Attend two exciting West Valley Young Adult events. Experience the Winter Retreat at Camp ALOMA, packed with activities from Jan 12-15. And don't miss the Morning Hike on Jan 6 at Thunderbird Park. It's a great way to engage with the community and enrich your faith.
Read MoreJoin us as we mark a monumental milestone—the 50th anniversary of ELCA World Hunger—at the 2024 ELCA World Hunger Leadership Gathering on February 1-4, 2024. Celebrate decades of dedication and look ahead to the future of hunger advocacy and action. Be a part of this transformative event for networking, learning, and planning, as we continue to embrace hope and move forward in our mission. Act now to secure your spot and take advantage of special rates!
Read MoreMartin Malmberg of Lutheran Social Services of Nevada shares their 2023 Impact Report, highlighting th thousands served in 2023, as well as LSSN’s expansion into two new locations.
Read MoreYou are cordially invited to participate in a listening session hosted by the Grand Canyon Synod. This Zoom session on Tuesday, 1/16/2023, 5pm MST, 4pm PST, features Sarah Morris and Anthony Ormsbee-Hale from the Commission for a Renewed Lutheran Church (CRLC), and offers a unique opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue about the future of our community. Click here to register.
Read MoreAs we end a year full of collective achievements and spiritual growth, we invite you to join us in celebrating our synod's shared journey. Your generous contributions have been instrumental in every success, from outreach initiatives to the nurturing of our faith community. Take a moment to read our year-end newsletter, which highlights the remarkable moments and milestones of 2023, and reflects the vibrant life of our church thanks to your steadfast support.
Read MoreThe Office of the Bishop staff wishes you a blessed and peaceful 2024. This week, as we prepare for the new year, we remind you the Synod Office will be closed Monday, January 1, 2024.
Read MoreAs 2023 comes to a close, LAMA invites you to celebrate with them the work we’ve accomplished together. They’re are grateful to you for your faithful advocacy this year, and look forward to the work that we will do together in 2024. And don’t forget to register for Lutheran Day at the Legislature! View their 2023 year end newsletter here.
Read MoreThe Grand Canyon Synod is delighted to announce Deacon Katie Kline as our new Interim Director of Congregation Transitions, starting January 2024.
We also extend our heartfelt gratitude to Deacon Janice Zimbelman and Rachel Line for their dedicated service. Deacon Janice Zimbelman will be retiring from this half-time position that is shared with the Rocky Mountain Synod as Deacon Katie Kline takes up this work in an interim capacity.
Read MoreJoin beloved 1960s TV icons Davey and Goliath for their 1965 Christmas special. Davey learns the real meaning of Christmas when he gives his part in a Christmas play to another boy.
Read MoreAs part of our Creating Space for Conversations series, we share a PDF of an article by Marie Olson Purcell, “Oh, Those Words Are So Divisive, Pastor!”: Christian Nationalism and Identity Expression in the United States, from A Chosen Nation?, an issue of Word and World, Luther Seminary’s journal of theology.
Read MoreThe phrase “America is a Christian nation” is a highly polarizing statement in the contemporary United States. But like many such polarizing statements, the situation surrounding it is much more complex than it might seem. These complexities are actually openings for a deeper discussion of national identity and Christian faith, if such conversations can be had.—Marie Olson Purcell
The 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering staff shares some updates for the 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering, MYLE, the tAble and Young Adult Gathering next summer. To learn more about the Gathering or to register, visit elca.org/Gathering.
Read MoreThe ELCA recently announced the Rev. Louise Johnson, Executive for Administration, has accepted the Executive for Vision, a new position in the churchwide organization.
Starting in January 2024, Johnson will lead a small team in a new effort that will emanate from the ELCA's vision, purpose, goal, and priorities, which call for the church to work together to share the difference God's grace and love in Christ make for all people and creation.
Read MoreJoin us in celebrating Rev. Lowell Nelson's impactful service as the Grand Canyon Synod Emissary and Encourager in 2023. Pastor Lowell's dedicated work in strengthening our community and leaders is a legacy that will resonate for years to come.
Read MoreStart the new year right with the West Valley Young Adults' vibrant events and Young Adult Winter Retreat! From thrilling outdoor adventures to cozy gatherings and a retreat focused on community and spiritual growth, start the year with excitement and camaraderie. View fliers for all the details and follow them on Instagram for live updates.
Read MoreIn early November, two youth joined Pr. Jacqui Pagel at the ELCA Youth LeadershipSummit at Churchwide in Chicago. The summit brought together youth from more than 30 synods around the theme, "Called on the Way," focusing on the unique journeys individuals take in response to their calling and how those journeys shape their leadership abilities. The youth were glad to have been selected to participate and share reflections on their experiences in this post.
Read MoreThis week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Rodney Hutton, who celebrates 46 years on December 26.
Rev. Susan Swanson, who celebrates 25 years on December 27.
Rev. Kim Taylor, American, Tucson, who celebrates 39 years on December 30.
As we wind down the season of Advent and 2023, we send you Christmas greetings from the Office of the Bishop! The Synod Office will be closed Friday through Tuesday ,12/22 – 12/26/2023, and again on Monday, January 1, 2024.
Read MoreThe ELCA Seeds Monthly for December 2023 is available online, featuring Advent and Christmas resources, featured events and resources, as well as bulletin blurbs.
Read MoreThe latest ELCA Disability Ministries news updates are available, featuring: a webinar with Dr. Bill Gaventa, The Curb Effect: How Accessibility Impacts Everyone; a book review of The Difference That Disability Makes by Rod Michalko; the Disability Ministries advisory team’s “Top 10” list ; resources for a Blue Christmas worship service; and a reminder that Jan. 4 is World Braille Day and that Extravaganza 2024 takes place Jan. 18-21, 2024, in New Orleans, La.
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