Posts in News
Help Ensure Every Vote Counts: Become a Poll Monitor with Election Protection Arizona

Answer the call to support free and fair elections in Arizona! Election Protection Arizona is seeking nonpartisan poll monitors to assist voters during the 2024 General Election. Help ensure every vote counts by guiding voters through potential challenges on Election Day. Sign up for training at allvoting.org/afn2024, and be part of this crucial effort.

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Fortaleciendo el Ministerio con Comunidades Latinas: Explora Vidaluterana.org

La ELCA está expandiendo su alcance a las comunidades hispanas y latinas con un nuevo recurso: Vidaluterana.org. Creado por líderes latinos para la comunidad latina, este sitio web ofrece contenido basado en la fe en español e inglés, conectando a los luteranos latinos con recursos espirituales y eventos de la ELCA. Visita Vidaluterana.org para aprender más y apoyar este importante ministerio.

The ELCA is expanding its outreach to Spanish-speaking communities with a new resource: Vidaluterana.org. Created by Latino leaders for the Latino community, this website offers faith-based content in Spanish and English, connecting Latino Lutherans to spiritual resources and ELCA events. Visit Vidaluterana.org to learn more and support this important ministry.

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“Inspired to Give” Webinar: Practical Tools for Growing Generosity

Learn how to inspire generosity and simplify giving in your congregation with the “Inspired to Give” webinar, hosted by Vanco and the ELCA on October 24, 2024 at 10 am PDT/MST, 11 am MDT. You’ll gain insights into storytelling, best practices for giving, and exclusive tips on utilizing Vanco’s tools. Sign up today to join or receive the recording!

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$175,000 Available in Synod Grants—Submit Your Proposal by October 18

The deadline for the Grand Canyon Synod’s $175,000 grant opportunity is fast approaching—applications are due by midnight on October 18, 2024. Funding will support projects aligned with the Synod’s Strategic Plan, with priority given to those collaborating with other ELCA ministries. Make sure to watch the recorded Grants Webinar and review application guidelines before submitting.

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Faith and Generosity: Answering the Call to Support the Grand Canyon Synod

It is a question of equality between your present abundance and their need,
so that their abundance may also supply your need, in order that there may be equality. 
As it is written,
“The one who had much did not have too much,
and the one who had little did not have too little.” 
—2 Corinthians 8:13b-15

The Grand Canyon Synod Council encourages all congregations to faithfully allocate mission support as an intentional commitment to our shared mission as church together. We encourage congregations to be generous and proportionate in their mission support, in accordance with the witness of scripture and the saints who came before us.

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Ordination celebrations: October 18–24, 2024

This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:

  • Rev. Paul Gregory, Hospice Family Care, Mesa, who celebrates 38 years on October 19.

  • Rev. Susanne Havlic, who celebrates 28 years on October 20.

  • Rev. David Swan, who celebrates 51 years on October 21.

  • Rev. Mitchell Eickmann, who celebrates 40 years on October 22.

  • Rev. Linda Brown, who celebrates 13 years on October 22.

  • Rev. Glenn Schrader, Our Saviour’s, Tucson, who celebrates 1 years on October 22.

  • Rev. Amalia Vagts, Our Saviour’s, Tucson, who celebrates 3 years on October 23.

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Explore Lutheran Values in Election Year: Final discussion on 10/22/2024

Join the ELCA’s online workshop series through October to delve into how our faith informs our actions and voting on critical social issues. The final discussion is October 22: Freed in Christ: Race, Ethnicity, and Culture with Dr. Richard Perry, emeritus faculty at the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago.. View a PDF flyer and register now to engage deeply with our social teachings and lead community discussions.

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Spotlight: Advocating for Indigenous Rights with the Lutheran World Federation

On this Indigenous Peoples’ Day, we highlight the Lutheran World Federation’s commitment to advocating for indigenous rights globally. Through initiatives like the “Pathways to Equality” project in Namibia, their advocacy handbook, and participation in global human rights councils, the LWF continues to work for justice, dignity, and the empowerment of indigenous communities worldwide.

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Healing Through Truth: ELCA’s Indigenous Ministries and Tribal Relations

The ELCA’s Truth & Healing Movement calls for the church to confront its colonizing past and move toward healing. With support from the Association of American Indians and Alaska Natives of the ELCA, this movement focuses on advocacy, cultural learning, and spiritual reconciliation. Discover how you can get involved in this important journey of faith and justice at ELCA.org/indigenous.

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Celebrating Indigenous Peoples’ Day: Lifting Up Native American Ministries in Our Synod

In celebration of Indigenous Peoples’ Day, the Grand Canyon Synod lifts up Native American Urban Ministry in Phoenix and the Navajo Lutheran Mission in Rock Point, AZ. Both ministries serve as powerful examples of faith and service, providing spiritual and material support to Native American communities. We honor their efforts and the Indigenous people whose land we now inhabit.

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Preorder the book "How to End Christian Nationalism" for 10/22 release date

How to End Christian Nationalism is the essential guidebook for Christians alarmed by the rising tide of Christian nationalism yet unsure how to counter it. Five years into leading the Christians Against Christian Nationalism campaign, Amanda Tyler unpacks key truths we can share with others: Patriotism is not the same as nationalism. Religious freedom means little if it's not for everyone. Christians follow a gospel of love, not the idol of power. Learn more and order the book here.

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ELCA Election Activator Network meeting is Tuesday, 10/22/2024

Join 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 10/22/2024 and contribute to a just and peaceful society. Sign up here.

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Embrace the Journey of Retirement at the 2024 Grand Canyon Synod Retirees Retreat

Join the 2024 Grand Canyon Synod Retirees Retreat from October 28-30 at the Spirit in the Desert Retteat Center in Carefree, AZ. This year’s theme, “Signs of Hope in Turbulent Times,” features sessions with Rev. Mark Hanson. The retreat offers a rich program of fellowship, worship, and reflection. Secure your spot now and find renewal in the company of peers. View this PDF for registration and scholarship information, or contact Jan Fosen at (602-758-0875) or via email at fosen1215@gmail.com with questions.

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Unlock the Art of Preaching with Diakonia’s Four-Week Course

Hesitant to preach? Diakonia graduates are invited to a four-week Zoom course titled “Preaching Good News to a World in Shambles,” starting October 19. Led by Reverend Carl Zimmermann, this class will help participants craft and deliver heart-engaging sermons, drawing on resources from Dr. Tom Long and Pastor Barbara Brown Taylor. Register now on Diakonia’s website.

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Navigating Health Benefits for 2025: Portico and Your Congregation’s Role

The 2025 Portico Compensation Guidelines highlight updated health benefits through Portico Benefit Services for rostered ministers and lay employees. Congregations are encouraged to review the available health plan options—Gold+, Value Copay, and Silver+—and engage in conversations with plan members to select the best fit for their needs during annual enrollment. Learn more about the shared responsibility between congregations and plan members and how to support the well-being of those serving in ministry.

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Fall Fun Awaits at Mountain View Lutheran’s Trunk or Treat

Join Mountain View Lutheran Church in Phoenix on Friday, October 25, 2024, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. for an evening of fall fun at their Fall Festival with Trunk or Treat! Enjoy games, inflatables, glow sticks, food trucks, and more, while special guests like local firefighters and sheriff deputies join the festivities. Sign your car up to hand out candy or just come to enjoy the event with your family. Register online at this link or contact the church at 480-893-2579.

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