New Spirit Lutheran Church in Tucson shares a video of their Blessings in a Backpack program for their annual report to the assembly.
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The theme of our 2024 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly, “Embody the Word,” serves as a powerful reminder of the vibrant faith we have been gifted through our baptism into Jesus Christ. It's a call to open ourselves to God's transformative power, enabling us to boldly embody our true purpose as individuals and as the Body of Christ.
As disciples within the ELCA, we are called to courageously articulate the truths and beliefs deeply rooted in our faith. In our divided world, and even within our congregations, silence can often widen gaps of misunderstanding and division more than the spoken word. It is crucial that we not retreat from our responsibility to voice justice, peace, and reconciliation.
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There are many ways generosity is expressed in the church. The gift of leadership is offered by each conference dean, team & committee member, council member, and worship leader. The gift of time is offered by every attendee of Synod Assembly and volunteers who serve our neighbors. The gift of money is offered by weekly offering to the congregation, congregational mission support to the synod, mission support tithe to churchwide ministry, extraordinary gifts from congregations & donors, and planned gifts that continue a legacy of love in Christ.
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Lutheran Campformation shares a video as part of their annual report for the 2024 Synod Assembly.
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University of Arizona Lutheran Campus Ministry shares a video as part of their annual report for the 2024 Synod Assembly.
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Luther Seminary shares a video as part of their annual report for the 2024 Synod Assembly.
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Mosaic shares a video as part of their annual report for the 2024 Synod Assembly.
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Santa Trinidad shares a video as part of their annual report for the 2024 Synod Assembly.
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First Place shares a video of their 2024 Discipleship Event as part of their annual report for the 2024 Synod Assembly.
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Holy Trinity Lutheran shares a video of their 2024 Discipleship Event as part of their annual report for the 2024 Synod Assembly.
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In a year of uncertainty in government and politics, in climate, war and the global economy, and perhaps in the ways we view church together, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona highlights a few of the many reasons to be encouraged about our synod’s engagement in Lutheran advocacy. View in this post or this PDF.
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Pastor Jacqui Pagel, Bishop’s Associate for Candidacy and Faith Formation, reports significant strides in nurturing leadership and spiritual development across the Grand Canyon Synod. The Candidacy program is flourishing, with 27 candidates poised for pastoral roles, and anticipates ordaining deacons for the first time in fourteen years. Additionally, the Grand Canyon Synod is among the top ten synods for candidate numbers.
Efforts in Lutheran Campus Ministry have continued robustly despite pastoral retirements, maintaining vital support and faith exploration spaces for students across multiple campuses. Pastor Jacqui also highlights the impactful financial support provided to seminary students through the Funds for Leaders program, alleviating the burden of educational expenses. Her report encapsulates our synod’s ongoing commitment to forming faith-filled leaders equipped to serve and enrich their communities.
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Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary shares their 2024 Annual Report via a just-released YouTube video.
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The congregations of the Grand Canyon Synod actively engage with and support many programs globally. Whether it be a direct congregational relationship or project outside the US or programs and partnerships attached to the synod, the ELCA or the Lutheran World Federation!
The Global Engagement team works to support these efforts and our ongoing companion synod relationships; we also support the ELCA Young Adults in Global Mission (YAGM) program and other ELCA Global Mission programs.
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Thriving Leadership Formation, supported by a significant grant from the Lilly Endowment, continues to foster spiritual and leadership growth within our synod through its diverse initiatives and events. In the past year, this program, housed at Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary and California Lutheran University, has significantly impacted pastoral and lay leadership across ELCA Regions 1 and 2. Under the leadership of Pastor Lourdes Olson, among others, the program has engaged numerous leaders in spiritual practices and community building, helping them to thrive in their congregational roles. View their full annual report in this PDF.
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For their annual report, Prince of Peace Lutheran in Phoenix shares a video from their 8th Arcadia Cares Food for Kidz Packathon that was held on March 1-2, 2024. The 2025 Arcadia Cares packathon is scheduled for February 28 and March 1 at Prince of Peace.
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In the past year, 1517 Media has continued to enrich spiritual life across our Synod with diverse offerings. Their “All Creation Sings” initiative provides a broad array of worship and prayer resources tailored for all age groups, enhancing congregational activities and personal devotion. View their full annual report in this PDF.
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The Diakonia Program is a 40+ year old ministry within the ELCA committed to fostering learning environments for followers of Jesus to grow in faith. The program has recently added new course curriculum and more flexibility with a Foundation Year and optional subsequent Practical Year tracks. View their full annual report in this PDF.
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The Grand Canyon Synod Transition Team, led by Bishop Deborah Hutterer and key leaders, continues to guide congregations during a period of significant change in the call process. View their full annual report in this PDF.
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Global Refuge, formerly known as Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service, continues its longstanding mission of providing sanctuary and support to refugees and immigrants. In 2023, through the dedication of partners and Lutheran communities, Global Refuge successfully reunited over 17,000 children with their families or placed them in loving foster homes, welcomed 11,200+ refugees from diverse global regions, and assisted 11,700+ individuals seeking safety from Central America and beyond. View their full annual report here and their synod letter here.
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