Posts in News
ELCA Hunger's Go and Do News: 50 Years of Commitment: ELCA World Hunger’s Journey and Our Path Forward
ELCA Hunger's Go and Do News: 50 Years of Commitment: ELCA World Hunger’s Journey and Our Path Forward

Join us in celebrating 50 years of ELCA World Hunger’s commitment to fighting global poverty in their latest Go and Do News. Engage with us at the upcoming ELCA Youth Gathering in New Orleans from July 16-20, where you can participate in transformative role-playing activities. Apply for our Domestic Hunger Grants by June 16, and explore new resources available for download to inspire your community. Together, let’s continue to ask, “What, then, should we do?” to promote justice and peace worldwide.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardHunger, ELCA World HungerComment
Empowering Spiritual Bonds: Introducing ‘DUOble Faith’ Bible Study for Mothers and Daughters
Empowering Spiritual Bonds: Introducing ‘DUOble Faith’ Bible Study for Mothers and Daughters

Introducing ‘DUOble Faith,’ a new Bible study by Melissa Nesdahl designed for mothers and their elementary-aged daughters, focusing on deepening their faith together. Alongside this, Melissa offers consultation services to enhance Children, Youth, and Family programs within our congregations. Discover these enriching resources and how they can benefit your ministry by visiting Melissa Nesdahl’s website.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardYouth and Young AdultComment
Childcare at Synod Assembly Sponsored by PLTS and CLU
Childcare at Synod Assembly Sponsored by PLTS and CLU

Many thanks to Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary and California Lutheran University for sponsoring childcare at the 2024 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly, enhancing accessibility for all attendees. This support allows parents to fully engage in the assembly while providing a safe and engaging environment for children.

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Grand Canyon Synod, News, Region 2Brian Flatgard2024 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly, California Lutheran University, Pacific Lutheran Theological SeminaryComment
Ensuring a Vibrant Future: Explore the Grand Canyon Synod’s Proposed Mission Plan for 2025-2026
Ensuring a Vibrant Future: Explore the Grand Canyon Synod’s Proposed Mission Plan for 2025-2026

The Grand Canyon Synod invites all members to review the proposed 2025-2026 Mission Plan, which details our financial forecasts, mission priorities, and strategic investments in campus ministries, social services, and ethnic-specific initiatives. Available as a PDF and through an informative webinar, this plan is crucial for guiding our synod’s efforts in the coming years. Join us in shaping our community’s future by engaging with this comprehensive proposal.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian Flatgard2024 Grand Canyon Synod AssemblyComment
Step into Bonhoeffer’s World with Andy Root and Tripp Fuller
Step into Bonhoeffer’s World with Andy Root and Tripp Fuller

Join theologians Andy Root and Tripp Fuller on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, from 6:30 PM to 8:30pm Central, as we dive into the world of Dietrich Bonhoeffer in this free event, brought to you by Luther Seminary’s faith+lead.

Step back into a tumultuous era as we explore the life and teachings of one of the most influential figures in Christian thought. Witness how Bonhoeffer's extensive travels and profound teachings not only brought the Gospel to others but also how he embodied the Gospel's call—even to the point of martyrdom under the Nazi regime.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardLuther Seminary, faith+leadComment
Chart a New Course: Explore ‘The Seventh Story’ with the Spirited Book Club on 6/13/2024
Chart a New Course: Explore ‘The Seventh Story’ with the Spirited Book Club on 6/13/2024

Join Spirited Book Club on June 13th, 2024, from 12:00 to 1:00 pm PDT/MST, for a thought-provoking discussion on ‘The Seventh Story: Us, Them & The End of Violence’ by Brian D. McLaren and Gareth Higgins. This online event, facilitated by Sheri Brown, explores transformative narratives that encourage peace and understanding in a divided world. Discover how Jesus’ teachings can inspire a new way of living based on compassion and reconciliation. Register now to be part of this enriching experience and help change the stories we live by.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardSpirited Book Club, Spirit in the Desert Retreat CenterComment
2024 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly Rules and Procedures Announced
2024 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly Rules and Procedures Announced

The 2024 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly, scheduled for June 13-15, has released its Rules of Procedure. Key points include adherence to Robert’s Rules of Order, designated seating for voting members, and no proxy or absentee voting. Engage actively in our synod’s governance by understanding these guidelines in advance, and join us in a spirit of faithful witness and Lutheran values.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian Flatgard2024 Grand Canyon Synod AssemblyComment
Join Deacons Brugh and Adelman for an Evening of Hymns and Community
Join Deacons Brugh and Adelman for an Evening of Hymns and Community

Join us for the Wild Life Hymn Festival on Thursday, June 13, 2024, from 7:30-8:30 PM at Love of Christ Lutheran in Mesa. Organized by Deacon Lorraine S. Brugh and Deacon Kate Adelman, this event offers a rich tapestry of hymns from diverse cultures and historical periods, fostering spiritual dialogue and community connection. Experience an evening of melody, reflection, and spiritual harmony that celebrates our global Christian heritage

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian Flatgard2024 Grand Canyon Synod AssemblyComment
Civic Duty and Faith: Join Autumn Byars for Election Engagement Talks
Civic Duty and Faith: Join Autumn Byars for Election Engagement Talks

This June, join Autumn Byars every Thursday at 5:30 PM PDT/MST for a series of engaging discussions on the role of young Lutherans in electoral politics. These sessions aim to empower and prepare you for active participation in the upcoming elections. Register here and mark your calendars to be a part of this important civic engagement initiative.

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ELCA, Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardELCA Advocacy, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA), Voting RightsComment
2024 Assembly Giving Focus: ELCA Federal Chaplains
2024 Assembly Giving Focus: ELCA Federal Chaplains

Support the ELCA Federal Chaplaincy Ministries with your offerings at this year’s Grand Canyon Synod Assembly. Your donations will help fund scholarships for those called to serve as chaplains in the military, Veterans Affairs hospitals, and federal prisons, embodying the Word in their day-to-day ministries. Learn more and how to contribute on our ELCA Federal Chaplaincy page. Join us in making a meaningful impact on the lives of those who serve on the front lines of faith.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian Flatgard2024 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly, ELCA Federal ChaplainsComment
Celebrate Our 2024 Diakonia Graduates: Join Us In-Person or Online
Celebrate Our 2024 Diakonia Graduates: Join Us In-Person or Online

Celebrate the 2024 Diakonia Graduation Ceremony after our assembly on June 15 at 12:30 PM at Love of Christ Lutheran Church in Mesa, AZ. Join us in person or watch the live stream here to honor our graduates’ faith journeys and achievements. For more details, visit www.diakonia.education and view the full PDF document with details of all the graduates.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardDiakonia, 2024 Grand Canyon Synod AssemblyComment
Rev. Jacqui Pagel Annual Report: 2024
Rev. Jacqui Pagel Annual Report: 2024

Pastor Jacqui Pagel, Bishop’s Associate for Candidacy and Faith Formation, reports significant strides in nurturing leadership and spiritual development across the Grand Canyon Synod. The Candidacy program is flourishing, with 27 candidates poised for pastoral roles, and anticipates ordaining deacons for the first time in fourteen years. Additionally, the Grand Canyon Synod is among the top ten synods for candidate numbers.

Efforts in Lutheran Campus Ministry have continued robustly despite pastoral retirements, maintaining vital support and faith exploration spaces for students across multiple campuses. Pastor Jacqui also highlights the impactful financial support provided to seminary students through the Funds for Leaders program, alleviating the burden of educational expenses. Her report encapsulates our synod’s ongoing commitment to forming faith-filled leaders equipped to serve and enrich their communities.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian Flatgard2024 Assembly Stories, Office of the BishopComment
Ecumenical Progress: ELCA and Partners Update Common Texts, Address Historical Bias
Ecumenical Progress: ELCA and Partners Update Common Texts, Address Historical Bias

The Consultation on Common Texts (CCT), which includes the ELCA among its members, recently convened to address revisions in the lectionary to combat anti-Jewish interpretations. Key updates and resources, such as the “Preaching and Teaching With Love and Respect for the Jewish People,” guide our community in respectful, inclusive worship planning. The CCT also plans to introduce a new feast celebrating divine creation, reflecting a broader ecumenical commitment.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardELCA WorshipComment
Lutheran Advocates Unite: A May Recap of Ecumenical Outreach and Policy Engagement
Lutheran Advocates Unite: A May Recap of Ecumenical Outreach and Policy Engagement

This May, Lutheran advocates have been active from the U.N. to local state legislatures, promoting sustainable development, justice, and community welfare. Highlights include the ECOSOC Youth Forum, California’s successful Lutheran Lobby Day, and significant legislative wins in Colorado. Join us for an upcoming event on June 13 to discuss the Farm Bill, a key policy affecting our communities. Read the full blog post on ELCA.org for more on how Lutherans are making a difference globally and locally.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardAdvocacy, ELCA AdvocacyComment
Pause and Reflect: Embracing Stewardship in the Midst of Summer
Pause and Reflect: Embracing Stewardship in the Midst of Summer

As we step into June, it’s a perfect time to pause and reflect. Congregational leaders often worry about attendance and engagement during the summer, but June offers a unique opportunity to take a moment to just be. The latest “Where Your Heart Is” newsletter from Tim Brown, ELCA’s Director of Congregational Stewardship, explores how to find peace, share community stories, and stay connected with upcoming stewardship events.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardWhere Your Heart Is, StewardshipComment
Unveiling the 2023 ELCA Foundation Annual Report: A Year of Growth and Generosity
Unveiling the 2023 ELCA Foundation Annual Report: A Year of Growth and Generosity

Explore the ELCA Foundation’s latest strides toward intentional generosity and financial stewardship in the newest issue of “Insights.” This edition includes the expanded 2023 annual report, featuring both gift planning and investment services. Learn about their new Vice President of Advancement role and find inspiring articles on leaving a legacy. Engage with the full content for more details and updates.

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ELCA, Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardELCA Foundation, StewardshipComment