From Local Impact to Global Action: ELCA World Hunger's 50th Year of Making a Difference
From Local Impact to Global Action: ELCA World Hunger's 50th Year of Making a Difference

In the April 2024 edition of "Go & Do News," Lauren Smith, Director at Building Resilient Communities Education and Networks, celebrates the 50th anniversary of ELCA World Hunger. This issue invites readers to reflect on the half-century milestone of tackling hunger and poverty through ELCA's dedicated ministry.

It highlights the release of 50th-anniversary resources, a special video, and inspiring stories of partnership and action across the globe, including domestic spotlight on the Allegheny Valley Association of Churches and international focus on FLD-COMIN-CAPA's work in Brazil.

Read More
ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardHunger, ELCA World HungerComment
Redefining Evangelism: A Journey to Sharing Deep Lutheran Insights
Redefining Evangelism: A Journey to Sharing Deep Lutheran Insights

In Living Lutheran’s "Beyond Evangelism: Sharing What Matters," Anthony Bateza explores a nuanced approach to sharing the gospel, focusing on the therapeutic aspects of Lutheran theology rather than conventional evangelism.

Dr. Bateza reflects on the discomfort with traditional evangelist roles and the fear associated with being perceived as coercive. He suggests a shift from a caricatured evangelism to sharing theological depth and substance, emphasizing love, justice, and humility in faith communities.

Read More
ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardBateza, Living LutheranComment
Embracing Autistic Children in Church: A Mother's Story of Inclusion and Hope
Embracing Autistic Children in Church: A Mother's Story of Inclusion and Hope

Creating a welcoming church environment for autistic children and their families involves understanding, adjustments, and compassion. In this blog post from faithlead.org, Kristin Thomas Sancken shares her personal journey with her daughter Lucy, revealing the significance of individualized care and accommodations. From recognizing sensory sensitivities to explaining church rituals, her congregation’s inclusive approach highlights the power of empathy and acceptance.

Read More
Brian FlatgardDisability Ministries, faith+leadComment
ELCA Disability Ministries Announces Upcoming Grant Opportunities for 2024
ELCA Disability Ministries Announces Upcoming Grant Opportunities for 2024

Stay informed and engaged with ELCA Disability Ministries in their latest update. Look forward to a new grant opportunity aimed at supporting and enhancing the work of disability ministries across our community. Additionally, consider joining their advisory team to play a pivotal role in guiding and expanding our ministry efforts.

Read More
ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardDisability Ministries, ELCA Disability MinistriesComment
Navigating Biases for Community Care: ELCA Coaching's Insightful Session
Navigating Biases for Community Care: ELCA Coaching's Insightful Session

Discover the profound impact of biases and power dynamics in shaping our communities and relationships. Join ELCA Coaching for an enlightening one-hour session with anti-bias consultant Janelle Scales on Wednesday, 4/10/2024, 11 am MST/PDT. Login information on the ELCA Coaching website.

Delve into the intersectionality of power, the unique adult-child dynamic, and the path towards using radical compassion to foster deeper connections. Whether you're an educator, parent, or anyone committed to social justice, this session promises insights into practicing more inclusive community care.

Read More
ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardCoaching, ELCA CoachingComment
And the winner of the Lenten Challenge is … Grand Canyon Synod!
And the winner of the Lenten Challenge is … Grand Canyon Synod!

As part of the Lenten Challenge across the synods of Region 2, a whopping 717 individuals from 148 congregations pledged to participate in daily devotions, daily decluttering, daily wellness activities, or a donation of a dollar or more a day for ELCA World Hunger.

Region 2 raised an estimated $56,135 — meaning, more is coming in — for anti-hunger efforts through ELCA World Hunger. Thank you! Read more on the LAMA web site.

Read More
Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian Flatgard2024 Lenten Challenge, 2024 LentComment
Hunger Advocacy Fellow Autumn Byars Interviewed by Telemundo Arizona about harmful SNAP Bills
Hunger Advocacy Fellow Autumn Byars Interviewed by Telemundo Arizona about harmful SNAP Bills

On April 1st, Hunger Advocacy Fellow Autumn Byars was interviewed by José Ángel Galavis, senior multimedia journalist for Telemundo Arizona. The news network broadcast a story about the recent passage of HB2502 & HB2503, both harmful bills that if passed, would cause additional barriers to accessing Supplemental Nutrition Assistance (SNAP). Read the full article on the LAMA website.

Autumn testified against these bills in a Senate Health and Human Services Committee hearing on March 12 (see article), along with colleagues from Arizona Food Bank Network and the William E. Morris Institute for Justice. Through multiple action alerts, the entire LAMA community has been advocating hard against these bills, but nonetheless, they passed on March 28th.

Read More
Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardLutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA), Hunger, Advocacy, ELCA World Hunger, In the NewsComment
Tackling American Christian Nationalism: AFN's Webinar Series Continues
Tackling American Christian Nationalism: AFN's Webinar Series Continues

Don't miss out on the chance to support Arizona Faith Network through Arizona Gives Day—donations are welcome year-round! Plus, dive into enriching online discussions with our upcoming events, including AFN Monday Meditation, the insightful webinar series on dismantling American Christian Nationalism, and more in their weekly newsletter.

Read More
Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardEcumenical and Inter-Religious Relations, Arizona Faith NetworkComment
Shepherd of the Hills in Flagstaff is seeking a Youth and Family Director
Shepherd of the Hills in Flagstaff is seeking a Youth and Family Director

Shepherd of the Hills is a joyful, growing, multi-generation congregation in Flagstaff, AZ that is looking for a half-time Youth and Family Director to join our staff. The qualified candidate will have experience working with all ages of youth, lots of joy and organization, and a passion for bringing people together to grow in intergenerational relationships and faith. View job description here.

Read More
Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardHelp Wanted, Shepherd of the Hills Flagstaff, High Country ConferenceComment
Camp ALOMA Summer Camp Nurses Needed
Camp ALOMA Summer Camp Nurses Needed

Camp ALOMA needs some volunteer nurses this summer. Come stay a week (or two) in the forest taking care of kiddos. Camp nurses are so important to the health and safety of ALOMA’s ministry that we’d be truly lost without them. So, if you or someone you know might be interested in more information, please reach out to us at 928-778-1690 or office@campaloma.com!

Read More
Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardYouth and Young Adult, Outdoor Ministry, Camp ALOMA, Help WantedComment
Camp ALOMA Grades 9-12 Junior Servant Training
Camp ALOMA Grades 9-12 Junior Servant Training

Looking for 9th-12th graders who are on fire for God. Spend your summer making lifelong friends, exploring the great outdoors, and making an impact for Jesus! Becoming a Junior Servant is also great for community service hours. Camp could not survive without JS's!!! Head on over to campaloma.com to sign up today! June 2-7; June 30-July 5; July 14-19, 2024.

Read More
Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardYouth and Young Adult, Outdoor Ministry, Camp ALOMA, Help WantedComment
Faith Lens: What You See, Isn’t Always the Truth 
Faith Lens: What You See, Isn’t Always the Truth 

In this week’s Faith Lens, Mariah Mills explores the post-Easter contemplation of "What now?" after celebrating Jesus’ resurrection. As followers grapple with witnessing ongoing injustice and evil in the world, the story of the disciples and Thomas post-resurrection provides a reminder of Jesus' peace amidst fear and doubt. Mills encourages us to recognize the "marks of the resurrection" around us as signs of hope and to live as Christ's body in the world, embracing our role in spreading this hope amidst challenges.

Read More
Worship Resources, ELCA, ResourcesBrian FlatgardYouth and Young Adult, Faith LensComment
Dr. Colleen Windham-Hughes to Enlighten 2024 Synod Assembly with Bible Study Insights
Dr. Colleen Windham-Hughes to Enlighten 2024 Synod Assembly with Bible Study Insights

Dr. Colleen Windham-Hughes, Associate Vice President for Mission and Identity at California Lutheran University, joins the 2024 Synod Assembly as a special guest and Bible study leader, bringing her extensive experience in Lutheran higher education and commitment to fostering faith communities.

Read More
Grand Canyon Synod, News, Region 2Brian Flatgard2024 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly, California Lutheran UniversityComment
Camp ALOMA Early bird registration ends 4/5/2024
Camp ALOMA Early bird registration ends 4/5/2024

Join Camp ALOMA this summer for one of our 7 weeks full of adventure and good times! Hurry - Early bird discount ends Friday, April 5th! We also have financial assistance - we want everyone to be able to experience camp.! So help us eat some s’mores, learn about Jesus, and have a good time this summer!

Phoenix transportation provided by Jet Limo for $60 roundtrip. Please call 928-778-1690 or email office@campaloma.com if you have any questions! campaloma.com Register at http://app.campdoc.com/register/aloma.

Read More
Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardOutdoor Ministry, Camp ALOMA, Youth and Young AdultComment
Installation of Rev. Carol George
Installation of Rev. Carol George

Pastor Carol George will be installed Wednesday, 4/17/2024 at 6:15pm at Resurrection Lutheran Church (11575 N 1st Ave., Oro Valley, AZ 85737). Bishop Deborah K. Hutterer will preach and preside. Clergy are invited to vest and process. The color of the day is white.

A dessert reception will follow (please RSVP the church for the reception, not not for the installation). A livestream will be available on Resurrection Lutheran’s YouTube channel.

Read More
Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardOrdinations and Installations, Kino ConferenceComment