Posts in Grand Canyon Synod
Step into Bonhoeffer’s World with Andy Root and Tripp Fuller

Join theologians Andy Root and Tripp Fuller on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, from 6:30 PM to 8:30pm Central, as we dive into the world of Dietrich Bonhoeffer in this free event, brought to you by Luther Seminary’s faith+lead.

Step back into a tumultuous era as we explore the life and teachings of one of the most influential figures in Christian thought. Witness how Bonhoeffer's extensive travels and profound teachings not only brought the Gospel to others but also how he embodied the Gospel's call—even to the point of martyrdom under the Nazi regime.

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Chart a New Course: Explore ‘The Seventh Story’ with the Spirited Book Club on 6/13/2024

Join Spirited Book Club on June 13th, 2024, from 12:00 to 1:00 pm PDT/MST, for a thought-provoking discussion on ‘The Seventh Story: Us, Them & The End of Violence’ by Brian D. McLaren and Gareth Higgins. This online event, facilitated by Sheri Brown, explores transformative narratives that encourage peace and understanding in a divided world. Discover how Jesus’ teachings can inspire a new way of living based on compassion and reconciliation. Register now to be part of this enriching experience and help change the stories we live by.

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2024 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly Rules and Procedures Announced

The 2024 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly, scheduled for June 13-15, has released its Rules of Procedure. Key points include adherence to Robert’s Rules of Order, designated seating for voting members, and no proxy or absentee voting. Engage actively in our synod’s governance by understanding these guidelines in advance, and join us in a spirit of faithful witness and Lutheran values.

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Join Deacons Brugh and Adelman for an Evening of Hymns and Community

Join us for the Wild Life Hymn Festival on Thursday, June 13, 2024, from 7:30-8:30 PM at Love of Christ Lutheran in Mesa. Organized by Deacon Lorraine S. Brugh and Deacon Kate Adelman, this event offers a rich tapestry of hymns from diverse cultures and historical periods, fostering spiritual dialogue and community connection. Experience an evening of melody, reflection, and spiritual harmony that celebrates our global Christian heritage

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Civic Duty and Faith: Join Autumn Byars for Election Engagement Talks

This June, join Autumn Byars every Thursday at 5:30 PM PDT/MST for a series of engaging discussions on the role of young Lutherans in electoral politics. These sessions aim to empower and prepare you for active participation in the upcoming elections. Register here and mark your calendars to be a part of this important civic engagement initiative.

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2024 Assembly Giving Focus: ELCA Federal Chaplains

Support the ELCA Federal Chaplaincy Ministries with your offerings at this year’s Grand Canyon Synod Assembly. Your donations will help fund scholarships for those called to serve as chaplains in the military, Veterans Affairs hospitals, and federal prisons, embodying the Word in their day-to-day ministries. Learn more and how to contribute on our ELCA Federal Chaplaincy page. Join us in making a meaningful impact on the lives of those who serve on the front lines of faith.

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Celebrate Our 2024 Diakonia Graduates: Join Us In-Person or Online

Celebrate the 2024 Diakonia Graduation Ceremony after our assembly on June 15 at 12:30 PM at Love of Christ Lutheran Church in Mesa, AZ. Join us in person or watch the live stream here to honor our graduates’ faith journeys and achievements. For more details, visit www.diakonia.education and view the full PDF document with details of all the graduates.

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Rev. Jacqui Pagel Annual Report: 2024

Pastor Jacqui Pagel, Bishop’s Associate for Candidacy and Faith Formation, reports significant strides in nurturing leadership and spiritual development across the Grand Canyon Synod. The Candidacy program is flourishing, with 27 candidates poised for pastoral roles, and anticipates ordaining deacons for the first time in fourteen years. Additionally, the Grand Canyon Synod is among the top ten synods for candidate numbers.

Efforts in Lutheran Campus Ministry have continued robustly despite pastoral retirements, maintaining vital support and faith exploration spaces for students across multiple campuses. Pastor Jacqui also highlights the impactful financial support provided to seminary students through the Funds for Leaders program, alleviating the burden of educational expenses. Her report encapsulates our synod’s ongoing commitment to forming faith-filled leaders equipped to serve and enrich their communities.

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Unveiling the 2023 ELCA Foundation Annual Report: A Year of Growth and Generosity

Explore the ELCA Foundation’s latest strides toward intentional generosity and financial stewardship in the newest issue of “Insights.” This edition includes the expanded 2023 annual report, featuring both gift planning and investment services. Learn about their new Vice President of Advancement role and find inspiring articles on leaving a legacy. Engage with the full content for more details and updates.

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Tanque Verde Lutheran in Tucson is Hiring Part Time Children's Ministry Director

TVLC is a dynamic, multi-generational congregation with a gifted staff, devoted volunteers and vibrant worship. We are looking for a part-time Children's Ministry Director to help us invest in our children and families, and tackle the challenges of ministering to a changing world from a position of strength. See the full job description on Indeed.

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Thriving Leadership Formation Annual Report: 2024

Thriving Leadership Formation, supported by a significant grant from the Lilly Endowment, continues to foster spiritual and leadership growth within our synod through its diverse initiatives and events. In the past year, this program, housed at Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary and California Lutheran University, has significantly impacted pastoral and lay leadership across ELCA Regions 1 and 2. Under the leadership of Pastor Lourdes Olson, among others, the program has engaged numerous leaders in spiritual practices and community building, helping them to thrive in their congregational roles. View their full annual report in this PDF.

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Ordination celebrations: May 31 – June 6, 2024

This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:

  • Rev. Andrea Cain, Desert Cross, Tempe, who celebrates 16 years on June 1.

  • Rev. Brian Cain, Spirit of Joy, Gilbert, who celebrates 16 years on June 1.

  • Rev. Richard Lawrence, who celebrates 40 years on June 1.

  • Rev. Eugene Perry, who celebrates 66 years on June 1.

  • Rev. Douglas Moffat, Faith, Yuma, who celebrates 50 years on June 1.

  • Rev. Carol Breimeier, who celebrates 24 years on June 2.

  • Rev. Ronald Pechauer, who celebrates 61 years on June 2.

  • Rev. Roland Harder, who celebrates 58 years on June 2.

  • Rev. Ellis Eskritt, who celebrates 59 years on June 2.

  • Rev. Gary Benson, who celebrates 50 years on June 2.

  • Rev. James Lundeen, who celebrates 59 years on June 2.

  • Rev. Lloyd Wallace, who celebrates 61 years on June 2.

  • Rev. Ernie Larsen, who celebrates 61 years on June 2.

  • Rev. Fred Nelson, who celebrates 24 years on June 2.

  • Rev. Thomas Dunham, Streams in the Desert, Tucson, who celebrates 45 years on June 3.

  • Rev. Patricia Lowe, Emmanuel, Prescott Valley, who celebrates 17 years on June 3.

  • Rev. Mark Halvorson, who celebrates 51 years on June 3.

  • Rev. Donald Jacobson, who celebrates 62 years on June 3.

  • Rev. Greg Wenhold, who celebrates 45 years on June 3.

  • Rev. Joseph Doherty, New Promise, St. George, who celebrates 25 years on June 4.

  • Rev. Floyd Anderson, who celebrates 63 years on June 4.

  • Rev. Keith Hardy, who celebrates 45 years on June 4.

  • Rev. Maria Valenzuela, who celebrates 35 years on June 4.

  • Rev. Stephen Beyer, Lord of Life, Sun City West, who celebrates 43 years on June 5.

  • Rev. Jason Adams, Good Samaritan, Las Vegas, Good Sam at The Lakes, Las Vegas, who celebrates 10 years on June 5.

  • Rev. Arlyn Saathoff, who celebrates 59 years on June 6.

  • Rev. Vern Barlow, who celebrates 59 years on June 6.

  • Rev. Daniel Carlson, who celebrates 42 years on June 6.

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