The Diakonia Program, in connection with the Grand Canyon Synod, has recently developed an Advanced Classes Task Force. This task force is devoted to creating and offering high quality training for lay persons, beyond the regular two-year Diakonia Program.
Read MoreA collection of resources is available at elca.org/emanuelnine to help synods and congregations mark the martyrdom of the Emanuel Nine — the nine people shot and killed on June 17, 2015, during a Bible study at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, S.C.
These resources can be adapted for virtual worship, online conversation or individual reflection and devotion. Synods and congregations are encouraged to mark this commemoration locally.
Read MoreThe filing system for Form A & C Parochial Reports on the ELCA.org Office of the Secretary resource page shuts down for the year on June 11, 2021. Forms should be submitted electronically before that date in order to be included in the 2020 ELCA statistics.
Thank you for your work with these reports. We know 2020 will be an interesting year. If your congregation did not receive your password from ELCA Churchwide, or if you have any questions, please contact Theresa Thornburgh in the synod office.
Read MoreThriving Beyond Covid is a free post-covid re-gathering / renewal resource for your congregation.
Check out this two-minute video and the website to see if this resource is something your congregation might want to use. A leader guide, small and large group participant guides, and videos, are available for free download at www.ThrivingBeyondCovid.org.
Read MoreYour congregation is invited to apply for an Open Doors grant to support your ministries as we resume in-person worship and gatherings.
May 14, 2021: Deadline to register in ELCA GrantMaker in order to fill out an application. May 19, 2021: Grant application closes.
Read More“I want to learn more about my faith.” We've heard this phrase a lot, so we invite all to stay tuned for more details about a special offering from Diakonia, intended to do just that - give you more information about your faith. The toolbox will be open to everyone in the Grand Canyon Synod. Stay tuned!
Read MoreThe at-home guide for ELCA World Hunger’s “River of Life” Vacation Bible School program for 2021 is now available for download.
This at-home guide is a supplemental resource for the full “River of Life VBS leader’s guide and includes modified activities, suggestions for online and at-home VBS, links to new videos and tips for parents, caregivers and other adults leading VBS with children at home!
Read MoreGCS Diakonia believes that through the proper formation and with the right education, lay ministry is an invaluable asset to your congregation, and the church as a whole. If you are interested in finding out how your involvement in Diakonia can help your church do God's work with our hands, check out our website for more information: diakoniaaz.org.
Read MoreELCA congregations interested in raising funds for their feeding ministry through ELCA World Hunger’s online platform, matched with a $500 grant, can register and apply in ELCA GrantMaker starting Monday, April 26, 2021.
Read MoreWe’re pleased to launch a dedicated page on our site to caring for creation and climate change. This new page provides an archive of resources and letters on the subject of care for creation.
Caring for God's creation is an ever-evolving topic in this world, as climate change accelerates changes and our we further understand how human’s influence on the health of our planet. View the page here.
Read MoreLutherans Restoring Creation provides five ways congregations and individuals can participate in Earth Day.
Read MoreYour congregation is invited to apply for an Open Doors grant to support your ministries as we resume in-person worship and gatherings.
How can we meet new people, especially as we crave community following a time of unprecedented isolation? How might we stay connected with people who have not visited our church buildings but joined us online? Have an idea? Apply and learn more at ELCA.org/OpenDoors.
Read MoreMartin Luther himself said, "A simple layman armed with Scripture is greater than the mightiest pope without it." At Diakonia, we agree, and support GCS pastors and congregations by educating individuals on the more nuanced aspects of lay ministry.
If you or someone you know is looking for a rich, theological education, a deepened appreciation of the Bible, and clarity in forms of grace-filled service, check out this two-year program. Classes start in September, visit diakoniaaz.org for more info.
Read MoreThe application window for the 2022 ELCA World Hunger Domestic Hunger Grants is now open. Visit ELCA.org/domestichungergrants to learn more about the grants and how to apply.
Organizations applying for an ELCA grant for the first time must register by setting up an account in ELCA GrantMaker in order to access the Domestic Hunger Grant application.
Read MoreJoin a conversation (4/27/2021 or 4/28/2021) about the role of the church in the transformation of our communities, facilitated by Rev. Dr. Ray Pickett, Rector at Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary and Desta Goehner, Director of Congregational Relations at Cal Lutheran. View flyer in English or Spanish.
Read MoreThese grants are intended to help congregations become vital and healthy by defining their values, strengthening their mission, noticing their context, and evaluating their ministry. Click to download the application as a Word document.
We hope that you and your community will be innovative and think outside the box. Applications are due by April 20, 2021.
Read MoreGenerous scholarships for congregations are available for congregations interested in the Stewardship for All Seasons program. Learn how to do year-round, ongoing stewardship, which results in more money for ministry.
For more information and a brochure about the program, please visit gcsynod.org/stewardship-for-all-seasons.
Read MoreThe Lutheran World Federation (LWF) is engaged in a global study of contemporary Lutheran identities as they are lived in local church contexts. Between now and June you are invited to take part in a larger conversation, with a discussion guide titled We Believe in the Holy Spirit: Welcome to a Global Conversation on Being Lutheran.
This guide will help lead your congregation’s Christian education and/or youth group on a journey of mutual discovery and learning. View/download the guide.
Read MoreAn online worship service for the Second Sunday of Easter, April 11, 2021, has been prepared by the five synods of Region 2 for use in your congregations. View this post for more full info.
Read MoreThe New and Renewing Team of the Grand Canyon Synod is excited to announce the Lilly 3E Vital Right-Shaped Ministry (VRSM) Vitality and Innovation Grants. Click to download the application as a Word document.
Two Zoom information sessions will be offered about the grants, click a date to register: Thurs., 3/25/2021 @ 6 pm MST/PDT and Thurs., 4/8/2021 @ 1:30pm MST/PDT. Once registered, you will receive an email with your unique link to join the meeting.
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