Posts tagged Stewardship
December 2024 Mission Support Memo
December 2024 Mission Support Memo

In our December 2024 Mission Support Memo hear from Bishop Laurie Larson Caesar of our Oregon Synod, telling her story of joyful and important accompaniment with the Evangelical Church of the Augsburg Confession in Poland. Explore the eight enlightening things she learned about Poland and Polish Lutherans.

We are grateful how Mission Support connects us globally. You can also find out about an exciting series on aligning your pocketbook with your values, so learn how to join January 13th to explore “6 Weeks on Money.”

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardMission Support, ELCA Mission Support Team, StewardshipComment
Make a Difference Before 2024 Ends: Tax-Savvy Giving Options for Lutherans
Make a Difference Before 2024 Ends: Tax-Savvy Giving Options for Lutherans

Looking to make a difference and save on taxes before 2024 ends? Discover smart ways to give that benefit both you and the ELCA ministries you care about. From simple cash donations to leveraging appreciated securities, gift annuities, and IRA contributions, these giving options can maximize your impact. Contact Lisa Marie Higginbotham, our Regional Gift Planner, to explore how you can contribute meaningfully this holiday season.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardELCA Foundation, StewardshipComment
Supporting ELCA Ministries: Giving Strategies for 2024 and Beyond
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.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardStewardship, ELCA FoundationComment
Supporting ELCA Ministries: Giving Strategies for 2024 and Beyond
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.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardStewardship, ELCA FoundationComment
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
November 2024 Mission Support Memo: Mission Support Connects Digitally Near and Far
November 2024 Mission Support Memo: Mission Support Connects Digitally Near and Far

In our November 2024 Mission Support Memo we share a story about how the Accident-Friendsville Parish, in our West Virginia - Western Maryland Synod, was able to equip their rural congregations with digital technology and stream to reach out to member near and far. Plus consider attending a webinar on November 18th on “Theology and Practicality of Space Usage” (it will also be recorded so feel free to register to get the link).

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardMission Support, ELCA Mission Support Team, StewardshipComment
Living Christ’s Legacy: A Seed of Hope for Future Leaders
Living Christ’s Legacy: A Seed of Hope for Future Leaders

Living Christ Lutheran Church in Flagstaff has left a lasting legacy with the creation of the Living Christ Leadership Endowment, a fund to support future ELCA leaders. Established with $598,000, the endowment is dedicated to training and equipping seminary students, pastors, deacons, and lay leaders, especially those in the Grand Canyon Synod. Contributions to the fund are welcome through various giving options. Join us in carrying forward Living Christ’s mission of love and hope, ensuring that future leaders are empowered to serve and lead in faith.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardELCA Foundation, Stewardship, Living Christ Leadership EndowmentComment
Thriving Beyond Budgets: Join the Faith+Lead Webinar on New Church Funding Models
Thriving Beyond Budgets: Join the Faith+Lead Webinar on New Church Funding Models

Facing tighter budgets and attendance shifts? Join us for a free webinar, Funding Forward: Finding Hope and Sustainability Together, on November 12, 2024, 11am MST, 10am PST, with author Grace Pomroy. Discover faith-centered approaches to funding ministry that focus on hope and mission-driven sustainability. Grace will share real-life stories and practical steps that help churches reimagine finances through innovative models that build community. Register today to take part in this hopeful and transformative conversation.

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Grand Canyon Synod, Leadership Resources, NewsBrian FlatgardStewardship, faith+lead, Luther SeminaryComment
“Inspired to Give” Webinar: Practical Tools for Growing Generosity
“Inspired to Give” Webinar: Practical Tools for Growing Generosity

Learn how to inspire generosity and simplify giving in your congregation with the “Inspired to Give” webinar, hosted by Vanco and the ELCA on October 24, 2024 at 10 am PDT/MST, 11 am MDT. You’ll gain insights into storytelling, best practices for giving, and exclusive tips on utilizing Vanco’s tools. Sign up today to join or receive the recording!

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ELCA, Leadership Resources, NewsBrian FlatgardStewardship, VancoComment
Faith and Generosity: Answering the Call to Support the Grand Canyon Synod
Faith and Generosity: Answering the Call to Support the Grand Canyon Synod

It is a question of equality between your present abundance and their need,
so that their abundance may also supply your need, in order that there may be equality. 
As it is written,
“The one who had much did not have too much,
and the one who had little did not have too little.” 
—2 Corinthians 8:13b-15

The Grand Canyon Synod Council encourages all congregations to faithfully allocate mission support as an intentional commitment to our shared mission as church together. We encourage congregations to be generous and proportionate in their mission support, in accordance with the witness of scripture and the saints who came before us.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardStewardship, GCS Stewardship Team, Synod CouncilComment
ELCA Foundation: National Estate Planning Month is here
ELCA Foundation: National Estate Planning Month is here

October is National Estate Planning Awareness Month, a perfect time to reflect on your legacy and ensure your future wishes are clearly outlined. Estate planning is not just for the wealthy — it’s for everyone who wants to protect their loved ones, ensure their assets are distributed according to their wishes, and avoid unnecessary stress down the road.

Please reach out to Lisa Higginbotham or your regional gift planner if you have any questions or would like to schedule a meeting. Together, we can create a charitable plan that gives you peace of mind, cares for loved ones, and ensures the continuation of God’s work in the world for years to come.

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ELCA, Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardELCA Foundation, StewardshipComment
Celebrating the Legacy of Gloria Christi Federated Church
Celebrating the Legacy of Gloria Christi Federated Church

Gloria Christi Federated Church in Paradise Valley, AZ, held its final service this past Sunday, celebrating decades of unity and service. In a spirit of generosity, the congregation made significant gifts to the Grand Canyon Synod, including an endowment supporting our mission and campus ministries. Their legacy lives on through these acts of love and outreach, blessing future generations in faith. Read more in this post from Rev. Dan Potaznick, Director of Generosity & Strategic Development.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardStewardship, Rev. Dan PotaznickComment
Guarding the Gift: How Estate Planning Extends Your Ministry Beyond This Life
Guarding the Gift: How Estate Planning Extends Your Ministry Beyond This Life

In this reflection, Pastor Mike Girlinghouse, Interim Chaplain at LCM Canterbury in Flagstaff, shares how estate planning serves as an act of faithful stewardship, allowing us to bless ministries and loved ones even after we’re gone. Inspired by 2 Timothy 1:12-14, we are reminded of the importance of entrusting our lives and resources to God’s care.

Read Pastor Girlinghouse’s devotion about the impact of planned giving and how to secure your legacy through trusts and wills. Interested in setting up an estate plan? Contact the Office of the Bishop at gcsynod.org/contact.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardStewardship, GCS Stewardship Team, ELCA FoundationComment
Where Your Heart Is: A Change Will Do You Good
Where Your Heart Is: A Change Will Do You Good

As we enter the season of change, it’s the perfect time for congregations to reimagine their approach to stewardship. Drawing from Jesus’ words in Matthew 6:21, we’re reminded that where our treasure is, our hearts follow. Are your current practices in generosity still sparking joy and connection? If not, this might be the moment to explore new strategies—narrative budgets, fresh offering moments, or seasonal shifts in appeals. Let this autumn be a time of transformation, as we align our stewardship efforts with God’s mission in our communities. Read more in this month's "Where Your Heart Is."

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ELCA, News, Leadership ResourcesBrian FlatgardStewardship, Where Your Heart IsComment
Unlock the Power of Narrative Mission Plans: Webinar Recording Now Available
Unlock the Power of Narrative Mission Plans: Webinar Recording Now Available

Missed the “Learn How to Construct a Narrative Mission Plan” webinar with Pastor Tim Brown? No problem! The full recording is now available, along with essential resources to guide you through creating a mission-focused budget. Learn how to effectively communicate your congregation’s impact with these step-by-step tools. Access the recording and resources today!

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardStewardship, GCS Stewardship TeamComment
Empower Your Congregation with Solar: Discover Financing Options in IPL’s Webinar
Empower Your Congregation with Solar: Discover Financing Options in IPL’s Webinar

Discover how your congregation can go solar with insights from Interfaith Power & Light’s recent webinar on solar financing. The session covers various financing options, federal incentives like Direct Pay, and real-life experiences from a congregation that has successfully navigated the process. Access the webinar recording and additional resources to start your solar journey today.

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Grand Canyon Synod, News, Leadership ResourcesBrian FlatgardGCS Stewardship Team, StewardshipComment
Support Your Synod and Save on Taxes: A Special IRA Opportunity
Support Your Synod and Save on Taxes: A Special IRA Opportunity

Discover how you can make a difference and save on taxes with an IRA charitable rollover. If you’re 70½ or older, this special opportunity allows you to give up to $105,000 from your IRA directly to a qualified charity, like your ELCA congregation or the Grand Canyon Synod, without paying income taxes on the amount. Connect with Lisa Higginbotham, our Regional Gift Planner, to learn more about this impactful and tax-efficient way to support the ministries you care about.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardStewardship, GCS Stewardship Team, ELCA FoundationComment
Living That Summer Life: Embracing Faith and Planning
Living That Summer Life: Embracing Faith and Planning

ELCA’s Congregational Stewardship Support team shares their monthly "Where Your Heart Is" newsletter. The excitement of July, filled with images from the ELCA Youth Gathering and mission trips, highlights the importance of early and strategic planning. Congregational leaders are encouraged to channel their community’s energy into living out the gospel through thoughtful preparation and resource management.

Upcoming events include a grant writing webinar on August 19 and the Stewardship Kaleidoscope conference in Portland from September 23-25. Embrace this season with dedication and faith, making July memorable and impactful through careful planning and stewardship.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardWhere Your Heart Is, ELCA Congregational Stewardship Support, StewardshipComment
Thermostat energy savings project​: Are you wearing a sweater while your pastor is sweating?
Thermostat energy savings project​: Are you wearing a sweater while your pastor is sweating?

In this article from the Grand Canyon Synod Stewardship Team, discover how Spirit of Hope in Mesa, AZ, saved $6,000 annually on utility bills by installing programmable thermostats. By leveraging SRP’s rebate programs, the church improved comfort, reduced costs, and embraced good stewardship practices. Learn how you can implement similar energy-saving measures in your congregation and benefit from available promotions.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardGCS Stewardship Team, Stewardship, Climate ChangeComment