Rewatch the 2024 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly on Love of Christ Lutheran’s Facebook page. All sessions, including the Diakonia Graduation, are now available online. Whether you missed the live event or want to experience it again, find all parts of the assembly at your convenience. Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, and the Diakonia Graduation are available for streami
Read MoreThe ELCA Disability Ministries is now accepting grant applications for 2024, offering a total of $50,000 to support projects that integrate and uplift people with disabilities within our congregations. Eligible projects should align with goals such as promoting leadership, enhancing support resources, and building inclusive community connections. Applications will close by July 31st or sooner if 30 applications are received. Apply today to contribute to a more inclusive church environment. For details and registration, visit ELCA Grants.
Read MoreMeeting under the theme "Created to Be," nearly 16,000 youth, adult leaders and others from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) will participate in the ELCA Youth Gathering in New Orleans, La., July 16-20. The Gathering brings together high school age Lutherans from across the country and overseas for faith formation, worship, fellowship and service. Read full press release at ELCA.org.
Read MoreJoin Luther Seminar’s faith+lead for an exclusive workshop, “Living the Story: Moving from Membership to Discipleship,” on June 27th via Zoom, designed to empower church leaders to foster a culture of active, daily discipleship in their communities. Explore effective strategies for spiritual growth and community engagement, led by Dwight Zscheile of Luther Seminary.
This workshop is free for Faith+Lead members, with special membership rates available for new joiners. Rediscover the joy in your spiritual journey and transform your ministry practices. Register now and be part of God’s unfolding narrative in new and impactful ways.
Read MoreIn the aftermath of a storm, hurricane, or tornado, New Orleans residents regularly find themselves without electricity. This quickly becomes a health crisis as people try to manage life in the hot, humid Gulf Coast summers. City leaders and community organizers identified the eight most-requested items to help residents as they wait for the power grid to be restored.
Our goal is to create 3,000 disaster relief kits filled with these items to help New Orleanians get through the days immediately following a natural disaster. It takes about $100 to create an entire disaster relief kit. We encourage you to collect the items for your region or raise funds to complete an entire kit! Click here to learn more.
Read MoreJoin the Lutherans Restoring Creation art contest to envision a better future through your artwork! Open to youth and young adults, this contest encourages participants to reimagine their communities in harmony with the environment. Submit your art by June 30, 2024, for a chance to have your work displayed at the Youth Gathering in New Orleans and turned into advocacy postcards. All levels of art skills are welcome. Click to learn more and submit your vision of a sustainable tomorrow!
Read MoreThe FBI has reached out to the Office of the Bishop with vital resources to combat the rise in hate crimes during election years, offering support and emphasizing community safety and civil rights protection.
Read MoreThere is a movement in this country that seeks to define “real Americans” as white, Christian and native born. That is not only untrue but unpatriotic. In her video addressing Christian Nationalism, Bishop Eaton reminds us that “what binds us together is not ethnicity, but shared participation in our civic life springing out of our cultural heritages and working for the common good.” Download this message here, learn more about the Lutheran perspective on Christian Nationalism in this resource from ELCA Advocacy, and take action and join the movement here.
Read MoreJoin the ELCA’s upcoming online workshop series starting June 25, where Dr. Roger Willer will lead a session on Lutheran Social Teachings. Engage in discussions on critical social issues like corporate responsibility, abortion, and climate crisis in the context of our faith. Sessions will run from June to October, each from 7:00 to 8:30 PM online via Zoom. Registration is open for both individuals and congregations. Don’t miss this opportunity to deepen your understanding and lead in your community. Register now.
Read MoreJoin Peace Lutheran Church in Peoria, AZ, for a comprehensive Godly Play Core Training from August 16-18, 2024. Perfect for educators, administrators, and parents involved in spiritual education, this training covers all aspects of the Godly Play method. Registration includes all materials and meals: Godly Play Core Training Registration.
Read MoreCalling all hunger champions: join this network of the Grand Canyon Synod! Meet to hear updates on national and local Hunger and Food Insecurity efforts and initiatives, to learn from one another, and to share with the group what's happening in our congregations. Anyone interested in alleviating hunger is welcome. Prepare to be encouraged and supported!
Read MoreEnjoy Shape Note Singing at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Phoenix on Saturday, June 29th, from 1-4 PM. Experience this unique style of acapella harmony in a friendly, judgment-free environment. Loaner books provided.
Read MorePastor Lars Hammar of Lord of Grace Lutheran Church in Tucson provides a unique window into the spirit of the 2024 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly with his collection of 102 photographs. Documenting both the profound and the personal moments of our gathering, these images are available for viewing on Pastor Hammar’s Flickr page. Join us in celebrating our community’s faith, fellowship, and shared mission by exploring this visual record at https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjBvh6h.
Read MoreBishop Deborah Hutterer has been reelected at the 2024 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly, with 201 votes affirming her leadership out of 267 legal votes. We thank all participants, including Deacon John Weit from the ELCA and our hosts at Love of Christ in Mesa, for their support and dedication. Bishop Hutterer’s vision continues to guide us into a future filled with faith and community action. Full results of the bishop election ballot can be found here.
Read MoreNew Spirit Lutheran Church in Tucson shares a video of their Blessings in a Backpack program for their annual report to the assembly.
Read MoreWe are thrilled to be gathering with everyone at our Grand Canyon Synod Assembly as we collectively embody the Word! It’s a joy to connect, share, and grow together in faith and fellowship.
Read MoreThis week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Charles Wilfong, who celebrates 60 years on June 14.
Rev. Dana Reardon, who celebrates 26 years on June 14.
Rev. Tom Shelly, who celebrates 43 years on June 14.
Rev. Ronald Tellefson, who celebrates 60 years on June 14.
Rev. Timothy Swanson, who celebrates 51 years on June 15.
Rev. Dennis Morreim, who celebrates 55 years on June 15.
Rev. James Vadis, who celebrates 56 years on June 16.
Rev. Corrine Chilstrom, who celebrates 39 years on June 16.
Rev. Daniel Megorden, who celebrates 45 years on June 17.
Rev. Richard Bosse, who celebrates 68 years on June 17.
Rev. Daniel Storvick, who celebrates 51 years on June 17.
Rev. Mark Rossman, Living Water, Scottsdale, who celebrates 36 years on June 18.
Rev. Paul Hansen, who celebrates 35 years on June 18.
Rev. Glen Stadler, who celebrates 46 years on June 18.
Rev. Raymond Christenson, who celebrates 56 years on June 18.
Rev. John Groh, who celebrates 58 years on June 19.
Rev. Norbert Schroeder, who celebrates 64 years on June 19.
Rev. John Kautz, who celebrates 53 years on June 20.
Rev. Theodore Swanson, who celebrates 70 years on June 20.
Rev. Paul Nelson, who celebrates 42 years on June 20.
Rev. Les Niemi, who celebrates 70 years on June 20.
Rev. Mark Reitan, who celebrates 53 years on June 20.
Rev. Charles Berdahl, who celebrates 59 years on June 20.
The theme of our 2024 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly, “Embody the Word,” serves as a powerful reminder of the vibrant faith we have been gifted through our baptism into Jesus Christ. It's a call to open ourselves to God's transformative power, enabling us to boldly embody our true purpose as individuals and as the Body of Christ.
As disciples within the ELCA, we are called to courageously articulate the truths and beliefs deeply rooted in our faith. In our divided world, and even within our congregations, silence can often widen gaps of misunderstanding and division more than the spoken word. It is crucial that we not retreat from our responsibility to voice justice, peace, and reconciliation.
Read MoreThere are many ways generosity is expressed in the church. The gift of leadership is offered by each conference dean, team & committee member, council member, and worship leader. The gift of time is offered by every attendee of Synod Assembly and volunteers who serve our neighbors. The gift of money is offered by weekly offering to the congregation, congregational mission support to the synod, mission support tithe to churchwide ministry, extraordinary gifts from congregations & donors, and planned gifts that continue a legacy of love in Christ.
Read More
