Posts in Grand Canyon Synod
All Valley Young Adults: New Monthly Events Bring Community Together

Kick off the new monthly young adult events in the Phoenix area with a fun night of unlimited bowling on Monday, September 9th, from 5:30 to 8:30 PM at Main Event in Tempe. This gathering, led by local young adult leaders, is the first of many opportunities to connect with peers across the Grand Canyon Synod. Don’t miss out on the fun—join us for this exciting event!

Read More
Rev. Jim Wallis to Address Faith, Democracy, and Peace-Building in Phoenix and Tucson

Join Rev. Jim Wallis for an insightful discussion on “Democracy, Faith, and Peace-Building in 2024.” Reflecting on his latest book, Wallis will address the challenges of Christian nationalism and the importance of reclaiming a faith that supports democracy. Co-sponsored by local faith organizations, this event is a must-attend for those passionate about the intersection of faith and politics.

  • Tucson: Wednesday, September 11, at 6:00 pm MST. Southside Presbyterian Church, located at 317 W. 23rd Street, Tucson, AZ 85713. Register here.

  • Phoenix: Thursday, September 12, at 7pm MST. Trinity Cathedral, 110 W Roosevelt St., Phoenix AZ 85003. Register here.

Read More
Strengthen Your Counseling Ministry with Prepare-Enrich Facilitator Training

Enhance your counseling ministry by becoming a certified Prepare-Enrich Facilitator at a special training on September 27th in Oro Valley. Offered at a discounted rate to Grand Canyon Synod clergy, this workshop equips you with essential tools for effective marriage counseling and supporting families. Register by September 15th to secure your spot.

Read More
Ordination celebrations: August 30 – September 5, 2024

This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:

  • Deacon Barbara Sikkink, who celebrates 32 years on August 30.

  • Deacon Janice Zimbelman, who celebrates 10 years on August 31.

  • Rev. Renee Geiger, who celebrates 36 years on September 1.

  • Rev. John Schaumburg, who celebrates 52 years on September 2.

  • Rev. Kirk Anderson, who celebrates 52 years on September 3.

  • Deacon Cathy Mannel, who celebrates 25 years on September 4.

  • Rev. Gregory Mannel, who celebrates 46 years on September 4.

  • Rev. Jeffrey Solheim, ELCA, Chicago, who celebrates 25 years on September 5.

Read More
Synod Spotlight: A Year of Ministry as your Hunger Fellow, reflections from Autumn Byars

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Autumn Byars, our Grand Canyon Synod Hunger Advocacy Fellow, for her dedicated year of service with Lutheran Advocacy Ministry of Arizona (LAMA). Her work has been an inspiring example of how mission support from congregations flows through the synod and the ELCA to return as impactful ministry in our communities. We invite you to join us in praying for Autumn’s continued good work in the church and the world.

Reflecting on a year of impactful advocacy, Autumn shares key moments, including testimony against restrictive SNAP bills and support for the Grand Canyon Food Pantry. LAMA empowers congregations to turn their faith into action, advocating for justice and food security at all levels of government.

Read More
Embody the Word: Join Us for the 2024 Bishop’s Fall Gathering

Join us for the 2024 Bishop’s Fall Gathering, October 21-23, at Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center. With the theme “Embody the Word,” this retreat offers a unique opportunity for rostered ministers, seminary students, and those serving in congregations to explore the power of storytelling in ministry. Register by September 13 to secure your spot.

Read More
New FREE Arrangement from Lutheran Summer Music by Anne Krentz Organ

Download a new FREE arrangement from Lutheran Summer Music 2024 by Anne Krentz Organ: The Ash Grove for a solo instrument with keyboard accompaniment. The Ash Grove is a theme and variations based on the beloved Welsh folk tune and is this year’s installment in the LSM Hymn Tune Project. Free sheet music download: LSMacademy.org/resources.

Read More
Empower Your Faith and Community with Blessed Tomorrow’s August 2024 Updates

Discover ecoAmerica’s new Climate Assessment Tool and make informed voting decisions this November. Join the One Home One Future celebration on September 24th, explore grassroots faith-based climate solutions, and prepare for a special webinar on preaching election sermons. Engage with these initiatives and take meaningful climate action today in their September 2024 newsletter!

Read More
Lutherans Restoring Creation: Gabrielle’s Continued Fellowship and Strategic Planning for the Future

Lutherans Restoring Creation announces the extension of Gabrielle’s fellowship through 2024 and begins a Strategic Planning process to shape its role in the ELCA. Join us in celebrating Pr. Nick Utphall’s walk on the Ice Age Trail and participate in upcoming events like “God’s Work, Our Hands” Sunday and our August Connection Call on the Season of Creation. Read the news in full in their August 2024 Great Green News.

Read More
Lutheran Men in Mission 2024 Summer Ambassador-Gram

The Lutheran Men in Mission 2024 Summer Ambassador-Gram is available by clicking here. You can also view the LMM page where Ambassador-Grams (including this one) are archived.

Their summer Foundations newsletter is also available via PDF and contains valuable info, including their cover story, Fighting Human Trafficking One Mile and One Meal at a Time: “Cyclists in Iowa rode 200 miles to raise over $2 million to combat human trafficking, supported by Lutheran Men in Mission and congregations like Emanuel St. John’s in Lytton. Their journey reflects the bold and daring challenge of living out faith through action.”

Read More
Empower Your Congregation with Solar: Discover Financing Options in IPL’s Webinar

Discover how your congregation can go solar with insights from Interfaith Power & Light’s recent webinar on solar financing. The session covers various financing options, federal incentives like Direct Pay, and real-life experiences from a congregation that has successfully navigated the process. Access the webinar recording and additional resources to start your solar journey today.

Read More