We share previous blog posts as resources for the upcoming Sunday of service:
10 service projects for 10 years of “God’s work. Our hands.” Sunday
'God’s Work. Our Hands.' Sunday: Join the Movement for Disaster Response
Join Lutheran World Relief in their longstanding tradition of distributing quilts and kits to families in need. Participate in these upcoming Quilts and Kits Ingatherings in the Grand Canyon Synod: Tucson area, Glendale/Phoenix area, and Las Vegas/St. George UT area. You can also bring quilts to the Women of the ELCA’s Triennial Gathering in Phoenix between 9/21-9/23.
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Explore the transformative power of compassion with Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center's Spirited Book Club. Reflecting on Joyce Rupp's "Boundless Compassion," this online event on September 7 & 21, 2023 at 2pm PDT/MST, 3pm MDT, aims to deepen your understanding of compassion and inspire you to be a more caring presence. Register now to gain wisdom, confidence, and inspiration to live with boundless compassion.
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Lutherans across Tucson convened for a crucial discussion on allyship, advocacy, and justice. Led by Pastor Naomi Hartman, the gathering delved into Tucson's local challenges, the church's societal responsibilities, and ways to transform faith into actionable change.
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Join Blessed Tomorrow in the One Home One Future campaign, engage in Climate Ambassador Training, and explore various events and initiatives aimed at caring for creation and climate justice in their September 2023 newsletter.
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Join the Arizona Faith Network in a series of upcoming events aimed at building bridges and breaking barriers across communities. Engage in dialogue, meditation, book discussions, and more in their latest weekly newsletter.
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Pastor Joe Doherty with New Promise Lutheran in St. George requests prayers for De Schoonover, wife of pastor Al Schoonover. She fell and broke her neck. While it looks like she will not require surgery, she will be in a brace for months to come.
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This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Nathan Bowman, Hospice of the West, , who celebrates 38 years on August 25.
Rev. Sandra Jones, Bethany, Scottsdale, who celebrates 16 years on August 25.
The Rev. Kristin Rice, All Saints, Phoenix, who celebrates 16 years on August 26.
Rev. John Maroni, Shepherd of the Desert, Sun City, who celebrates 18 years on August 27.
Rev. Michael Sager, Desert Hills, Green Valley, who celebrates 29 years on August 28.
Rev. Hildegardo González Gómez, who celebrates 24 years on August 28.
Rev. Paul Ninnemann, who celebrates 47 years on August 29.
Deacon Barbara Sikkink, who celebrates 31 years on August 30.
Deacon Janice Zimbelman, Office of the Bishop, Phoenix, who celebrates 9 years on August 31.
Traveling for work and vacation are on the staff schedule, as well as developing resources for synod leaders. We also share a photo from the Rostered Leaders of Color Cohort retreat.
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We pray for Pastor Adele Stiles Resmer and the family and friends of Rev. Larry Resmer Stiles, who died unexpectedly after a fall on August 16, 2023.
A celebration of life will be held Saturday, September 9, 2023, 11 am, at The Fountains, A United Methodist Church, 15300 N Fountain Hills Blvd., Fountain Hills, AZ 85268. There will be no clergy vesting. There will be a brief reception following. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to the borderlands ministry of Cruzando Fronteras.
We will provide updates as we receive them.
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The Grand Canyon Synod invites applications for Project Support Grants and ACTS Grants for 2024. With $218,000 available for supporting congregations and strategic ministries, these grants align with the Synod's goals and visions. Don't miss this opportunity to fund projects ranging from educational materials to outreach efforts. Check the eligibility, apply by October 30, 2023, and make your ministry's vision a reality.
We will also provide an application webinar on Tuesday, September 26, 2023, 4:30pm PDT/MST, 5:30pm MDT. Click here to register.
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Explore Luther Seminary's on-demand course, “Faith, Lies & Spies: Bonhoeffer and You,” and embark on a journey to connect faith with societal engagement. Inspired by the radical and courageous life of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, this immersive experience, led by Dr. Andy Root, aims to deepen your conviction and prepare you for deliberate action in today's divisive world. Join the course to find your voice in the church's mission for justice. Click to learn more about bridging the gap between faith and meaningful societal change.
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Revitalize your congregation's preaching with "The People's Sermon," a collaborative program led by Rev. Dr. Shauna Hannan for the Grand Canyon Synod. Through six enriching sessions, increase biblical understanding, encourage new voices, and enhance sermonic illustrations. Learn more about this transformative opportunity in this PDF flyer and this post.
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Embark on a transformative journey with Excellence in Leadership (EiL), a unique program from Rocky Mountain Synod designed to foster courageous, resilient, and faithful leaders. Integrating five key leadership theories and spiritual practices, EiL is open to anyone interested in personal growth and effective leadership.
Registration for 2024-25 is now open; don't miss this opportunity to enhance your leadership skills for the benefit of yourself and the world around you. For more info, view a PDF flyer, watch this video, or read on. 18 month programs will run September 2023 - March 2025, 13 month program will run January 2024 - January 2025.
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Some members of the Office of the Bishop staff attend the Rostered Leaders of Color Cohort retreat, travel for meetings and vacations and family, and maintain smooth operations.
We also share photos from our in-person office gathering, and the Ordination and Installation of Wyatt Linde.
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This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Deborah Hutterer, who celebrates 19 years on August 18.
Rev. Brent Maxwell, Gloria Christi, Phoenix, who celebrates 16 years on August 19.
Rev. Kurt Fangmeier, Living Christ, Flagstaff, who celebrates 22 years on August 19.
Rev. Marilyn Ascarza, who celebrates 33 years on August 19.
Rev. Scott Hackler, Spirit of Grace, Surprise, who celebrates 34 years on August 20.
Rev. Michael Purcell, who celebrates 45 years on August 20.
Rev. Barbara Rapp, who celebrates 30 years on August 21.
Rev. Martha Neff Stum, who celebrates 13 years on August 21.
Rev. Loren Swanson, who celebrates 52 years on August 22.
Rev. Gary Garvey, who celebrates 41 years on August 22.
Rev. Carlyle Smith, who celebrates 59 years on August 23.
Rev. Naomi Barcanic, who celebrates 26 years on August 24.
Lord of Grace Lutheran Church in Tucson has an opening for a Preschool Director. Our preschool is well established with an enrollment of 120 students. We are looking for someone with a love of children and an ability to share God's love through teaching and by supporting our teaching staff. If interested, please contact Carolyn Bernheim at cbernheim@yahoo.com.
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The Installation of Rev. Ken Miller will be Wednesday, 9/13/2023, 6pm, at Grace Lutheran Church in Kingman (2101 Harrison Street, Kingman, AZ 86401). Bishop Deborah Hutterer will preach and preside. Watch the livestream through Facebook, with the video available for 30 days..
Rostered ministers are invited to process. Color of the day is green. An ice cream social will follow the service. If you’d like to RSVP, contact Cyndi Poe, Council President, at cpbonesy@hotmail.com or text 928-377-8716.
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Watch insightful videos from the 2023 Rostered Ministers Gathering, featuring Bible studies with Rev. Dr. Karoline Lewis and Deacon Dr. Mindy Makant, sermons by Bishops Kevin Strickland and Vashti Murphy McKenzie, and keynotes by Rev. Carmelo Santos, Jeff Chu, and Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton.
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Save $100 on your rooms when you take advantage of early bird registration through 8/29/2023. Join Bishop Deborah Hutterer at the Franciscan Renewal Center for the Bishop's Fall Gathering, from October 23-25, 2023. Register today, and immerse yourself in the full experience of this uplifting event.
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