Northeast Valley Consortium Supports Hunger Advocacy with $2,000 Grant
Northeast Valley Consortium Supports Hunger Advocacy with $2,000 Grant

The Northeast Valley Consortium, a coalition of five Phoenix-area Lutheran churches, has pledged $2,000 to support the Grand Canyon Synod Hunger Leaders Network’s participation in the 2025 ELCA World Hunger Leaders Gathering. In addition to hunger advocacy, NEVC expanded its summer lunch packs and heat relief efforts in 2024, showcasing the power of collaboration in combating food insecurity and building resilient communities. Read more about how this partnership embodies being “church together” on the Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona site.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardNortheast Valley Conference, Northeast Valley Consoritum, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA), HungerComment
Hinge Times: Embracing Stories of Faith and Generosity This Season
Hinge Times: Embracing Stories of Faith and Generosity This Season

November is a “hinge time” — a moment to reflect on stories that inspire faith and generosity as we enter Advent. This month’s Where Your Heart Is newsletter offers stewardship insights, including tips for year-end giving, upcoming webinars on generosity and financial literacy, and reflections on Advent lectionary texts. Discover how narratives of courage and divine promise can transform your ministry.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardWhere Your Heart Is, ELCA Congregational Stewardship Support, StewardshipComment
Lutherans Restoring Creation: Advent Opportunities to Renew and Reflect
Lutherans Restoring Creation: Advent Opportunities to Renew and Reflect

This Advent season, Lutherans Restoring Creation invites you to join their circle of care. Participate in the Our Kairos Moment study group on December 17th, focusing on climate change and public health, or fill up with “Festive Fuel” on December 27th for fellowship and renewal. Share and receive sustenance by contributing favorite recipes, hymns, and inspiring resources to their interactive Padlet board. Learn more and register today.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian Flatgard2024 Advent and Christmas, Climate Change, Lutherans Restoring CreationComment
El tiempo es un regalo en el Adviento | Time is a gift this Advent
El tiempo es un regalo en el Adviento | Time is a gift this Advent

La escritora y artista Kristina Díaz crea una experiencia de Adviento centrada en objetos que nos conectan con las personas que amamos. Ella escribe: "Sentarse con objetos que guardan recuerdos puede recordarnos nuestra historia y hacernos volver a los momentos y seres queridos que extrañamos". Participe en esta acción especial de Adviento descargando un calendario de Adviento semanal disponible en inglés y en español. Leer más.

Writer and artist Kristina Diaz creates an Advent experience focused on objects that connect us to the people we love. She writes, "Sitting with objects that hold memories can remind us of our story and bring us back to the moments and loved ones we miss." Participate in this special Advent action by downloading a weekly Advent calendar available in English and Spanish. Read more.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardEspañol, Women of the ELCA (WELCA), 2024 Advent and ChristmasComment
Rediscover the Heart of Advent with Faith+Lead's 4-Day Mindful Challenge
Rediscover the Heart of Advent with Faith+Lead's 4-Day Mindful Challenge

Pause and reflect this Advent season with the 4-Day Mindful Advent Challenge from Faith+Lead. Beginning December 2nd, this free devotional series will guide you through Advent’s themes of hope, peace, joy, and love with contemplative art by Pastor Steve Thomason, daily prayers, and simple practices. Visit faithlead.org/2024-advent to sign up and start this season with stillness and renewal.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian Flatgard2024 Advent and Christmas, faith+lead, Luther SeminaryComment
The 2024 Vine Deloria Jr. Symposium: Challenging Perspectives, Building Bridges
The 2024 Vine Deloria Jr. Symposium: Challenging Perspectives, Building Bridges

This week, we highlight Indigenous voices and theological insights from the 2024 Vine Deloria Jr. Theological Symposium. Watch Star Eschiti share her vision for Native youth, explore a panel discussion on Vine Deloria Jr.’s Custer Died for Your Sins, and hear Rev. Dr. Robert O. Smith discuss Red Power, Black Power, and critical race theory. Discover how these conversations challenge and inspire our journey toward justice and reconciliation.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardAmerican Indian Alaska Native Lutheran Association, American Indian and Alaska Native, ELCA Indigenous Ministries and Tribal RelationsComment
Making Room for All: An Advent Pilgrimage of Justice and Peace
Making Room for All: An Advent Pilgrimage of Justice and Peace

Join the ELCA Sumud and ELCA Young Adults this Advent for a powerful spiritual journey exploring Bethlehem and the Holy Land through reflections, webinars, and theological resources. Starting Nov. 30, this series invites us to make room for justice and peace in our lives. Learn more and download the Advent Devotional Guide.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardSumud, Israel and Palestine, ELCA Young Adults, Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land, 2024 Advent and ChristmasComment
Advent Begins: Restore Our Hope with Centering Prayer
Advent Begins: Restore Our Hope with Centering Prayer

Advent is here! Join Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center this Monday, December 2, at 12:00 PM AZ/MST for Restore Our Hope: Advent Centering Prayer. This week, we reflect on a world marked by isolation, comparison, and fear, as we pray for connection, compassion, and liberation. Begin the season with 30 minutes of song, prayer, and quiet reflection. Register here to receive the Zoom link.

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Grand Canyon Synod, News, Resources, Worship ResourcesBrian Flatgard2024 Advent and Christmas, Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center, Worship ResourcesComment
Celebrate the Season: Explore Our Advent and Christmas Highlights
Celebrate the Season: Explore Our Advent and Christmas Highlights

Discover the Grand Canyon Synod’s 2024 Advent and Christmas hub! This special section of our site gathers worship resources, event calendars, and inspiring stories to guide you through this holy season. Visit gcsynod.org/2024-advent-christmas to explore and share your own events or reflections with the synod. Let’s prepare our hearts together for the coming of Christ!

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Grand Canyon Synod, News, Leadership ResourcesBrian Flatgard2024 Advent and ChristmasComment
Lifting Voices for Justice: ELCA Advocacy on Child Hunger, DACA, and More
Lifting Voices for Justice: ELCA Advocacy on Child Hunger, DACA, and More

From combating child hunger to advocating for climate action and justice for Dreamers, the ELCA continues to live out its call to serve neighbors and proclaim God’s peace. This month’s highlights include updates from COP29, work on U.S.-Israel humanitarian aid, and support for DACA protections. Learn how Lutherans are putting faith into action and how you can join the effort.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardAdvocacy, ELCA AdvocacyComment
Ordination celebrations: November 29 – December 5, 2024
Ordination celebrations: November 29 – December 5, 2024

This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:

  • Rev. Brian Weinberger, Bethlehem, Mesa, who celebrates 16 years on November 29.

  • Rev. Naomi Hartman, Church of the Foothills, Tucson, who celebrates 15 years on November 29.

  • Deacon April Boyden, who celebrates 35 years on December 1.

  • Rev. Lars Hammar, Lord of Grace, Tucson, who celebrates 25 years on December 5.

  • Rev. Joshua Pontious, Community of Grace, Peoria, who celebrates 3 years on December 5.

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Grand Canyon Synod, News, SpotlightBrian FlatgardOrdination AnniversariesComment
2024 LSM Musical Advent Calendar available in December
2024 LSM Musical Advent Calendar available in December

Experience the anticipation and hope of the Advent season with Lutheran Summer Music's fourth-annual Musical Advent Calendar. From December 1-24, immerse yourself in a daily moment of music and reflection shared on our Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube pages and archived on our website at LSMacademy.org/acal. 

To have these daily videos delivered straight to your inbox, sign up here.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardLutheran Summer Music, Worship Resources, 2024 Advent and ChristmasComment
ELCA World Hunger provides Advent and Lent Resources
ELCA World Hunger provides Advent and Lent Resources

New resources are now available from ELCA World Hunger to enrich the life of your congregation in Advent 2024 and Lent 2025. As congregations across the ELCA creatively find new ways to lean into the future, we are eager to equip leaders with ELCA World Hunger resources for the important church seasons of Advent and Lent.

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ELCA, News, Leadership ResourcesBrian FlatgardHunger, ELCA World Hunger, 2025 Lent, 2024 Advent and ChristmasComment
Find Healing and Strength: ELCA Coaching Offers Free Support for Church Leaders
Find Healing and Strength: ELCA Coaching Offers Free Support for Church Leaders

Facing transitions and challenges in ministry? ELCA Coaching offers free individual coaching sessions and Supportive Spaces, a six-week support group for church leaders. These programs provide a safe space to reflect, process grief, and find renewal with the help of certified coaches. Next Supportive Spaces cohort begins December 5. Sign up today to invest in your well-being and leadership.

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ELCA, Leadership Resources, NewsBrian FlatgardCoaching, ELCA CoachingComment
Lutheran World Federation newsletter
Lutheran World Federation newsletter
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News, Global Church, SpotlightBrian FlatgardLutheran World FederationComment