Posts in Grand Canyon Synod
Arizona Faith Gathering: Healing from Moral Injury
Arizona Faith Gathering: Healing from Moral Injury

Your partnership in the Be Connected Faith Network is making a difference in the lives of veterans and service members. We are excited to join you at the next Faith Gathering event on Wednesday, February 21, 10:00 - 11:30 am online. More info and registration here.

In 2023, we discussed moral injury, how it occurs and the devastating trauma that can result. It’s time to further the conversation into healing. The February Arizona Faith Gathering will dive into the work of healing from moral injury with a panel of military chaplains who will share their work in moral injury healing and the most effective methods they have used.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardMilitary, Be Connected Faith NetworkComment
NAUM Secures $10,000 Grant to Enrich Native American Community in Phoenix
NAUM Secures $10,000 Grant to Enrich Native American Community in Phoenix

The Native American Urban Ministry (NAUM) has been awarded a $10,000 grant from the Cook Native American Ministries Foundation for 2024. This grant will support the expansion of NAUM's "Living Our Values Everyday" (LOVE) Project, aimed at fostering personal development, leadership skills, and community service among Native American youth, adults, and elders in Phoenix.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardAmerican Indian and Alaska Native, Native American Urban Ministry Phoenix, Capital Conference Comment
It’s that Time of Year:  Beware of Romance Scams
It’s that Time of Year:  Beware of Romance Scams

In the week of Valentine’s Day, the FBI’s Phoenix Field Office is taking this timely opportunity to warn Arizonans about confidence fraud – also known as “romance scams.”

According to the most recent available statistics, the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) reports 680 Arizona victims reported losses of more than $25.4 million in connection with confidence fraud/romance scams in 2022. Of that number, 379 victims suffering $17.7 million in losses were senior citizens.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardComment
Empower Your Ministry: Must-Listen Episodes from Spiritual Life and Leadership
Empower Your Ministry: Must-Listen Episodes from Spiritual Life and Leadership

From their Crucible Newsletter for February 2024, we read of the The Church Leadership Institute's Spiritual Life and Leadership podcast, hosted by Markus Watson, which continues to be a beacon for pastors and church leaders seeking inspiration and guidance. With a mix of "Quick Conversations" featuring Tod Bolsinger and in-depth discussions with thought leaders in ministry, the podcast offers valuable insights into adaptive leadership, spiritual formation, and navigating ministry challenges.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardFuller Church Leader InstituteComment
AFN's February Lineup: Celebrating Black History, Fostering Community, and Tackling Hunger
AFN's February Lineup: Celebrating Black History, Fostering Community, and Tackling Hunger

This week’s Arizona Faith Network newsletter highlights an array of engaging events and initiatives, from the inspirational "I, Too, Sing America" Black History Month Film Festival to the meaningful discussions at the "Honoring Our Past, Shaping Our Future" gathering. It also introduces opportunities for spiritual growth through AFN Meditation sessions, addresses pressing issues like American Christian Nationalism, and emphasizes community action in areas such as hunger advocacy and environmental stewardship.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardArizona Faith Network, Ecumenical and Inter-Religious RelationsComment
Bishop Hutterer: 40 Days of Contemplating Mortality and Embracing Life
Bishop Hutterer: 40 Days of Contemplating Mortality and Embracing Life

Some may find it strange, but I welcome Ash Wednesday. While I believe we are a resurrection people, I also feel we can’t have that joy of new life without contemplating the reality that life is broken, and that things have an ending as much as a beginning.

Ash Wednesday, as well as the season of Lent, invites us as to reflect on themes that our modern world often encourages us to evade: confession, grief, and mortality. These are not subjects to be feared or shunned but embraced as vital in shaping the richness and depth of our lives.

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Bishop Hutterer, Letters, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardBishop Hutterer Letters, 2024 LentComment
Rev. Ralen M. Robinson: Finding God in desolate places
Rev. Ralen M. Robinson: Finding God in desolate places

From Women of the ELCA’s Boldcafe blog, Rev. Ralen M. Robinson shares two writings for Lent.

Finding God in desolate places: We are called to step into the season of Lent for 40 days to fast, reflect, repent and sacrifice like Jesus did in the desert. We are called to find God in desolate places. Where are you finding God this winter?

Faith reflections: Finding something in nothing: How often do we challenge ourselves to see potential in the impossible? That is what we are called to do this Lenten season.

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Grand Canyon Synod, LettersBrian FlatgardWomen of the ELCA (WELCA), 2024 LentComment
What is Sumud? | Following the Way of Jesus: A Lenten Holy Land Journey
What is Sumud? | Following the Way of Jesus: A Lenten Holy Land Journey

“Following the Way of Jesus: a Lenten Holy Land Journey” begins on the Sea of Galilee. The introduction week will invite you into this 6-week series. Through this journey you will explore the Holy Land, the theology of Sumud and what it means for Palestinian Christians today.

Sumud is the ELCA’s new name for our church’s engagement in accompaniment, awareness-building and advocacy for justice in Palestine and Israel.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardSumud, Israel and Palestine, 2024 LentComment
Living with Grace: February Series at Community of Grace
Living with Grace: February Series at Community of Grace

Attend the third session of the 'Aging with Grace' series at Community of Grace on February 21st. Ms. Barbara Kvittiem-Barr, CPA, will cover 'Living with Grace,' focusing on financial and legal aspects of extended care. This session is crucial for those seeking guidance on managing the financial intricacies of elder care, along with the importance of personal self-care.

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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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardCommunity of Grace Peoria, Cactus Conference, Older AdultComment
Join the Thriving Leadership Formation Cohorts for Spiritual and Community Growth
Join the Thriving Leadership Formation Cohorts for Spiritual and Community Growth

Looking for a way to enhance your leadership and spiritual journey? Join the Thriving Leadership Formation Cohorts, a series of 12 sessions starting 2/16/2024 designed to create community and foster growth among church leaders. Dive into enriching spiritual practices in a supportive environment, all at no cost. Contact Pastor Susan Dollinger at bethanypastorsusan@yahoo.com for more info.

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Grand Canyon Synod, Region 2Brian FlatgardThriving Leadership Formation ProgramComment