Posts in News
Embrace the Journey of Retirement at the 2024 Grand Canyon Synod Retirees Retreat
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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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardSpirit in the Desert Retreat Center, Grand Canyon Synod Retirees Retreat TeamComment
Fall Fun Awaits at Mountain View Lutheran’s Trunk or Treat
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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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardMountain View Ahwatukee, Fiesta ConferenceComment
Interfaith Event: Exploring Hope Across Faiths with Gita Saraydarian
Interfaith Event: Exploring Hope Across Faiths with Gita Saraydarian

Join Deacon Kate Adelman on Saturday, November 2nd, 2024 for “From Darkness to Light: Interfaith Dialog”, a one-day event featuring Gita Saraydarian, guest speakers, music, and connection. Explore how spirituality across different faiths leads to hope and unity in difficult times. Enjoy a day filled with learning, fellowship, a buffet lunch, and a mini concert. Register by October 27th to secure your spot!

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardEcumenical and Inter-Religious RelationsComment
Installation of Rev. Lisa Hackler
Installation of Rev. Lisa Hackler

Rev. Lisa Hackler will be installed Thursday, 11/7/2024, at 3 pm, at American Lutheran Church, (17200 N Del Web Blvd, Sun City, AZ 85373). Bishop Deborah K. Hutterer will preach and preside. Clergy are invited to vest and process. The color of the day is green. A reception will follow.

RSVP to d.bautista@alcsuncity.org if one is a rostered minister planning to process, otherwise no RSVP needed. Visit www.alcsuncity.org for streaming information.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardOrdinations and InstallationsComment
Hunger Leaders Network meets 6pm last Tuesday of every month
Hunger Leaders Network meets 6pm last Tuesday of every month

Calling 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, 10/29/2024, 6-7pm MST/PDT.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian Flatgardhunger, Grand Canyon Synod Hunger Leaders NetworkComment
Watch the World Food Day celebration!
Watch the World Food Day celebration!

Thank you to those of you who attended the online World Food Day celebration on Tuesday. What an incredible time we had looking back on the impact of 50 years of ELCA World Hunger and reflecting on how God is calling all of us into the bold pursuit of ending hunger in our world.

If you missed the event or want to rewatch it, you can view it on demand. Share the video with friends and family, host a watch party with your congregation and use it to get inspired for the work ahead.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardHunger, ELCA World HungerComment
Bishop Eaton: Casting Ballots as People of Faith
Bishop Eaton: Casting Ballots as People of Faith

During this election season and as we prepare to vote as part of our civic responsibility and commitment to the Gospel, Bishop Eaton reminds us, "We are not defined by our political affiliations but by our shared baptism and our commitment to the Gospel. As people of faith, we are called to engage in our communities and work for justice and to advocate for the dignity and well-being of all people. One way we do this is by voting, ensuring that our voices are heard, as we shape our society together." To read more, visit https://www.ELCA.org/CivicEngagement.

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ELCA, Letters, News, Bishop EatonBrian FlatgardBishop Eaton Letters, Church and Society, Elections and Voting RightsComment
Filling in a history too long overlooked: An interview with author James R. Thomas
Filling in a history too long overlooked: An interview with author James R. Thomas

The important contributions of African American leaders to the story of Lutheranism in the United States has a regrettably under-documented history. James R. Thomas’ new book A Rumor of Black Lutherans: The Formation of Black Leadership in Early American Lutheranism (Fortress Press) aims to change that.

By tracing the stories of 10 leaders of African descent whose ministry and service shaped the Lutheran church, Thomas allows Lutherans and general students of U.S. religious history to have, in his words, “a more expansive understanding of Lutheran history.” Unfortunately, many of the painful experiences of the leaders Thomas profiles will feel familiar to African American Lutherans who continue to lead our predominantly white church at all levels today. Read the full story in Living Lutheran.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardAfrican Descent Lutheran Association, Living LutheranComment
Church Leadership Institute provides podcasts on political polarization
Church Leadership Institute provides podcasts on political polarization

In the latest Crucible newsletter from the Church Leadership Institute, you can find a collection of episodes from their Spiritual Life and Leadership podcast that dig deep into the challenges of faith and politics:

If you’re looking for some quicker insights, they also have shorter episodes from our “Quick Conversations for the Long Haul of Leadership” series with Tod Bolsinger:

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Grand Canyon Synod, News, Leadership ResourcesBrian FlatgardTod Bolsinger, The Crucible, Fuller Church Leader Institute, Creating Space for Conversations, Church and SocietyComment
From Tanzania to Your Congregation: Faith in Action Against Global Warming
From Tanzania to Your Congregation: Faith in Action Against Global Warming

Hope for a warming world begins with us. In Tanzania, Beth Elness-Hanson’s work shows how the church can lead in creation care through a gospel-centered approach. By combining biblical teachings, traditional knowledge, and climate science, congregations can make small changes that, together, will transform our communities and care for God’s creation. Discover how faith in action can inspire hope in the face of climate change. Read more in Living Lutheran.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardLiving Lutheran, Climate ChangeComment
From Youth Groups to Ships: Eleanor Jerbi on Grace, Justice, and Inclusion
From Youth Groups to Ships: Eleanor Jerbi on Grace, Justice, and Inclusion

Girl Scouts Gold Award recipient Eleanor Jerbi is breaking barriers in disability justice and inclusion within the church. Through her project, she developed tools and trainings to make youth groups and congregations more accessible for neurodivergent individuals. Discover how this Seattle Maritime Academy student is using her Lutheran faith to create inclusive spaces, both on land and at sea in this article in Living Lutheran.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardLiving Lutheran, Disability MinistriesComment
Strengthening Faith at Home: The Lasting Impact of Lutheran Camps
Strengthening Faith at Home: The Lasting Impact of Lutheran Camps

Discover how Lutheran summer camps like Rainbow Trail foster leadership and lasting faith in campers, connecting them to family and congregational life. Research from the Rhythms of Faith Project shows that camps play a vital role in influencing spiritual practices at home, offering innovative strategies to help parents and churches continue faith development long after the camp week ends. Explore the impactful partnerships between camps, families, and congregations in shaping the next generation’s faith. Read more at Living Lutheran.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardLiving Lutheran, Outdoor Ministry, Lutheran Outdoor Ministries (LOM), Youth and Young AdultComment
Act Now for Climate Protection: OSHA Rule, Climate Training, and More
Act Now for Climate Protection: OSHA Rule, Climate Training, and More

Faith-based advocacy for climate justice is more important than ever. Join ELCA Advocacy’s Christine Moffett on October 29 for a conversation on Nationally Determined Contributions ahead of COP29. Consider becoming a Creation Care Ambassador by attending the virtual Christian Climate Training on November 16, or advocate for worker safety by supporting OSHA’s proposed heat protection rule. Find out more and register for these events here.

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ELCA, Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardClimate Change, Lutherans Restoring CreationComment
Upcoming AFN Events: Voting, Justice, and Second Chances
Upcoming AFN Events: Voting, Justice, and Second Chances

This October, the Arizona Faith Network invites you to engage in faith-driven action. Help voters as a poll monitor for the upcoming election, attend important discussions on peaceful political engagement, or join reentry support and climate justice events in your community. Learn more about these opportunities to live out your faith at Arizona Faith Network’s newsletter.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardEcumenical and Inter-Religious Relations, Arizona Faith NetworkComment
Fort Wayne Food Truck: “Our church has wheels”
Fort Wayne Food Truck: “Our church has wheels”

Living Lutheran features a video interview with Amy Beitelschees-Albers, pastor of come2goministries in Fort Wayne, Ind., discussing her food truck ministry with So Much More Ministries. Each week, Beitelschees-Albers and her team of volunteers make and distribute free meals for members of the Fort Wayne community, building relationships and offering hospitality and prayer.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardLiving Lutheran, HungerComment