Posts in News
Supporting ELCA Ministries: Giving Strategies for 2024 and Beyond
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.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardStewardship, ELCA FoundationComment
Lutheran World Federation newsletter
Lutheran World Federation newsletter
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News, Global Church, SpotlightBrian FlatgardLutheran World FederationComment
Living into a New Story: Explore Earth-Based Wisdom and Theology at Spirit in the Desert
Living into a New Story: Explore Earth-Based Wisdom and Theology at Spirit in the Desert

Join the “Living into a New Story” retreat at Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center, January 23–26, 2025, to explore the intersection of Christian theology, Earth-based wisdom, and the natural sciences. Led by Pastor Ron Rude and Sharon Reinbott, this retreat offers a unique blend of worship, reflection, and learning in the serene surroundings of Carefree, Arizona. Register now to secure your spot and discover a reimagined Christian faith grounded in science and nature.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardSpirit in the Desert Retreat CenterComment
Jr High & High Schoolers: Don’t Miss the New Year’s Retreat at Camp ALOMA!
Jr High & High Schoolers: Don’t Miss the New Year’s Retreat at Camp ALOMA!

Kick off 2025 with Camp ALOMA’s New Year’s Retreat! Jr High and High School students are invited to Prescott from December 29 to January 1 for a faith-filled retreat featuring devotions, worship, campfires, and more. Registration is $110 per camper, with optional transportation. Spots are limited—register today!

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardOutdoor Ministry, Camp ALOMA, High Country ConferenceComment
Final Week of Advent Centering Prayer: Restore and Prepare
Final Week of Advent Centering Prayer: Restore and Prepare

This Monday, December 23, at 12:00 PM AZ/MST, join the final session of Restore Our Hope: Advent Centering Prayer. As we await the birth of Christ, this week’s focus turns to God’s healing and comfort for a broken world. Come together in song, prayer, and quiet reflection to prepare your heart for Christmas. Register today and share in this closing Advent experience.

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Grand Canyon Synod, News, Resources, Worship ResourcesBrian Flatgard2024 Advent and Christmas, Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center, Worship ResourcesComment
Christ the Lord in Carefree Seeking Administrative Manager
Christ the Lord in Carefree Seeking Administrative Manager

Christ the Lord in Carefree seeking a part-time Administrative Manager to join our team. Whoever fills this role will have the opportunity to contribute to the mission and ministry, especially as we reshape our staff and administrative functions to meet the changing needs of our church and community. If you are looking for a place that will celebrate your unique gifts in an environment of good humor, hospitality, reliability, and service to the community, this may be the place for you! More info and apply here.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardHelp Wanted, Christ the Lord Carefree, Northeast Valley ConferenceComment
Advocate for Justice in 2025: Sign Up for Arizona’s Request to Speak System
Advocate for Justice in 2025: Sign Up for Arizona’s Request to Speak System

The Request to Speak (RTS) program empowers Arizona residents to engage with legislative decisions from home. Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona makes it easy to sign up by creating your account for you. Get involved in advocacy for justice in 2025 by registering your opinions and tracking bills online. Learn more and apply today at lamaz.org/request-to-speak.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardAdvocacy, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA)Comment
Promoting Unity: Highlights from the National Workshop on Christian Unity
Promoting Unity: Highlights from the National Workshop on Christian Unity

Grand Canyon Synod representatives Pastor Jonathan Linman and Pastor Mari Larson attended the National Workshop on Christian Unity in Chicago, addressing topics like Christian Nationalism, mass deportations, and Lutheran-Catholic collaboration. Larson was honored for her leadership in LEIRN, and Linman shared a model for ecumenical reception developed for the Phoenix Lutheran-Catholic event. Read more about the workshop’s call to unity and action in divided times.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardEcumenical and Inter-Religious Relations, Lutheran Ecumenical and Inter-Religious Relations Network (LEIRN)Comment
Key Dates and Deadlines for the 2024 Annual Congregation Report
Key Dates and Deadlines for the 2024 Annual Congregation Report

The ELCA is introducing several updates to the Annual Congregation Report process for 2024. Starting in mid-January, congregations will receive a letter with their ID and password but no printed resources; all instructions and materials will be posted online. A new reporting platform will also launch, offering streamlined tools and embedded instructions. Congregations must file 2023 reports by December 20, as the system will shut down afterward.

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ELCA, Grand Canyon Synod, Leadership Resources, NewsBrian FlatgardComment
From Local Farms to Global Advocacy: ELCA World Hunger’s 50-Year Legacy
From Local Farms to Global Advocacy: ELCA World Hunger’s 50-Year Legacy

Celebrating 50 years of ELCA World Hunger, this milestone highlights the ministry’s global and local impact in fighting hunger and poverty through sustainable solutions, advocacy, and partnerships. Discover inspiring stories and learn how you can join in this life-changing mission in this year-end Living Lutheran article.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardLiving Lutheran, Hunger, ELCA World HungerComment
Faith in Action: Thanksgiving Outreach Feeds 148 Families in Need
Faith in Action: Thanksgiving Outreach Feeds 148 Families in Need

On November 26, Faith / Le Fe and Mount of Olives Lutheran united to serve 148 families through the “Faith In Action Together” Thanksgiving outreach. Families received food boxes and a hot lunch, thanks to the efforts of over 40 volunteers. Read more for photos and to celebrate the power of walking together in Christ.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardFaith Phoenix, Mount of Olives Phoenix, Capital ConferenceComment
Your Church Can Go Solar—and Save Big—with New Federal Incentives
Your Church Can Go Solar—and Save Big—with New Federal Incentives

The Inflation Reduction Act opens new opportunities for ELCA congregations to embrace clean energy with rebates of 30% on project costs. Partner with the Mission Investment Fund for financing and guidance to make your vision a reality. Join others in caring for creation while saving money and empowering ministry. Learn more about this faithful opportunity today!

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ELCA, Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardELCA Mission Investment FundComment
Thank You, Deacon Katie: Supporting Congregations Through Transition
Thank You, Deacon Katie: Supporting Congregations Through Transition

This year, Deacon Katie Kline has been a tremendous blessing to the Grand Canyon Synod as our Interim Director for Congregation Transition. Her collaborative leadership and passion for supporting healthy leaders have guided many congregations through critical times of change. Join us in celebrating Deacon Katie’s impactful work and thanking her for her faithful service!

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardComment