The Office of the Bishop staff wishes you a blessed and peaceful 2024. This week, as we prepare for the new year, we remind you the Synod Office will be closed Monday, January 1, 2024.
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As 2023 comes to a close, LAMA invites you to celebrate with them the work we’ve accomplished together. They’re are grateful to you for your faithful advocacy this year, and look forward to the work that we will do together in 2024. And don’t forget to register for Lutheran Day at the Legislature! View their 2023 year end newsletter here.
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The Grand Canyon Synod is delighted to announce Deacon Katie Kline as our new Interim Director of Congregation Transitions, starting January 2024.
We also extend our heartfelt gratitude to Deacon Janice Zimbelman and Rachel Line for their dedicated service. Deacon Janice Zimbelman will be retiring from this half-time position that is shared with the Rocky Mountain Synod as Deacon Katie Kline takes up this work in an interim capacity.
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As part of our Creating Space for Conversations series, we share a PDF of an article by Marie Olson Purcell, “Oh, Those Words Are So Divisive, Pastor!”: Christian Nationalism and Identity Expression in the United States, from A Chosen Nation?, an issue of Word and World, Luther Seminary’s journal of theology.
Read MoreThe phrase “America is a Christian nation” is a highly polarizing statement in the contemporary United States. But like many such polarizing statements, the situation surrounding it is much more complex than it might seem. These complexities are actually openings for a deeper discussion of national identity and Christian faith, if such conversations can be had.—Marie Olson Purcell
Join us in celebrating Rev. Lowell Nelson's impactful service as the Grand Canyon Synod Emissary and Encourager in 2023. Pastor Lowell's dedicated work in strengthening our community and leaders is a legacy that will resonate for years to come.
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Start the new year right with the West Valley Young Adults' vibrant events and Young Adult Winter Retreat! From thrilling outdoor adventures to cozy gatherings and a retreat focused on community and spiritual growth, start the year with excitement and camaraderie. View fliers for all the details and follow them on Instagram for live updates.
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In early November, two youth joined Pr. Jacqui Pagel at the ELCA Youth LeadershipSummit at Churchwide in Chicago. The summit brought together youth from more than 30 synods around the theme, "Called on the Way," focusing on the unique journeys individuals take in response to their calling and how those journeys shape their leadership abilities. The youth were glad to have been selected to participate and share reflections on their experiences in this post.
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This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Rodney Hutton, who celebrates 46 years on December 26.
Rev. Susan Swanson, who celebrates 25 years on December 27.
Rev. Kim Taylor, American, Tucson, who celebrates 39 years on December 30.
As we wind down the season of Advent and 2023, we send you Christmas greetings from the Office of the Bishop! The Synod Office will be closed Friday through Tuesday ,12/22 – 12/26/2023, and again on Monday, January 1, 2024.
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The Installation of Pastor David Sivecz will be at Grace Lutheran, (1124 North 3rd Street, Phoenix, AZ 85004) on Saturday, January 13, 2024 at 3pm. Bishop Hutterer will be preaching and presiding. View the livestream on the Grace Facebook page.
Clergy are invited to vest and process. Color of the day will be white. There will be a reception following.
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Please be advised that the Office of the Bishop will be closed for the holidays from December 22 to December 26, 2023, and on January 1, 2024. We wish everyone a joyous Christmas and holiday season and look forward to reconnecting in the New Year!
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As we gather to celebrate this holy season, we extend our wishes for a blessed and joyous Christmas to you. Let us remember the great light that shone with the birth of Christ—a light that continues to guide and uplift us through all the seasons of our lives.
In this imperfect season—where shadows of trouble and war loom over this world—may we find renewed hope, peace, and joy in the message of the angels and the humble birth of Jesus. Join us in embracing the warmth of our communities and ministries, the love of family and friends, and the comfort of God's enduring presence among us.
Gracious God, as we rejoice in the miracle of Christmas, guide us to be bearers of your peace and joy in a world that yearns for your presence. Strengthen our faith, enliven our hope, and let your love shine through us each day. Amen.
Wishing you a Christmas filled with peace and joy,
—The Office of the Bishop Staff
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Raise your voices in song at the Grand Canyon Synod’s MLK Celebration! Join us on January 14 at King of Glory Lutheran Church for a worship service filled with soulful Gospel music in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Under the direction of vocal coach LaRiche Lamar, we'll perform classics like Total Praise and His Eye is on the Sparrow."Choir members and directors, sign up now at htlutheran.com/mlk for a chance to be part of this spiritually enriching experience.
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This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Deacon Katie Adelman, House of Prayer, Rock Point, who celebrates 38 years on December 15.
Rev. Thomas Stephens, who celebrates 39 years on December 16.
Rev. Bjorn Pedersen, who celebrates 36 years on December 20.
Some of the Office of the Bishop staff gather for an in-person staff retreat this week, as we wrap up 2023 and prepare for the 2024 calendar year.
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Discover the art of civil discourse with "Hot Topics, Cool Heads: A Handbook for Civil Dialogue." Authored by experts who also have ties to our synod, this guide offers practical tools for engaging in respectful conversations on challenging topics. This essential read is part of our our "Creating Space for Conversations" resource page.
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Just in time for your winter break, we’ve uploaded the latest version of the synod constitution to our website. The latest version of the constitution is always available at gcsynod.org/constitution.
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As we approach the end of the year, we in the Grand Canyon Synod Office of the Bishop are happy to help ensure that you realize the greatest benefit for your faithful generosity. Connect with your Grand Canyon Synod stewardship staff to get started today!
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It is such a joy to see people continue to grow and thrive with the right supports. In this story, even family members are amazed at the new things their brother can do. The post New Talents and Activities Surprise Family Members appeared first on Mosaic.
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Join us Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center online for "Spirited Advent: My Soul Magnifies the Lord!" – a soulful Zoom journey this Advent. Hosted by Sheri Brown, each Sunday session offers a sacred space for reflection and connection, exploring themes of hope, peace, joy, and love. Inspired by Mary's Magnificat, these 30-minute gatherings provide a much-needed spiritual respite during the busy holiday season. Register now for this enriching, free series and discover your soul's unique begotten-ness.
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