Why Black History Month Matters: A Seminarian's Reflection
Why Black History Month Matters: A Seminarian's Reflection

In a compelling piece for Black History Month, Seminarian Clair Minson reflects on the significance of this observance, rooted in Dr. Carter G. Woodson's initiative to educate African Americans about their heritage. Minson emphasizes the transformative power of understanding one's history, paralleling the importance of biblical stories in nurturing faith. Black History Month, for Minson, is a call to remember the resilience and contributions of African Americans, urging a reevaluation of its meaning within our faith communities and a commitment to honor and value the lives of people of African descent.

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ELCA, News, LettersBrian Flatgard2024 Black History Month, Racial Justice, ELCA Racial Justice Ministries, Racial Justice MinistriesComment
From Voting Rights to Environmental Care: AFN's February Line-Up
From Voting Rights to Environmental Care: AFN's February Line-Up

In their latest weekly newsletter, the Arizona Faith Network (AFN) announces a dynamic lineup of events and initiatives for February 2024, highlighting key areas of advocacy, community engagement, and interfaith dialogue. Highlights include the Arizona Voting Rights Coalition 2024 Legislative Kick Off, the Black History Month Film Festival, weekly AFN Monday Meditation sessions, SolidariTea for Interfaith Peace, and a webinar on American Christian Nationalism's impact on democracy.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardArizona Faith Network, Ecumenical and Inter-Religious RelationsComment
Embrace Winter's Stillness with Strategic Stewardship Planning, Suggests ELCA's Tim Brown
Embrace Winter's Stillness with Strategic Stewardship Planning, Suggests ELCA's Tim Brown

In the latest Where Your Heart Is newsletter, Rev. Tim Brown invites congregations to actively engage in stewardship planning during the winter season, suggesting the creation of a year-round stewardship calendar. This approach aligns church activities with its mission, integrating stewardship discussions throughout the year.

Upcoming webinars and events, including one on constructing a stewardship calendar and another on deepening relationships with fundraising, aim to equip leaders with the skills for impactful ministry. These initiatives underscore the importance of continuous stewardship education and the embrace of holistic financial practices within church communities.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardWhere Your Heart Is, StewardshipComment
ELCA Coaching's Weekly Gatherings: Where Faith Leaders Grow Together"
ELCA Coaching's Weekly Gatherings: Where Faith Leaders Grow Together"

ELCA Coaching is hosting weekly Wednesday gatherings (noon MST, 11am PST) for faith leaders to engage in meaningful discussions on topics like navigating political diversity in congregations, dealing with institutional decline, fostering community collaboration, addressing race relations, and enhancing stewardship among overworked members. Get more info and login information here.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardCoaching, ELCA CoachingComment
Bishop Hutterer invites congregations and ministries to join the Lenten Challenge
Bishop Hutterer invites congregations and ministries to join the Lenten Challenge

In this video available for sharing with your ministries and congregations, Bishop Hutterer invites synod members to join the 40-day Lenten Challenge, marking ELCA World Hunger's 50th year. Participants are encouraged to engage in daily devotion, discipline, decluttering, and donations to ELCA World Hunger.

This initiative reflects on Lent's spirit, fostering connection and awareness of global hunger. The challenge aims to surpass last year's engagement, competing with partner Synods for the most participants. For details and to join, visit lentenchallenge.org.

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Bishop Hutterer, Grand Canyon Synod, LettersBrian Flatgard2024 Lenten Challenge, 2024 Lent, Hunger, ELCA World HungerComment
Young Voters' Vision: Advocacy for Justice and Progressive Change
Young Voters' Vision: Advocacy for Justice and Progressive Change

William Milner's ELCA Advocacy blog post calls for political leaders who address the pivotal concerns of young voters, such as the Israel-Gaza conflict, student debt relief, gun violence, and equitable education funding. It emphasizes the significant electoral potential of Gen Z and young millennials, urging them to support candidates that resonate with their vision for social justice and a progressive society. Read more at ELCA.org.

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ELCA, LettersBrian FlatgardAdvocacy, ELCA AdvocacyComment
Talks at the Desk Season 3: Black History Month video series
Talks at the Desk Season 3: Black History Month video series

Celebrate Black History Month with season three of “Talks at the Desk,” a four-part video series by African Descent Ministries of the ELCA. This season focuses on the Reclaim Gathering and will explore its themes: reclaim, embolden, embody and liberate. A new video will premiere each Wednesday in February at 6:30pm MST, 5:30pm PST, beginning 2/7/2024. Watch live at youtube.com/ELCA, and view the trailer in this post.

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ELCA, News, LettersBrian FlatgardTalks At the Desk, Racial Justice, African Descent Lutheran Association, 2024 Black History MonthComment
For What Shall We Pray?
For What Shall We Pray?

  • For peace among nations, especially between Israel and Palestine, Russia and Ukraine…

  • For victims of violence in Myanmar, Iran, and all areas of conflict…

  • For ongoing protests in France…

  • For those in the path of atmospheric river storms in California…

  • For victims of abuse, harassment, and trauma…

  • For deescalation among nations, governments, and political parties…

  • For safety and compassion for refugees and all migrants…

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ELCA, PrayersBrian FlatgardELCA Worship, For What Shall We PrayComment
Office of the Bishop Updates: 2/2/2024
Office of the Bishop Updates: 2/2/2024

Our spring gatherings continue with Kino Conference Spring Gathering, Our Savior’s Lutheran, Tucson and the Spring Gathering for Cactus, Capital, Fiesta, Northeast Valley and Rio Salado Conferences, Living Water Church in Scottsdale.

We also share photos from the Colorado River Conference Spring Gathering, Las Vegas and Phoenix Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, as well as visits to congregations in the Colorado River Conference.

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News, Bishop Hutterer, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardOffice of the BishopComment
Following the way of Jesus: A Lenten Holy Land journey
Following the way of Jesus: A Lenten Holy Land journey

The ELCA's new initiative, Sumud: For Justice in Palestine and Israel, presents “Following the Way of Jesus: A Lenten Holy Land Journey.” This Lenten video series for individuals and congregations consists of six short videos that introduce people to the land, the theology of sumud and its significance through Scripture as the “way of Jesus.” Each video will be available in both English and Arabic.

Sumud is the ELCA’s new name for our church’s engagement in accompaniment, awareness-building and advocacy for justice in Palestine and Israel. Sign up for updates about Sumud here.

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ELCA, NewsBrian Flatgard2024 Lent, Sumud, Israel and PalestineComment
35 Years of Lutheran Missions: Empowering Central America
35 Years of Lutheran Missions: Empowering Central America

We share this Living Lutheran article, which spotlights the ELCA's 35-year mission alongside Central American Lutheran churches, addressing social and environmental issues. It highlights the Salvadoran Lutheran Synod's educational and advocacy efforts against climate change, the Christian Lutheran Church of Honduras' focus on education, the Augustinian Lutheran Church of Guatemala's women's education program, and the Nicaraguan Lutheran Church of Faith and Hope's work on gender issues and community development.

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ELCA, Global ChurchBrian FlatgardLiving LutheranComment
Spring Gatherings Continue in Tucson and Scottsdale
Spring Gatherings Continue in Tucson and Scottsdale

The Kino Conference Spring Gathering is at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church, Tucson, on Saturday, Feb 3, 2024, 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM (watch livestream here), and the Spring Gathering for Cactus, Capital, Fiesta, Northeast Valley and Rio Salado Conferences will be held at Living Water Lutheran on Sunday, Feb 4, 2024, 2:00 PM – 4:30 PM (view the livestream here).

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.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian Flatgard2024 Spring Gatherings, Kino Conference, Cactus Conference, Capital Conference, Northeast Valley Conference, Rio Salado ConferenceComment
Mosaic Sets Forth Advocacy Blueprint for 2024: A Focus on Workforce and Community Services
Mosaic Sets Forth Advocacy Blueprint for 2024: A Focus on Workforce and Community Services

Mosaic's 2024 advocacy agenda continues its commitment to positive legislative influence, focusing on Direct Support Professional recognition, expansion of Home and Community Based Services, updating SSI asset limits, and fostering key partnerships. Building on 2023's successes, Mosaic aims to leverage its strong advocate base to support individuals with I/DD and the workforce dedicated to them. Read more at mosaicinfo.org.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardMosaic, Disability MinistriesComment
Lutheran Men in Mission: Winter Reflections and Spiritual Fortitude
Lutheran Men in Mission: Winter Reflections and Spiritual Fortitude

The Winter 2023-24 edition of "Lutheran Men in Mission" centers on fostering bold followers of Christ. It delves into personal stories of faith and the impact of ministry, reflecting on both loss and communal triumphs. The newsletter outlines upcoming events like "One Year to Live Retreats," aiming to enrich men's spiritual journey. Read the newsletter here, and also explore their latest Ambassador-Gram here.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardLutheran Men in MissionComment
Faith+Lead: What does "wonder" mean to you in this season?
Faith+Lead: What does "wonder" mean to you in this season?

As congregations welcome new leaders and express gratitude to those completing their service, it's a pivotal time to nurture a deep sense of calling in lay leaders. Share Joe Davis' inspiring "BE the Church" spoken-word piece to invigorate this calling. Support the spiritual growth of outgoing leaders with enriching courses like "Following Jesus to Purpose and Meaning." Equip incoming leaders with Faith+Lead's on-demand courses that blend practical tools with spiritual practices, ensuring they're ready to spiritually and effectively guide their churches. Find out more in Faith+Lead’s latest newsletter.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian Flatgardfaith+lead, Luther SeminaryComment