Rev. Eugene Cho Headlines Arizona Faith Network Event on Peacemaking: Register Today

Join the Arizona Faith Network Annual Gathering on December 9 at the Franciscan Renewal Center in Scottsdale, AZ, or online. Under the theme Building Bridges, Breaking Barriers: Peacemakers in Action, Rev. Eugene Cho, President of Bread for the World, will guide attendees in addressing the root causes of conflict and injustice in today’s world. Faith communities are invited to register now, as spots are filling quickly. For faith-based organizations, exhibitor and sponsorship opportunities offer a valuable platform to connect.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardDecember 3, 2024Arizona Faith Network, Ecumenical and Inter-Religious RelationsComment

Lutheran Advocacy Day 2025: Join Us at the Arizona Capitol for Justice and Faith

Join Lutherans and friends across Arizona for Lutheran Advocacy Day on February 10, 2025, at Wesley Bolin Plaza in Phoenix. From 8:30 am to 1:00 pm, engage in our call to justice as we meet legislators, pray for those who serve, and connect with Lutheran Advocacy Ministry in Arizona leaders. Register today to be part of this impactful day of faith and advocacy.

Join Us in Honoring Dr. King’s Legacy at Our Celebration of Diversity

Save the date for the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration of Diversity on Sunday, January 19, 2025, from 3-5 pm in each respective time zone. Hosted at King of Glory Lutheran Church in Tempe, with Bishop Yehiel Curry preaching, and Holy Spirit Lutheran Church in Las Vegas with a keynote from Trey Austin (COGIC), this event invites us to come together to honor Dr. King’s legacy of justice, love, and unity. Join us as we celebrate our shared mission for equality and diversity within our faith community. More details coming soon!

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardDecember 3, 2024Racial Justice, MLKComment

Lutheran World Federation newsletter

News, Global Church, SpotlightBrian FlatgardDecember 2, 2024Lutheran World FederationComment

Celebrate Advent with Daily Messages of Joy from Around the World

This Advent, join The Lutheran World Federation on a journey of joy and hope. From December 1–24, LWF’s Advent Calendar will feature daily video messages from global voices, sharing theological reflections and personal stories on what joy means in their contexts. Visit LWF’s Advent Calendar to participate, and read more about the project here.

Global Church, NewsBrian FlatgardDecember 2, 2024Lutheran World Federation, 2024 Advent and ChristmasComment

Experience Advent Hope at Faith Lutheran in Phoenix on December 18th

Take a break from the season’s busyness to reflect on Advent’s hope and anticipation. Faith Lutheran Church in Phoenix invites you to a candlelit Service of Advent Lessons & Carols on Wednesday, December 18th, at 7:00 p.m. Experience scripture, song, and the timeless beauty of this cherished tradition. All are welcome!

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardDecember 2, 20242024 Advent and Christmas, Faith Phoenix, Capital ConferenceComment

Experience Christmas in German Tradition at Mountain View Lutheran in Ahwatukee

Join Mountain View Lutheran Church in Ahwatukee on Sunday, December 15, for a German-language Christmas service and carol sing-along! Starting at 4:10 pm, this special gathering will celebrate Advent with traditional German carols and worship, offering a beautiful experience of faith and community. For more details, visit weihnachtsgottesdienstphoenix.com.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardDecember 2, 20242024 Advent and ChristmasComment

Uniting Lutheran and Episcopal Voices: Advent Service of Hope and Peace

Join churches in Chandler and Mesa for “Anticipation, Hope & Peace: Advent Lessons and Carols” on December 8 at 5:00 PM at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church in Chandler. This collaborative service, uniting Lutheran and Episcopal congregations, offers an evening of scripture, music, and reflection. All are welcome to experience the Advent season through both traditions, celebrating the hope and peace that unite us.

Victorian Carolers Bring Classic Christmas Magic to Mountain View Lutheran in Phoenix

Join us on Friday, December 6, at 6:30 PM at Mountain View Lutheran Church in Phoenix for the Victorian Carolers Christmas Concert—a free evening of festive music, heartwarming songs, and a Christmas singalong. This talented ensemble of nine classically trained musicians brings joy and nostalgia through traditional carols and holiday favorites. Celebrate the season with us in this joyful community event! Learn more at mvlutheran.org.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardDecember 2, 20242024 Advent and Christmas, Mountain View Phoenix, Fiesta ConferenceComment

Celebrate Advent with Jazz and Generosity at Mount of Olives

Join Mount of Olives in Phoenix for Wednesday Evening Jazz Vespers through Advent, featuring live jazz performances, contemplative worship, and fellowship. Free and open to all, each evening begins at 5:30 p.m. with refreshments following. Donations support the church’s Food Pantry, helping over 150 families weekly.

Daily Devotions During Advent from Spirit in the Desert

Spirit offers an Advent-specific daily devotion via email beginning Sunday, December 1 and ending on Christmas Day. If you would like to receive a special devotional reflection by Pr. Steve Holm in your inbox each day during Advent, register here.

Advent Continues: Finding Rest and Renewal

This Monday, December 9, at 12:00 PM AZ/MST, Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center invites you to the second session of Restore Our Hope: Advent Centering Prayer. This week’s theme focuses on slowing down in a world consumed by busyness and productivity. Through guided meditation and communal centering prayer, rediscover stillness and trust in God’s abundant grace. Register now to join this time of prayerful waiting.

Prayers for Community of Grace Lutheran Church in Peoria

We uplift and pray for Rev. Timothy Wright, Rev. Jose Valenzuela, Rev. Joshua Pontious and the people of Community of Grace Lutheran Church in Peoria, part of the Cactus Conference.

Grand Canyon Synod, Prayers, SpotlightBrian FlatgardDecember 2, 2024Community of Grace Peoria, Cactus ConferenceComment

Faith Lens: Breaking Into Our Lives

Advent begins with a promise: God breaking into our world, transforming chaos into hope. This season also marks the renewal of Faith Lens, now offering concise devotions linking Scripture and current events. From Notre Dame’s restoration to the struggles of Gaza and Haiti, God’s presence reminds us that endings signal new beginnings. Explore more and share your feedback to shape the future of Faith Lens.

Worship Resources, ELCA, ResourcesBrian FlatgardDecember 2, 2024Faith Lens, Youth and Young Adult, 2024 Advent and ChristmasComment

Supporting ELCA Ministries: Giving Strategies for 2024 and Beyond

As 2024 draws to a close, the ELCA Foundation is offering a range of impactful and tax-advantaged ways to support ministries that matter to you. From IRA distributions to gifts of appreciated securities, there are options to maximize your giving while reducing taxes. Key deadlines for year-end gifts are fast approaching, so now is the time to act. Looking ahead, new opportunities like increased QCD limits in 2025 offer even more flexibility for generosity. Learn more about these strategies and contact Lisa Higginbotham for personalized guidance. Read the full newsletter.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardNovember 29, 2024Stewardship, ELCA FoundationComment

For What Shall We Pray?

For lasting peace in Gaza, and for an end to all war and violence around the world…
For immigrants, refugees, and all migrants seeking safety and stability…
For the continued work of the ELCA’s Truth and Healing Movement, and for rights and restoration for indigenous peoples…
For healing and cooperation in American politics…
For the dignity of all people, and especially for LGBTQIA+ individuals and communities…
In gratitude for all of God’s gifts, and for our generous hearts and responsible stewardship…
For Advent watching and waiting as we long for hope and peace to prevail on earth…

ELCA, Prayers, SpotlightBrian FlatgardNovember 27, 2024ELCA Worship, For What Shall We PrayComment

Reclaiming Advent — Simple Church Activities for Sacred Presence

In this episode of the Pivot Podcast, Rev. Dr. Steve Thomason shares how to simplify Advent with art, stillness, and meaningful spiritual practices.

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.

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.

ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardNovember 27, 2024Where Your Heart Is, ELCA Congregational Stewardship Support, StewardshipComment

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.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardNovember 27, 20242024 Advent and Christmas, Climate Change, Lutherans Restoring CreationComment

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