Posts in Grand Canyon Synod
Ordination celebrations: May 24 – May 30, 2024

This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:

  • Rev. Richard Jessen, who celebrates 61 years on May 24.

  • Rev. Ronald Koplitz, who celebrates 55 years on May 25.

  • Rev. David Swanson, who celebrates 60 years on May 26.

  • Rev. Jon Clutz, who celebrates 60 years on May 27.

  • The Rev. Donald Bebber, St. Raphael, Benson, who celebrates 1 years on May 27.

  • Rev. Benjamin Bergren, Community, Las Vegas, who celebrates 26 years on May 28.

  • Rev. Nicholas Mays, who celebrates 58 years on May 29.

  • Rev. Norene Smith, who celebrates 41 years on May 29.

  • Rev. Leroy Rehrer, who celebrates 47 years on May 29.

  • Rev. Ronald Glusenkamp, who celebrates 43 years on May 29.

  • Rev. Randall Olson, Honor Health, Scottsdale, who celebrates 48 years on May 30.

  • Rev. Dennis R. Nelson, who celebrates 53 years on May 30.

  • Rev. Kenneth Miller, Grace, Kingman, who celebrates 20 years on May 30.

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2024 Assembly Guide: Schedule, Registration, and What to Bring

Prepare for the 2024 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly from June 13-15 at Love of Christ Lutheran Church in Mesa, AZ with our Attendee Vital Information page, which we’ll keep updating as we receive info. This year’s assembly features a Bishop’s election, requiring pre-registered voting members to check in on Thursday or Friday morning. Free childcare is available with advance registration. Join us as we “Embody the Word”!

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2024 Synod Assembly Agenda available

Join us for the 2024 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly from June 13-15. This year’s assembly includes the Bishop’s election, starting with registration and a Hymn Festival on Thursday. Friday and Saturday will feature plenary sessions, worship, workshops, and multiple voting rounds. Key events include a Bible study with Rev. Dr. Colleen Windham Hughes and a visit from Chaplain Capt Matthew W. Dobyns. Your attention is crucial as we have a bishop election and conduct essential synod business.

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Discover the Divine: Spirit in the Desert’s National Parks Film Series

Join Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center this summer for a four-session film series exploring the spiritual significance of America’s national parks. Featuring stunning clips from Ken Burns’s film, each session will delve into our deep connections with the Divine and the Earth. Sessions are held on the 4th Thursday of May, June, July, and August at 4:00 PM AZ (MST). Register now to deepen your spiritual connection with nature.

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Hunger Leaders Network meets 6pm last Tuesday of every month

Calling all hunger champions: join this network of the Grand Canyon Synod! Meet to hear updates on national and local Hunger and Food Insecurity efforts and initiatives, to learn from one another, and to share with the group what's happening in our congregations. Anyone interested in alleviating hunger is welcome. Prepare to be encouraged and supported!

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Fuller Church Leadership Institute announces the Business of Ministry Certificate

To be a successful ministry leader, it’s essential to have a working knowledge of finances, team management, facilities, planning, board relationships, and systems. FULLER Equip and Fuller Seminary's Church Leadership Institute have partnered with consultant and Executive Pastor Mike Bonem to create the Business of Ministry Certificate—designed to enhance your skills in these areas to help you feel more prepared and confident in your ministry leadership. Learn more and purchase here.

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Ordination celebrations: May 17 – May 23, 2024

This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:

  • Rev. Jonathan Heilner, who celebrates 49 years on May 18.

  • Rev. Greg Hartman, New Spirit, Tucson, who celebrates 5 years on May 18.

  • Rev. Patricia Reed, who celebrates 23 years on May 19.

  • Rev. Richard Glover, who celebrates 65 years on May 20.

  • Rev. Phillip Hausknecht, who celebrates 61 years on May 20.

  • Rev. Mel Soderberg, who celebrates 57 years on May 21.

  • Deacon Laura Book, who celebrates 14 years on May 21.

  • Rev. Daniel Olson, who celebrates 61 years on May 22.

  • Rev. Carl Zimmermann, who celebrates 47 years on May 22.

  • Rev. Wallace Klandrud, who celebrates 69 years on May 23.

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POSITION FILLED: Mountain View Lutheran in Phoenix seeks Preschool Director

Ahwatukee Preschool, a mission of Mountain View Lutheran Church in Phoenix, AZ, seeks a Preschool Director. The Preschool Director is responsible for the development, operation, management, legal compliance, promotion, and success of the Ahwatukee Preschool, with the goal of maximizing enrollment while maintaining high educational standards within a loving, Christian environment. You can find a more detailed job description and instructions for applying by visiting: mvlutheran.org/jobs.

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Arizona Faith Network Addresses ‘Secure the Border Act’

In addition to addressing the critical issue of HCR2060, the Arizona Faith Network's latest newsletter features a rich lineup of events and educational opportunities. Upcoming sessions include a webinar on American Christian Nationalism, a Resiliency Career/Job Fair, and a series exploring the impacts of the Doctrine of Discovery. There's also a focus on community support with initiatives like the Heat Relief and Resilience efforts, and the MOMS Tour Baby Shower, designed to support maternal health.

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2024 Report of the Reference and Counsel Committee is available

The Grand Canyon Synod has received one resolution {S24.01} for the upcoming 2024 Synod Assembly, confirmed by the Reference and Counsel Committee to align with our constitutional guidelines. Submitted by the Stewardship Team before the April 22 deadline, the resolution will be presented without recommendation, ensuring an open discussion among assembly members. Full details and a description of the submitting team are available on our assembly pages.

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“Where the Kingdoms Are Held Together”: Free Institutions and the American Church’s Political Vocation

As part of our Creating Space for Conversations series, we share a PDF of an article by the Grand Canyon Synod’s very own Rev. Matthew Metevelis, “Where the Kingdoms Are Held Together”: Free Institutions and the American Church’s Political Vocation, an issue of Word and World, Luther Seminary’s journal of theology.

The United States, as any other nation, is considered a political entity that God uses as a means of providing life and happiness for all. The distinct nature of the American national system is heavily reliant on the virtue of its citizens, and Christians are called to engage in this work both as citizens of the nation and as members of God’s church. —Rev. Matthew Metevelis

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