Join the Grand Canyon Synod Assembly in 2024 to foster diverse and youthful voices in church leadership. Learn how your congregation can contribute to a more inclusive and representative gathering. The Synod Council’s new resolution opens doors for additional youth, young adult, and diverse community members to participate as voting members, enriching our collective decision-making with a broader range of perspectives. View our assembly page about determining voting members for more info.
Read More
The Grand Canyon Synod is preparing for the 2024 Bishop's Election at the upcoming Synod Assembly. Learn more about the election process, the role of the bishop, and how our Synod is moving forward with prayerful discernment on our dedicated information page.
El Sínodo del Gran Cañón se prepara para la Elección del Obispo de 2024 en la próxima Asamblea del Sínodo. Obtén más información sobre el proceso electoral, el papel del obispo y cómo nuestro Sínodo avanza con discernimiento orante en nuestra página de información dedicada.
Read More
As your congregation prepares for its annual meeting, be sure to invite members to attend our 2024 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly, Friday-Saturday, June 14 & 15, 2023, at Love of Christ Lutheran Church in Mesa. We gather under the theme “Embody the Word.” Read more to find out how many voting members your congregation can send.
Read More
Seeds Monthly highlights new initiatives and celebrates Black History Month with stories, resources, and videos. Engage with a draft social statement on civic life and faith, explore Black Lutheran narratives, and mark your calendars for key ELCA events. Discover resources for peacekeeping, Lent, and advocacy opportunities, alongside job openings in global service.
Read More
Episode 3 of Talks at the Desk features a powerful sermon by the Rev. Solomon Missouri talking on Embody. In particular, he says bodily pleasure is not to be feared but rather can be seen as a form of prophecy. Check on this and more from Day 3 of the Reclaim gathering from September 2023. Reclaim featured workshops, praise and worship, shared meals and engaged conversations. We also share two highlights from last week: I am: Sharei Green and I am: Reclaimed.
Read More
The Office of the Bishop travels extensively this week, and maintains day to day operations. We also share a photo from the Valley Interfaith Partners press conference at the Arizona State Capitol.
Read More
This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Peter Perry, St. John’s, Glendale, who celebrates 27 years on February 23.
Rev. Kaila Armbruster, Crossroads, San Tan Valley, who celebrates 10 years on February 23.
Rev. Paul Block, New Song, Henderson, who celebrates 23 years on February 24.
Rev. Robert Crabb, who celebrates 29 years on February 26.
Rev. Christopher Heller, Mountain View, Phoenix, who celebrates 14 years on February 28.
March 2024's Blessed Tomorrow newsletter emphasizes the urgent need for faith communities to engage in climate action. Highlights include the National Faith + Climate Forum on April 16, ecoAmerica ACLA semifinalists announcement, Earth Day tabling kits, and resources for the 2024 election to motivate climate-conscious voting. Additionally, it features insights from Rev. Jim Antal on the significance of election sermons in faith communities and showcases the impactful actions of Blessed Tomorrow Ambassadors.
Read More
Explore the reflections of young people on what it means to be authentically created in God's image in the latest ELCA Youth Gathering Blog. Discover their personal stories and insights into being true to oneself, the importance of community support, and the empowerment found in authenticity.
Read More
Explore enriching events and initiatives with the Arizona Faith Network in their latest newsletter. From the 'Connection to Nature' community gathering and the 'I, Too, Sing America' Black History Month Film Festival to insightful webinars on American Christian Nationalism and engaging youth in interfaith dialogue. Plus, opportunities for poll monitors for the upcoming elections.
Read More
Join Dr. Alicia Granholm for Faith+Lead's free video series, 'How to Take Your Next Faithful Step,' starting Feb. 19, 2024. This four-part series, each less than 20 minutes a day, explores the cultural and church challenges impacting ministry today. Discover theological commitments, core tasks of ministry, and key pivots for a faithful future in ministry. Ideal for leaders seeking resources, facing leadership burdens, or longing for active congregational participation. Register for insights on transforming challenges into opportunities.
Read More
"Segment Two Coach Training" by Faith+Lead is an advanced eight-week live program designed for coaches and faith leaders looking to deepen their expertise. Participants who have completed Segment One or are in the process can earn 16 ICF credits, refining skills for transformative ministry and leadership. This $375 course, led by Dr. Dawn Alitz, offers immersive labs, personalized feedback, and a path to ICF credentialing, preparing leaders for lasting impact in their communities. Sessions run March 11th - May 6th and September 30th - November 18th, 2024.
Read More
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.
Read More
"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.
Read More
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.
Read More
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.
Read More
Gathering leadership shares some updates for the 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering, MYLE and the tAble this summer. To learn more about the Gathering or to register, visit elca.org/Gathering.
Read More
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.
Read MoreIn 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
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.
Read More