Spirit in the Desert Welcomes New Director of Advancement
Spirit in the Desert Welcomes New Director of Advancement

Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center is pleased to announce the appointment of Chanse Frenette as the new Director of Advancement. Chanse joined the team on August 19, 2024, bringing a wealth of experience and a passion for driving transformative growth in the non-profit sector.

Spirit in the Desert will host a welcome event on September 21, from 3:00 to 5:00 PM. The event will feature hors d'oeuvres and drinks and an opportunity to bid Solveig Muus a fond farewell while warmly welcoming Chanse into the community. We invite all community members, friends, and Spirit in the Desert supporters to join us for this special occasion. More info here.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardSpirit in the Desert Retreat CenterComment
Get Your Project Funded: Join the Grand Canyon Synod Grant Webinar on 9/17
Get Your Project Funded: Join the Grand Canyon Synod Grant Webinar on 9/17

The Grand Canyon Synod Grant application opens in September! With $175,000 in funding available, we encourage collaborative, innovative projects that align with our Strategic Plan. Attend our Grants Webinar on September 17, 2024, to learn more. Applications are due by midnight on October 18, 2024. Start planning now to support your ministry and bring new ideas to life! For more details, visit our website.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardGrants, GCS Grants ProgramComment
Register by 9/15/2024 for Prepare-Enrich Facilitator Training
Register by 9/15/2024 for Prepare-Enrich Facilitator Training

Enhance your counseling ministry by becoming a certified Prepare-Enrich Facilitator at a special training on September 27th in Oro Valley. Offered at a discounted rate to Grand Canyon Synod clergy, this workshop equips you with essential tools for effective marriage counseling and supporting families. Register by September 15th to secure your spot.

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Grand Canyon Synod, News, Leadership ResourcesBrian FlatgardResurrection Oro ValleyComment
ELCA Advocates Push for Just 2024 Farm Bill as Time Runs Short
ELCA Advocates Push for Just 2024 Farm Bill as Time Runs Short

The 2024 Farm Bill is at a critical juncture, and the ELCA is calling on Lutherans to advocate for hunger programs, rural community support, and conservation efforts. Congress will reconvene the week of September 9 for three weeks of legislative action. Take part by contacting your lawmakers and joining the ELCA Advocacy Network to ensure this vital bill reflects our faith values. Read more on the ELCA Advocacy blog.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardAdvocacy, ELCA AdvocacyComment
Luther Seminary Doctoral Student Prepares to Strengthen Caribbean Churches
Luther Seminary Doctoral Student Prepares to Strengthen Caribbean Churches

Rev. Danielle Dokman, supported by the ELCA’s International Leaders Program, is preparing to expand her leadership in Suriname and the Caribbean. Currently pursuing her doctorate in Old Testament at Luther Seminary, she aims to strengthen the visibility of the Lutheran church in society and train lay and clergy leaders. Read more about her journey and other updates from ELCA Global Mission in the latest edition of Global Links as well as updates on mission personnel and other news.

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ELCA, Global Church, NewsBrian FlatgardGlobal MissionComment
A New Feast of Creation: Churches Unite in Celebrating God’s Goodness
A New Feast of Creation: Churches Unite in Celebrating God’s Goodness

Churches across the globe may soon celebrate a new Feast of Creation. This proposed liturgical festival, championed by both Eastern and Western branches of Christianity, could be introduced in 2025 as part of the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicea. The festival would focus on honoring God’s creation and recognizing the urgent need for environmental healing. Read more at ELCA.org.

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ELCA, Global ChurchBrian FlatgardELCA Worship, Climate ChangeComment
Office of the Bishop Updates: 9/6/2024
Office of the Bishop Updates: 9/6/2024

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.

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News, Bishop Hutterer, Grand Canyon Synod, SpotlightBrian FlatgardOffice of the BishopComment
Supporting Peace and Justice: Updates from the Ground in Palestine and Israel
Supporting Peace and Justice: Updates from the Ground in Palestine and Israel

The September Sumud Newsletter calls Lutherans to speak up for peace and justice in Palestine and Israel. Updates include a $250,000 donation from Lutheran Disaster Response to support children’s education in the Holy Land, reflections on the ongoing violence, and Bishop Meghan Aelabouni’s new role in the Rocky Mountain Synod. Join us for the Global Sunday of Mutual Flourishing on October 6th by accessing worship resources at mutualflourishing.com. Read the full newsletter here.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardSumud, Israel and PalestineComment
Dream with Women of the ELCA: Answer Strategic Planning Questions
Dream with Women of the ELCA: Answer Strategic Planning Questions

This is a transitional year! Women of the ELCA has an interim executive director. We are going to hit our goal for fundraising for Katie’s Fund! And we are all wondering about the next steps for the future of WELCA. You are invited to participate in a survey to gather ideas about what WELCA is and can be! We will use this time to reflect, dream and prepare together. Take the survey, share the survey and download the QR code!

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardWomen of the ELCA (WELCA)Comment
For What Shall We Pray?
For What Shall We Pray?

  • For 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…

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