Join the Vital Congregations journey with ELCA and Kindling Faith! This six-month coaching program, starting on September 21, provides congregational teams with the tools to develop strategic plans for thriving ministries. Each monthly session includes practical resources and the support of a trained coach, helping congregations thrive in faith and outreach. Register here or download a flyer here.
Read MoreFeeling overwhelmed in ministry? Join Dr. Alicia Granholm for a free Faith+Lead webinar, “The Ministry of Less Is More: 5 Practices to Cultivate a Flourishing Church by Scaling Back,” on Sept. 23rd, 24th, or 26th. Learn how to prioritize what truly matters and minister from a place of strength and purpose. Register now.
Read MoreFinal days to register! Join women from across the Grand Canyon Synod at the Women of the ELCA Fall Retreat in Tucson on October 4-5. With powerful speakers, networking events, and unique shopping opportunities, this retreat promises to renew your spirit and connect you with a vibrant community. Register by September 21 at www.grandcanyonwomen.org/events.
Read MoreJoin the #ELCAElectionActivator network to support and equip ELCA members for nonpartisan participation in the electoral process through monthly virtual gatherings and regular updates. Participate in activities that foster civic engagement. Sign up now to join the next meeting on 9/24/2024 and contribute to a just and peaceful society. Sign up here.
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! Tuesday, 9/24/2024, 6-7pm MST/PDT.
Read MoreWe give thanks for the life and ministry of Pastor Harold Peterson, who passed away on Saturday, 9/14/2024. A memorial service will be held September 17, 2024, at 11 a.m. at American Lutheran Church in Sun City, with a luncheon to follow. Please keep Pastor Harold’s family and friends in your prayers.
Read MoreJoin 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 Faith, Sexism and Justice with Dr. Mary Streufert, Director of Gender Justice and Women’s Empowerment, and Heather Dean, Program Coordinator of Theological Discernment at the ELCA. View a PDF flyer and register now to engage deeply with our social teachings and lead community discussions.
Read MoreJoin faith leaders and community members at the 6th Annual Addiction & Faith Conference, a virtual event from October 17-19, 2024. Explore crucial topics like the role of trauma in addiction and effective community healing strategies through faith. Featuring over 35 expert speakers, the conference offers up to 15 CEUs and a platform for spiritual and professional growth. Learn more and register here.
Read MoreIn response to the Grand Canyon Synod’s Congregational Safety Webinar, Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Sun City West shares critical security resources. These tools include self-assessments, emergency planning guides, and training programs to help churches improve safety and security. Read more to access the full list of resources and strengthen your congregation’s preparedness.
Read MoreEnhance your counseling ministry by becoming a certified Prepare-Enrich Facilitator at a special training on September 27th in Oro Valley. This workshop equips you with essential tools for effective marriage counseling and supporting families.
Read MoreUnited Church of Christ presents a Community Safety Training Series via Zoom on September 23 and 30, 5:00 - 7:00 pm. Register for Zoom info here.
How can congregations build an ecology of community safety that is rooted in care, investing in each other, believing in each other, and trusting each other and the rhythms and cycles around/within us? What community safety practices can we engage in now that also help us build the world we long for? Our experienced trainers will expand on our “Ecology of Community Safety” guide to offer practical skills, psycho-social care practices, planning tools, and analysis of current conditions.
Read MorePhoto: Floods, caused by heavy rains, impacted the Far North region of Cameroon.
AI and Church Communication: Balancing Innovation with Connection
Rooms for the Bishop’s Fall Gathering are sold out, but commuter registration is still open through October 7! Join Bishop Hutterer and special guests Rev. Andrea Roske-Metcalfe and Elder Perci Ami for worship, storytelling, and fellowship at Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center. Meals are included for commuters—register now to secure your spot!
Read MoreThis week our global spotlight is on Bishop Leila Ortiz, the first Latina bishop in the ELCA, who blends her Pentecostal upbringing with Lutheran theology to create a ‘Luthercostal’ ministry that emphasizes grace, justice, and spiritual renewal. Now serving on the Lutheran World Federation Council, she provides fresh leadership and perspective on global church challenges.
Read MoreThe Office of the Bishop celebrates the Ordination of Daniel Volkmann in Shiner, Texas, on Sep 13, 2024, and the Installation of Rev. Doug Dill at Mountain View Lutheran, Sep 15, 2024, 10:30 AM.
We also share photos from the Installation of Julie Gerrish at Christ Lutheran in Sedona, Prayer Vigils for Peace During the 2024 Election Season in Paradise Valley and the Annual Conference for ELCA Chinese Pastors and Lay Leaders.
Read MoreJoin faith leaders on September 18 for the third session in the Advancing Equity series, focusing on the Vision Pivot in healing-centered leadership. This free workshop will equip you to reimagine your ministry leadership through a holistic, collective approach to well-being. Advance registration required. Learn more and register today. Wednesday, 9/18/2024, 9 – 11:30 am PDT/MST, 10am – 12:30pm MDT.
Read MoreWe pray for the family and friends of Arlene Helen (Iverson) Johnson—widow of the Rev. Ken Johnson—who passed away peacefully at the age of 93 on August 1, 2024, in Phoenix Arizona.
She served as church secretary at Grace Lutheran Church in Phoenix from 1979-1996. Her life was marked by her unwavering support to her husband’s pastoral work, embodying the role of a pastor’s wife with grace and resilience. They served congregations in St. Helens, Oregon; Portland, Oregon and Phoenix, Arizona.
A service to celebrate Arlene’s life will be held on October 5th, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at Mountain View Lutheran Church in Ahwatukee, located at 11002 S. 48th St, Phoenix, AZ 85044. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Arlene’s memory to Mountain View Lutheran Church.
Read MoreIntroducing a brand new voter engagement video series from Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona! Filmed on location at the 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering, people of faith share their thoughts on the question, “Does your faith influence your political opinion?”
Read MoreOur ELCA spotlight is on the upcoming social statement, Civic Life and Faith, which explores the role of church and state. The feedback period is open until September 30, 2024. Participate by reviewing the draft and providing feedback. Visit elca.org/civicsandfaith for more details.
Read MoreLearn how to protect our churches and communities with insights from the FBI and Phoenix Police Department. During a May 2022 webinar, experts shared critical safety tips for houses of worship, emphasizing the importance of planning ahead. Access the full recording and explore resources to enhance security at your church.
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