Being a youth leader can be both rewarding and challenging. It’s a role that requires a great deal of energy, compassion, and patience. If you’re feeling tired or overwhelmed during this Advent Season, you’re not alone. The demands of guiding and supporting young people, coupled with all the responsibilities of the season, in addition to balancing the visioning prep for upcoming trips and all that goes into them, can take a toll.
Read MoreThe Installation of Pastor David Sivecz will be at Grace Lutheran, (1124 North 3rd Street, Phoenix, AZ 85004) on Saturday, January 13, 2024 at 3pm. Bishop Hutterer will be preaching and presiding. View the livestream on the Grace Facebook page.
Clergy are invited to vest and process. Color of the day will be white. There will be a reception following.
Read MorePlease be advised that the Office of the Bishop will be closed for the holidays from December 22 to December 26, 2023, and on January 1, 2024. We wish everyone a joyous Christmas and holiday season and look forward to reconnecting in the New Year!
Read MoreProduced by Lutheran Film Associates in 1966, A Time for Burning is a 58-minute, black-and-white cinema verite documentary that chronicles the struggle between the pastor of Augustana Lutheran Church in Omaha, Neb., and his all-white congregation as he encourages members to reach out to a neighboring Black church. Bill Jersey, one of the pioneers of cinema verite, and Barbara Connell directed the film, which was nominated for an Academy Award. The film is streaming on The Criterion Channel.
Read MoreAs we gather to celebrate this holy season, we extend our wishes for a blessed and joyous Christmas to you. Let us remember the great light that shone with the birth of Christ—a light that continues to guide and uplift us through all the seasons of our lives.
In this imperfect season—where shadows of trouble and war loom over this world—may we find renewed hope, peace, and joy in the message of the angels and the humble birth of Jesus. Join us in embracing the warmth of our communities and ministries, the love of family and friends, and the comfort of God's enduring presence among us.
Gracious God, as we rejoice in the miracle of Christmas, guide us to be bearers of your peace and joy in a world that yearns for your presence. Strengthen our faith, enliven our hope, and let your love shine through us each day. Amen.
Wishing you a Christmas filled with peace and joy,
—The Office of the Bishop Staff
Read MoreRaise your voices in song at the Grand Canyon Synod’s MLK Celebration! Join us on January 14 at King of Glory Lutheran Church for a worship service filled with soulful Gospel music in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Under the direction of vocal coach LaRiche Lamar, we'll perform classics like Total Praise and His Eye is on the Sparrow."Choir members and directors, sign up now at htlutheran.com/mlk for a chance to be part of this spiritually enriching experience.
Read MoreThis week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Deacon Katie Adelman, House of Prayer, Rock Point, who celebrates 38 years on December 15.
Rev. Thomas Stephens, who celebrates 39 years on December 16.
Rev. Bjorn Pedersen, who celebrates 36 years on December 20.
Some of the Office of the Bishop staff gather for an in-person staff retreat this week, as we wrap up 2023 and prepare for the 2024 calendar year.
Read MoreDiscover the art of civil discourse with "Hot Topics, Cool Heads: A Handbook for Civil Dialogue." Authored by experts who also have ties to our synod, this guide offers practical tools for engaging in respectful conversations on challenging topics. This essential read is part of our our "Creating Space for Conversations" resource page.
Read MoreJust in time for your winter break, we’ve uploaded the latest version of the synod constitution to our website. The latest version of the constitution is always available at gcsynod.org/constitution.
Read MoreAs we approach the end of the year, we in the Grand Canyon Synod Office of the Bishop are happy to help ensure that you realize the greatest benefit for your faithful generosity. Connect with your Grand Canyon Synod stewardship staff to get started today!
Read MoreIn this post, we share “The Prince of Peace at Christmas,” a Christmas message from the ELCA. View as a PDF in English and in Spanish, or as a video.
Bishop Eaton recalls the Christmas message from the angels: "Glory to God in the highest heaven and peace to God's people on Earth." She reminds us that when we greet one another with the sign of peace, “we share the peace, the love of God, and as we do, we know that God has reached from heaven to earth and in the Prince of Peace is sharing God's peace with us.”
Read MoreIt is such a joy to see people continue to grow and thrive with the right supports. In this story, even family members are amazed at the new things their brother can do. The post New Talents and Activities Surprise Family Members appeared first on Mosaic.
Read MoreJoin us Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center online for "Spirited Advent: My Soul Magnifies the Lord!" – a soulful Zoom journey this Advent. Hosted by Sheri Brown, each Sunday session offers a sacred space for reflection and connection, exploring themes of hope, peace, joy, and love. Inspired by Mary's Magnificat, these 30-minute gatherings provide a much-needed spiritual respite during the busy holiday season. Register now for this enriching, free series and discover your soul's unique begotten-ness.
Read MoreEmbark on a spiritual adventure with the Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center as Spirited Examen wraps up this yearl. Dive deep into reflective practices focusing on strengthening your bonds with God, Creation, and fellow humans. Engage in this final meaningful online session of 2023. Discover more about this enlightening journey here.
Read MoreWe share the latest updates from ELCA Advocacy, and highlight the entry from Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA) – lamaz.org, in this post.
Read MoreDiscover fresh ways to engage with Advent this year, as featured in Living Lutheran. Dive into a variety of innovative resources created by the ELCA, from the Metropolitan Washington, D.C., Synod's new podcast, "The World Is About to Turn," to Church Anew's convenient "Advent in a Box" package, and the enduring appeal of Luther Seminary's traditional daily devotional. These creative tools offer meaningful experiences to deepen your Advent journey, whether at home, in church, or on the go.
Read MoreLiving Lutheran shares this table prayer for Advent.
Blessed are you, O Lord our God, the one who is, who was and who is to come. At this table you fill us with good things. May these gifts strengthen us to share with the hungry and all those in need, as we wait and watch for your coming among us in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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