Posts in Grand Canyon Synod
Faithful Discernment: Embracing the ‘Election Sermon’ Tradition for 2024

Rev. Dr. Jim Antal’s blog post, featured by Blessed Tomorrow, a faith-based environmental advocacy group, revives the tradition of the ‘Election Sermon’ to guide faith communities through the 2024 elections with integrity and compassion, underscoring the importance of political participation as a reflection of our core spiritual values. Read the post on the Blessed Tomorrow web site.

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Upcoming AFN Events: From Christian Unity to Protecting Voting Rights

Join AFN’s array of January and February events, from the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity to Environmental Day at the Capitol. Engage in meditative practices, advocate for voting rights, celebrate Black History Month, and more. Sign up for the newsletter to stay connected and read all the news here.

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Disruptive Compassion: Autumn Byars’ Vision for a Kinder Election Cycle

In her poignant reflection, Autumn Byars, an ELCA Hunger Advocacy Fellow with the Lutheran Advocacy Ministry in Arizona, part of our Grand Canyon Synod, calls for a disruption in the exhausting cycles of the federal election process through the power of compassion. Byars challenges candidates and constituents alike to approach the political arena with understanding and grace, fostering solutions grounded in our shared humanity rather than divisive rhetoric.

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Introduction to the National Fund for Sacred Places webinar

Attend an information session webinar on Thursday, February 1st at 12:00 PM EST to learn more about the National Fund for Sacred Places and whether your sacred place (or the sacred places in your community or judicatory) may qualify.

The National Fund for Sacred Places is a grant-making program that provides capital grants ranging from $50,000 to $500,000 as well as wrap-around support services to congregations undertaking once-in-a-generation preservation projects. To learn more, please visit us at fundforsacredplaces.org.

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Further Your Discipleship Journey with Holy Trinity's Walking Wet Discipleship Day

Join Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Chandler for the Walking Wet Discipleship Day on February 3, 2024. A day of learning, fellowship, and faith exploration, featuring keynote speakers Rev. Miguel Gomez-Acosta and Rev. Peter Perry. Registration includes meals, with childcare available upon request. Dive deeper into your faith journey with us! Register now at bit.ly/discipleship2024.

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Rereading Niebuhr’s The Kingdom of God in America

As part of our Creating Space for Conversations series, we share a PDF of an article by Mark A. Granquist, Rereading Niebuhr’s The Kingdom of God in America, from A Chosen Nation?, an issue of Word and World, Luther Seminary’s journal of theology.

This seminal work, now eighty-six years old, by American theologian H. Richard Niebuhr, remains a crucial text informing Christians about how they should understand the kingdom of God, especially as it relates to the Chris- tian faith. Niebuhr emphasizes how this concept refers to the primacy of God’s sovereignty in the world over all other allegiances.—Mark A. Granquist

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Colorado River Conference Kicks Off Annual Spring Gatherings

Join us for our Spring Gatherings themed “Embody the Word,” starting with the Colorado River Conference on Jan 27, 2024, in Las Vegas. Watch livestream at goodsamlv.org or YouTube.

These gatherings are not just meetings, but an opportunity for spiritual growth, learning, and community engagement, centered on the transformative message of John 1:14. Don't miss this chance to deepen your faith and connect with your synod community.

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Aging with Grace: February Series at Community of Grace

Join Community of Grace for their "Aging with Grace" Adult Education Series every Wednesday in February, where expert speakers will guide you through the various aspects of elder care, from navigating daily challenges to end-of-life care. Bring your lunch and engage in meaningful discussions followed by a Q&A session.

For a deep dive into each weekly topic and to connect with valuable resources, visit the full series details at Community of Grace or in this PDF.

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Mosaic: It Was A Life-Changing Experience

Mosaic International has been in partnership with Building a Caring Community(BCC) in Tanzania since 2007 to love and support children and young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). All of Mosaic International’s work and its Carman International Fellowship program are supported by donors and grants. Daniel Scherer-Emunds served as a Carman International Fellow from August 2022 to December 2023. He looks back upon his time there in this article for Mosaic.

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Join Lutherans Restoring Creation for 'Sacred Grounds' – Transforming Holy Spaces into Wildlife Sanctuaries

Lutherans Restoring Creation invites you to be part of meaningful environmental action with upcoming events like "Sacred Grounds" on January 23rd and "Regenerating Life" on February 27th. These events, in partnership with Interfaith Power & Light and ELCA World Hunger, focus on utilizing sacred spaces and land for wildlife-friendly gardening and discussing the role of land in healing our planet. Join the journey towards a more sustainable and connected world.

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Arizona Faith Network (AFN) Invites You to Engage in a Year of Spiritual Growth and Advocacy

Explore a year of spiritual growth and advocacy with the Arizona Faith Network's 2024 events. From meditative practices to environmental advocacy and film festivals, AFN offers diverse opportunities for engagement. Join the community in events like the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity and the Black History Month Film Festival to deepen your understanding and impact. Read their full newsletter here.

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Office of the Bishop Updates: 1/19/2024

The Office of the Bishop gathers for an in-person staff meeting, the Ordination and Installation of Pastor Judi Tyler, Jan 21, 2024, 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM at Our Saviors Lutheran Church, Phoenix, and celebrates the 2024 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. We also share photos from the Installation of Pastor David Sivecz and the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Service.

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Serve, Care, Love: LSSN Invites You to Volunteer in 2024

In their latest update, Lutheran Social Services of Nevada (LSSN) shares that their dedicated group of 70 active volunteers is crucial to serving 3500 people monthly. With opportunities in the pantry, senior meals, administration, and special events, there's a place for everyone to contribute. In 2024, they’re expanding ur services, including launching a food rescue truck and the JOURNEY Senior Services Center. Fill out their Volunteer Form, especially if you have special skills to offer, and join them in making a difference.

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Save the Date for our “Embody the Word” Spring Gatherings

Join us at our upcoming Spring Gatherings under the theme “Embody the Word.” Set across various dates and locations, these gatherings are not only meetings but a chance for spiritual growth, learning, and fellowship.

  • Colorado River Conference: Jan 27, 2024, 10am at Good Samaritan at the Lakes in Las Vegas

  • Kino Conference: Feb 3, 2024, 10am at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church in Tucson

  • Cactus, Capital, Fiesta, Northeast Valley, and Rio Salado Conferences:

    • Feb 4, 2024, 2pm at Living Water Lutheran Church in Scottsdale

    • Mar 17, 2024, 2pm at St. Andrew Lutheran Church in Phoenix

  • High Country Conference: Mar 23, 2024, 11 am at Christ Lutheran Church in Sedona

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