In her own words. Autumn Byars' Hunger Advocacy Fellowship has come to an end. Read the engaging, insightful recap of her transformational year on the LAMA site.
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The Office of the Bishop staff attends the Installation of Julie Gerrish at Christ Lutheran in Sedona, Sep 8, 2024, 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM, as well as Prayer Vigils for Peace During the 2024 Election Season with UCC, Disciples of Christ, Methodist, Presbyterian, Episcopal, and ELCA at Franciscan Renewal Center, Monday, September 9, 4:45 pm.
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The September Sumud Newsletter calls Lutherans to speak up for peace and justice in Palestine and Israel. Updates include a $250,000 donation from Lutheran Disaster Response to support children’s education in the Holy Land, reflections on the ongoing violence, and Bishop Meghan Aelabouni’s new role in the Rocky Mountain Synod. Join us for the Global Sunday of Mutual Flourishing on October 6th by accessing worship resources at mutualflourishing.com. Read the full newsletter here.
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This is a transitional year! Women of the ELCA has an interim executive director. We are going to hit our goal for fundraising for Katie’s Fund! And we are all wondering about the next steps for the future of WELCA. You are invited to participate in a survey to gather ideas about what WELCA is and can be! We will use this time to reflect, dream and prepare together. Take the survey, share the survey and download the QR code!
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The 2024 Election Season Toolkit from Faith+Lead provides essential resources to help church leaders guide their congregations through the political tensions of election season. Learn how to foster empathy, promote peace, and ground conversations in Gospel values. Access the toolkit and subscribe for updates at faithlead.org/toolkit/2024election.
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The Campaign for Kindness Preaching Series from the Arkansas-Oklahoma Synod is designed to guide congregations through the 2024 election season with messages of kindness, humility, and reconciliation. Starting on a suggested date of October 6, this six-week sermon series encourages pastors to address political anxiety from a faith perspective. Learn more about the resources and join weekly discussions to promote kindness in your faith community.
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As some congregations face the difficult decision to close, new opportunities for community and ministry emerge. This article in Living Lutheran explores the emotional and practical aspects of church closures and highlights how congregations can offer support to new members during these transitions. By honoring the past and welcoming the future, both closing and receiving congregations can continue to share God’s love with the world.
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Lutheran Disaster Response is actively working to bring hope and healing to communities impacted by disasters worldwide. In the latest edition of Thrive, discover how your support has made a difference—from aiding wildfire recovery in Maui to providing care for people with disabilities in the West Bank. Read more and learn how your generosity continues to change lives. Read Thrive 2024.
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The LAMA website has been refreshed! Prepare for the fall by checking out our "Get Involved" pages for LAMA Liaisons and for the Grand Canyon Synod Hunger Leader's Network. Read more here.
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Join faith+lead’s “Dare to Lead” training starting September 10th, 2024, and transform your leadership approach. This program, inspired by Brené Brown’s research, consists of six live online sessions focusing on essential skills for daring leadership. Led by Certified Dare to Lead™ Facilitator Sarah Ciavarri, you will gain practical wisdom and tools to lead authentically. Enroll now for $600 and become Dare to Lead Trained, bringing these insights to your faith community. Scholarships available. This popular program is back this year with a fall session starting on September 10th, 2024
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We pray for the friends and family of Pastor Colin H. Melby, who died on August 28, 2024 in the Philippines. We especially lift up and pray for his wife Connie Melby.
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For José David Rodríguez, what began as a doctoral dissertation is now the first academic history of the Lutheran church by a Puerto Rican.
Rodríguez’s new book, Caribbean Lutherans: The History of the Church in Puerto Rico (Fortress Press, 2024), first took shape through a Ph.D. program in the Department of History at the University of the West Indies in Mona, Jamaica. An ELCA pastor and professor, Rodríguez had long hoped to put together a history of how the Lutheran mission in Puerto Rico began and evolved. But when he visited the Archivo General de Puerto Rico (General Archive of Puerto Rico) to begin his research, he found no information. Read the full story in Living Lutheran.
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The Grand Canyon Synod Grant application opens in September! With $175,000 in funding available, we encourage collaborative, innovative projects that align with our Strategic Plan. Attend our Grants Webinar on September 17, 2024, to learn more. Applications are due by midnight on October 18, 2024. Start planning now to support your ministry and bring new ideas to life! For more details, visit our website.
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Join California Lutheran University’s Thriving Leadership Formation team, January 6-10, 2025, for the Executive Skills for Church Leaders retreat at Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center. This transformative event, designed for pastors, deacons, and church leaders, offers expert-led sessions on Conflict Management, Human Resources, Contemporary Leadership, and Congregations in the Digital Age. Register now to enhance your ministry leadership skills and connect with fellow church leaders in a serene Arizona desert setting. Learn more and sign up at Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center’s website or call 480-488-5218. View PDF poster here.
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Join the ELCA’s online workshop series through October to delve into how our faith informs our actions and voting on critical social issues. September's focus is Abortion with Dr. Caryn Riswold, Professor of Religion/McCoy Family Distinguished Chair in Lutheran Heritage and Mission at Wartburg College.View a PDF flyer and register now to engage deeply with our social teachings and lead community discussions. Click here to join this Sunday’s webinar.
September 10 New Date! Sun, Sep 8, 2024 at 7:00pm.: Abortion with Dr. Caryn Riswold, Professor of Religion/McCoy Family Distinguished Chair in Lutheran Heritage and Mission at Wartburg College.
This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Barbara Duhlstine-Robarge, who celebrates 33 years on September 6.
Rev. William Phillips, Christ, Las Vegas, who celebrates 39 years on September 8.
Rev. Corazon Aguilar, Pan-Asian Ministry, Phoenix, who celebrates 29 years on September 9.
Deacon Connie Rose-Kamprath, Esperanza, Phoenix, who celebrates 32 years on September 10.
Rev. Bill Voris, who celebrates 64 years on September 11.
Deacon Ardie Senft, who celebrates 27 years on September 12.
Join ecumenical prayer vigils across Arizona as Christian leaders from various denominations unite to pray for peace and unity during the 2024 election season. The vigils will be held on September 9th at Our Lady of the Angels Conventual Church in Paradise Valley, October 14th at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Tucson, and November 4th at Sun City Christian Church. All are welcome to come together in faith to seek God’s guidance and peace for our nation. View a PDF flyer here.
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Explore the Grand Canyon Synod’s “Church and Society” page for essential resources tailored to help our congregations navigate the complexities of an election year. Featuring guides on political discussions, reflections on Christian nationalism, and updates on elections and voting rights, this page is your go-to source for fostering safe, informed, and united church communities. Visit now to access our comprehensive collection of articles and our “Creating Space for Conversations” series, ensuring our church remains a sanctuary of dialogue during these polarizing times.
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The ELCA has released a comprehensive set of worship resources for the upcoming national elections, including scripture readings, prayers, and assembly song suggestions. These materials are designed to support congregations during prayer vigils, weekly worship, or personal devotions. Download the free resource to help guide your community through this important time.
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Clear your calendar on January 6-12, 2025, for a transformative retreat in Turks & Caicos, specifically designed for women in ministry leadership. Led by Deacon Michelle Walka, this journey offers a unique blend of rest, learning, and spiritual growth in a beautiful location. Register by October 1, 2024, to secure your spot!
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