Posts in Grand Canyon Synod
LAMA Sets 2024 Vision: Advocating for Food, Voting, Water, and Housing
LAMA Sets 2024 Vision: Advocating for Food, Voting, Water, and Housing

Recently, LAMA's Policy Council outlined its pivotal 2024 priorities, emphasizing action on food insecurity, voting and civic engagement, the water crisis, and housing and homelessness. Rooted in ELCA's teachings, LAMA commits to being a publicly engaged church, advocating for foundational societal changes that echo throughout hunger prevention, voter participation, sustainable water use, and housing access.

Join us in these pressing endeavors that seek to uplift our community and address the root causes of these social concerns. Interested members are encouraged to contribute to this transformative journey. Read more at lamaz.org.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardLutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA), Advocacy, Hunger, Fair Housing, Homelessness, Voting Rights, WaterComment
Installation of The Reverend Donald Bebber
Installation of The Reverend Donald Bebber

You are cordially invited to the Installation and Celebration of a New Ministry for The Reverend Donald Bebber as Vicar of St. Raphael in the Valley (730 S. Hwy 80, Benson, AZ 85602) on Saturday, 11/11/2023 at 11 am. View online at facebook.com/straphaelinthevalley.

Your prayers and presence are requested. Clergy please vest in red. A reception will follow. Please RSVP by emailing straphaelchurchbenson@gmail.com.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardKino Conference, Episcopal Diocese of Arizona, The Episcopal Church, Ecumenical and Inter-Religious Relations, Ordinations and Installations Comment
Compassion in Action: LSSN's New Initiatives and Inspiring Stories
Compassion in Action: LSSN's New Initiatives and Inspiring Stories

In their latest newsletter, Lutheran Social Services of Nevada shares how they’ve reached out with compassion, serving diverse community members from all walks of life. Among those they've helped is Darlene, courageously facing colon cancer, who's chosen to honor LSSN in her final will — a testament to the profound impact of their work.

They're also excited to invite everyone to the Grand Opening of their new satellite pantry at Holy Spirit Lutheran Church and to save the date for "An Evening of Gratitude" on Nov. 28, 2023. Additionally, they're launching the "Seven Days of Gratitude" initiative and would love to feature your stories and expressions of thanks related to LSSN.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardColorado River Conference, Lutheran Social Services of NevadaComment
Generosity in Worship: Shepherd of the Desert Highlights Grand Canyon Synod's Mission
Generosity in Worship: Shepherd of the Desert Highlights Grand Canyon Synod's Mission

Pastor Dan Potaznick, your GCS Director of Generosity & Strategic Development, shares: “All October, Shepherd of the Desert Lutheran Church in Sun City has been lifting highlighting the Grand Canyon Synod as their ‘Mission of the Month.’ To help celebrate, I invited by Pastor John Maroni to preach and give thanks to the congregation. A huge thank you to Pastor John & the community of Shepherd of the Desert for their warm welcome, hospitality, and generosity to the mission of being church together! Click here to join in the recorded worship.”

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardShepherd of the Desert Sun City, Cactus ConferenceComment
Celebrating 'All Ages Becoming': A New Chapter in Intergenerational Faith
Celebrating 'All Ages Becoming': A New Chapter in Intergenerational Faith

Mark your calendars for the 10/24/2023 launch of 'All Ages Becoming: Intergenerational Practice in the Formation of God's People,' a groundbreaking book that reaffirms intergenerational practice as the heart of our Christian identity. With insights from 17 diverse authors, including Linda Staats with the GCS Stewardship team, this book promises a global perspective on nurturing faith across generations.

Join the virtual celebration with authors and experts worldwide on October 24, 2023 (register here for one of two time slots). Pre-order the book now and secure your invitation to a journey of communal spiritual growth.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardStewardship, GCS Stewardship TeamComment
Meet the 2023-2024 Hunger Advocacy Fellows: Voices for Change
Meet the 2023-2024 Hunger Advocacy Fellows: Voices for Change

ELCA Advocacy is excited to introduce the 2023-2024 Hunger Advocacy Fellows, including our very own Autumn Byars with LAMA. Supported by ELCA World Hunger, these dynamic young leaders are poised to make significant impacts in communities locally and globally. With placements across various advocacy offices, each Fellow brings unique insights and passions, uniting in their commitment to a just world where all are fed. Meet these inspiring individuals in a post at ELCA.org.

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ELCA, Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardHunger, ELCA World Hunger, ELCA AdvocacyComment
Boundless Compassion: A 4-Day Retreat at Spirit in the Desert
Boundless Compassion: A 4-Day Retreat at Spirit in the Desert

Experience the profound journey of self-discovery and compassion at the Boundless Compassion 4-Day Retreat, led by renowned coach Tammy Devine. Engage in quiet reflections, group dialogues, and practical learning centered around compassion's multi-layered facets. Grow in trust, lessen suffering, and discover how compassion can change the world. Don't miss this transformative opportunity from October 22-25, 2023, at Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center. Read more and learn how to register here.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardSpirit in the Desert Retreat CenterComment
Introducing our synod’s Spiritual Directors: A valuable resource for rostered ministers
Introducing our synod’s Spiritual Directors: A valuable resource for rostered ministers

Explore the spiritual depths of your ministry with our new list of Spiritual Directors in the Grand Canyon Synod. Designed to nurture your journey, these professionals offer wisdom and guidance, helping you discern the Holy Spirit's movements in your life. Embrace this opportunity for spiritual growth and enrichment.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardCoaching, Spiritual DirectorsComment
Apply for Grand Canyon Synod's Project Support and ACTS Grants by 10/30/2023
Apply for Grand Canyon Synod's Project Support and ACTS Grants by 10/30/2023

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.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardGrants, GCS Grants ProgramComment
Nurturing Creation: October’s Call to Action with LRC
Nurturing Creation: October’s Call to Action with LRC

This October, Lutherans Restoring Creation (LRC) offers enriching opportunities to intertwine faith with environmental stewardship in their October newsletter. From the upcoming Ecumenical Training to their newly announced Young Adult Vocational Fellowship, they’re empowering voices and actions that care for our planet. Dive into our resource hub, attend upcoming events, and let your faith-filled actions resonate. Read more to join them in these vital steps for Earth's care.

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ELCA, News, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardLutherans Restoring Creation, Climate ChangeComment
2023 Arizona Faith Network Annual Gathering: Building Bridges, Breaking Barriers
2023 Arizona Faith Network Annual Gathering: Building Bridges, Breaking Barriers

Join a celebration of unity at AFN’s 2023 Annual Gathering, "Building Bridges, Breaking Barriers," on October 24, 2023! With a stellar lineup of artists, musicians, and speakers from diverse faiths, this event promises inspiration and interfaith dialogue. Register today and be part of this transformative experience.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardArizona Faith Network, Ecumenical and Inter-Religious RelationsComment
Ordination celebrations: October 13-19, 2023
Ordination celebrations: October 13-19, 2023

This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:

  • Rev. Steven Kruse, New Covenant, Scottsdale, who celebrates 38 years on October 13.

  • Deacon Gloria Owens, who celebrates 36 years on October 13.

  • Rev. Daniel Hoeger, All Saints, Phoenix, who celebrates 34 years on October 15.

  • Rev. Douglas Dill, Central, Arizona City, who celebrates 8 years on October 17.

  • Rev. Julia Sprenkle, who celebrates 13 years on October 17.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardOrdination Anniversaries Comment
Advocacy Meets Spirituality: Unveiling Paths to Change at the LAMA Summit 2023
Advocacy Meets Spirituality: Unveiling Paths to Change at the LAMA Summit 2023

Join fellow advocates at the 4th Annual LAMA Summit, November 4, 2023, for a transformative exploration of 'Advocacy as a Spiritual Practice.' Connect with passionate Lutherans, engage in vital discussions, and participate in hands-on service projects. Lunch provided, special youth programs available. Don't miss this inspiring convergence of faith and action. Read more at lamaz.org.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardAdvocacy, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA)Comment
Celebrate with us the Successful Completion of our Growing Generosity Appeal Goal
Celebrate with us the Successful Completion of our Growing Generosity Appeal Goal

Thanks to generous contributions from congregations and individuals, the Growing Generosity Task Force proudly announces the successful achievement of the appeal goal with over $750,000 pledged. This achievement unlocks an additional $150,000 grant, supporting diverse ministries within the Grand Canyon Synod, enhancing financial viability, nurturing future initiatives, and empowering voices for justice.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardGrowing Generosity AppealComment
Grand Canyon Synod Retirees Retreat is 10/30-11/1/2023 at Spirit in the Desert
Grand Canyon Synod Retirees Retreat is 10/30-11/1/2023 at Spirit in the Desert

You’re invited to consider and register for the 2023 GCS Retirees Retreat at Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center, October 30, 31 and Nov. 1.  All the information you need to do this is in this PDF. 

You will find that the theme and presenter bring a truly ‘Reformation’ dynamic to this retreat, as we are looking forward to having Rev. Dr. Donald Heinz with us.  If you have any questions, please contact Conrad Braaten at conradabraaten@gmail.com.  

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardGrand Canyon Synod Retirees Retreat Team, Spirit in the Desert Retreat CenterComment