March 1 Marks Important Reporting Deadlines
March 1 Marks Important Reporting Deadlines

The ELCA calls on its congregations and rostered ministers to complete the simplified Annual Congregation Report by March 1, 2024. This streamlined Form A is crucial for the ELCA's understanding of church vitality and planning. For forms and assistance, visit the ELCA website or contact the secretary's office.

Additionally, the Rostered Minister Report to the Bishop offers a direct communication line to Bishop Hutterer, also due by March 1. Your timely submissions reflect our collective identity and resourcefulness, helping us be a united church in mission.

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Grand Canyon Synod, ELCABrian FlatgardComment
National Fund for Sacred Places LOIs due 2/29/2024
National Fund for Sacred Places LOIs due 2/29/2024

The National Fund for Sacred Places is accepting letters of intent (LOIs) until Thursday, February 29th at 11:59 EST. The LOI is the first step in a two-step application process. To access the LOI form, please visit fundforsacredplaces.org/apply.

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.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardNational Fund for Sacred PlacesComment
Join the Movement: Regenerating Life Film Screening and Discussion
Join the Movement: Regenerating Life Film Screening and Discussion

Join Lutherans Restoring Creation and ELCA World Hunger for a compelling exploration of ecological solutions to climate change with the documentary "Regenerating Life: How to Cool the Planet, Feed the World, and Live Happily Ever After." Mark your calendars for Tuesday, 2/27/2024, 6pm MST, 5pm PST, for an insightful discussion with filmmaker John Feldman.

Register now to access this transformative film and be part of a movement towards climate justice and ecological healing. Don't miss this chance to engage with global voices and envision actionable steps for your community.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardLutherans Restoring Creation, Climate Change, ELCA World HungerComment
Arizona Faith Gathering: Healing from Moral Injury
Arizona Faith Gathering: Healing from Moral Injury

Your partnership in the Be Connected Faith Network is making a difference in the lives of veterans and service members. We are excited to join you at the next Faith Gathering event on Wednesday, February 21, 10:00 - 11:30 am online. More info and registration here.

In 2023, we discussed moral injury, how it occurs and the devastating trauma that can result. It’s time to further the conversation into healing. The February Arizona Faith Gathering will dive into the work of healing from moral injury with a panel of military chaplains who will share their work in moral injury healing and the most effective methods they have used.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardMilitary, Be Connected Faith NetworkComment
NAUM Secures $10,000 Grant to Enrich Native American Community in Phoenix
NAUM Secures $10,000 Grant to Enrich Native American Community in Phoenix

The Native American Urban Ministry (NAUM) has been awarded a $10,000 grant from the Cook Native American Ministries Foundation for 2024. This grant will support the expansion of NAUM's "Living Our Values Everyday" (LOVE) Project, aimed at fostering personal development, leadership skills, and community service among Native American youth, adults, and elders in Phoenix.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardAmerican Indian and Alaska Native, Native American Urban Ministry Phoenix, Capital ConferenceComment
Episode 2, Talks at the Desk Season 3: Black History Month video series
Episode 2, Talks at the Desk Season 3: Black History Month video series

Episode 2 of Talks at the Desk celebrates and lifts up African Descent voices speaking on the theme of Embolden. It highlights Day 2 of the Reclaim gathering from September 2023. Reclaim featured workshops, praise and worship, shared meals and engaged conversations. We also share two highlights from last week: Struggles in the ELCA and What Black people don't play about.

African Descent Ministries of the ELCA celebrates Black History Month Talks at the Desk, a four-part video series that will explore diverse expressions of the church. A new video will premiere each Wednesday in February at 6:30pm MST, 5:30pm PST. Watch live at youtube.com/ELCA or download them at ELCA.org/ADM.

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ELCA, News, LettersBrian FlatgardTalks At the Desk, Racial Justice, African Descent Lutheran Association, 2024 Black History MonthComment
It’s that Time of Year:  Beware of Romance Scams
It’s that Time of Year:  Beware of Romance Scams

In the week of Valentine’s Day, the FBI’s Phoenix Field Office is taking this timely opportunity to warn Arizonans about confidence fraud – also known as “romance scams.”

According to the most recent available statistics, the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) reports 680 Arizona victims reported losses of more than $25.4 million in connection with confidence fraud/romance scams in 2022. Of that number, 379 victims suffering $17.7 million in losses were senior citizens.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardComment
Empower Your Ministry: Must-Listen Episodes from Spiritual Life and Leadership
Empower Your Ministry: Must-Listen Episodes from Spiritual Life and Leadership

From their Crucible Newsletter for February 2024, we read of the The Church Leadership Institute's Spiritual Life and Leadership podcast, hosted by Markus Watson, which continues to be a beacon for pastors and church leaders seeking inspiration and guidance. With a mix of "Quick Conversations" featuring Tod Bolsinger and in-depth discussions with thought leaders in ministry, the podcast offers valuable insights into adaptive leadership, spiritual formation, and navigating ministry challenges.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardFuller Church Leader InstituteComment
AFN's February Lineup: Celebrating Black History, Fostering Community, and Tackling Hunger
AFN's February Lineup: Celebrating Black History, Fostering Community, and Tackling Hunger

This week’s Arizona Faith Network newsletter highlights an array of engaging events and initiatives, from the inspirational "I, Too, Sing America" Black History Month Film Festival to the meaningful discussions at the "Honoring Our Past, Shaping Our Future" gathering. It also introduces opportunities for spiritual growth through AFN Meditation sessions, addresses pressing issues like American Christian Nationalism, and emphasizes community action in areas such as hunger advocacy and environmental stewardship.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardArizona Faith Network, Ecumenical and Inter-Religious RelationsComment
Beyond Marble Halls: Finding True Power in Community and Compassion
Beyond Marble Halls: Finding True Power in Community and Compassion

In the devotional "Shared Power" by Tomo Duke for the ELCA Hunger Advocacy Fellows, the focus is on the transformative power of community unity through Christ, beyond the illusions of worldly power at the governmental level. Duke emphasizes the need for leaders who ground their authority in spiritual power and share it generously, highlighting the importance of recognizing our common fragility and humanity.

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ELCA, LettersBrian FlatgardELCA World HungerComment
ELCA World Hunger Leadership Gathering: Empowering Leaders in the Fight Against Global Hunger
ELCA World Hunger Leadership Gathering: Empowering Leaders in the Fight Against Global Hunger

The most recent Go and Do Good News newsletter from ELCA World Hunger features the ELCA World Hunger Leadership Gathering in Houston. The event showcased the ELCA's enduring commitment to addressing global hunger and poverty, featuring enriching sessions, advocacy for migrants, and resources for Lent 2024 and the 50th anniversary celebration of ELCA World Hunger.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardGo and Do Good News, Hunger, ELCA World HungerComment
Bishop Hutterer: 40 Days of Contemplating Mortality and Embracing Life
Bishop Hutterer: 40 Days of Contemplating Mortality and Embracing Life

Some may find it strange, but I welcome Ash Wednesday. While I believe we are a resurrection people, I also feel we can’t have that joy of new life without contemplating the reality that life is broken, and that things have an ending as much as a beginning.

Ash Wednesday, as well as the season of Lent, invites us as to reflect on themes that our modern world often encourages us to evade: confession, grief, and mortality. These are not subjects to be feared or shunned but embraced as vital in shaping the richness and depth of our lives.

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Bishop Hutterer, Letters, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardBishop Hutterer Letters, 2024 LentComment