Posts in Spotlight
Synod Spotlight: A Year of Ministry as your Hunger Fellow, reflections from Autumn Byars
Synod Spotlight: A Year of Ministry as your Hunger Fellow, reflections from Autumn Byars

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Autumn Byars, our Grand Canyon Synod Hunger Advocacy Fellow, for her dedicated year of service with Lutheran Advocacy Ministry of Arizona (LAMA). Her work has been an inspiring example of how mission support from congregations flows through the synod and the ELCA to return as impactful ministry in our communities. We invite you to join us in praying for Autumn’s continued good work in the church and the world.

Reflecting on a year of impactful advocacy, Autumn shares key moments, including testimony against restrictive SNAP bills and support for the Grand Canyon Food Pantry. LAMA empowers congregations to turn their faith into action, advocating for justice and food security at all levels of government.

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Grand Canyon Synod, News, SpotlightBrian FlatgardLutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA), Advocacy, Hunger, ELCA World Hunger Comment
Lutheran World Federation newsletter
Lutheran World Federation newsletter
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News, Global Church, SpotlightBrian FlatgardLutheran World FederationComment
Global Spotlight: LWF World Service Provides Compassionate Action Across the Globe
Global Spotlight: LWF World Service Provides Compassionate Action Across the Globe

LWF World Service, the humanitarian and development arm of the Lutheran World Federation, is dedicated to providing compassionate and professional assistance in 26 countries worldwide. With a focus on serving the most vulnerable, LWF World Service is renowned for its field presence in hard-to-reach areas, linking local community needs with global advocacy and peace work.

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Global Church, SpotlightBrian FlatgardLWF World Service, Lutheran World FederationComment
ELCA Spotlight: The Impact of Lutheran Services in America
ELCA Spotlight: The Impact of Lutheran Services in America

This week’s Synod Spotlight highlights Lutheran Services in America, a national network of 300 faith-based organizations that serve over 6 million people annually across the United States—one of every 50 Americans. In Arizona and Nevada, their impact is felt through member organizations that provide critical care and support to more than 64,000 people each year. View their fact sheets for Arizona and Nevada.

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ELCA, SpotlightBrian FlatgardLutheran Services in AmericaComment
For What Shall We Pray?
For What Shall We Pray?

  • For those caught in the midst of warfare and conflict, especially in Gaza, Israel, Lebanon, Iran, Iraq, Myanmar, Haiti, Russia, Ukraine, Burkina Faso, Sudan, and South Sudan…

  • For those attending or participating in the Democratic National Convention, and for all leaders in government…

  • For any countries experiencing political unrest and turmoil, especially Bangladesh…

  • For the care, safety, and well-being of women and girls around the world…

  • For those in the path of Hurricane Ernesto…

  • For the northeastern United States in the midst of record flooding…

  • For healing and protection in the wake of a new COVID variant and the Mpox virus…

  • For those experiencing extreme heat throughout different regions…

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ELCA, Prayers, SpotlightBrian FlatgardELCA Worship, For What Shall We PrayComment
Ordination celebrations: August 23-29, 2024
Ordination celebrations: August 23-29, 2024

This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:

  • Rev. Carlyle Smith, who celebrates 60 years on August 23.

  • Rev. Naomi Barcanic, who celebrates 27 years on August 24.

  • Rev. Nathan Bowman, Hospice of the West, who celebrates 39 years on August 25.

  • Rev. Sandra Jones, Bethany, Scottsdale, who celebrates 17 years on August 25.

  • Rev. John Maroni, Shepherd of the Desert, Sun City, who celebrates 19 years on August 27.

  • Rev. Michael Sager, Desert Hills, Green Valley, who celebrates 30 years on August 28.

  • Rev. Hildegardo González Gómez, who celebrates 25 years on August 28.

  • Rev. Paul Ninnemann, who celebrates 48 years on August 29.

  • Rev. Carol George, Resurrection, Oro Valley, who celebrates 25 years on August 29.

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Grand Canyon Synod, News, SpotlightBrian FlatgardOrdination AnniversariesComment
Lutheran World Federation newsletter: 8/16/2024
Lutheran World Federation newsletter: 8/16/2024
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News, Global Church, SpotlightBrian FlatgardLutheran World FederationComment
Synod Spotlight: Soreo Expands Impact, Doubling Support for Aging and Disabled in Arizona
Synod Spotlight: Soreo Expands Impact, Doubling Support for Aging and Disabled in Arizona

Soreo, a service of Mosaic, has doubled its service capacity in Arizona, expanding its in-home care for aging individuals and people with disabilities to nearly 950 people. This growth through the acquisition of Prileo reflects Mosaic’s commitment to expanding its mission and ensuring high-quality care across the state.

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Grand Canyon Synod, News, SpotlightBrian FlatgardSoreo, Mosaic, Disability Ministries, ElderlyComment
Spotlight: The Lutheran World Federation and Our Global Family
Spotlight: The Lutheran World Federation and Our Global Family

The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) unites over 77 million Lutherans across 99 countries, embodying our shared commitment to faith, justice, and service. As we highlight the global Lutheran community, we celebrate the rich history and ongoing impact of Lutherans worldwide, from the Reformation to the present day. Learn more about how the LWF addresses global challenges and how you can be part of this global mission.

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Global Church, SpotlightBrian FlatgardComment
Spotlight: The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)
Spotlight: The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)

This week’s Synod Spotlight celebrates the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), highlighting its formation in 1988, its three-part structure of congregations, synods, and churchwide organization, and its significant role in the global church through partnerships and advocacy. The ELCA continues to unite Lutherans in worship, service, and community, shaping our shared mission locally and globally.

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ELCA, SpotlightBrian FlatgardComment
Spotlight: Region 2
Spotlight: Region 2

Region 2 of the ELCA connects five synods—Grand Canyon, Sierra Pacific, Southwest California, Pacifica, and Rocky Mountain—across a vast and diverse territory. As one of the nine ELCA regions, it plays a crucial role in uniting the work of over 600 congregations, offering support and resources that strengthen the mission of the church in varied cultural and environmental contexts. This Synod Spotlight highlights the vital connections and collaborative efforts that define Region 2’s role in our shared life in the ELCA.

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Region 2, SpotlightBrian FlatgardComment
Spotlight: Grand Canyon Synod
Spotlight: Grand Canyon Synod

The Grand Canyon Synod of the ELCA is a dynamic network of Lutheran congregations across Arizona, Southern Nevada, and St. George, Utah, dedicated to doing together what we cannot do alone. This spotlight highlights our synod’s vital role in connecting and supporting congregations, fostering collaboration, and empowering our communities to live out their faith.

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Grand Canyon Synod, News, SpotlightBrian FlatgardComment
For What Shall We Pray?
For What Shall We Pray?

  • For those caught in the midst of warfare and conflict, especially in Gaza, Israel, Lebanon, Iran, Iraq, Myanmar, Haiti, Russia, Ukraine, Burkina Faso, Sudan, and South Sudan…

  • For protection for all in the path of Tropical Storm Ernesto…

  • For those affected by wildfires in Greece…

  • For safety following the earthquake felt in Syria, Jordan, and Lebanon…

  • For victims of stabbings in London, England and Eskisehir, Turkey…

  • For those grieving plane crash victims in Sao Paulo, Brazil…

  • For the United States and other countries preparing for government elections…

  • For those beginning or preparing for a new school year…

  • For those affected by the earthquake in Los Angeles and the wider area…

  • For the protection of creation, wildlife, and water sources…

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ELCA, Prayers, SpotlightBrian FlatgardELCA Worship, For What Shall We PrayComment