Posts in Grand Canyon Synod
December Events to Inspire: From Peacemaking to Blue Christmas Services
December Events to Inspire: From Peacemaking to Blue Christmas Services

Join the Arizona Faith Network on December 9 for a morning of inspiration with keynote speaker Rev. Eugene Cho at the Franciscan Renewal Center in Scottsdale. This year’s theme, Building Bridges, Breaking Barriers: Peacemakers in Action, calls us to confront injustice and foster reconciliation. Registration closes December 6.

Explore other opportunities this month, including an Interfaith New Year’s Celebration, a Blue Christmas service, and a powerful series with Rev. Dr. Gary Mason on peacemaking in divided times. Learn more and register for these transformative events at Arizona Faith Network Newsletter.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardEcumenical and Inter-Religious Relations, Arizona Faith Network, 2024 Advent and ChristmasComment
Simplify and Sustain: Reclaiming the Holidays with Faith and Purpose
Simplify and Sustain: Reclaiming the Holidays with Faith and Purpose

Amid the busyness of the season, faithful celebration often gets lost in materialism and unsustainable practices. Discover how to simplify, honor creation, and embrace meaningful traditions this holiday season. Explore tips and resources from One Home One Future to make your celebrations joyful and climate-conscious.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardClimate Change, 2024 Advent and Christmas, Blessed TomorrowComment
Latine Ministry Competency Workshop, December 12-14, 2024 | Taller de Competencia en el Ministerio Latino, 12-14 de diciembre de 2024
Latine Ministry Competency Workshop, December 12-14, 2024 | Taller de Competencia en el Ministerio Latino, 12-14 de diciembre de 2024

Únase al Taller de Competencia en el Ministerio Latino este diciembre para profundizar las habilidades de alcance cultural y comunitario de su ministerio. Este evento virtual de tres días, organizado por el CTLM del Seminario Teológico de Wartburg, ofrece a los líderes de la ELCA estrategias prácticas y modelos de ministerio inspiradores de expertos en ministerio latino. Las sesiones se llevarán a cabo del 12 al 14 de diciembre, con un enfoque en el fortalecimiento de comunidades de adoración multiétnicas y bilingües. La inscripción está abierta en wartburgseminary.edu/CTLM, con opciones para individuos y congregaciones. Descargue o vea el PDF aquí.

Join the Latine Ministry Competency Workshop this December to deepen your ministry’s cultural and community outreach skills. This three-day virtual event, hosted by Wartburg Theological Seminary’s CTLM, offers ELCA leaders practical strategies and inspiring ministry models from experts in Latine ministry. Sessions will be held December 12-14, with a focus on strengthening multi-ethnic and bilingual worshipping communities. Registration is open at wartburgseminary.edu/CTLM, with options for individuals and congregations. Download or view PDF here.

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Grand Canyon Synod, Leadership Resources, NewsBrian FlatgardEspañol, Wartburg SeminaryComment
Rev. Eugene Cho Headlines Arizona Faith Network Event on Peacemaking: Register Today
Rev. Eugene Cho Headlines Arizona Faith Network Event on Peacemaking: Register Today

Join the Arizona Faith Network Annual Gathering on December 9 at the Franciscan Renewal Center in Scottsdale, AZ, or online. Under the theme Building Bridges, Breaking Barriers: Peacemakers in Action, Rev. Eugene Cho, President of Bread for the World, will guide attendees in addressing the root causes of conflict and injustice in today’s world. Faith communities are invited to register now, as spots are filling quickly. For faith-based organizations, exhibitor and sponsorship opportunities offer a valuable platform to connect.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardArizona Faith Network, Ecumenical and Inter-Religious RelationsComment
Uniting Lutheran and Episcopal Voices: Advent Service of Hope and Peace
Uniting Lutheran and Episcopal Voices: Advent Service of Hope and Peace

Join churches in Chandler and Mesa for “Anticipation, Hope & Peace: Advent Lessons and Carols” on December 8 at 5:00 PM at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church in Chandler. This collaborative service, uniting Lutheran and Episcopal congregations, offers an evening of scripture, music, and reflection. All are welcome to experience the Advent season through both traditions, celebrating the hope and peace that unite us.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardFirst Evangelical Mesa, Holy Trinity Chandler, Fiesta Conference, Episcopal Diocese of Arizona, Ecumenical and Inter-Religious Relations, 2024 Advent and ChristmasComment
Victorian Carolers Bring Classic Christmas Magic to Mountain View Lutheran in Phoenix
Victorian Carolers Bring Classic Christmas Magic to Mountain View Lutheran in Phoenix

Join us on Friday, December 6, at 6:30 PM at Mountain View Lutheran Church in Phoenix for the Victorian Carolers Christmas Concert—a free evening of festive music, heartwarming songs, and a Christmas singalong. This talented ensemble of nine classically trained musicians brings joy and nostalgia through traditional carols and holiday favorites. Celebrate the season with us in this joyful community event! Learn more at mvlutheran.org.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian Flatgard2024 Advent and Christmas, Mountain View Phoenix, Fiesta ConferenceComment
Advent Continues: Finding Rest and Renewal
Advent Continues: Finding Rest and Renewal

This Monday, December 9, at 12:00 PM AZ/MST, Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center invites you to the second session of Restore Our Hope: Advent Centering Prayer. This week’s theme focuses on slowing down in a world consumed by busyness and productivity. Through guided meditation and communal centering prayer, rediscover stillness and trust in God’s abundant grace. Register now to join this time of prayerful waiting.

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Grand Canyon Synod, News, Resources, Worship ResourcesBrian Flatgard2024 Advent and Christmas, Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center, Worship ResourcesComment
Supporting ELCA Ministries: Giving Strategies for 2024 and Beyond
Supporting ELCA Ministries: Giving Strategies for 2024 and Beyond

As 2024 draws to a close, the ELCA Foundation is offering a range of impactful and tax-advantaged ways to support ministries that matter to you. From IRA distributions to gifts of appreciated securities, there are options to maximize your giving while reducing taxes. Key deadlines for year-end gifts are fast approaching, so now is the time to act. Looking ahead, new opportunities like increased QCD limits in 2025 offer even more flexibility for generosity. Learn more about these strategies and contact Lisa Higginbotham for personalized guidance. Read the full newsletter.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardStewardship, ELCA FoundationComment
Northeast Valley Consortium Supports Hunger Advocacy with $2,000 Grant
Northeast Valley Consortium Supports Hunger Advocacy with $2,000 Grant

The Northeast Valley Consortium, a coalition of five Phoenix-area Lutheran churches, has pledged $2,000 to support the Grand Canyon Synod Hunger Leaders Network’s participation in the 2025 ELCA World Hunger Leaders Gathering. In addition to hunger advocacy, NEVC expanded its summer lunch packs and heat relief efforts in 2024, showcasing the power of collaboration in combating food insecurity and building resilient communities. Read more about how this partnership embodies being “church together” on the Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona site.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardNortheast Valley Conference, Northeast Valley Consoritum, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA), HungerComment
Lutherans Restoring Creation: Advent Opportunities to Renew and Reflect
Lutherans Restoring Creation: Advent Opportunities to Renew and Reflect

This Advent season, Lutherans Restoring Creation invites you to join their circle of care. Participate in the Our Kairos Moment study group on December 17th, focusing on climate change and public health, or fill up with “Festive Fuel” on December 27th for fellowship and renewal. Share and receive sustenance by contributing favorite recipes, hymns, and inspiring resources to their interactive Padlet board. Learn more and register today.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian Flatgard2024 Advent and Christmas, Climate Change, Lutherans Restoring CreationComment
Rediscover the Heart of Advent with Faith+Lead's 4-Day Mindful Challenge
Rediscover the Heart of Advent with Faith+Lead's 4-Day Mindful Challenge

Pause and reflect this Advent season with the 4-Day Mindful Advent Challenge from Faith+Lead. Beginning December 2nd, this free devotional series will guide you through Advent’s themes of hope, peace, joy, and love with contemplative art by Pastor Steve Thomason, daily prayers, and simple practices. Visit faithlead.org/2024-advent to sign up and start this season with stillness and renewal.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian Flatgard2024 Advent and Christmas, faith+lead, Luther SeminaryComment
Advent Begins: Restore Our Hope with Centering Prayer
Advent Begins: Restore Our Hope with Centering Prayer

Advent is here! Join Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center this Monday, December 2, at 12:00 PM AZ/MST for Restore Our Hope: Advent Centering Prayer. This week, we reflect on a world marked by isolation, comparison, and fear, as we pray for connection, compassion, and liberation. Begin the season with 30 minutes of song, prayer, and quiet reflection. Register here to receive the Zoom link.

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Grand Canyon Synod, News, Resources, Worship ResourcesBrian Flatgard2024 Advent and Christmas, Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center, Worship ResourcesComment
Celebrate the Season: Explore Our Advent and Christmas Highlights
Celebrate the Season: Explore Our Advent and Christmas Highlights

Discover the Grand Canyon Synod’s 2024 Advent and Christmas hub! This special section of our site gathers worship resources, event calendars, and inspiring stories to guide you through this holy season. Visit gcsynod.org/2024-advent-christmas to explore and share your own events or reflections with the synod. Let’s prepare our hearts together for the coming of Christ!

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Grand Canyon Synod, News, Leadership ResourcesBrian Flatgard2024 Advent and ChristmasComment