School Supplies needed for students in your community
School Supplies needed for students in your community

Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest provides services to a variety of needed community members, from children navigating the foster care system, families at risk of homelessness, to newly arrived refugees. We are able to take our support to our community a step further through the help of churches and other community members.

Our organization is in need of generous donors who wish to donate needed school supplies to our clients who receive services through us. Help your community receive school supplies so they can be successful in their upcoming school year! Visit lss-sw.org/backtoschool or view this PDF flyer for more info. Supplies are needed by 7/24/2024.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardLutheran Social Services of the SouthwestComment
Community Call: Paint and Care with Trinity Lutheran Church in Phoenix
Community Call: Paint and Care with Trinity Lutheran Church in Phoenix

Trinity Lutheran Church in Phoenix needs volunteers for painting the exterior of church offices and assisting elderly members with house and yard work. Join property manager Dave Koschney in this vital effort to support our community. All materials and tools provided. Interested? Call Dave Koschney at 602-625-3605 to make a difference.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardTrinity Phoenix, Capital Conference, Help Wanted, ClassifiedsComment
Explore Lutheran Values in Election Year: Join the Social Teachings Series
Explore Lutheran Values in Election Year: Join the Social Teachings Series

Join the ELCA’s online workshop series through October to delve into how our faith informs our actions and voting on critical social issues. Sessions include topics like corporate social responsibility, abortion, and climate crisis, led by knowledgeable speakers. View a PDF flyer and register now to engage deeply with our social teachings and lead community discussions.

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ELCA, Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardCreating Space for Conversations, Social Statements, Elections and Voting Rights, Church and SocietyComment
New Toolkit Available for Hosting Anti-Christian Nationalism Meetings
New Toolkit Available for Hosting Anti-Christian Nationalism Meetings

Christians Against Christian Nationalism is calling our community to action against the rise of Christian nationalism. Utilize their new toolkit to host a community meeting, engage in meaningful dialogue, and develop strategies to combat this divisive ideology. Download the toolkit, organize a local meeting, and join them in protecting the core values of our faith and democracy. Visit their website for full details and support materials.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardChristian Nationalism, Christians Against Christian Nationalism, Church and SocietyComment
Livestream LSM 2024 throughout July
Livestream LSM 2024 throughout July

Lutheran Summer Music invites you to livestream over 30 inspiring concerts, recitals, and worship services throughout the entire month of July. Performances and services are shared by over 250 students, faculty, fellows, worship staff, and guest artists who come together to create a vibrant community of music-makers. Visit LSMacademy.org/2024 to explore the schedule and access the livestream and video archive

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardLutheran Summer MusicComment
Staying On Track with Retirement Planning
Staying On Track with Retirement Planning

The idea of retirement can bring up many questions and emotions. Portico offers a series of 30-minute, prerecorded, online workshops called the Retirement Readiness Series to help ELCA Retirement Plan members feel confident about discerning their next steps. Workshops are easily accessible on myPortico. There’s no need to preregister — just sign in and watch.

Want to go deeper? Schedule a conversation with a Portico Financial Planner to understand more about where you are now and how to ensure you’ll reach your retirement goals.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardPorticoComment
Time for a Mid-Year Checkup?
Time for a Mid-Year Checkup?

One of the best ways to stay healthy is to get regular checkups, vaccinations, and screenings. Preventive care is not only essential for maintaining overall health, it’s also one of the best ways to catch unknown health issues early. An annual preventive exam is part of your ELCA-Primary health coverage and this video can help you maximize the time with your doctor so you can live, work, and serve well.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardPorticoComment
ELCA Strengthens Commitment to Gender Justice Through Enhanced Leave Policies
ELCA Strengthens Commitment to Gender Justice Through Enhanced Leave Policies

The ELCA has recently updated its parental and family leave policies, endorsing up to twelve weeks of paid leave to support rostered ministers and church staff in their caregiving roles. This policy revision, part of the ELCA’s commitment to gender justice and equitable treatment, was approved with overwhelming support at the Churchwide Assembly.

The Quality of Call Initiative has assembled a report examining how synod compensation guidelines recommend parental and family leave policies and practices for rostered ministers providing care. View the report and synod maps.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardComment
Community Spotlight: West Valley Community Food Pantry
Community Spotlight: West Valley Community Food Pantry

In an article for Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona, Autumn Byars, GCS Hunger Advocacy Fellow, shares her experience at the West Valley Community Food Pantry, housed at and run by St. John’s Lutheran Church in Glendale. At the invitation of Associate Pastor for Outreach and Synod Director Of Generosity And Strategic Development, Pastor Dan Potaznick, Byars joined director June Kelsey and her team. Read the full article at LAMAZ.org.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardLutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA), Advocacy, Hunger, St. John's Glendale, Cactus ConferenceComment
Seeds Monthly: Celebrating Diversity and Strengthening Faith: Key Updates from the ELCA
Seeds Monthly: Celebrating Diversity and Strengthening Faith: Key Updates from the ELCA

In the latest Seeds Monthly, we find this summer is full of opportunities for growth and fellowship within the ELCA community. Join us in celebrating Pride Month through engaging stories from our LGBTQIA+ members, participate in the massive ELCA Youth Gathering in New Orleans from July 16-20, and learn about new initiatives in family leave policies for our ministers.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardSeeds MonthlyComment
A thank you from Grace Lutheran, Phoenix, for synod assembly hygiene kits
A thank you from Grace Lutheran, Phoenix, for synod assembly hygiene kits

From a letter of gratitude from Pastor David Sivecz, “On behalf of Grace Lutheran Church, I extend our deepest gratitude for your generosity in making hygiene kits during the synod assembly. Your thoughtfulness and generosity have significantly impacted our ability to support those in need within the downtown Phoenix community.”

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian Flatgard2024 Grand Canyon Synod AssemblyComment
Open Call to Faithful Arizonans: Be a Poll Monitor in 2024
Open Call to Faithful Arizonans: Be a Poll Monitor in 2024

Join the Grand Canyon Synod and Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona in supporting the 2024 Arizona primary elections by volunteering as a poll monitor. View full information in this LAMA article. Training sessions are offered on multiple dates in July by Election Protection Arizona and the Arizona Faith Network. Register now to ensure that every vote is counted and every voice heard in a fair and dignified manner. Let’s live our faith by advocating for justice and integrity at the polls!

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardAdvocacy, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA), Elections and Voting Rights, Church and SocietyComment
Ordination celebrations: July 5-11, 2024
Ordination celebrations: July 5-11, 2024

This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:

  • Deacon Bernice Johnson, who celebrates 65 years on July 5.

  • Rev. Arlyn Norris, who celebrates 49 years on July 6.

  • Rev. Joshua Auchenbach, Tanque Verde, Tucson, who celebrates 18 years on July 9.

  • Rev. Timothy Nybroten, Resurrection, Oro Valley, who celebrates 24 years on July 9.

  • Rev. Daniel Hodgson, who celebrates 57 years on July 9.

  • Rev. Richard Staats, who celebrates 58 years on July 10.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardOrdination AnniversariesComment
Peanut Butter Wars: A Friendly Battle Against Food Insecurity in Las Vegas
Peanut Butter Wars: A Friendly Battle Against Food Insecurity in Las Vegas

Join the 2024 Peanut Butter Wars to help fight food insecurity in Las Vegas! From July 1 to August 5, 2024, groups across the community are competing to donate the most peanut butter and raise funds. The event aims to collect $25,000 and 10,000 pounds of peanut butter for Lutheran Social Services of Nevada.

Participate or donate to make a significant impact—every jar counts towards battling hunger. Get involved by emailing martin@lssnv.org and help spread the word using #peanutbutterwars!

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardLutheran Social Services of Nevada, HungerComment
Ordination and Installation of Louis Liss
Ordination and Installation of Louis Liss

Louis Liss will be ordained and installed at Mount Zion Lutheran Church (4520 West Ajo Way, Tucson, AZ 85746-9706) on Thursday, July 25, 2024 at 11 am. Bishop Hutterer will preside, and Pastor Andrew Schlect will preach. A livestream link will be provided.

Rostered leaders are encouraged to vest and process, color of the day is red. There will be a reception following in the Fellowship Hall.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardOrdinations and Installations, Kino ConferenceComment