Posts in Grand Canyon Synod
Double Your Impact: Matched Donations at ELCA World Hunger's Youth Challenge
Double Your Impact: Matched Donations at ELCA World Hunger's Youth Challenge

Join ELCA World Hunger’s Generation Zero-Hunger initiative and contribute to ending global hunger. This youth-led fundraising challenge, which will see contributions matched dollar for dollar up to $250,000, invites congregations and individuals to support vital hunger relief efforts. Participants can bring their offerings to the upcoming ELCA Youth Gathering in New Orleans or engage through various fundraising activities, amplifying their impact on this global crisis. Read more on the Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona blog.

Read More
ELCA, Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardLutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA), Advocacy, Hunger, ELCA World HungerComment
Embody the Word: Share Your Ministry Story with the Grand Canyon Synod
Embody the Word: Share Your Ministry Story with the Grand Canyon Synod

The Grand Canyon Synod is calling for its mission and ministry partners to share their unique stories in preparation for the 2024 Synod Assembly. With a theme of "Embody the Word," contributions can be made in various formats, aiming for a 2-3 minute presentation. These stories will be prominently featured across the synod's digital platforms, celebrating the rich tapestry of ministry within the synod.

Read More
Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian Flatgard2024 Grand Canyon Synod AssemblyComment
Ordination celebrations: April 26 – May 2, 2024
Ordination celebrations: April 26 – May 2, 2024

This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:

  • Rev. Diane Drach-Meinel, Christ the Servant, Henderson, who celebrates 37 years on April 26.

  • Rev. David Drach-Meinel, who celebrates 37 years on April 26.

  • Rev. Kevin Meyer, LSS-SW, Phoenix, Covenant, Quartzsite, who celebrates 29 years on April 30.

  • Deacon Sally Almen, who celebrates 37 years on April 30.

  • Rev. Melissa Harr, who celebrates 13 years on May 1.

  • Deacon Don Burgess, who celebrates 19 years on May 1.

Read More
Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardOrdination AnniversariesComment
Nominations for 2024 Synod Assembly Elections due 4/30/2024
Nominations for 2024 Synod Assembly Elections due 4/30/2024

The 2024 Synod Assembly nominating committee is calling for nominations for synod council members, committee positions, and Churchwide Assembly voting members. Embrace this opportunity to serve and lead within the Grand Canyon Synod by submitting your nominations by April 30, 2024. Your participation is crucial in shaping the future of our church. View our nominations page for full info.

Read More
Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian Flatgard2024 Grand Canyon Synod AssemblyComment
2024 Portico Annual Report: Benefits Making a Difference
2024 Portico Annual Report: Benefits Making a Difference

At Portico we strive to offer benefits that make our plan members’ lives better, so that they can fulfill their mission of helping others live their best lives. Here is a visual recap (view in PDF) of what our community of 45,000+ members experienced in 2023.

Our mission is to serve those who serve — financially, emotionally, and physically. We do this by securing quality, cost-effective, and useful benefits that make a difference for our members and sponsoring organizations. With each new year we continue to grow our pool and affirm the value and importance of church together.

Read More
Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardPortico, 2024 Assembly StoriesComment
It’s not too late to join Lutheran Summer Music 2024
It’s not too late to join Lutheran Summer Music 2024

We’re looking forward to an incredible year at LSM, and we’ve been able to add extra spots for this summer! Final openings are available for the four-week Full Session (June 30-July 28) for students in grades 8-12 who play clarinet, flute, horn, oboe, trumpet, euphonium, violin, or string bass. For more information or to apply, visit LSMacademy.org.

Read More
Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardLutheran Summer Music, Youth and Young AdultComment
How a Small Iowa Church Became a Beacon of Energy Efficiency
How a Small Iowa Church Became a Beacon of Energy Efficiency

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Decorah, Iowa, has transformed its 1958 building into a model of sustainability. Through a comprehensive upgrade that includes solar panels and geothermal heat pumps, the church significantly lowered its carbon footprint and energy costs. This initiative not only garnered the church the 2024 Energy Saver award from Interfaith Power and Light but also sets a replicable example for other communities aiming to enhance their environmental stewardship. Learn more in this Living Lutheran article.

Read More
ELCA, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardLiving Lutheran, Climate ChangeComment
Unlock Your Ministry Potential with the School for Lay Ministry Learning Community
Unlock Your Ministry Potential with the School for Lay Ministry Learning Community

Embark on a transformative journey with the School for Lay Ministry Learning Community. This year-long program from Faith+Lead at Luther Seminary equips lay leaders with theological training and leadership skills to effectively serve and lead in their congregations. Starting May 18, 2024, the program offers 13 lessons and 42 contact hours of comprehensive training tailored to enhance your ministry impact.

Read More
Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardLay Leadershipo, faith+lead, Luther SeminaryComment
Why Your Legacy Gift Matters
Why Your Legacy Gift Matters

Legacy gifts provide a unique opportunity to support your congregation and the Grand Canyon Synod for generations to come. Unlike direct donations, legacy gifts do not affect your current finances and allow you to honor your lifelong commitment to your faith community. Partner with Lisa Higginbotham from the ELCA Foundation to explore tax-efficient, impactful giving options that reflect your values and devotion.

Read More
Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardELCA Foundation, StewardshipComment
Volunteers Create Relationships and Memories at Mosaic
Volunteers Create Relationships and Memories at Mosaic

Volunteers help build relationships, offer new opportunities and build memories for the people Mosaic supports and for themselves. National Volunteer Week is a great opportunity to say Thank You, because they lighten the load and brighten the day for people. The post Volunteers Create Relationships and Memories at Mosaic appeared first on Mosaic.

Read More
Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardMosaic, Disability MinistriesComment
National Faith + Climate Forum Unites Over 1,400 Participants to Strengthen Congregations Through Creation Care
National Faith + Climate Forum Unites Over 1,400 Participants to Strengthen Congregations Through Creation Care

The National Faith + Climate Forum, hosted by Blessed Tomorrow, assembled an unprecedented gathering of faith community members committed to build thriving congregations through care for creation with faith-driven action. It demonstrated the burgeoning power of faith-driven creation care and climate advocacy, and furthered collaborative efforts to enhance congregations and our given and shared home.

Drawing more than 1,400 registrants nationwide gathered online and in person at 70 locations from California to Maine, this forum marks a significant milestone in the faith community’s response to climate change. This diverse gathering represented over 20 denominations and faith traditions, each committed to integrating faith-driven environmental stewardship into congregational life. Read more here.

Read More
Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardClimate Change, Blessed TomorrowComment
A Day with Dominican Friars: Delve into the Mystical and Scholarly
A Day with Dominican Friars: Delve into the Mystical and Scholarly

Set aside time for spiritual nourishment at the "Loving God with St. Catherine of Siena and St. Thomas Aquinas" day. Learn from the lives of these saints in a quiet setting, hosted by the Church of the Epiphany on April 27, 2024. Delve into discussions, enjoy peaceful prayer, and savor a provided lunch with like-minded individuals seeking deeper faith.

Read More
Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardEcumenical and Inter-Religious Relations, Episcopal Diocese of ArizonaComment
Linda Post Bushkofsky Announces Retirement After 22 Years at Helm of Women of the ELCA
Linda Post Bushkofsky Announces Retirement After 22 Years at Helm of Women of the ELCA

Linda Post Bushkofsky, executive director of Women of the ELCA, announces her retirement effective June 30, 2024, after 22 years of transformative leadership. During her tenure, she spearheaded major initiatives such as the Katie’s Fund capital campaign and maintained organizational stability through the pandemic, leaving a lasting legacy of growth and service within the church. Read more at the Women of the ELCA site.

Read More
ELCA, Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardWomen of the ELCA (WELCA)Comment