Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA) shares an article after having had the pleasure of visiting several churches and feeding ministries in Tucson! They want to use their blog to help share the stories of various ministries around our synod, both to celebrate ELCA World Hunger’s 50th anniversary, and to foster connections between people doing God’s good work. Stay tuned over the coming weeks to hear more about ministries in Tucson and around the state!
Read MoreThis week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Michael Johnson, who celebrates 37 years on June 21.
Rev. Roger Thompson, who celebrates 43 years on June 21.
Rev. Joseph Carucci, who celebrates 63 years on June 21.
Rev. Terry Pletkovich, who celebrates 43 years on June 21.
Rev. John Sersland, who celebrates 43 years on June 21.
Rev. Nancy Milleville, Our Savior’s, Mesa, who celebrates 44 years on June 21.
Rev. Michael Girlinghouse, LCM Canterbury, Flagstaff, who celebrates 37 years on June 21.
Rev. Sarah Upham-Birdsall, who celebrates 22 years on June 22.
Rev. Matthew Dobyns, ELCA, Chicago, who celebrates 16 years on June 22.
Rev. Gary Hess, who celebrates 47 years on June 22.
Rev. Duane Peterson, who celebrates 66 years on June 22.
Rev. Andrew Schlecht, Maricopa, Maricopa, who celebrates 16 years on June 22.
Rev. Glenn Zimbelman, who celebrates 40 years on June 24.
Rev. Scott Hove, Good Samaritan, Las Vegas, Good Sam at The Lakes, Las Vegas, who celebrates 29 years on June 25.
Rev. Paul Overvold, who celebrates 46 years on June 25.
Rev. Dennis Hagstrom, who celebrates 47 years on June 25.
Rev. John Geske, Mayo, Scottsdale, who celebrates 36 years on June 26.
Rev. David Towers, who celebrates 48 years on June 27.
We thank everyone who helped us with our Grand Canyon Synod Assembly. The Office of the Bishop takes the next few weeks to put our house back in order and prepare to create new possibilities.
Read MoreThe Rev. Deborah K. Hutterer was reelected June 14 to serve a six-year term as bishop of the Grand Canyon Synod. Information about the Grand Canyon Synod is available at gcsynod.org.
Read MoreHave you heard the phrase, “May you live in interesting times?” Many would say we live in uncertain times, with a world experiencing war and famine, the stress and lingering effects of the pandemic. But Bishop Eaton reminds us that as people of the Resurrection we also live in hope. God’s love sustains us even in the most difficult times. We live in interesting times because God’s love is always real.
Read MoreRewatch the 2024 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly on Love of Christ Lutheran’s Facebook page. All sessions, including the Diakonia Graduation, are now available online. Whether you missed the live event or want to experience it again, find all parts of the assembly at your convenience. Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, and the Diakonia Graduation are available for streami
Read MoreJoin Luther Seminar’s faith+lead for an exclusive workshop, “Living the Story: Moving from Membership to Discipleship,” on June 27th via Zoom, designed to empower church leaders to foster a culture of active, daily discipleship in their communities. Explore effective strategies for spiritual growth and community engagement, led by Dwight Zscheile of Luther Seminary.
This workshop is free for Faith+Lead members, with special membership rates available for new joiners. Rediscover the joy in your spiritual journey and transform your ministry practices. Register now and be part of God’s unfolding narrative in new and impactful ways.
Read MoreJoin the Lutherans Restoring Creation art contest to envision a better future through your artwork! Open to youth and young adults, this contest encourages participants to reimagine their communities in harmony with the environment. Submit your art by June 30, 2024, for a chance to have your work displayed at the Youth Gathering in New Orleans and turned into advocacy postcards. All levels of art skills are welcome. Click to learn more and submit your vision of a sustainable tomorrow!
Read MoreThe FBI has reached out to the Office of the Bishop with vital resources to combat the rise in hate crimes during election years, offering support and emphasizing community safety and civil rights protection.
Read MoreJoin Peace Lutheran Church in Peoria, AZ, for a comprehensive Godly Play Core Training from August 16-18, 2024. Perfect for educators, administrators, and parents involved in spiritual education, this training covers all aspects of the Godly Play method. Registration includes all materials and meals: Godly Play Core Training Registration.
Read MoreCalling 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!
Read MoreEnjoy Shape Note Singing at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Phoenix on Saturday, June 29th, from 1-4 PM. Experience this unique style of acapella harmony in a friendly, judgment-free environment. Loaner books provided.
Read MorePastor Lars Hammar of Lord of Grace Lutheran Church in Tucson provides a unique window into the spirit of the 2024 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly with his collection of 102 photographs. Documenting both the profound and the personal moments of our gathering, these images are available for viewing on Pastor Hammar’s Flickr page. Join us in celebrating our community’s faith, fellowship, and shared mission by exploring this visual record at https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjBvh6h.
Read MoreBishop Deborah Hutterer has been reelected at the 2024 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly, with 201 votes affirming her leadership out of 267 legal votes. We thank all participants, including Deacon John Weit from the ELCA and our hosts at Love of Christ in Mesa, for their support and dedication. Bishop Hutterer’s vision continues to guide us into a future filled with faith and community action. Full results of the bishop election ballot can be found here.
Read MoreNew Spirit Lutheran Church in Tucson shares a video of their Blessings in a Backpack program for their annual report to the assembly.
Read MoreWe are thrilled to be gathering with everyone at our Grand Canyon Synod Assembly as we collectively embody the Word! It’s a joy to connect, share, and grow together in faith and fellowship.
Read MoreThis week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Charles Wilfong, who celebrates 60 years on June 14.
Rev. Dana Reardon, who celebrates 26 years on June 14.
Rev. Tom Shelly, who celebrates 43 years on June 14.
Rev. Ronald Tellefson, who celebrates 60 years on June 14.
Rev. Timothy Swanson, who celebrates 51 years on June 15.
Rev. Dennis Morreim, who celebrates 55 years on June 15.
Rev. James Vadis, who celebrates 56 years on June 16.
Rev. Corrine Chilstrom, who celebrates 39 years on June 16.
Rev. Daniel Megorden, who celebrates 45 years on June 17.
Rev. Richard Bosse, who celebrates 68 years on June 17.
Rev. Daniel Storvick, who celebrates 51 years on June 17.
Rev. Mark Rossman, Living Water, Scottsdale, who celebrates 36 years on June 18.
Rev. Paul Hansen, who celebrates 35 years on June 18.
Rev. Glen Stadler, who celebrates 46 years on June 18.
Rev. Raymond Christenson, who celebrates 56 years on June 18.
Rev. John Groh, who celebrates 58 years on June 19.
Rev. Norbert Schroeder, who celebrates 64 years on June 19.
Rev. John Kautz, who celebrates 53 years on June 20.
Rev. Theodore Swanson, who celebrates 70 years on June 20.
Rev. Paul Nelson, who celebrates 42 years on June 20.
Rev. Les Niemi, who celebrates 70 years on June 20.
Rev. Mark Reitan, who celebrates 53 years on June 20.
Rev. Charles Berdahl, who celebrates 59 years on June 20.
The theme of our 2024 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly, “Embody the Word,” serves as a powerful reminder of the vibrant faith we have been gifted through our baptism into Jesus Christ. It's a call to open ourselves to God's transformative power, enabling us to boldly embody our true purpose as individuals and as the Body of Christ.
As disciples within the ELCA, we are called to courageously articulate the truths and beliefs deeply rooted in our faith. In our divided world, and even within our congregations, silence can often widen gaps of misunderstanding and division more than the spoken word. It is crucial that we not retreat from our responsibility to voice justice, peace, and reconciliation.
Read MoreThere are many ways generosity is expressed in the church. The gift of leadership is offered by each conference dean, team & committee member, council member, and worship leader. The gift of time is offered by every attendee of Synod Assembly and volunteers who serve our neighbors. The gift of money is offered by weekly offering to the congregation, congregational mission support to the synod, mission support tithe to churchwide ministry, extraordinary gifts from congregations & donors, and planned gifts that continue a legacy of love in Christ.
Read MoreJoin the 2024 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly online! Tune in live on June 13, 2024, via the Love of Christ Lutheran Church’s Facebook Page. This livestreaming opportunity ensures all our members, from across Arizona, southern Nevada, St. George, Utah, and the Navajo Nation, can partake in our assembly’s key moments. Don’t miss out on this chance to stay connected and involved in our community’s important decisions and celebrations. Watch here.
Read More
