Posts in News
Guarding the Gift: How Estate Planning Extends Your Ministry Beyond This Life
Guarding the Gift: How Estate Planning Extends Your Ministry Beyond This Life

In this reflection, Pastor Mike Girlinghouse, Interim Chaplain at LCM Canterbury in Flagstaff, shares how estate planning serves as an act of faithful stewardship, allowing us to bless ministries and loved ones even after we’re gone. Inspired by 2 Timothy 1:12-14, we are reminded of the importance of entrusting our lives and resources to God’s care.

Read Pastor Girlinghouse’s devotion about the impact of planned giving and how to secure your legacy through trusts and wills. Interested in setting up an estate plan? Contact the Office of the Bishop at gcsynod.org/contact.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardStewardship, GCS Stewardship Team, ELCA FoundationComment
Ordination celebrations: October 11–17, 2024
Ordination celebrations: October 11–17, 2024

This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:

  • Rev. John Biggs, Saved By Grace, Pahrump, who celebrates 11 years on October 13.

  • Rev. Steven Kruse, New Covenant, Scottsdale, who celebrates 39 years on October 13.

  • Deacon Gloria Owens, who celebrates 37 years on October 13.

  • Rev. Daniel Hoeger, All Saints, Phoenix, who celebrates 35 years on October 15.

  • Rev. Douglas Dill, Mountain View, Phoenix, who celebrates 9 years on October 17.

  • Rev. Julia Sprenkle, American, Sun City, who celebrates 14 years on October 17.

View all our ordination anniversaries here.

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Grand Canyon Synod, News, SpotlightBrian FlatgardOrdination AnniversariesComment
October 2024 Mission Support Memo: A New Mara Congregation
October 2024 Mission Support Memo: A New Mara Congregation

The October 2024 Mission Support Memo gives you the opportunity to learn about the Mara Evangelical Church in Indianapolis (MECI) faithfully becoming an organized congregation and how our Indiana-Kentucky Synod took such care to support Khai Cho in becoming their ordained Pastor, called and installed. Please also check out our ELCA Mission Support Resources, sign up for the ELCA quarterly stewardship newsletter, and know how deeply grateful we are for the generosity poured out by congregations, members, and friends to support our worldwide ministry. Find the memo from Living Lutheran here too! 

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardMission SupportComment
Plan Ahead: Early Voting Starts Soon Across Arizona, Nevada, and Utah
Plan Ahead: Early Voting Starts Soon Across Arizona, Nevada, and Utah

Early voting for the 2024 General Election begins soon! Arizona voters can start as early as October 9, with early voting starting in Nevada on 10/19/2024 and Utah on 10/22/2024. Early voting ends on 11/1/2024 for all three states.

Find out key early voting dates, locations, and how to sign up for mail ballots in our latest blog post, and be sure to make your voice heard before Election Day!

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardElections and Voting Rights, Church and SocietyComment
Community, Farewells, and New Beginnings: Spirit in the Desert Updates
Community, Farewells, and New Beginnings: Spirit in the Desert Updates

September at Spirit in the Desert was filled with healing and community. From saying farewell to long-time leader Solveig Muus, to hosting retreats like Camp Samantha and the 22Q Moms Retreat, our ministry has been blessed by stories of connection and renewal. We also honor the dedication of Mike Wold, whose leadership with veterans continues to inspire us all. Learn more about these events and what’s next at Spirit in the Desert in their latest update.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardSpirit in the Desert Retreat CenterComment
Seeds Monthly: October, 2024
Seeds Monthly: October, 2024

This edition of Seeds Monthly invites you to celebrate World Food Day and 50 years of ELCA World Hunger with a special online event on October 15. Plus, explore the latest Living Lutheran feature on a unique Lutheran love story, read about the draft social statement on civic life and faith, and get involved in the Truth and Healing Movement. Don’t miss updates on upcoming events like the Addiction & Faith Conference and more resources to support your ministry and civic engagement!

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardSeeds MonthlyComment
Empowering Accessibility: Disability Ministries Grant News & Key Dates
Empowering Accessibility: Disability Ministries Grant News & Key Dates

The ELCA Disability Ministries team is reviewing applications for the 2024 grants, with decisions expected by October 25. These grants support inclusive ministry across our church. Plus, don’t miss National White Cane Safety Day on October 15 and reflect on National Disability Employment Awareness Month throughout October. Read the latest ELCA Disability updates for full details.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardDisability Ministries, ELCA Disability MinistriesComment
October "Go and Do News" from ELCA World Hunger
October "Go and Do News" from ELCA World Hunger

Join ELCA World Hunger in celebrating the 50th anniversary of ELCA World Hunger! On October 15th, the eve of World Food Day, the ELCA will host a special online event featuring stories from global and local partners working to end hunger. Explore new resources for Advent 2024 and Lent 2025, and learn how your congregation can deepen its engagement with hunger relief. Discover how ministries like Central Lutheran in Alaska are tackling the root causes of hunger with creative solutions. Be part of the movement — read more in the October Go and Do News from ELCA World Hunger.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardHunger, ELCA World HungerComment
Gathering Remix: Created to Be
Gathering Remix: Created to Be

Under the theme “Created to Be,” Gathering Remix is a digital resource with 10 lessons featuring Mass Gathering recordings, exclusive interviews, discussion guides, and more, to enrich discussions with your middle school and high school groups.

Designed to sustain the energy from events such as the Gathering, this dynamic tool helps middle and high school groups stay engaged and inspired. To learn more or to purchase for your group, visit gLearn.

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ELCA, News, Leadership ResourcesBrian FlatgardYouth and Young Adult, ELCA Youth GatheringComment
ELCA Bishops Address Church Growth and Truth in a Changing World
ELCA Bishops Address Church Growth and Truth in a Changing World

The ELCA Conference of Bishops recently met to address church growth, ministry, and truth in a changing world. Presiding Bishop Eaton called for expanding ministry beyond traditional church buildings while reaffirming the importance of congregational life. The bishops also issued a statement condemning deceitful public discourse and committing to truth-telling in society.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardConference of BishopsComment
Youth musicians are invited to Lutheran Summer Music
Youth musicians are invited to Lutheran Summer Music

Enrollment for LSM 2025 is open now! Lutheran Summer Music (LSM) is a faith-based residential music academy for high school students who come together to immerse themselves in musical excellence and build a supportive and fun community. Musical experiences include large ensembles (band, choir, orchestra), chamber music, private lessons, and electives like handbells, jazz, musical theatre, composition, conducting, church music and more. Priority enrollment deadline: December 1. Standard enrollment deadline: March 1. Learn more at LSMacademy.org.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardLutheran Summer Music, Youth and Young AdultComment
A Familiar Name, New Resources: Augsburg Fortress Publishers is Back
A Familiar Name, New Resources: Augsburg Fortress Publishers is Back

This fall, Augsburg Fortress Publishers is reverting to its familiar name and introducing exciting new resources for Lutheran congregations. From updated worship tools and digital resources to new book series that address today’s pressing social issues, Augsburg Fortress continues to support ministry at every level. Discover the latest in worship renewal, Bible study, and more, as the publishing house deepens its commitment to serving congregations and leaders across the ELCA.

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ELCA, NewsBrian Flatgard1517 Media, Augsburg FortressComment
Navigating Healing: 2024 Virtual Conference on Addiction, Trauma, and Faith
Navigating Healing: 2024 Virtual Conference on Addiction, Trauma, and Faith

Join 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.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardThe Center of Addiction & Faith, AddictionComment
Celebrate Sacred Art and Architecture: Submit Your Work to the 2024 Faith & Form Awards
Celebrate Sacred Art and Architecture: Submit Your Work to the 2024 Faith & Form Awards

The 2024 Faith & Form International Awards Program for Religious Architecture & Art is now accepting submissions until October 11, 2024. This prestigious event, co-sponsored by Faith & Form and Interfaith Design, celebrates innovative and spiritually meaningful design in religious architecture and art.

Architects, artists, and designers from our Grand Canyon Synod are encouraged to showcase their projects that enhance religious and community life. Winners will be recognized internationally, including features in Sacred Places magazine and a special acknowledgment at the AIA Conference in 2025.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardPartners for Sacred SpacesComment
Celebrating 50 Years of ELCA World Hunger on World Food Day
Celebrating 50 Years of ELCA World Hunger on World Food Day

Join ELCA World Hunger on Tuesday, October 15, at 5pm PST/MDT, 6pm MST, for a special Zoom webinar celebrating 50 years of hunger ministry. Hear inspiring stories from ELCA World Hunger partners and learn how our shared commitment has made an impact on communities worldwide. Register now to receive event updates and resources, and help continue the work toward a just world where all are fed.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardHunger, ELCA World HungerComment