Posts in Grand Canyon Synod
Serving Democracy: A Lutheran Poll Worker’s Story from the 2024 Election
Serving Democracy: A Lutheran Poll Worker’s Story from the 2024 Election

In the polarized climate of the 2024 Presidential Election, University Lutheran’s Paul Westermann shares his experiences as a poll worker in Maricopa County, where voters and poll workers alike upheld a neutral, civil atmosphere. Amid concerns about ballot security, Paul and his colleagues reassured voters, providing resources and ensuring every voice was heard. His story underscores the Lutheran commitment to serving our neighbors and the importance of civic duty in safeguarding democracy. Read more to learn how Paul’s work exemplifies faith in action at the polls in the Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona blog post.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardChurch and Society, University Tempe, Fiesta Conference, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA), AdvocacyComment
Support Our Synod’s Trip to Senegal with Pastoral Collars & Stoles
Support Our Synod’s Trip to Senegal with Pastoral Collars & Stoles

Bishop Hutterer and a Grand Canyon Synod delegation are traveling to Senegal to strengthen ties with The Lutheran Church of Senegal. The church’s President, Rev. Latyr Diouf, has requested donations of pastoral collars and stoles in black, violet, or white to support their ministry. Please bring donations to the synod office by November 21, 2024, at 1819 East Morten Avenue, Suite 110, Phoenix, AZ 85020. Please contact the synod office to let us know when you’ll be bringing items. Your support will help equip our global Lutheran community for worship and service.

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Bishop Hutterer, Global Church, Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardLutheran Church of Senegal, SenegalComment
Guiding Congregations Through the Post-Election Season: A Toolkit for Church Leaders
Guiding Congregations Through the Post-Election Season: A Toolkit for Church Leaders

Equip your congregation to navigate the post-election season with Faith+Lead’s free 2024 Election Toolkit. Filled with resources for fostering empathy, addressing complex issues, and promoting Gospel values over partisanship, this toolkit offers practical guidance for preaching, teaching, and living out justice and faith. Access these tools to help diffuse tension and encourage understanding as we walk together through challenging times. Learn more

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Grand Canyon Synod, Leadership Resources, NewsBrian Flatgardfaith+lead, Church and Society, Elections and Voting Rights, Luther SeminaryComment
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
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