Posts in News
Segment One Basic Skills Coach Training
Segment One Basic Skills Coach Training

In "Segment One Basic Skills Coach Training," faith leaders learn empowering coaching methods to support their communities. This comprehensive program, spanning nine sessions, teaches skills like powerful questioning and affirming language. Participants practice real-life coaching, work towards ICF credentialing, and explore how to facilitate growth and active listening. Offered at $375, the course aims to equip leaders with tools to help others identify their paths aligned with God's calling. Courses are led by experienced instructors, Rev. Dr. Nathan Swenson-Reinhold and Rev. Dr. Dawn Alitz, providing a rich learning environment.

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Grand Canyon Synod, News, ResourcesBrian Flatgardfaith+lead, Luther Seminary, Lay LeadershipoComment
Dare to Lead for Faith Leaders
Dare to Lead for Faith Leaders

"Dare to Lead for Faith Leaders" offers faith leaders an opportunity to apply Brené Brown's insights to their roles. Starting March 5th, 2024, this six-session training focuses on developing daring leadership skills, enhancing self-awareness, and fostering authentic connections. Participants will explore the balance between vulnerability and professional authenticity, aiming to lead their faith communities with courage and integrity. The program, led by Sarah Ciavarri, aims to equip leaders with practical wisdom for the 21st-century church.

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Grand Canyon Synod, News, ResourcesBrian Flatgardfaith+lead, Luther Seminary, Lay LeadershipoComment
Burned Out and Overwhelmed: Experiencing God’s Healing Presence on the Ancient Paths
Burned Out and Overwhelmed: Experiencing God’s Healing Presence on the Ancient Paths

Join Jorge Acevedo for "Burned Out and Overwhelmed: Experiencing God’s Healing Presence on the Ancient Paths," a workshop offering practical wisdom and ancient spiritual practices to combat pastoral burnout. Scheduled for February 29, 2024, this session aims to reconnect Christian leaders with foundational spiritual disciplines, providing tools for peace, resilience, and holistic well-being amidst the challenges of modern ministry.

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Grand Canyon Synod, News, ResourcesBrian Flatgardfaith+lead, Luther Seminary, Lay LeadershipoComment
Ministry that honors the body: The holiness of simply being
Ministry that honors the body: The holiness of simply being

In part one of an interview, Living Lutheran spoke with Rachel Young Binter about how embodied spiritual practices inform her work as pastor of the Corner House, the Lutheran campus ministry of the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee. The second part of her interview focuses on the specifics of those practices, resources she recommends and a meditation she offered our readers.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardLiving LutheranComment
Sacred Histories: Martin Luther on the Chosenness of Nations
Sacred Histories: Martin Luther on the Chosenness of Nations

As part of our Creating Space for Conversations series, we share a PDF of an article by Miles Hopgood, Sacred Histories: Martin Luther on the Chosenness of Nations, from A Chosen Nation?, an issue of Word and World, Luther Seminary’s journal of theology.

In considering the idea of any nation as “chosen” of God, Martin Luther understands that such a relationship would have to be relational at its core, a relation between God and a group of people. But this relationship would be proclaimed by God and not something that individuals or groups could claim. Though Israel was chosen by God, this passed to the true, invisible church.—Miles Hopgood

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Grand Canyon Synod, News, ResourcesBrian FlatgardCreating Space for Conversations, Word and World, Luther SeminaryComment
‘Yes in God’s Backyard’ Seeks to Transform Church Lands into Homes
‘Yes in God’s Backyard’ Seeks to Transform Church Lands into Homes

Religious leaders across Arizona, including Bishop Hutterer, rallied at the state Capitol to support legislative efforts aimed at alleviating the affordable housing crisis. They advocated for a bill, “Yes in God’s Backyard,” to permit religious institutions to develop affordable housing on their properties. Read or listen to the article from KJZZ here, and read the Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona article here.

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Bishop Hutterer, Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardIn the News, Advocacy, HomelessnessComment
Redefining Recovery: Free Webinar on Ending Addiction Compassionately
Redefining Recovery: Free Webinar on Ending Addiction Compassionately

The Center of Addiction & Faith is set to host an enlightening webinar titled "Addiction & Ending It For Good," featuring Christina Dent, the visionary founder of End It For Good, on Wednesday, Feb. 28th, 2024 1pm MST, 2pm PST. This free, one-hour session will explore revolutionary approaches to understanding and addressing drug addiction—a journey from a punitive to a health-centered perspective. Register here.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardThe Center of Addiction & Faith, AddictionComment
Sumud: the Way of Jesus with Ranan Issa Abu Shanab
Sumud: the Way of Jesus with Ranan Issa Abu Shanab

Week 1 of “Following the Way of Jesus: A Lenten Holy Land Journey” is: Sumud the Way of Jesus with Ranan Issa Abu Shanab at the Church of Annunciation.

Sumud is the ELCA’s new name for our church’s engagement in accompaniment, awareness-building and advocacy for justice in Palestine and Israel. Sign up for updates about Sumud and upcoming events at: https://www.bit.ly/SumudSubscribe You can also learn more at https://www.ELCA.org/sumud.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardSumud, Israel and Palestine, 2024 LentComment
Ending with Grace: February Series at Community of Grace
Ending with Grace: February Series at Community of Grace

Conclude the 'Aging with Grace' series on February 28th at Community of Grace with Ms. Alma Init, RN, discussing 'Ending with Grace.' Delve into end-of-life care considerations, including hospice and palliative care processes. This compassionate and informative session will provide valuable insights into ensuring dignity and care in life’s final stages, coupled with a focus on self-care for caregivers.

For a deep dive into each weekly topic and to connect with valuable resources, visit the full series details at Community of Grace or in this PDF.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardCommunity of Grace Peoria, Cactus Conference, Older AdultComment
National Fund for Sacred Places LOIs due 2/29/2024
National Fund for Sacred Places LOIs due 2/29/2024

The National Fund for Sacred Places is accepting letters of intent (LOIs) until Thursday, February 29th at 11:59 EST. The LOI is the first step in a two-step application process. To access the LOI form, please visit fundforsacredplaces.org/apply.

The National Fund for Sacred Places is a grant-making program that provides capital grants ranging from $50,000 to $500,000 as well as wrap-around support services to congregations undertaking once-in-a-generation preservation projects.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardNational Fund for Sacred PlacesComment
Join the Movement: Regenerating Life Film Screening and Discussion
Join the Movement: Regenerating Life Film Screening and Discussion

Join Lutherans Restoring Creation and ELCA World Hunger for a compelling exploration of ecological solutions to climate change with the documentary "Regenerating Life: How to Cool the Planet, Feed the World, and Live Happily Ever After." Mark your calendars for Tuesday, 2/27/2024, 6pm MST, 5pm PST, for an insightful discussion with filmmaker John Feldman.

Register now to access this transformative film and be part of a movement towards climate justice and ecological healing. Don't miss this chance to engage with global voices and envision actionable steps for your community.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardLutherans Restoring Creation, Climate Change, ELCA World HungerComment
Arizona Faith Gathering: Healing from Moral Injury
Arizona Faith Gathering: Healing from Moral Injury

Your partnership in the Be Connected Faith Network is making a difference in the lives of veterans and service members. We are excited to join you at the next Faith Gathering event on Wednesday, February 21, 10:00 - 11:30 am online. More info and registration here.

In 2023, we discussed moral injury, how it occurs and the devastating trauma that can result. It’s time to further the conversation into healing. The February Arizona Faith Gathering will dive into the work of healing from moral injury with a panel of military chaplains who will share their work in moral injury healing and the most effective methods they have used.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardMilitary, Be Connected Faith NetworkComment