December Events to Inspire: From Peacemaking to Blue Christmas Services

Join the Arizona Faith Network on December 9 for a morning of inspiration with keynote speaker Rev. Eugene Cho at the Franciscan Renewal Center in Scottsdale. This year’s theme, Building Bridges, Breaking Barriers: Peacemakers in Action, calls us to confront injustice and foster reconciliation. Registration closes December 6.

Explore other opportunities this month, including an Interfaith New Year’s Celebration, a Blue Christmas service, and a powerful series with Rev. Dr. Gary Mason on peacemaking in divided times. Learn more and register for these transformative events at Arizona Faith Network Newsletter.

From Advent to Affordable Housing: Ways Your Congregation Can Do Justice

From new Advent resources and the ELCA Good Gifts catalog to inspiring stories of affordable housing and 50 years of World Hunger ministry, this month’s updates invite us to embody Micah 6:8: to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with our God. Explore new tools for Advent, creative giving ideas, and stories of resilience in the latest Go and Do news from ELCA World Hunger.

ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardDecember 4, 2024Hunger, ELCA World Hunger, Go and Do Good NewsComment

Native Voices: Stories of Faith and Leadership from the Indigenous Leaders Gathering

Explore the stories of Andrea Robideau, Me-li Jackson, and Gabriel Wounded Head as they share their journeys of faith and identity in a series of videos from the ELCA. These leaders highlight the importance of community, storytelling, and bridging their Indigenous heritage with their Christian faith.

Simplify and Sustain: Reclaiming the Holidays with Faith and Purpose

Amid the busyness of the season, faithful celebration often gets lost in materialism and unsustainable practices. Discover how to simplify, honor creation, and embrace meaningful traditions this holiday season. Explore tips and resources from One Home One Future to make your celebrations joyful and climate-conscious.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardDecember 4, 2024Climate Change, 2024 Advent and Christmas, Blessed TomorrowComment

Feeding the multitude: Congregation’s long-running Thanksgiving meal serves 1,000

Zion Lutheran Church’s Thanksgiving meal tradition served nearly 1,000 people last year, uniting the Trinidad community in generosity and service. Rooted in the congregation’s monthly 5 Loaves ministry, this annual effort combines faith, food, and fellowship to embody Jesus’ call to feed the hungry. Read more about how this small congregation makes a big impact in Living Lutheran.

ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardDecember 3, 2024Living LutheranComment

Who Will Make Room? Advent Webinars Explore Justice in the Holy Land

This Advent, join the 2024 Advent Pilgrimage in Palestine webinar series to hear powerful stories of faith, justice, and resilience from Palestinian Christians and ELCA partners in the Holy Land. Featuring speakers like Khalil Sayegh, Rev. Rodny Said, the ELCJHL Youth, and YAGM alumni, the three sessions will inspire reflection and action.

Ordination celebrations: December 6-12, 2025

This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:

Rev. Scott Summers, who celebrates 34 years on December 8.
Deacon Lorraine Brugh, who celebrates 45 years on December 10.

Grand Canyon Synod, News, SpotlightBrian FlatgardDecember 3, 2024Ordination AnniversariesComment

Latine Ministry Competency Workshop, December 12-14, 2024 | Taller de Competencia en el Ministerio Latino, 12-14 de diciembre de 2024

Únase al Taller de Competencia en el Ministerio Latino este diciembre para profundizar las habilidades de alcance cultural y comunitario de su ministerio. Este evento virtual de tres días, organizado por el CTLM del Seminario Teológico de Wartburg, ofrece a los líderes de la ELCA estrategias prácticas y modelos de ministerio inspiradores de expertos en ministerio latino. Las sesiones se llevarán a cabo del 12 al 14 de diciembre, con un enfoque en el fortalecimiento de comunidades de adoración multiétnicas y bilingües. La inscripción está abierta en wartburgseminary.edu/CTLM, con opciones para individuos y congregaciones. Descargue o vea el PDF aquí.

Join the Latine Ministry Competency Workshop this December to deepen your ministry’s cultural and community outreach skills. This three-day virtual event, hosted by Wartburg Theological Seminary’s CTLM, offers ELCA leaders practical strategies and inspiring ministry models from experts in Latine ministry. Sessions will be held December 12-14, with a focus on strengthening multi-ethnic and bilingual worshipping communities. Registration is open at wartburgseminary.edu/CTLM, with options for individuals and congregations. Download or view PDF here.

Grand Canyon Synod, Leadership Resources, NewsBrian FlatgardDecember 3, 2024Español, Wartburg SeminaryComment

Transformative Training for Lay Leaders Starts January 2025

The School for Lay Ministry equips lay leaders with the tools and confidence to serve their congregations faithfully. With live instruction, self-paced learning, and innovative digital ministry training, the year-long program begins January 18, 2025. Scholarships are available. Learn more and register today at faithlead.org.

Grand Canyon Synod, Leadership Resources, NewsBrian FlatgardDecember 3, 2024faith+lead, Luther SeminaryComment

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.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardDecember 3, 2024Arizona Faith Network, Ecumenical and Inter-Religious RelationsComment

Lutheran Advocacy Day 2025: Join Us at the Arizona Capitol for Justice and Faith

Join Lutherans and friends across Arizona for Lutheran Advocacy Day on February 10, 2025, at Wesley Bolin Plaza in Phoenix. From 8:30 am to 1:00 pm, engage in our call to justice as we meet legislators, pray for those who serve, and connect with Lutheran Advocacy Ministry in Arizona leaders. Register today to be part of this impactful day of faith and advocacy.

Join Us in Honoring Dr. King’s Legacy at Our Celebration of Diversity

Save the date for the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration of Diversity on Sunday, January 19, 2025, from 3-5 pm in each respective time zone. Hosted at King of Glory Lutheran Church in Tempe, with Bishop Yehiel Curry preaching, and Holy Spirit Lutheran Church in Las Vegas with a keynote from Trey Austin (COGIC), this event invites us to come together to honor Dr. King’s legacy of justice, love, and unity. Join us as we celebrate our shared mission for equality and diversity within our faith community.

Be Part of the Celebration of Diversity Choir at King of Glory Lutheran Church in Tempe. Rehearsals begin January 4, and all vocalists are welcome to participate in this inspiring service featuring gospel-style music. Sign up today to be part of this unforgettable tribute at Sign-Up Genius.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardDecember 3, 2024Racial Justice, MLKComment

Lutheran World Federation newsletter

News, Global Church, SpotlightBrian FlatgardDecember 2, 2024Lutheran World FederationComment

Celebrate Advent with Daily Messages of Joy from Around the World

This Advent, join The Lutheran World Federation on a journey of joy and hope. From December 1–24, LWF’s Advent Calendar will feature daily video messages from global voices, sharing theological reflections and personal stories on what joy means in their contexts. Visit LWF’s Advent Calendar to participate, and read more about the project here.

Global Church, NewsBrian FlatgardDecember 2, 2024Lutheran World Federation, 2024 Advent and ChristmasComment

Uniting Lutheran and Episcopal Voices: Advent Service of Hope and Peace

Join churches in Chandler and Mesa for “Anticipation, Hope & Peace: Advent Lessons and Carols” on December 8 at 5:00 PM at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church in Chandler. This collaborative service, uniting Lutheran and Episcopal congregations, offers an evening of scripture, music, and reflection. All are welcome to experience the Advent season through both traditions, celebrating the hope and peace that unite us.

Victorian Carolers Bring Classic Christmas Magic to Mountain View Lutheran in Phoenix

Join us on Friday, December 6, at 6:30 PM at Mountain View Lutheran Church in Phoenix for the Victorian Carolers Christmas Concert—a free evening of festive music, heartwarming songs, and a Christmas singalong. This talented ensemble of nine classically trained musicians brings joy and nostalgia through traditional carols and holiday favorites. Celebrate the season with us in this joyful community event! Learn more at mvlutheran.org.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardDecember 2, 20242024 Advent and Christmas, Mountain View Phoenix, Fiesta ConferenceComment

Daily Devotions During Advent from Spirit in the Desert

Spirit offers an Advent-specific daily devotion via email beginning Sunday, December 1 and ending on Christmas Day. If you would like to receive a special devotional reflection by Pr. Steve Holm in your inbox each day during Advent, register here.

Advent Continues: Finding Rest and Renewal

This Monday, December 9, at 12:00 PM AZ/MST, Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center invites you to the second session of Restore Our Hope: Advent Centering Prayer. This week’s theme focuses on slowing down in a world consumed by busyness and productivity. Through guided meditation and communal centering prayer, rediscover stillness and trust in God’s abundant grace. Register now to join this time of prayerful waiting.

Supporting ELCA Ministries: Giving Strategies for 2024 and Beyond

As 2024 draws to a close, the ELCA Foundation is offering a range of impactful and tax-advantaged ways to support ministries that matter to you. From IRA distributions to gifts of appreciated securities, there are options to maximize your giving while reducing taxes. Key deadlines for year-end gifts are fast approaching, so now is the time to act. Looking ahead, new opportunities like increased QCD limits in 2025 offer even more flexibility for generosity. Learn more about these strategies and contact Lisa Higginbotham for personalized guidance. Read the full newsletter.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardNovember 29, 2024Stewardship, ELCA FoundationComment

Northeast Valley Consortium Supports Hunger Advocacy with $2,000 Grant

The Northeast Valley Consortium, a coalition of five Phoenix-area Lutheran churches, has pledged $2,000 to support the Grand Canyon Synod Hunger Leaders Network’s participation in the 2025 ELCA World Hunger Leaders Gathering. In addition to hunger advocacy, NEVC expanded its summer lunch packs and heat relief efforts in 2024, showcasing the power of collaboration in combating food insecurity and building resilient communities. Read more about how this partnership embodies being “church together” on the Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona site.

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