For What Shall We Pray?

For peace among nations, especially among Israel/Palestine and Russia/Ukraine…
For victims of terrorist attacks in Pakistan…
For those suffering prejudice and hate due to race, religion, gender, or class…
For areas suffering due to climate change and for policies that protect environmental concerns…
For educators, administrators, and all leaders of educational institutions…
For relief and rebuilding efforts following tornadoes in Tennessee…
For all who are celebrating and making preparations for winter holidays…

ELCA, PrayersBrian FlatgardDecember 13, 2023ELCA Worship, For What Shall We PrayComment

Ordination celebrations: December 15-21, 2023

This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:

Deacon Katie Adelman, House of Prayer, Rock Point, who celebrates 38 years on December 15.
Rev. Thomas Stephens, who celebrates 39 years on December 16.
Rev. Bjorn Pedersen, who celebrates 36 years on December 20.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardDecember 13, 2023Ordination AnniversariesComment

Office of the Bishop Updates: 12/15/2023

Some of the Office of the Bishop staff gather for an in-person staff retreat this week, as we wrap up 2023 and prepare for the 2024 calendar year.

News, Bishop Hutterer, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardDecember 13, 2023Office of the BishopComment

Faith Lens:

Explore the challenging yet enriching call to step beyond our comfort zones in the latest Faith Lens blog, which delves into the history and current impacts of Indigenous people’s subjugation, drawing parallels to John the Baptist's unsettling call for change and repentance. Engage with thought-provoking questions and activities that encourage embracing Jesus' liberating message of love and justice.

Worship Resources, ELCA, ResourcesBrian FlatgardDecember 13, 2023Youth and Young Adult, Faith LensComment

From the Bishop's Gathering to Your Bookshelf: The Power of Civil Dialogue

Discover the art of civil discourse with "Hot Topics, Cool Heads: A Handbook for Civil Dialogue." Authored by experts who also have ties to our synod, this guide offers practical tools for engaging in respectful conversations on challenging topics. This essential read is part of our our "Creating Space for Conversations" resource page.

Latest version of synod constitution available

Just in time for your winter break, we’ve uploaded the latest version of the synod constitution to our website. The latest version of the constitution is always available at gcsynod.org/constitution.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardDecember 11, 2023Comment

Secure Act 2.0: New Charitable Planning Opportunities With Retirement Plans

As we approach the end of the year, we in the Grand Canyon Synod Office of the Bishop are happy to help ensure that you realize the greatest benefit for your faithful generosity. Connect with your Grand Canyon Synod stewardship staff to get started today!

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardDecember 11, 2023Stewardship, GCS Stewardship Team, ELCA FoundationComment

A Christmas message from the ELCA

In this post, we share “The Prince of Peace at Christmas,” a Christmas message from the ELCA. View as a PDF in English and in Spanish, or as a video.

Bishop Eaton recalls the Christmas message from the angels: "Glory to God in the highest heaven and peace to God's people on Earth." She reminds us that when we greet one another with the sign of peace, “we share the peace, the love of God, and as we do, we know that God has reached from heaven to earth and in the Prince of Peace is sharing God's peace with us.”

ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardDecember 8, 20232023 Advent and ChristmasComment

Mosaic: New Talents and Activities Surprise Family Members

It is such a joy to see people continue to grow and thrive with the right supports. In this story, even family members are amazed at the new things their brother can do. The post New Talents and Activities Surprise Family Members appeared first on Mosaic.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardDecember 8, 2023Mosaic, Disability MinistriesComment

Spirited Advent continues on December 17, 2023

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 FlatgardDecember 8, 2023Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center, 2023 Advent and ChristmasComment

Spirited Examen concluding session is December 21, 2023

Embark on a spiritual adventure with the Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center as Spirited Examen wraps up this yearl. Dive deep into reflective practices focusing on strengthening your bonds with God, Creation, and fellow humans. Engage in this final meaningful online session of 2023. Discover more about this enlightening journey here.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardDecember 8, 2023Spirit in the Desert Retreat CenterComment

ELCA Advocacy November/December Updates: U.N. and State Edition

We share the latest updates from ELCA Advocacy, and highlight the entry from Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA) – lamaz.org, in this post.

ELCA, Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardDecember 8, 2023Advocacy, ELCA Advocacy, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA)Comment

New ways to prepare Lutheran Advent resources offered in a variety of formats

Discover fresh ways to engage with Advent this year, as featured in Living Lutheran. Dive into a variety of innovative resources created by the ELCA, from the Metropolitan Washington, D.C., Synod's new podcast, "The World Is About to Turn," to Church Anew's convenient "Advent in a Box" package, and the enduring appeal of Luther Seminary's traditional daily devotional. These creative tools offer meaningful experiences to deepen your Advent journey, whether at home, in church, or on the go.

ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardDecember 7, 20232023 Advent and Christmas, Living LutheranComment

A table prayer for Advent

Living Lutheran shares this table prayer for Advent.

Blessed are you, O Lord our God, the one who is, who was and who is to come. At this table you fill us with good things. May these gifts strengthen us to share with the hungry and all those in need, as we wait and watch for your coming among us in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

ELCA, News, Prayers, Worship ResourcesBrian FlatgardDecember 7, 20232023 Advent and Christmas, Living LutheranComment

Embracing Stories of Hope: ELCA World Hunger's Journey

Dive into the latest "Go & Do News" from ELCA World Hunger, where Peter McLellan, the new program director for hunger education, emphasizes the power of storytelling in our fight against hunger. Discover the upcoming ELCA World Hunger Leadership Gathering in 2024, explore new Advent and Lent resources, and learn about impactful advocacy efforts. Plus, get inspired by the first ELCA Fall Climate Summit and the celebration of 50 years of ELCA World Hunger's transformative impact.

ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardDecember 7, 2023Hunger, ELCA World HungerComment

ELCA Good Gifts: Get ready to make a difference

ELCA Good Gifts provide an easy way for your congregation to make a real impact. Your gifts help share the love of Christ one goat, water well or school uniform at a time.

Whether you organize a special event or simply promote the program with your members, everything you do to help share ELCA Good Gifts with your congregation is deeply appreciated.

ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardDecember 7, 20232023 Advent and Christmas, ELCA Good GiftsComment

Celebrate Christmas New Orleans style and get ready for the 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering

Get into the festive spirit with our New Orleans-themed Christmas Spotify playlist and join us for the much-anticipated 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering. With regular registration open until February 14, 2024, at $425 per person there's still plenty of time to add members to your group or invite new friends for an unforgettable faith-formation experience. Read all the latest info in the latest newsletter. Plus, don't miss the opportunity for young adults to become Servant Companions, playing a pivotal role in this life-changing ministry with benefits including housing, food, and a travel stipend.

ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardDecember 7, 20232024 ELCA Youth Gathering, Youth and Young AdultComment

Office of the Bishop Updates: 12/8/2023

Some of the Office of the Bishop staff gather for an in-person staff retreat this week, as we wrap up 2023 and prepare for the 2024 calendar year.

News, Bishop Hutterer, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardDecember 7, 2023Office of the BishopComment

Ordination celebrations: December 8-14, 2023

This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:

Rev. Scott Summers, who celebrates 33 years on December 8.
The Rev. Erika Von Haaren, Gloria Christi, Phoenix, who celebrates 17 years on December 9.
Deacon Lorraine Brugh, who celebrates 44 years on December 10.
Rev. Abel Arroyo Traverso, who celebrates 5 years on December 14.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardDecember 7, 2023Ordination AnniversariesComment

2024 Spring Gatherings: "Embody the Word" Across the Grand Canyon Synod

Join us for our Spring Gatherings themed "Embody the Word" across the Grand Canyon Synod! Engage in meaningful discussions, understand the bishop election process, and hear inspiring stories from our ministries. Mark your calendars for these gatherings at various locations from January to March 2024. Visit our 2024 Spring Gatherings page for all the details.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardDecember 6, 20232024 Spring GatheringsComment