Ordination celebrations: September 1-7, 2023
Ordination celebrations: September 1-7, 2023

This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:

  • Rev. Renee Geiger, who celebrates 35 years on September 1.

  • Rev. John Schaumburg, who celebrates 51 years on September 2.

  • Rev. Kirk Anderson, who celebrates 51 years on September 3.

  • Deacon Cathy Mannel, who celebrates 24 years on September 4.

  • Rev. Gregory Mannel, who celebrates 45 years on September 4.

  • Rev. Jeffrey Solheim, ELCA, Chicago, who celebrates 24 years on September 5.

  • Rev. Barbara Duhlstine-Robarge, who celebrates 32 years on September 6.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardOrdination AnniversariesComment
ELCA Coaching's Courageous Leadership Resumes on September 6 for our 150th Gathering!
ELCA Coaching's Courageous Leadership Resumes on September 6 for our 150th Gathering!

Join us remotely via Zoom on Wednesday, September 6, as we celebrate our 150th gathering, hear from ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton, reflect on BEING CHURCH (March 2020 - April 2021) and COURAGEOUS LEADERSHIP (July 2021 - June 2023), and dream together how this space and community can continue to affirm, challenge, encourage, teach, shift, and collaborate with leaders across and beyond the church! The login information can be found below and on the ELCA Coaching website.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardCoaching, ELCA CoachingComment
Aloha Spirit: Kihei Lutheran Church Aids Maui Wildfire Recovery
Aloha Spirit: Kihei Lutheran Church Aids Maui Wildfire Recovery

Members of Kihei Lutheran Church are providing much-needed relief to Maui wildfire victims, collecting essential supplies and extending emotional support. With a message of hope and resilience, they, along with the Lutheran Disaster Response, are calling for nationwide help to rebuild the affected community. Read more in Living Lutheran.

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ELCA, Region 2, NewsBrian FlatgardLiving Lutheran, Pacifica Synod, Lutheran Disaster Response, God's Work Our Hands Sunday Comment
For What Shall We Pray? 8/29/2023
For What Shall We Pray? 8/29/2023

  • For all in the pathway of Hurricane Idalia…

  • For victims of gun violence, especially in Chapel Hill, NC; Jacksonville, FL…

  • For areas threatened by wildfires in Louisiana, and for wildfires that continue to burn in Greece…

  • For renewed civility and collaboration among political leaders…

  • For all facing persecution and violence due to sexual orientation and gender identity, especially in Nigeria and Uganda…

  • For families of those injured or killed in automobile, helicopter, and other transportation accidents…

  • For peace in areas of war or conflict, especially in Ukraine, Mali, Libya, Syria, and Palestine…

  • For fair wages, safe working conditions, and equal access to opportunity for all who are employed…

  • For financial stability for those who are unemployed, underemployed, or on fixed incomes…

  • In gratitude for the many and various vocations by which all people can serve God in daily life…

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ELCA, PrayersBrian FlatgardELCA Worship, For What Shall We PrayComment
From Sea of People to Wave of Change: Raabe's Recollections of 1963
From Sea of People to Wave of Change: Raabe's Recollections of 1963

Mark Raabe, a long-standing member of First Trinity Lutheran, shares a firsthand account on ELCA.org of the pivotal March on Washington in 1963. Experience the powerful serenity of that day through Raabe's memories, emphasizing the undeniable impact of peaceful protest and the unparalleled influence of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s iconic “I Have a Dream” speech.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardAdvocacy, ELCA Advocacy, MLK, Racial JusticeComment
Spread Warmth & Care: Participate in the LWR Quilts and Kits Ingathering
Spread Warmth & Care: Participate in the LWR Quilts and Kits Ingathering

Join Lutheran World Relief in their longstanding tradition of distributing quilts and kits to families in need. Participate in these upcoming Quilts and Kits Ingatherings in the Grand Canyon Synod: Tucson area, Glendale/Phoenix area, and Las Vegas/St. George UT area. You can also bring quilts to the Women of the ELCA’s Triennial Gathering in Phoenix between 9/21-9/23.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardLutheran World ReliefComment
Unleashing Boundless Compassion: Join the Spirited Book Club Online
Unleashing Boundless Compassion: Join the Spirited Book Club Online

Explore the transformative power of compassion with Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center's Spirited Book Club. Reflecting on Joyce Rupp's "Boundless Compassion," this online event on September 7 & 21, 2023 at 2pm PDT/MST, 3pm MDT, aims to deepen your understanding of compassion and inspire you to be a more caring presence. Register now to gain wisdom, confidence, and inspiration to live with boundless compassion.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardSpirit in the Desert Retreat Center, Spirited Book ClubComment
Daniel's Journey: From Gathering Participant to Dedicated Volunteer
Daniel's Journey: From Gathering Participant to Dedicated Volunteer

Daniel Mambu shares his enriching journey as a volunteer at previous Gatherings, recalling the impact it had on him as a youth. With various volunteer roles available for the upcoming Gathering, he reflects on his excitement to return to New Orleans and the significance of being a part of this transformative experience. Read why Daniel loves volunteering on the ELCA Youth Gathering blog.

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ELCA, NewsBrian Flatgard2024 ELCA Youth Gathering, Youth and Young AdultComment
Connecting Past Struggles with Today's Challenges: March on Washington at 60
Connecting Past Struggles with Today's Challenges: March on Washington at 60

Reflecting on the 60th anniversary of the March on Washington, the ELCA Racial Justice blog emphasizes the lasting impact and current relevance of the fight for racial and economic justice. The post highlights the ongoing challenges of systemic racism, such as redlining and voting rights restrictions, and calls for continued advocacy in line with ELCA’s commitment to racial justice.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardMLK, Racial Justice, Advocacy, ELCA AdvocacyComment
Inviting In: One Immigrant's Reflection on Matthew 25:35
Inviting In: One Immigrant's Reflection on Matthew 25:35

Raed AbuJries delves deep into his immigration experience, emphasizing the transformative power of kindness. As he navigated the complexities of American society, the diverse responses from individuals shaped his perspective on acceptance, prejudice, and the real-world implications of Matthew 25:35. Through his journey, Raed underscores the value of "inviting in" strangers and the profound ripple effect it can have on both individuals and communities. Read about his immigration experience on the AMMPARO blog.

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ELCA, Letters, NewsBrian FlatgardImmigration and Refugees, AMMPAROComment
A Century of Faith and Fellowship: The Lutheran Sudan Mission Centennial Celebration
A Century of Faith and Fellowship: The Lutheran Sudan Mission Centennial Celebration

The Lutheran Sudan Mission celebrated its Centennial in June at Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota. From its humble beginnings in 1923 with the first missionaries to the region, the mission has evolved, leading to the establishment of two churches with Indigenous leadership in Cameroon and the Central African Republic (CAR). Marking 100 years of partnership, the celebration focused on the past, present, and future of missionary work in the region, emphasizing relationship building and mutual fellowship in sharing the Gospel. Learn more at Living Lutheran.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardLiving LutheranComment
Investing with Integrity: How ELCA's CSR Program Aligns Money with Values
Investing with Integrity: How ELCA's CSR Program Aligns Money with Values

The ELCA Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program ensures that investments align with Lutheran teachings through socially responsible practices, focusing on environmental, social, and governance issues (ESG). By working closely with Portico Benefit Services, they provide investment screens and issue papers to guide individual investors and organizations towards ethical investments, reflecting their commitment to integrity and sustainable long-term growth. Learn more at Living Lutheran.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardPortico, Living LutheranComment