The Office of the Bishop travels throughout the synod for preaching and meetings, and picks up the pace before the final sprint to our synod assembly.
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This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Jonathan Heilner, who celebrates 49 years on May 18.
Rev. Greg Hartman, New Spirit, Tucson, who celebrates 5 years on May 18.
Rev. Patricia Reed, who celebrates 23 years on May 19.
Rev. Richard Glover, who celebrates 65 years on May 20.
Rev. Phillip Hausknecht, who celebrates 61 years on May 20.
Rev. Mel Soderberg, who celebrates 57 years on May 21.
Deacon Laura Book, who celebrates 14 years on May 21.
Rev. Daniel Olson, who celebrates 61 years on May 22.
Rev. Carl Zimmermann, who celebrates 47 years on May 22.
Rev. Wallace Klandrud, who celebrates 69 years on May 23.
Ahwatukee Preschool, a mission of Mountain View Lutheran Church in Phoenix, AZ, seeks a Preschool Director. The Preschool Director is responsible for the development, operation, management, legal compliance, promotion, and success of the Ahwatukee Preschool, with the goal of maximizing enrollment while maintaining high educational standards within a loving, Christian environment. You can find a more detailed job description and instructions for applying by visiting: mvlutheran.org/jobs.
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In addition to addressing the critical issue of HCR2060, the Arizona Faith Network's latest newsletter features a rich lineup of events and educational opportunities. Upcoming sessions include a webinar on American Christian Nationalism, a Resiliency Career/Job Fair, and a series exploring the impacts of the Doctrine of Discovery. There's also a focus on community support with initiatives like the Heat Relief and Resilience efforts, and the MOMS Tour Baby Shower, designed to support maternal health.
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Issue 93 of Administration Matters, the bimonthly e-newsletter for ELCA congregational and synodical leaders features:
Billions of federal dollars available for churches and nonprofits to go green.
The warning signs of a mental health issue and ELCA mental health benefits and support programs.
The Grand Canyon Synod has received one resolution {S24.01} for the upcoming 2024 Synod Assembly, confirmed by the Reference and Counsel Committee to align with our constitutional guidelines. Submitted by the Stewardship Team before the April 22 deadline, the resolution will be presented without recommendation, ensuring an open discussion among assembly members. Full details and a description of the submitting team are available on our assembly pages.
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In a recent blog post for the Women of the ELCA, seminarian Wanda K. Frenchman reflects on what she learned about God and ministry from her mother.
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As part of our Creating Space for Conversations series, we share a PDF of an article by the Grand Canyon Synod’s very own Rev. Matthew Metevelis, “Where the Kingdoms Are Held Together”: Free Institutions and the American Church’s Political Vocation, an issue of Word and World, Luther Seminary’s journal of theology.
Read MoreThe United States, as any other nation, is considered a political entity that God uses as a means of providing life and happiness for all. The distinct nature of the American national system is heavily reliant on the virtue of its citizens, and Christians are called to engage in this work both as citizens of the nation and as members of God’s church. —Rev. Matthew Metevelis
Secure your spot at the 2024 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly by May 20! Participate in vital decisions and the Bishop election at this pivotal gathering. Because we need to prepare all voting members for this election, registrations must be complete by May 20.
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Join Sermon Camp to transform your approach to preaching with a six-week, comprehensive program starting May 19, 2024. Learn to craft impactful sermons through practical strategies that blend spirituality with best preaching practices, supported by expert mentors and a community of peers.
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Celebrate the 50th anniversary of women's ordination in the Episcopal Church with a special screening of "The Philadelphia Eleven" documentary. Join others for this one-day-only event on May 21, 2024, at Harkins Shea 14 in Scottsdale. The screening will include a post-film discussion with The Rt. Rev. Jennifer Reddall and others. Tickets available now.
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The ELCA Advocacy's latest updates highlight new initiatives and resources to enhance Lutheran participation in the 2024 elections. From a six-session online series exploring Lutheran civic duties to practical training for poll monitors, these opportunities aim to deepen our engagement and understanding of political processes.
Personal experiences from poll monitors and greeters, like Solveig Muus and Autumn Byars from the Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona, offer insights into the practical aspects of ensuring fair and accessible voting processes.
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This summer offers a vibrant array of musical and worship events lined up for our community. Highlights include the Lutheran Summer Music Academy and Festival for aspiring young musicians, the ALCM’s "Ponder Anew" conference at Valparaiso University, and the Calvin Institute's worship grants. Additionally, Music that Makes Community offers several workshops and community sings, and Augsburg Fortress presents resources for graduates and college students. Read the full article from ELCA Worship at ELCA.org.
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Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton reflects on the profound changes emerging from the recently concluded United Methodist Church (UMC) General Conference in Charlotte, N.C. After being postponed since 2020, the conference highlighted the UMC's adoption of significant measures including the lifting of a 40-year ban on the ordination of practicing homosexual clergy, and the expansion of marriage definitions to include same-sex couples.
Bishop Eaton underscores the ELCA's joy and gratitude for 15 years of full communion with the UMC, celebrating the shared commitment to inclusivity and unity in Christian teaching.
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The Rev. Bryan J. Penham, Conshohocken, Pa., was elected May 4 to serve a six-year term as bishop of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). The election took place during the synod assembly, May 3-4 at Franconia Mennonite Church in Telford, Pa.
The bishop-elect has served as pastor of St. Mark's Lutheran Church in Conshohocken since 2013 and also as co-director for evangelical mission in the synod since 2022.
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The Rev. Jen Nagel, Minneapolis, Minn., was elected May 4 to serve a six-year term as bishop of the Minneapolis Area Synod. The election took place during the synod assembly, May 2-4 at Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Ramsey, Minn.
The bishop-elect has served as lead pastor of University Lutheran Church of Hope in Minneapolis since 2015. Previously she served as pastor of Salem English Lutheran Church in Minneapolis (2003 to 2015) and as a teaching staff coordinator at Holden Village, Chelan, Wash. (2011).
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The Office of the Bishop gathers for a synod council meeting this week, travels and preaches, and continues synod assembly preparation.
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This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Timothy Perlick, Mount of Olives, Phoenix, who celebrates 1 years on May 13.
Rev. Christine Stoxen, Holy Trinity, Chandler, who celebrates 24 years on May 14.
Our “Low-Cost Communication Tactics for Grand Canyon Synod Leaders” webinar was hosted by Brian Flatgard, Director of Communications on Tuesday, May 7, 2024. View the recording at us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/oabC3r4v_dyRkByuI5kCetkyS1uLnL7tpIHp45zv1KA7MuL15Yir4ymrhr3kMJ93.mvqQhl6tTffxdrUx with the passcode: 1bELj=?h
You can view the text and slides in this blog post, and view a PDF of the bullet points from the slide deck.
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