This week we celebrate the ordination anniversary of Rev. Ryan Hersch, Peace, Peoria, who celebrates 21 years on September 27.
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We uplift and pray for Rev. Jeffery Gallen and the people of Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church in Goodyear, part of the Cactus Conference. Visit their site at christevangelical.org.
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We uplift and pray for Rev. Patricia Lowe and the people of Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Prescott Valley, part of the High Country Conference. Visit their site at elcpvaz.org.
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We uplift and pray for Rev. William Phillips and the people of Christ Lutheran Church in Las Vegas, part of the Colorado River Conference. Visit their site at christlasvegas.org.
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The Office of the Bishop gathers for an in-person staff meeting, and celebrates Tanque Verde Lutheran Church Marking their 50th Anniversary, Sep 29, 2024, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM.
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The 2024 Africa Lutheran Church Leadership Consultation is taking place in Abuja, Nigeria, from September 18 to 22, under the theme “We, who are many, are one body.” This gathering of 90 African Lutheran leaders aims to strengthen unity within the church while exploring how diversity enhances their collective mission. Leaders from various church sectors are participating in dialogues and reflections to empower their ministries across the African Lutheran communion.
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ELCA Coaching offers personalized support to church leaders, helping them grow in their roles and strengthen their ministries. Explore how coaching can empower your leadership and ministry by visiting ELCA Coaching’s website, and don't miss their weekly Wednesday noon Zoom events.
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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.
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For peace in our world, especially in Gaza and Israel, Ukraine and Russia, Syria, Sudan, Myanmar, and all areas of conflict…
For Shanghai and all in the path of Typhoon Bebinca…
For those affected by the Houston pipleline explosion…
For the safety of political leaders amidst threats of violence…
For the Haitian community of Springfield, OH; for Wittenberg University and all schools and institutions under threat…
For those affected by flooding in Central Europe and in the mid-Atlantic region of the United States…
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.
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This week, our Synod Spotlight highlights California Lutheran University (Cal Lutheran). Cal Lutheran, a Hispanic-Serving Institution since 2016, fosters personal and academic growth for students from around the world, with six schools and colleges dedicated to transformative education.
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This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Judith Rainforth, Christ the Lord, Carefree, who celebrates 21 years on September 21.
Rev. Gary Ulrich, who celebrates 45 years on September 24.
We uplift and pray for Rev. Kim Taylor and the people of American Lutheran Church in Tucson, part of the Kino Conference. Visit their site at godsplaceforgrace.org.
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We uplift and pray for Rev. Brian Weinberger and the people of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Mesa, part of the Rio Salado Conference. Visit their site at blcmesa.org.
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Photo: Floods, caused by heavy rains, impacted the Far North region of Cameroon.
AI and Church Communication: Balancing Innovation with Connection
This week our global spotlight is on Bishop Leila Ortiz, the first Latina bishop in the ELCA, who blends her Pentecostal upbringing with Lutheran theology to create a ‘Luthercostal’ ministry that emphasizes grace, justice, and spiritual renewal. Now serving on the Lutheran World Federation Council, she provides fresh leadership and perspective on global church challenges.
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The Office of the Bishop celebrates the Ordination of Daniel Volkmann in Shiner, Texas, on Sep 13, 2024, and the Installation of Rev. Doug Dill at Mountain View Lutheran, Sep 15, 2024, 10:30 AM.
We also share photos from the Installation of Julie Gerrish at Christ Lutheran in Sedona, Prayer Vigils for Peace During the 2024 Election Season in Paradise Valley and the Annual Conference for ELCA Chinese Pastors and Lay Leaders.
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Our ELCA spotlight is on the upcoming social statement, Civic Life and Faith, which explores the role of church and state. The feedback period is open until September 30, 2024. Participate by reviewing the draft and providing feedback. Visit elca.org/civicsandfaith for more details.
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For peace in our world, especially in Gaza and Israel, Ukraine and Russia, Syria, Sudan, Myanmar, and all areas of conflict…
For those in the path of Tropical Storm Francine…
For those affected by the wildfires in California and western states…
For victims of Typhoon Yagi in Vietnam and for relief and recovery efforts…
For families grieving victims of a capsized migrant boat off the coast of Senegal…
For victims of gun violence, especially in Winder, GA, and Omaha, NE, and London, KY…
For national politics during this election season…
For those navigating times of transition and in need of discernment…
Apply Now for the Manna Grant! Organized congregations, SAWCs, and special ministries in the Grand Canyon Synod are invited to apply for the Manna Grant, which provides funding for hunger relief projects that also address systemic root causes of hunger. Applications are due by September 13, 2024. Approximately $20,000 is available in total funding. Download the application form and apply today!
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