Posts in News
Rev. Eugene Cho Headlines Arizona Faith Network Event on Peacemaking: Register Today
Rev. Eugene Cho Headlines Arizona Faith Network Event on Peacemaking: Register Today

Join the Arizona Faith Network Annual Gathering on December 9 at the Franciscan Renewal Center in Scottsdale, AZ, or online. Under the theme Building Bridges, Breaking Barriers: Peacemakers in Action, Rev. Eugene Cho, President of Bread for the World, will guide attendees in addressing the root causes of conflict and injustice in today’s world. Faith communities are invited to register now, as spots are filling quickly. For faith-based organizations, exhibitor and sponsorship opportunities offer a valuable platform to connect.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardArizona Faith Network, Ecumenical and Inter-Religious RelationsComment
Serving Democracy: A Lutheran Poll Worker’s Story from the 2024 Election
Serving Democracy: A Lutheran Poll Worker’s Story from the 2024 Election

In the polarized climate of the 2024 Presidential Election, University Lutheran’s Paul Westermann shares his experiences as a poll worker in Maricopa County, where voters and poll workers alike upheld a neutral, civil atmosphere. Amid concerns about ballot security, Paul and his colleagues reassured voters, providing resources and ensuring every voice was heard. His story underscores the Lutheran commitment to serving our neighbors and the importance of civic duty in safeguarding democracy. Read more to learn how Paul’s work exemplifies faith in action at the polls in the Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona blog post.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardChurch and Society, University Tempe, Fiesta Conference, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA), AdvocacyComment
November 2024 Mission Support Memo: Mission Support Connects Digitally Near and Far
November 2024 Mission Support Memo: Mission Support Connects Digitally Near and Far

In our November 2024 Mission Support Memo we share a story about how the Accident-Friendsville Parish, in our West Virginia - Western Maryland Synod, was able to equip their rural congregations with digital technology and stream to reach out to member near and far. Plus consider attending a webinar on November 18th on “Theology and Practicality of Space Usage” (it will also be recorded so feel free to register to get the link).

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardMission Support, ELCA Mission Support Team, StewardshipComment
Support Our Synod’s Trip to Senegal with Pastoral Collars & Stoles
Support Our Synod’s Trip to Senegal with Pastoral Collars & Stoles

Bishop Hutterer and a Grand Canyon Synod delegation are traveling to Senegal to strengthen ties with The Lutheran Church of Senegal. The church’s President, Rev. Latyr Diouf, has requested donations of pastoral collars and stoles in black, violet, or white to support their ministry. Please bring donations to the synod office by November 21, 2024, at 1819 East Morten Avenue, Suite 110, Phoenix, AZ 85020. Please contact the synod office to let us know when you’ll be bringing items. Your support will help equip our global Lutheran community for worship and service.

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Bishop Hutterer, Global Church, Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardLutheran Church of Senegal, SenegalComment
Guiding Congregations Through the Post-Election Season: A Toolkit for Church Leaders
Guiding Congregations Through the Post-Election Season: A Toolkit for Church Leaders

Equip your congregation to navigate the post-election season with Faith+Lead’s free 2024 Election Toolkit. Filled with resources for fostering empathy, addressing complex issues, and promoting Gospel values over partisanship, this toolkit offers practical guidance for preaching, teaching, and living out justice and faith. Access these tools to help diffuse tension and encourage understanding as we walk together through challenging times. Learn more

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Grand Canyon Synod, Leadership Resources, NewsBrian Flatgardfaith+lead, Church and Society, Elections and Voting Rights, Luther SeminaryComment
The Grace in Giving a Hand: Reflections from the Altar Steps
The Grace in Giving a Hand: Reflections from the Altar Steps

Assisting congregants up to the communion rail may seem like a small task, but it has brought unexpected blessings and a deeper sense of faith and fellowship. Through these weekly encounters, I’ve come to understand the beauty of shared vulnerability and compassion. Our journey together reveals resilience, humor, and connection that reinforce our faith and bring me closer to my church community. Read more in Living Lutheran.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardLiving LutheranComment
Finding Sacred Moments in the School Pickup Line: A Guide to Daily Prayers
Finding Sacred Moments in the School Pickup Line: A Guide to Daily Prayers

In the quiet moments of waiting—whether in the school pickup line, at a red light, or as coffee brews—we can turn to prayer, finding peace and connection in these small pauses. This November, let’s embrace gratitude and prayer in our daily routines, teaching ourselves and our families to recognize God’s presence throughout our busy days. Explore daily prayer ideas and ways to serve as a family, making room for God even in our most ordinary moments. Read more in Living Lutheran.

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ELCA, News, PrayersBrian FlatgardLiving LutheranComment
Living Christ’s Legacy: A Seed of Hope for Future Leaders
Living Christ’s Legacy: A Seed of Hope for Future Leaders

Living Christ Lutheran Church in Flagstaff has left a lasting legacy with the creation of the Living Christ Leadership Endowment, a fund to support future ELCA leaders. Established with $598,000, the endowment is dedicated to training and equipping seminary students, pastors, deacons, and lay leaders, especially those in the Grand Canyon Synod. Contributions to the fund are welcome through various giving options. Join us in carrying forward Living Christ’s mission of love and hope, ensuring that future leaders are empowered to serve and lead in faith.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardELCA Foundation, Stewardship, Living Christ Leadership EndowmentComment
Free Educational Event: Help Your Congregation Become Dementia Friendly on November 20
Free Educational Event: Help Your Congregation Become Dementia Friendly on November 20

Join Lutheran Faith Community Nurse Association (LFCNA) on November 20 for a free, one-hour educational event on Being a Dementia Friendly Congregation. Led by Janice Greeno, this session will offer practical strategies to support those with dementia and their caregivers in your congregation. Register today to reserve your spot and become part of this important movement to transform your faith community. LFCNA Event Registration or view this PDF for more info.

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Grand Canyon Synod, Leadership Resources, NewsBrian FlatgardLutheran Faith Community Nurse Association (LFCNA), ElderlyComment
Strengthen Your Climate Leadership: Join the Free Climate + Faith Training on November 16, 2024
Strengthen Your Climate Leadership: Join the Free Climate + Faith Training on November 16, 2024

Prepare for climate action by joining the free Climate + Faith Training on November 16, 2024. This online event will equip you with practical tools to lead climate action in your congregation, helping you integrate creation care into your faith practices. Register today to strengthen your role as a climate leader! This training is part of the National Faith + Climate Forum 2025 on March 27, 2025.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardBlessed Tomorrow, Climate ChangeComment
Exploring Guadalupe: A Lutheran & Latine Perspective
Exploring Guadalupe: A Lutheran & Latine Perspective

Explore the Virgin of Guadalupe’s significance for Lutherans through a Latine lens in a virtual workshop on November 16, 2024. Led by Rev. Jesus Escamilla, this English-language session will delve into cultural and theological insights connecting Guadalupe to Lutheran faith. Register at wartburgseminary.edu/ctlm. View a PDF here.

Explora la importancia de la Virgen de Guadalupe para los luteranos desde una perspectiva latina en nuestro taller virtual el 16 de noviembre de 2024. Dirigido por el Rev. Jesús Escamilla, esta sesión en inglés profundizará en ideas culturales y teológicas que conectan a Guadalupe con la fe luterana. Inscríbete en wartburgseminary.edu/ctlm.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardWartburg Seminary, EspañolComment
Lutheran World Federation newsletter
Lutheran World Federation newsletter
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News, Global Church, SpotlightBrian FlatgardLutheran World FederationComment
Arizona, Oregon, and Beyond: Inside Out Network Expands Support
Arizona, Oregon, and Beyond: Inside Out Network Expands Support

Inside Out Network’s Fall 2024 newsletter highlights significant developments, including expanded access to ION’s platform in Arizona prison libraries and a new fundraising goal to support reentry resources. Discover updates on ION’s outreach in Mississippi and Oregon, impactful community events, and inspiring success stories that showcase ION’s ongoing mission to support returning citizens. View the ION Fall 2024 newsletter online or view/download this PDF.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardPrison, Inside Out Network Comment
Church Planting Reimagined: Nick Warnes on Discernment, Adaptability, and Inclusive Leadership
Church Planting Reimagined: Nick Warnes on Discernment, Adaptability, and Inclusive Leadership

In this episode of the Pivot Podcast, we dive deep into the world of church planting with Nick Warnes, founder and executive director of Cyclical Incorporated. Nick shares his expertise on developing leaders for new Christian communities, challenging traditional notions of what it means to start a church. From discernment processes to financial sustainability, from adapting to diverse contexts to embracing a truly missional approach, this conversation is packed with practical wisdom for anyone interested in the future of the church.

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Grand Canyon Synod, Leadership Resources, NewsBrian FlatgardLuther Seminary, Pivot Podcast, faith+leadComment
The Future of Church Planting: Innovating for God’s Mission with Len Tang
The Future of Church Planting: Innovating for God’s Mission with Len Tang

In this episode of the Pivot Podcast, discover the future of church planting with expert Len Tang in this eye-opening episode of the Pivot Podcast.

Dive into the evolving world of church planting with expert Len Tang in this transformative episode of the Pivot Podcast. Len, director of the Fuller Church Planting Initiative, unpacks the latest trends and strategies that are reshaping how we approach ministry in the 21st century.

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Grand Canyon Synod, Leadership Resources, NewsBrian FlatgardLuther Seminary, Pivot Podcast, faith+leadComment
Political Theology Reimagined: Dr. Joel Lawrence on “Sabbath Politics” in a Polarized World
Political Theology Reimagined: Dr. Joel Lawrence on “Sabbath Politics” in a Polarized World

In this thought-provoking episode of the Pivot Podcast, Dr. Joel Lawrence, president of the Center for Pastor Theologians, offers a fresh perspective on political theology and how churches can navigate our politically polarized landscape. Introducing the concept of “Sabbath politics,” Dr. Lawrence challenges us to reimagine the church’s role in society, shifting from a posture of control to one of trust in God’s rule.

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Grand Canyon Synod, Leadership Resources, NewsBrian FlatgardLuther Seminary, Pivot Podcast, faith+leadComment