Equip the youth in your life for a faith-filled social media journey with "Social Media Smarts," a workshop by Dr. Angela Gorrell, now available on-demand at your own pace. Dive into faith-integration strategies, digital insights, and family frameworks. Limited availability.
Read MoreLeaders from the Office of the Bishop participated in various meetings and discussions, highlighting ongoing worship activities, engagement with support groups, and mission-focused initiatives. We also share a photo of the Bishop with Rev. Naomi Hartman, Lutheran Church of Foothills, Tucson.
Read MoreThis week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Renee Geiger, who celebrates 35 years on September 1.
Rev. John Schaumburg, who celebrates 51 years on September 2.
Rev. Kirk Anderson, who celebrates 51 years on September 3.
Deacon Cathy Mannel, who celebrates 24 years on September 4.
Rev. Gregory Mannel, who celebrates 45 years on September 4.
Rev. Jeffrey Solheim, ELCA, Chicago, who celebrates 24 years on September 5.
Rev. Barbara Duhlstine-Robarge, who celebrates 32 years on September 6.
Click here to view the September 2023 ELCA monthly Insights newsletter. Discover the essentials of securing your financial legacy with the ELCA Foundation’s latest resources on estate planning, upcoming webinars, and the unique Ministry Growth Fund.
For more info, contact our synod’s ELCA Foundation planner, Lisa Marie Higginbotham.
Read MoreNavigating the Just Love Gathering? Here's a detailed insider's guide to make the most of your experience, from sessions to attend, networking, and some essential tips for a smooth journey. Read more from Women of the ELCA about their triennial gathering.
Read MoreDiscover how the ELCA's Resourceful Servants initiative is bolstering the financial wellness of faith leaders and congregations, as highlighted by Rev. Jason Adams' experience. Learn how this financial foundation can lead to a thriving church community.
Read MoreRevitalize your congregation's preaching with the exclusive "The People's Sermon" program, led by Rev. Dr. Shauna Hannan. With only 3 spots left for the Grand Canyon Synod, seize this chance to amplify spiritual voices and enrich biblical understanding. RSVP by 9/5/23 to Pastor Jacqui Pagel.
Read MoreWe 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.
Read MoreExplore 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.
Read MoreLutherans 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.
Read MoreJoin 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.
Read MoreJoin 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.
Read MorePastor 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.
Read MoreThis 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.
Read MoreWe 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.
Read MoreThe 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.
Read MoreExplore 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.
Read MoreRevitalize 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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