Covid-19 exposure risk: 2/3/2022
Covid-19 exposure risk: 2/3/2022

One of every 284 Arizonans has died of Covid-19.

From Cronkite News/Arizona PBS’s article, On second anniversary, COVID-19 still racks up grim milestones in Arizona: In two years, Arizona “has racked up close to 1.8 million infections and the virus has killed almost 26,000, just two of many grim milestones on the pandemic’s “really long journey.” The rate of COVID-19 deaths in the state is currently second-highest in the nation, according to federal data.

COVID-19 deaths in the past week alone totaled 483, the highest weekly total since the start of the pandemic. Arizona’s COVID-19 death rate was 352 per 100,000 residents, second only to Mississippi’s 360 deaths per 100,000.”

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News, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardCoronavirusComment
Prompts for Prayers of Intercession: February 2, 2022
Prompts for Prayers of Intercession: February 2, 2022

  • For Afghan refugees arriving in the United States…

  • For all affected by flooding and landslides in Brazil; for the displaced, the grieving, and all providing assistance and support…

  • For the work of the United Nations Security Council…

  • For the safety and wellbeing of all Olympic athletes; for the host city, Beijing…

  • For peace and security among HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) communities facing bomb threats this past week…

  • For the ELCA National Youth Gathering planning team and those who were registered to attend, at the recent difficult decision to cancel this summer’s Gathering…

  • For equitable distribution and effective use of N95 masks and COVID-19 home tests…

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ELCA, PrayersBrian FlatgardELCA Worship, For What Shall We PrayComment
Kristen Opalinski | Journey of Justice and Joy: Lessons Learned From the Arch
Kristen Opalinski | Journey of Justice and Joy: Lessons Learned From the Arch

The first time I met Archbishop Desmond Tutu was in the lead up to COP 17. Archbishop Tutu, or simply the Arch as he was affectionately known in his native South Africa, stepped up to the podium with a warm smile, a smile that quickly turned into a steely gaze. “Do not remain quiet!” he implored, “Do not waste a single moment. This is a critical moment in human history, one that requires each and every one of you, of us, to be fully engaged – the clock is at zero!”

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ELCA, LettersBrian FlatgardEcumenical and Inter-Religious RelationsComment
Faith Lens: Fish Story
Faith Lens: Fish Story

I was intrigued by an article about a rare deep-ocean creature which had washed up on a California beach. As one who watched Disney’s Finding Nemo a lot when my children were little, I recognized the pictures as being the type of deep sea “monster” that is angling to turn Marlin and Dory into a meal. What I didn’t know was how rare a find such a specimen is.

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Worship Resources, ELCA, ResourcesBrian FlatgardFaith Lens, Youth and Young AdultComment
2022 ELCA Youth Gathering canceled
2022 ELCA Youth Gathering canceled

The ELCA has announced that the 2022 ELCA Youth Gathering has been canceled due to the ongoing pandemic, the recent COVID-19 surge and public health considerations. The Gathering pre-events — the Multicultural Youth Leadership Event (MYLE) and the tAble, the ELCA gathering for youth with disabilities — have also been canceled. More information is available at elca.org/Gathering.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardMYLE, the tAble, 2022 ELCA Youth Gathering, Youth and Young AdultComment
Bishop Eaton: Stand with our Jewish siblings
Bishop Eaton: Stand with our Jewish siblings

As we witness an increase in anti-Semitic actions in this country and around the world, Bishop Eaton reminds us of the words from A Declaration of the ELCA to the Jewish Community.

“We recognize in anti-Semitism a contradiction and an affront to the Gospel, a violation of our hope and calling, and we pledge this church to oppose the deadly working of such bigotry, both within our own circles and in the society around us.”

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Bishop Eaton, LettersBrian FlatgardEcumenical and Inter-Religious RelationsComment
Bishop Eaton's pastoral message on Ukraine
Bishop Eaton's pastoral message on Ukraine

I watch with grave concern as tensions continue between Russia and Ukraine, and I fervently pray that a peaceful resolution to the conflict will be reached. I affirm the statement of the Lutheran World Federation's general secretary, the Rev. Dr. Anne Burghardt: "We urge all parties to de-escalate the situation and work for peace and stability. A peaceful solution must be found."

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Bishop Eaton, ELCA, Prayers, LettersBrian FlatgardLutheran World FederationComment
Zoom presentation: The role of governance in the life of the congregation
Zoom presentation: The role of governance in the life of the congregation

The role of governance in the life of the congregation continues to evolve and can be challenging. Yet, it remains an essential component to ensure our mission, inspire generosity, and protect our organizations.

Congregation council members and rostered leaders are invited to a Zoom presentation on congregation governance, given by Evan Moilan, CFRE and organized by the Office of the Bishop. Tuesday, 2/8/2022, 6pm MST, 5pm PST. Register here.

Evan Moilan, CFRE brings more than 24 years of experience in leadership, and will share best practices in governance, along with practical and implementable steps for your ministry that you can begin to use immediately.

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News, Resources, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardComment
2022 IRS mileage allowance
2022 IRS mileage allowance

The Internal Revenue Service has issued the 2022 optional standard mileage rates used to calculate the deductible costs of operating an automobile for business and charitable, medical or moving purposes.

The business mileage rate increased 1 cent for business travel and 1 cent for medical and certain moving expenses from 2021. The charitable rate is set by statute and remains unchanged. For more information, visit the IRS website.

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ELCA, ResourcesBrian FlatgardAdministration MattersComment
24 Legislators confirmed for Lutheran Advocacy Day at the Legislature
24 Legislators confirmed for Lutheran Advocacy Day at the Legislature

Lutherans from across the state will gather at the Arizona Capitol Rose Garden for a day of advocacy this Tuesday, 2/1/2022, to learn, to witness, and voice our common needs in the public square, activating our faith in love.

Tuesday, February 1, 2022 @ 8:30 AM - 10:30 AM + Legislative Appointments

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News, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardAdvocacy, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA)Comment
Prompts for Prayers of Intercession: January 30, 2022
Prompts for Prayers of Intercession: January 30, 2022

  • For ongoing rescue and relief efforts in Tongo…

  • For the work of the Coast Guard and other search and rescue personnel, and for family members of those missing following a ship capsize off the coast of Florida

  • For peacemaking and deescalation efforts between Russia and the Ukraine…

  • For severe and extreme winter weather events across the United States…

  • For access to shelter, heat, and food for those without homes or reliable incomes…

  • For schools, businesses, hospitals, and other services strained by increased Covid case counts…

  • For law enforcement, social workers, advocates, and all who work to rescue and support victims of human trafficking…

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ELCA, PrayersBrian FlatgardELCA Worship, For What Shall We PrayComment