Office of the Bishop Updates: 1/26/2024

We begin our Spring Gatherings with the Colorado River Conference Spring Gathering, Saturday, January 27, 2024, 10 am at Good Samaritan at the Lakes (map), and while in Las Vegas attend the Prayer Service at Christ Church Episcopal, 7pm PST on January 26, 2024, (map).

We also share many photos from the Receiving Faithful Teaching, Receiving Faithful Teaching Lutheran-Catholic Dialogue, 2024 Lutheran Day at the Legislature, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Service, Spirit of Grace’s 75th Anniversary, and our in-person staff meeting.

News, Bishop Hutterer, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardJanuary 25, 2024Office of the BishopComment

Ordination celebrations: January 26 – February 1, 2024

This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:

Rev. David Sivecz, Grace, Phoenix, who celebrates 6 years on January 27.
Deacon Carol Arnold, who celebrates 42 years on January 27.
Rev. Janice Von Rappard, who celebrates 19 years on January 30.
Rev. Paul Nordeen, who celebrates 47 years on January 30.
Rev. Jose Valenzuela, Community of Grace, Peoria, who celebrates 15 years on January 31.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardJanuary 25, 2024Ordination AnniversariesComment

Living Lutheran previews new "Deeper Understandings" series

In this video, the new “Deeper understandings” editor Kristin Johnston Largen previews the direction of the Living Lutheran department for the 2024, as well as her first entry in the series, publishing next week on LivingLutheran.org.

ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardJanuary 24, 2024Living LutheranComment

Streamlined Annual Congregation Reports for ELCA are now open

The ELCA has revamped the Annual Congregation Report for 2024, consolidating it into a single, more readable form, Form A. This effort simplifies the reporting process, which is now open and accessible, aiding in our mission to understand and plan for the church's future. Your timely submission by March 1 enables us to assess our vitality and resources, so we invite you to contribute to this essential task. Access the easy to use forms and worksheets here.

ELCA, News, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardJanuary 24, 2024Comment

Faithful Discernment: Embracing the ‘Election Sermon’ Tradition for 2024

Rev. Dr. Jim Antal’s blog post, featured by Blessed Tomorrow, a faith-based environmental advocacy group, revives the tradition of the ‘Election Sermon’ to guide faith communities through the 2024 elections with integrity and compassion, underscoring the importance of political participation as a reflection of our core spiritual values. Read the post on the Blessed Tomorrow web site.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardJanuary 24, 2024Climate Change, Blessed TomorrowComment

Unlock the Secret to Increased Giving This Lent with Vanco's Expert Strategies

Prepare your church for a prosperous Lenten season with Vanco's webinar "Unlocking Easter Generosity," designed to boost giving and engagement through compelling storytelling and an optimized donation page.

ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardJanuary 24, 2024StewardshipComment

Upcoming AFN Events: From Christian Unity to Protecting Voting Rights

Join AFN’s array of January and February events, from the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity to Environmental Day at the Capitol. Engage in meditative practices, advocate for voting rights, celebrate Black History Month, and more. Sign up for the newsletter to stay connected and read all the news here.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardJanuary 24, 2024Ecumenical and Inter-Religious Relations, Arizona Faith NetworkComment

Arizona Advocates: Learn to Use Your Voice with RTS

Maximize your impact on Arizona’s legislative process with LAMA’s RTS training on January 26, 2024, from 2-2:30 pm. Learn to use the RTS system to voice your opinions on legislative bills effectively. Register for the webinar and become a proactive citizen in shaping state policies.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardJanuary 24, 2024Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA), AdvocacyComment

Disruptive Compassion: Autumn Byars’ Vision for a Kinder Election Cycle

In her poignant reflection, Autumn Byars, an ELCA Hunger Advocacy Fellow with the Lutheran Advocacy Ministry in Arizona, part of our Grand Canyon Synod, calls for a disruption in the exhausting cycles of the federal election process through the power of compassion. Byars challenges candidates and constituents alike to approach the political arena with understanding and grace, fostering solutions grounded in our shared humanity rather than divisive rhetoric.

For What Shall We Pray?

For peace among nations, especially between Israel and Palestine, Russia and Ukraine…
For relief and recovery efforts following an earthquake in western China and a landslide in southwestern China…
For political protests in Germany and France, for primary elections in the United States, and all areas of political deliberation and tension…
For those suffering severe storms and flooding in southern California and for all areas of the country experiencing storms, ice, and other difficult weather…
For all victims of gun violence, especially in Joliet, IL; Tinley Park, IL; Moody, AL; Oakland, CA; Covington, KY; and Tampa, FL…
For safety and provision for all migrants…
For all facing unemployment and underemployment, and for all seeking fair wages and equitable employment opportunities…
For collaboration and hospitality among people of faith, across denominations and across faith traditions…

ELCA, PrayersBrian FlatgardJanuary 24, 2024ELCA Worship, For What Shall We PrayComment

Introduction to the National Fund for Sacred Places webinar

Attend an information session webinar on Thursday, February 1st at 12:00 PM EST to learn more about the National Fund for Sacred Places and whether your sacred place (or the sacred places in your community or judicatory) may qualify.

The National Fund for Sacred Places is a grant-making program that provides capital grants ranging from $50,000 to $500,000 as well as wrap-around support services to congregations undertaking once-in-a-generation preservation projects. To learn more, please visit us at fundforsacredplaces.org.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsGrand Canyon SynodJanuary 23, 2024National Fund for Sacred Places, Partners for Sacred SpacesComment

Further Your Discipleship Journey with Holy Trinity's Walking Wet Discipleship Day

Join Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Chandler for the Walking Wet Discipleship Day on February 3, 2024. A day of learning, fellowship, and faith exploration, featuring keynote speakers Rev. Miguel Gomez-Acosta and Rev. Peter Perry. Registration includes meals, with childcare available upon request. Dive deeper into your faith journey with us! Register now at bit.ly/discipleship2024.

From Vision to Impact: See Our Transparency in Action with Candid’s Platinum Seal

Discover how our recent achievement of the Candid Platinum Seal of Transparency underscores our dedication to openness in our mission. Access detailed insights on our nonprofit's goals and achievements at our Candid profile, ensuring your support is always grounded in trust and confidence.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardJanuary 23, 2024Comment

Faith Lens: I Swear

In the wake of a historic all-female city council swearing-in in Saint Paul, Minnesota, the diverse books chosen by the officials highlight the guiding principles of our leaders and pose the question: what grounds us in our roles and lives? Explore this theme of grounding and the importance of focusing on what truly matters, drawing from Jesus' example of seeking solitude for prayer amidst his bustling ministry. Discover the full context and discussion on the significance of these guiding principles in the Faith Lens weekly blog post.

Worship Resources, ELCA, ResourcesBrian FlatgardJanuary 23, 2024Youth and Young Adult, Faith LensComment

Sip, Share, and Strike: West Valley Young Adults' Week of Activities

Join the West Valley Young Adults for a week of lively conversation and friendly competition! Catch up over coffee at Black Sheep Coffee on January 29th and hit the lanes at Bowlero on January 31st for unlimited bowling. Connect, relax, and enjoy the community vibe!

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardJanuary 23, 2024West Valley Young Adults, Youth and Young AdultComment

Rereading Niebuhr’s The Kingdom of God in America

As part of our Creating Space for Conversations series, we share a PDF of an article by Mark A. Granquist, Rereading Niebuhr’s The Kingdom of God in America, from A Chosen Nation?, an issue of Word and World, Luther Seminary’s journal of theology.

This seminal work, now eighty-six years old, by American theologian H. Richard Niebuhr, remains a crucial text informing Christians about how they should understand the kingdom of God, especially as it relates to the Chris- tian faith. Niebuhr emphasizes how this concept refers to the primacy of God’s sovereignty in the world over all other allegiances.—Mark A. Granquist

Grand Canyon Synod, News, ResourcesBrian FlatgardJanuary 23, 2024Creating Space for Conversations, Word and World, Luther SeminaryComment

Colorado River Conference Kicks Off Annual Spring Gatherings

Join us for our Spring Gatherings themed “Embody the Word,” starting with the Colorado River Conference on Jan 27, 2024, in Las Vegas. Watch livestream at goodsamlv.org or YouTube.

These gatherings are not just meetings, but an opportunity for spiritual growth, learning, and community engagement, centered on the transformative message of John 1:14. Don't miss this chance to deepen your faith and connect with your synod community.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardJanuary 22, 20242024 Spring Gatherings, Colorado River ConferenceComment

Funding Forward: Why Tithes and Offerings May No Longer Be Enough

Revitalize your congregation's financial strategy with Faith+Lead Stewardship’s upcoming free webinar: Funding Forward: Why Tithes and Offerings May No Longer Be Enough.

Tuesday, January 23rd Webinar, 12-12:45pm MST, 11-11:45am PST. Register here.
Monday, January 29th Webinar, 6-6:45pm MST, 5-5:45pm PST. Register here.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardJanuary 22, 2024Stewardship, faith+lead, Lay LeadershipoComment

Aging with Grace: February Series at Community of Grace

Join Community of Grace for their "Aging with Grace" Adult Education Series every Wednesday in February, where expert speakers will guide you through the various aspects of elder care, from navigating daily challenges to end-of-life care. Bring your lunch and engage in meaningful discussions followed by a Q&A session.

For a deep dive into each weekly topic and to connect with valuable resources, visit the full series details at Community of Grace or in this PDF.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardJanuary 22, 2024Community of Grace Peoria, Cactus Conference, Older AdultComment

ELCA Worship's January Highlights: Music, Devotion, and Global Concerns

Discover enriching resources for Lent, the Three Days, and Easter with "All Creation Sings," featured on ELCA Worship's latest blog post. Additionally, explore the newly available worship resources for the crisis in the Holy Land and learn how you can support and nominate talented young musicians for the Lutheran Summer Music Academy and Festival 2024 at Valparaiso University. Plus, delve into the daily Lenten devotions offered in "Gathered Into One," a reflection on unity and diversity in faith.

ELCA, Resources, Worship ResourcesBrian FlatgardJanuary 19, 2024ELCA Worship, 2024 LentComment

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