Christ Lutheran Church in Sedona has been awarded a 2024 ELCA Disability Ministries Grant! This exciting recognition highlights their commitment to creating a more inclusive church. Learn more about this and other grant recipients, discover featured resources, and find ways to get involved with disability ministries in the Grand Canyon Synod and beyond. Read more in the latest newsletter from ELCA Disability Ministries.
Read MoreOne of the readings some churches use on Christmas day is the opening passage of the Gospel of John. One line stands out: “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” (John 1:5)
The post Christmas is a Celebration of Hope appeared first on Mosaic.
Read MoreIn the latest Pivot podcast, discover how Beer Church and Trail Church redefine spiritual community in everyday spaces with Bryan Wilkom of Jesus Fit.
The Grand Canyon Synod invites your congregation to submit its 2025 Mission Support Statement of Intent by February 1, 2025. Your gifts empower local, national, and global ministries, equipping leaders, transforming lives, and advancing God’s mission. Visit gcsynod.org/intent for forms and details. Together, we live into God’s vision of abundance and equality.
Read MoreThe Office of the Bishop worships and preaches at ministries around the synod, and continues year-end projects.
We also share photos from Senegal and Mexico. The Grand Canyon Synod and the Lutheran Church of Senegal renewed and signed our covenant as global companions. Photos of Bishop Hutterer’s Senegal visit with President Latyr Diouf include worship at Bokotou village. In Mexico, to strengthen ties with Iglesia Luterana Mexicana and Pastor President Rev. Roberto Federico Trejo Haager, we share photos from Iglesia Bethel in Mazatlan and San Pablo in Tepic.
Read MoreFraudulent emails impersonating Bishop Hutterer have been reported. These messages often include fake file attachments or unusual requests. Learn how to protect yourself and stay vigilant against cyber threats by following best practices and verifying suspicious emails directly with the Office of the Bishop.
Read MoreJoin 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.
Read MoreAmid 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.
Read MoreWe uplift and pray for The Rev. Philip A. Shaw and the people of St. John’s Episcopal Lutheran Church in Williams, part of the High Country Conference.
Read MoreThis week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Scott Summers, who celebrates 34 years on December 8.
Deacon Lorraine Brugh, who celebrates 45 years on December 10.
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.
Read MoreJoin 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.
Read MoreJoin 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.
Read MoreJoin 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.
Read MoreSpirit offers an Advent-specific daily devotion via email beginning Sunday, December 1 and ending on Christmas Day. If you would like to receive a special devotional reflection by Pr. Steve Holm in your inbox each day during Advent, register here.
Read MoreThis 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.
Read MoreWe uplift and pray for Rev. Timothy Wright, Rev. Jose Valenzuela, Rev. Joshua Pontious and the people of Community of Grace Lutheran Church in Peoria, part of the Cactus Conference.
Read MoreAs 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.
Read MoreIn this episode of the Pivot Podcast, Rev. Dr. Steve Thomason shares how to simplify Advent with art, stillness, and meaningful spiritual practices.
Read MoreThe 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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