The Office of the Bishop staff attends the Installation of Julie Gerrish at Christ Lutheran in Sedona, Sep 8, 2024, 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM, as well as Prayer Vigils for Peace During the 2024 Election Season with UCC, Disciples of Christ, Methodist, Presbyterian, Episcopal, and ELCA at Franciscan Renewal Center, Monday, September 9, 4:45 pm.
Read MoreFor those competing and assisting with the Paralympic Games….
For the ongoing wars in Ukraine and Gaza and the end of all such conflicts….
For the family of Hersh Goldberg Polin and all those who mourn those lost to terror and violence…
For those in Los Angeles affected by mudslides and all those affected by natural disaster…
For those injured or affected by the shooting at the West Indian Day Parade in NYC and an end to gun violence…
For efforts in the English Channel to rescue migrants from a capsized boat…
For wisdom and discernment as we engage with online resources…
ELCA Advocacy harnesses the power of faith to influence public policy, working on behalf of biblical values like peacemaking, care for creation, and justice for the poor.
Read MoreThe Sierra Pacific Synod of the ELCA, encompassing nearly 180 congregations across Northern California and Northern Nevada, is a dynamic community dedicated to faith, service, and justice under the leadership of Bishop Jeff R. Johnson. The synod focuses on fostering connections, addressing social issues, and empowering congregations to make a difference in their communities.
Read MoreThis week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Barbara Duhlstine-Robarge, who celebrates 33 years on September 6.
Rev. William Phillips, Christ, Las Vegas, who celebrates 39 years on September 8.
Rev. Corazon Aguilar, Pan-Asian Ministry, Phoenix, who celebrates 29 years on September 9.
Deacon Connie Rose-Kamprath, Esperanza, Phoenix, who celebrates 32 years on September 10.
Rev. Bill Voris, who celebrates 64 years on September 11.
Deacon Ardie Senft, who celebrates 27 years on September 12.
Explore the Grand Canyon Synod’s “Church and Society” page for essential resources tailored to help our congregations navigate the complexities of an election year. Featuring guides on political discussions, reflections on Christian nationalism, and updates on elections and voting rights, this page is your go-to source for fostering safe, informed, and united church communities. Visit now to access our comprehensive collection of articles and our “Creating Space for Conversations” series, ensuring our church remains a sanctuary of dialogue during these polarizing times.
Read MoreWe uplift and pray for Rev. Diane Drach-Meinel and the people of Christ the Servant Lutheran Church in Henderson, part of the Colorado River Conference. Visit their site at cslconline.org.
Read MoreWe uplift and pray for Vicar Jarrod Iversen and the people of Central Lutheran Church in Arizona City, part of the Fiesta Conference. Visit their site at centrallutheranaz.org.
Read MorePhoto: Rev. Dr. Anne Burghardt, LWF General Secretary, delivering the keynote address at the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland during their Mission Partnership Consultation in Helsinki on 29 August.
For those experiencing difficult transitions and in need of discernment…
For those experiencing warfare and escalating violence, especially in Gaza, Russia, and Ukraine…
For those affected by the murder-suicide at Rice University…
For those threatened by the path of typhoon Shanshan in Japan…
For those experiencing difficult or extreme weather conditions, such as the Midwest, Hawaii, and Alaska…
For NASA’s efforts to retrieve its two astronauts…
For all who have served and continue to serve in our nation’s military…
ELCA World Hunger is making strides against global hunger by addressing its root causes in collaboration with global partners. Supporting over 60 countries, this initiative leverages local knowledge and church networks to implement sustainable solutions in healthcare, income generation, and more, demonstrating the power of our collective contributions.
Read MoreThe Office of the Bishop staff prepares to enter a busy September full of events.
Read MoreThe ELCA Domestic Hunger Grants support transformative projects across the U.S. and Caribbean to combat the root causes of hunger and poverty. This initiative, part of ELCA World Hunger, empowers communities with resources to create sustainable change and ensure food security, reflecting our commitment to justice and Lutheran values of accompaniment and advocacy.
Read MoreThis week’s Synod Spotlight highlights the Rocky Mountain Synod, covering five states and encompassing 153 congregations and multiple ministries. Led by Bishop Meghan Johnston Aelabouni, the RMS is a vital partner within Region 2, collaborating with the Grand Canyon Synod in a variety of ways. We celebrate this partnership and the shared mission of serving our communities through faith, justice, and vibrant ministry.
Read MoreThis week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Deacon Barbara Sikkink, who celebrates 32 years on August 30.
Deacon Janice Zimbelman, who celebrates 10 years on August 31.
Rev. Renee Geiger, who celebrates 36 years on September 1.
Rev. John Schaumburg, who celebrates 52 years on September 2.
Rev. Kirk Anderson, who celebrates 52 years on September 3.
Deacon Cathy Mannel, who celebrates 25 years on September 4.
Rev. Gregory Mannel, who celebrates 46 years on September 4.
Rev. Jeffrey Solheim, ELCA, Chicago, who celebrates 25 years on September 5.
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.
Read MoreWe uplift and pray for Rev. Daniel Hoeger and the people of All Saints Lutheran Church in Phoenix, part of the Capital Conference. Visit their site at allsaintsphoenix.org.
Read MorePhoto: Delegates from 12 LWF member churches take part in 2nd meeting of the Climate Justice Forum for Latin America and the Caribbean
New commissions to further dialogue with Roman Catholics and Pentecostals
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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