For What Shall We Pray? 11/21/2023

For peace among nations and for military de-escalation…
For safe return of hostages and for attentiveness to humanitarian needs in Palestine and Israel…
For residents of Iceland and New Guinea, as volcanic activity increases…
For continued rescue operations following a tunnel collapse in northern India…
For all victims of gun violence and for their loved ones, especially in Beavercreek, OH; Custer County, CO;
For cleanup efforts following the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico…
For families and friends who gather this week, especially those whose relationships are strained…
In thanksgiving for all of God’s gifts…

ELCA, PrayersBrian FlatgardNovember 22, 2023ELCA Worship, For What Shall We PrayComment

Lutheran World Federation newsletter: 11/17/2023

News, Global ChurchBrian FlatgardNovember 22, 2023Lutheran World FederationComment

ELCA Church Council appoints the Rev. Michael Burk as Presiding Bishop Pro Tempore

The Church Council of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) appointed the Rev. Michael Burk as presiding bishop pro tempore after its Executive Committee approved Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton's request for a four- to six-month leave of absence, to begin Nov. 17. The council, which serves as the ELCA churchwide organization's board of directors and interim legislative authority between meetings of a churchwide assembly, gathered at the Lutheran Center in Chicago, Nov. 9-12, 2023. Read the full post for other actions taken.

ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardNovember 22, 2023Comment

North American and Holy Land Heads of Churches Meet in Solidarity, Prayer

On Nov. 16, 2023, the North American heads of Churches Beyond Borders met online with their Lutheran and Episcopal counterparts in the Holy Land for a time of solidarity and prayer. The six churches renewed their commitment to mutual accompaniment, solidarity and prayer as a witness to Christ's justice and peace, uniting our churches beyond all borders.

ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardNovember 22, 2023Ecumenical and Inter-Religious Relations, Bishop Azar, Israel and PalestineComment

Ordination celebrations: November 24-30, 2023

This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:

Rev. Brian Weinberger, Bethlehem, Mesa, who celebrates 15 years on November 29.
Rev. Naomi Hartman, Church of the Foothills, Tucson, who celebrates 14 years on November 29.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardNovember 22, 2023Ordination AnniversariesComment

Bishop Hutterer: Giving thanks to God

As you gather this Thanksgiving season with friends and family—whether they be relatives or connections as family in Christ—I want to express my deep gratitude to each congregation and individual for your support and commitment to our mission as church together. Through prayer, presence, and financial gifts, your generous support has allowed the Grand Canyon Synod to accomplish so much this year. I am continually inspired by the way you live the call to love God and serve our neighbor.

In Memoriam: Rev. Dr. Carl Braaten

We pray for the family and friends of Rev. Dr. Carl Braaten, who died October 28, 2023.

A memorial service will be held November 25, 2023, 1pm, at Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Sun City West, 13724 W. Meeker Boulevard, Sun City West, AZ 85375.

Grand Canyon Synod, News, Prayers, In MemoriamBrian FlatgardNovember 18, 2023 Comments

Embrace a Soulful Advent with "My Soul Magnifies the Lord"

Join us Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center online for "Spirited Advent: My Soul Magnifies the Lord!" – a soulful Zoom journey this Advent. Hosted by Sheri Brown, each Sunday session offers a sacred space for reflection and connection, exploring themes of hope, peace, joy, and love. Inspired by Mary's Magnificat, these 30-minute gatherings provide a much-needed spiritual respite during the busy holiday season. Register now for this enriching, free series and discover your soul's unique begotten-ness.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardNovember 15, 2023Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center, 2023 Advent and ChristmasComment

Stewardship in the Winter Months: Moving from Sun to Hearth

The latest edition of ELCA Stewardship's "Where Your Heart Is" newsletter explores the theme of stewardship from a heartfelt and spiritual perspective. It delves into the changing focus from outdoor activities to introspective and communal engagements as seasons shift. The newsletter includes practical advice on stewardship, emphasizing the importance of storytelling and connecting with congregational members through meaningful narratives.

ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardNovember 15, 2023Stewardship, ELCA Congregational Stewardship Support, Where Your Heart IsComment

Office of the Bishop Updates: 11/17/2023

The Office of the Bishop staff takes time to give thanks this upcoming week. We also share photos from the Latin American Consultation with ILM President Roberto Trejo Haager, Trinity Lutheran’s 75th anniversary, and the Grand Canyon Women of the ELCA convention.

News, Bishop Hutterer, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardNovember 15, 2023Office of the BishopComment

Ordination celebrations: November 17-23, 2023

This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:

Rev. Carl Sirotzki, Mount Cross, Payson, who celebrates 8 years on November 21.
Rev. Leonard Hoffmann, who celebrates 48 years on November 23.
Rev. Mari Larson, St. Andrew, Las Vegas, who celebrates 27 years on November 23.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardNovember 15, 2023Ordination Anniversaries Comments

For What Shall We Pray? 11/14/2023

For peace among nations and an end to violence, especially in Israel and Palestine, Russia and Ukraine, Syria, Iraq, Iran, and the Nagorno-Karabakh region…
For residents of Grindavik, Iceland and all threatened by volcanic activity…
For rescue operations following a tunnel collapse in northern India…
For victims of the bus crash east of Columbus, OH and for their families, classmates, and community…
For labor strikes and for equitable resolution to contract negotiations…

ELCA, PrayersBrian FlatgardNovember 15, 2023ELCA Worship, For What Shall We PrayComment

In Memoriam: Deacon Sonnee Steveson

We pray for the family and friends of Deacon Sonnee Ann Olson Steveson, who died October 7, 2023, after a brief illness. Memorial services will be held at Mountain View Lutheran in Phoenix on Nov. 25, 2023 at 2pm.

Grand Canyon Synod, News, Prayers, In MemoriamBrian FlatgardNovember 15, 2023Mountain View Phoenix, Fiesta ConferenceComment

Living Lutheran goes fully digital in 2024

Living Lutheran will soon cease production of its print publication. Living Lutheran’s final print issue will arrive in mailboxes the first week of December. Content will shift to an all-digital platform, with new articles appearing daily (no subscription or login required). View livinglutheran.org for more info.

To continue to receive content, you can sign up for LL Stories, a free email digest, at livinglutheran.org/subscribe, and get Living Lutheran stories sent right to your inbox.

ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardNovember 15, 2023Living LutheranComment

Faith Lens: Exploring Mattering and Our Worth in God's Eyes

“Exploring Mattering and Our Worth in God's Eyes" dives into the concept of 'mattering' - feeling valued and adding value to others' lives. This edition of Faith Lens engages with this crucial aspect of human well-being, examining how it shapes our relationships, self-perception, and spiritual life. The discussion extends to the Parable of Talents, inviting us to reflect on how we use our God-given gifts and understand our inherent worth as children of God.

Worship Resources, ELCA, ResourcesBrian FlatgardNovember 15, 2023Youth and Young Adult, Faith LensComment

Humanity on a Highway: A Tale of Compassion Amidst Migrant Struggles

Read about the stark realities of migrant experiences in "Witnessing Cruelty and Compassion on a Dominican Highway." This powerful blog post by Stephen Deal from ELCA's AMMPARO shares a vivid account of a journey in the Dominican Republic, where the author encounters the inhumane treatment of Haitian migrants. Amidst this harsh reality, the story also highlights a moment of profound compassion from a local woman, offering a glimmer of hope and humanity.

ELCA, Letters, NewsBrian FlatgardNovember 13, 2023Immigration and Refugees, AMMPAROComment

Building Inclusive Spaces: The Art of Ground Rules in Meetings

Explore Mark K. Smutny’s insightful approach to establishing ground rules in meetings (view as a PDF), a vital tool for enhancing dialogue and understanding in our diverse society. Discover how empathy, respect, and inclusivity can transform group interactions. We share this as part of our Creating Space for Conversations resource page. Mark Smutny is founder of Civic Reinventions.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardNovember 13, 2023Creating Space for ConversationsComment

Embrace Global Mission: The ELCA Young Adults in Global Mission Program Awaits You

Discover how the ELCA’s Young Adults in Global Mission program offers young adults a transformative journey of faith, service, and global understanding. Applications are open for an August 2024 start with priority given to those applying by January 15, 2024. Learn more about this incredible opportunity at ELCA.org/YAGM.

ELCA, Global Church, NewsBrian FlatgardNovember 13, 2023Young Adults in Global Mission, Youth and Young AdultComment

Illuminate Advent & Lent with ELCA World Hunger's New Resources

ELCA World Hunger introduces fresh resources for Advent 2023 and Lent 2024, themed "The glory of the Lord shall be revealed." From Advent studies to Lenten devotionals, these tools are designed to actively involve congregations in addressing global hunger. Sample packs are soon to be dispatched, and free versions are accessible on the ELCA website. Your dedication and creativity can further the mission to aid those in dire need.

ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardNovember 13, 2023Hunger, ELCA World Hunger, 2023 Advent and Christmas, 2024 LentComment