Posts in Grand Canyon Synod
Living Christ’s Legacy: A Seed of Hope for Future Leaders
Living Christ’s Legacy: A Seed of Hope for Future Leaders

Living Christ Lutheran Church in Flagstaff has left a lasting legacy with the creation of the Living Christ Leadership Endowment, a fund to support future ELCA leaders. Established with $598,000, the endowment is dedicated to training and equipping seminary students, pastors, deacons, and lay leaders, especially those in the Grand Canyon Synod. Contributions to the fund are welcome through various giving options. Join us in carrying forward Living Christ’s mission of love and hope, ensuring that future leaders are empowered to serve and lead in faith.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardELCA Foundation, Stewardship, Living Christ Leadership EndowmentComment
Free Educational Event: Help Your Congregation Become Dementia Friendly on November 20
Free Educational Event: Help Your Congregation Become Dementia Friendly on November 20

Join Lutheran Faith Community Nurse Association (LFCNA) on November 20 for a free, one-hour educational event on Being a Dementia Friendly Congregation. Led by Janice Greeno, this session will offer practical strategies to support those with dementia and their caregivers in your congregation. Register today to reserve your spot and become part of this important movement to transform your faith community. LFCNA Event Registration or view this PDF for more info.

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Grand Canyon Synod, Leadership Resources, NewsBrian FlatgardLutheran Faith Community Nurse Association (LFCNA), ElderlyComment
Strengthen Your Climate Leadership: Join the Free Climate + Faith Training on November 16, 2024
Strengthen Your Climate Leadership: Join the Free Climate + Faith Training on November 16, 2024

Prepare for climate action by joining the free Climate + Faith Training on November 16, 2024. This online event will equip you with practical tools to lead climate action in your congregation, helping you integrate creation care into your faith practices. Register today to strengthen your role as a climate leader! This training is part of the National Faith + Climate Forum 2025 on March 27, 2025.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardBlessed Tomorrow, Climate ChangeComment
Exploring Guadalupe: A Lutheran & Latine Perspective
Exploring Guadalupe: A Lutheran & Latine Perspective

Explore the Virgin of Guadalupe’s significance for Lutherans through a Latine lens in a virtual workshop on November 16, 2024. Led by Rev. Jesus Escamilla, this English-language session will delve into cultural and theological insights connecting Guadalupe to Lutheran faith. Register at wartburgseminary.edu/ctlm. View a PDF here.

Explora la importancia de la Virgen de Guadalupe para los luteranos desde una perspectiva latina en nuestro taller virtual el 16 de noviembre de 2024. Dirigido por el Rev. Jesús Escamilla, esta sesión en inglés profundizará en ideas culturales y teológicas que conectan a Guadalupe con la fe luterana. Inscríbete en wartburgseminary.edu/ctlm.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardWartburg Seminary, EspañolComment
Arizona, Oregon, and Beyond: Inside Out Network Expands Support
Arizona, Oregon, and Beyond: Inside Out Network Expands Support

Inside Out Network’s Fall 2024 newsletter highlights significant developments, including expanded access to ION’s platform in Arizona prison libraries and a new fundraising goal to support reentry resources. Discover updates on ION’s outreach in Mississippi and Oregon, impactful community events, and inspiring success stories that showcase ION’s ongoing mission to support returning citizens. View the ION Fall 2024 newsletter online or view/download this PDF.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardPrison, Inside Out Network Comment
Church Planting Reimagined: Nick Warnes on Discernment, Adaptability, and Inclusive Leadership
Church Planting Reimagined: Nick Warnes on Discernment, Adaptability, and Inclusive Leadership

In this episode of the Pivot Podcast, we dive deep into the world of church planting with Nick Warnes, founder and executive director of Cyclical Incorporated. Nick shares his expertise on developing leaders for new Christian communities, challenging traditional notions of what it means to start a church. From discernment processes to financial sustainability, from adapting to diverse contexts to embracing a truly missional approach, this conversation is packed with practical wisdom for anyone interested in the future of the church.

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Grand Canyon Synod, Leadership Resources, NewsBrian FlatgardLuther Seminary, Pivot Podcast, faith+leadComment
The Future of Church Planting: Innovating for God’s Mission with Len Tang
The Future of Church Planting: Innovating for God’s Mission with Len Tang

In this episode of the Pivot Podcast, discover the future of church planting with expert Len Tang in this eye-opening episode of the Pivot Podcast.

Dive into the evolving world of church planting with expert Len Tang in this transformative episode of the Pivot Podcast. Len, director of the Fuller Church Planting Initiative, unpacks the latest trends and strategies that are reshaping how we approach ministry in the 21st century.

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Grand Canyon Synod, Leadership Resources, NewsBrian FlatgardLuther Seminary, Pivot Podcast, faith+leadComment
Political Theology Reimagined: Dr. Joel Lawrence on “Sabbath Politics” in a Polarized World
Political Theology Reimagined: Dr. Joel Lawrence on “Sabbath Politics” in a Polarized World

In this thought-provoking episode of the Pivot Podcast, Dr. Joel Lawrence, president of the Center for Pastor Theologians, offers a fresh perspective on political theology and how churches can navigate our politically polarized landscape. Introducing the concept of “Sabbath politics,” Dr. Lawrence challenges us to reimagine the church’s role in society, shifting from a posture of control to one of trust in God’s rule.

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Grand Canyon Synod, Leadership Resources, NewsBrian FlatgardLuther Seminary, Pivot Podcast, faith+leadComment
Arizona Faith Network's post-election newsletter
Arizona Faith Network's post-election newsletter

As election results come in, Arizona Faith Network remains steadfast in our mission to bring people of faith together for the common good. Our commitment to building bridges and breaking down barriers endures beyond any single election outcome. We recognize that this moment may stir many emotions within our communities. Yet, our purpose remains clear: to unite, bringing people of faith together to organize and act in the pursuit of justice. Together, we will continue to face challenges with resilience and hope, strengthening our shared commitment to a more just and compassionate world. Read more in the latest Arizona Faith Network's newsletter.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardChurch and Society, Ecumenical and Inter-Religious Relations, Arizona Faith NetworkComment
Join Us in Honoring Dr. King’s Legacy at Our Celebration of Diversity
Join Us in Honoring Dr. King’s Legacy at Our Celebration of Diversity

Save the date for the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration of Diversity on Sunday, January 19, 2025, from 3-5 pm in each respective time zone. Hosted at King of Glory Lutheran Church in Tempe, with Bishop Yehiel Curry preaching, and Holy Spirit Lutheran Church in Las Vegas, this event invites us to come together to honor Dr. King’s legacy of justice, love, and unity. Join us as we celebrate our shared mission for equality and diversity within our faith community. More details coming soon!

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardRacial Justice, MLKComment
The Election is Over: What’s Next for Faith and Climate Action?
The Election is Over: What’s Next for Faith and Climate Action?

Blessed Tomorrow reflects on this past election season, giving thanks for the faith and climate communities who worked tirelessly to promote climate-conscious voting. Now, as we pause to recharge, we also look ahead to 2025 with actionable steps for creation care. Join Blessed Tomorrow in leading the way toward climate justice, and read more in their post here.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardBlessed Tomorrow, Church and Society, Climate ChangeComment
Bishop Hutterer: A Message of Peace and Hope after the Election
Bishop Hutterer: A Message of Peace and Hope after the Election

As I reflect on the election results in our nation and in our swing-states synod, I recognize that emotions across our communities are varied and deeply felt. For some, there is joy and hope; for others, uncertainty and worry. In this moment, we turn our gaze once again toward Jesus, our unchanging source of comfort and strength in uncertain times.

For those who are filled with joy today, I ask for your prayers, support, and compassion toward those who may feel fearful or lost. For those who are anxious, may you know the comfort of a God who holds you close. Jesus sustains us all, inviting us into a spirit of action and healing, no matter the season or the outcome.

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Bishop Hutterer, Letters, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardBishop Hutterer Letters, Elections and Voting Rights, Church and Society Comments
Deepen Your Spiritual Journey: Meet David Bullock, Grand Canyon Synod’s Newest Spiritual Director
Deepen Your Spiritual Journey: Meet David Bullock, Grand Canyon Synod’s Newest Spiritual Director

David Bullock, a degreed Spiritual Director with extensive experience, has joined the Grand Canyon Synod’s roster of Spiritual Directors. Now based in Arizona, David offers monthly one-hour sessions for anyone seeking a deeper relationship with God, both in person and via video conference. His inclusive approach is open to all, regardless of faith background, and he invites each participant to make a charitable donation in honor of each session. Discover how David’s guidance can support your spiritual journey and learn more about our synod’s Spiritual Directors.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardSpiritual DirectorsComment
Walking in Grace: October Reflections from Spirit in the Desert
Walking in Grace: October Reflections from Spirit in the Desert

This October at Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center was filled with powerful gatherings, including the Grand Canyon Synod Fall Gathering led by Bishop Hutterer and other retreats that brought faith communities together. Highlights include heartfelt thanks to the Carefree Kiwanis Club for their support, updates on impactful retreats, and invitations to upcoming events. Explore more and see how Spirit in the Desert continues to foster faith, community, and personal renewal. Read more here.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardSpirit in the Desert Retreat CenterComment