to launch a dedicated page on our site to caring for creation and climate change. This new page provides an archive of resources and letters on the subject of care for creation.

Caring for God's creation is an ever-evolving topic in this world, as climate change accelerates changes and our we further understand how human’s influence on the health of our planet. View the page here.

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Apply for Open Doors: ministry grants for congregations

Your congregation is invited to apply for an Open Doors grant to support your ministries as we resume in-person worship and gatherings.

How can we meet new people, especially as we crave community following a time of unprecedented isolation? How might we stay connected with people who have not visited our church buildings but joined us online? Have an idea? Apply and learn more at ELCA.org/OpenDoors.

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GCS Diakonia program prepares for Fall Term

Martin Luther himself said, "A simple layman armed with Scripture is greater than the mightiest pope without it." At Diakonia, we agree, and support GCS pastors and congregations by educating individuals on the more nuanced aspects of lay ministry.

If you or someone you know is looking for a rich, theological education, a deepened appreciation of the Bible, and clarity in forms of grace-filled service, check out this two-year program. Classes start in September, visit diakoniaaz.org for more info.

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Application window now open for Domestic Hunger Grants

The application window for the 2022 ELCA World Hunger Domestic Hunger Grants is now open. Visit ELCA.org/domestichungergrants to learn more about the grants and how to apply.

Organizations applying for an ELCA grant for the first time must register by setting up an account in ELCA GrantMaker in order to access the Domestic Hunger Grant application.

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Co-Creating the Post-COVID World / Creando un mundo pos-COVID juntos

Join a conversation (4/27/2021 or 4/28/2021) about the role of the church in the transformation of our communities, facilitated by Rev. Dr. Ray Pickett, Rector at Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary and Desta Goehner, Director of Congregational Relations at Cal Lutheran. View flyer in English or Spanish.

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Applications due 4/20/2021 for Vital Right-Shaped Ministry Vitality and Innovation Grants

These grants are intended to help congregations become vital and healthy by defining their values, strengthening their mission, noticing their context, and evaluating their ministry. Click to download the application as a Word document.

We hope that you and your community will be innovative and think outside the box. Applications are due by April 20, 2021.

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Stewardship for All Seasons registration deadline set for April 23, 2021

Generous scholarships for congregations are available for congregations interested in the Stewardship for All Seasons program. Learn how to do year-round, ongoing stewardship, which results in more money for ministry.

For more information and a brochure about the program, please visit gcsynod.org/stewardship-for-all-seasons.

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We believe in the Holy Spirit: A global conversation on being Lutheran

The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) is engaged in a global study of contemporary Lutheran identities as they are lived in local church contexts. Between now and June you are invited to take part in a larger conversation, with a discussion guide titled We Believe in the Holy Spirit: Welcome to a Global Conversation on Being Lutheran.

This guide will help lead your congregation’s Christian education and/or youth group on a journey of mutual discovery and learning. View/download the guide.

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Lilly 3E Vital Right-Shaped Ministry Vitality and Innovation Grants

The New and Renewing Team of the Grand Canyon Synod is excited to announce the Lilly 3E Vital Right-Shaped Ministry (VRSM) Vitality and Innovation Grants. Click to download the application as a Word document.

Two Zoom information sessions will be offered about the grants, click a date to register: Thurs., 3/25/2021 @ 6 pm MST/PDT and Thurs., 4/8/2021 @ 1:30pm MST/PDT. Once registered, you will receive an email with your unique link to join the meeting.

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In Solidarity: Anti-Racism Training

Leaders are invited to an anti-racism training workshop each Saturday in May, 2021. The 1.5 hour workshops are led by Reverend Joan Crawford, whose ministry includes promoting interracial healing and dialogue. Spiritual leaders will be equipped to engage in conversations within their communities.

Hosted by Phoenix Fusion, the cost is $40/person, with attendance capped at 60 participants. Download the flyer and visit gcsynod.org/solidarity for more info.

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Stewardship for All Seasons registration is now open

The Grand Canyon Synod is pleased to announce that the registration for the next cohort of Stewardship for All Seasons is now open. For more information and a brochure about the program, please visit gcsynod.org/stewardship-for-all-seasons.

If you have questions do not hesitate to contact Pr. Miguel Gomez-Acosta at miguel.gomez-acosta@elca.org. The deadline to sign up is April 5th, 2021. First meeting will be May 8th, 2021.

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