Don’t miss the last chance to apply for the Scholarship for International Travel, available to Grand Canyon Synod pastors ordained for 10 years or less. Explore enriching landscapes and broaden your horizons. Apply between January 1 and March 1, 2023, and embark on a journey of learning and spiritual growth.
Read MoreConclude the 'Aging with Grace' series on February 28th at Community of Grace with Ms. Alma Init, RN, discussing 'Ending with Grace.' Delve into end-of-life care considerations, including hospice and palliative care processes. This compassionate and informative session will provide valuable insights into ensuring dignity and care in life’s final stages, coupled with a focus on self-care for caregivers.
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.
Read MoreThe ELCA calls on its congregations and rostered ministers to complete the simplified Annual Congregation Report by March 1, 2024. This streamlined Form A is crucial for the ELCA's understanding of church vitality and planning. For forms and assistance, visit the ELCA website or contact the secretary's office.
Additionally, the Rostered Minister Report to the Bishop offers a direct communication line to Bishop Hutterer, also due by March 1. Your timely submissions reflect our collective identity and resourcefulness, helping us be a united church in mission.
Read MoreThe National Fund for Sacred Places is accepting letters of intent (LOIs) until Thursday, February 29th at 11:59 EST. The LOI is the first step in a two-step application process. To access the LOI form, please visit fundforsacredplaces.org/apply.
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.
Read MoreMosaic is a values-led organization, and those values come alive in the lives of the people we support. Read about the success Mosaic experienced in Fiscal Year 2023 in providing high-quality, personalized services and in meeting our financial goals. Read the full post Mosaic Success Demonstrates Values in Action on Mosaic.
Read MoreYour 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.
Read MoreJoin a critical discussion hosted by Diakonia on Christian Nationalism in America, its implications, and our response as a faith community on February 17, 2024. Engage virtually or in person for an insightful exploration. Learn more and register here.
Read MoreDive into a meaningful Lenten season with our specially curated page full of resources, reflections, and the unique Region 2 Lenten Challenge. Join our community in a journey of faith, reflection, and renewal.
Read MoreThe 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.
Read MoreIn 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.
Read MoreThe Office of the Bishop works on our annual audit and continues to prepare for our 2024 synod assembly. We also include photos from the Installation of Pastor Kurt Fangmeier.
Read MoreThis week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Barbara Bengtson, who celebrates 30 years on February 20.
Rev. Miguel Gomez-Acosta, Office of the Bishop, Phoenix, who celebrates 15 years on February 22.
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.
Read MoreThis 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.
Read MoreFebruary's Good Green News from Lutherans Restoring Creation highlights the upcoming event on regenerating life and land stewardship, the #NoPlasticsforLent initiative, and recent environmental wins. Join the movement towards a more sustainable and just world.
Read MoreSome 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.
Read MoreLet our Region 2 Lenten Challenge be your guide in your Lenten journey. With four daily practices to choose from, join others in our synod and Region 2 in daily devotion, daily discipline, daily declutter, and daily giving.
Read MoreFrom 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.
Read MoreJoin Lutheran Social Services of Nevada in creating an unforgettable Easter experience for those they serve. For more details or to get involved by collecting items, volunteering, or sponsoring, visit their Event Page.
Read MoreFollowing a stay in ICU and treatment at St. Joseph/Barrow Hospital this past week, Pastor Richard Staats is now returning home for healing after an additional inpatient stay at rehab recovering from a traumatic brain injury. Prayers for strength, patience, and discovering root cause of health crisis that began last July.
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