Posts in News
Rev. Jonathan Linman joins The Lutheran Ecumenical and Inter-Religious Relations Network

We are delighted to announce that Rev. Jonathan Linman, pastor at Faith/La Fe in Phoenix, has been appointed to serve as our synod representative to The Lutheran Ecumenical and Inter-Religious Relations Network (LEIRN). He will join Rev. Dr. Mari Larson in this capacity, strengthening our synod's voice within this influential organization.

LEIRN is a volunteer-based body representing all 65 synods of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). The network serves as a model for ecumenical and interreligious engagement, promoting dialogue and understanding within our church and beyond.

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POSITION FILLED: Christ Lutheran Church seeks Music Director

Christ Lutheran Church of Sedona is searching for a Music Director. After 30 years of devoted service, our esteemed and beloved Music Director has announced his retirement later this year. CLCS is seeking an experienced person (or persons) to lead our vibrant music ministry. If interested, please review the attached job description. Come take up residence in the beautiful red rocks of Sedona and become the next great music leader for the friendly and faithful family of CLCS!

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Podcast Series: Christians Against Christian Nationalism

Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA) shares a podcast series from the Christians Against Christian Nationalism movement. The original 10 podcasts can be found here (from 2019), which feature interviews with theologians, historians, authors and activists, including Bishop Elizabeth Eaton, Walter Brueggemann, Sen. John Marty (D), MN, author Steven Green, and many others.

The BJC Center for Faith, Justice and Reconciliation produces the podcasts. Visit their site to view resources, which include the podcasts as well as webinars, study materials, books, and a sign-on statement. Read the original LAMA article here.

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Rostered Leaders of Color Cohort to gather in Sedona

In our ongoing mission to connect people, we are happy to announce the upcoming Rostered Leaders of Color Cohort Retreat. This event is scheduled to take place in Sedona from August 20 to August 23, 2023.

The gathering will include rostered ministers of color and full-time rostered ministers from the Office of the Bishop Staff. It aims to create a nurturing environment where stories can be shared, connections made, and voices heard.

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Ordination celebrations: 7/1/2023

Today we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:

  • Rev. Glenn Zorb, Mountain View, Phoenix, who celebrates 44 years on July 1.

  • Rev. Jan Flaaten, who celebrates 50 years on July 1.

  • Deacon Brenda J. Laukonis, who celebrates 42 years on July 1.

  • Rev. Robert Hutson Jr., who celebrates 50 years on July 1.

  • Rev. Robert Rod, who celebrates 50 years on July 1.

  • Rev. James Dew, Abounding Grace, Tucson, and Interim Director for Evangelical Mission (DEM), who celebrates 33 years on July 1.

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Missed our Manna Grants Webinar? Catch up now and apply by July 31, 2023!

If you were unable to join us for our enlightening Manna Grants webinar, fear not! The recording of this information-packed webinar is available here with the passcode: E^fi7Bvs

Our guest speakers, Roselle Tenorio, ELCA World Hunger Program Manager, and Sue Jensen, Synod Council Executive Committee member, shared insightful presentations on addressing the root causes of hunger and essential information on Manna Grants.

Ready to make a difference? Learn more about our Manna Grants here. The application deadline is midnight on July 31, 2023.

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A prophetic call to action: An interview with author Kenneth Wheeler

In this article from Living Lutheran, we read how Rev. Kenneth Wheeler was compelled to write his new book US: The Resurrection of American Terror (Precocity Press, 2022) after connecting the trauma he’d experienced under Jim Crow segregation to the rise in Christian nationalism he’d seen in recent years. Read the full article in this post, and be sure to participate in our Conversations with Rev. Kenneth W. Wheeler, July 11 and August 1, 2023, at 10 am.

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Your input is essential: Take the Grand Canyon Synod Hunger Ministry Survey

The Grand Canyon Synod Hunger Leaders needs your help. In order to move forward with the implementation of the Grand Canyon Synod Resolution S23.01, they require some crucial information from each congregation.

To help us achieve their first goal of gathering data, please take a couple of minutes to complete this survey for your church. Their aim is to achieve 100% participation across the synod. Every response counts! You can access the survey here.

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Chaplain opportunity at Christ Church School in Paradise Valley, AZ

Christ Church School in Paradise Valley is seeking a dedicated and dynamic individual to join their team as a Half-time Chaplain. The ideal candidate will be a committed Episcopalian or ELCA lay or clergy person, with a passion for nurturing spiritual growth in children, and a talent for fostering a sense of belonging within the school community. More details can be found in this PDF. Applications are welcome at HeadofSchool@ccsaz.org.

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Three expressions of Lutheranism under one roof: The GCS Stewardship Team worships in Glendale, Arizona

Pastor Dan Potaznick, accompanied by the Grand Canyon Synod Stewardship Team, relays an inspiring narrative of the multicultural worship experience where three congregations — St. John’s Lutheran Church, Iglesia Luterana Vida Nueva, and Emmanuel Sudanese Lutheran Church — each offer a unique and vibrant expression of faith.

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Living Lutheran: Reading Proverbs and reading life

The book of Proverbs asks us to bring our whole lives with us when we read it. This is true for the whole of Scripture but especially for Proverbs.

As part of the biblical books known as wisdom literature, Proverbs centers human experience as a way of discerning God’s work in the world and our participation in it. Proverbs rarely shows up in the lectionary and isn’t known as a favorite in Lutheran circles, but it teaches careful reading and interpreting.

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Unused Paschal Candle available from Lord of Life Lutheran Church

Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Sun City West has a beautiful, unused "Behold the Lamb" Divine Light Paschal Candle from Will & Baumer to generously donate to a congregation.This new candle, never burned, with appliques for multiple years, is still in its original packaging.

For more info visit Majesty Divine Light Paschal Candle. Interested? Send an email to info@LOLaz.org.

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Freestanding display board available at Lord of Grace Lutheran Church

Looking for a useful item for your church's next campaign? Lord of Grace Lutheran Church in Tucson is giving away a freestanding display board previously used in their capital campaign. The board, with dimensions of 73” high, 36” wide, and 24” deep, could be a great asset to your church's outreach or communication efforts. Contact Lord of Grace Lutheran Church to claim this resource.

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Office of the Bishop closed July 4, 2023

The Office of the Bishop will be closed on Monday, July 4th, 2023, in observance of Independence Day. As we celebrate this day of freedom and unity, let us also remember to cherish the gift of spiritual freedom we've been blessed with through faith.

"Gracious God, as we celebrate Independence Day, we are grateful for the freedoms we enjoy in this nation. May we use our liberties to seek justice, embrace love, and walk humbly in our service. Bless our land, guide our leaders, and unite our hearts in the pursuit of what is good and pleasing to You. In Christ's name, Amen."

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Join us for the Manna Grants Webinar: Let's tackle hunger together

We invite you to a special webinar about our Manna Grants on June 28, 2023, at 5 pm MST/PDT, 6pm MDT. We're honored to have Sharon Magnuson and Roselle Tenorio from the ELCA join us, sharing insights on how to address root causes of hunger. Register here for the Zoom meeting.

Also, remember to apply for the Manna Grant by July 31, 2023. View our Manna Grant page for full info and an application.

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