Ordination celebrations: July 26 – August 1, 2024
Ordination celebrations: July 26 – August 1, 2024

This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:

  • Rev. Marta Poling Schmitt, who celebrates 37 years on July 26.

  • Rev. Gary McCluskey, who celebrates 44 years on July 27.

  • Rev. David Pavesic, Beautiful Savior, Tucson, who celebrates 22 years on July 27.

  • Rev. Denise Edwards, who celebrates 22 years on July 27.

  • Rev. Phillip Shuart, St. Andrew, Las Vegas, who celebrates 33 years on July 28.

  • Rev. Matthew Wiswall, who celebrates 34 years on July 29.

  • Rev. J Matthew Mateo Chavez, San Juan Bautista, Tucson, who celebrates 6 years on July 29.

  • Rev. Susan Schubert, who celebrates 34 years on July 29.

  • Rev. Anton Tony Scheer, who celebrates 24 years on July 30.

  • Rev. Rebecca Boardman, U of A LCM, Tucson, who celebrates 20 years on July 31.

  • Rev. James Schubert, who celebrates 34 years on July 31.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardOrdination AnniversariesComment
For What Shall We Pray?
For What Shall We Pray?

  • For justice and peace among nations where war and violence rage, especially Palestine and Israel, Iran, Myanmar, Iraq, Haiti, Russia and Ukraine, Burkina Faso, Sudan, and South Sudan…

  • For an end to gun violence, and for all affected by shootings in Croatia, Mississippi, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin…

  • For families and loved ones of those killed in the Nepal plane crash…

  • For those grieving after mudslides in Ethiopia…

  • For all in the path of super typhoon Gaemi in Taiwan and the Philippines…

  • For the safety of travelers and for the work of geologists following the hydrothermal eruption in Yellowstone National Park…

  • For our nation, and especially for renewed compassion and kindness in our political deliberations…

  • For athletes, national representatives, and spectators traveling to Paris, France for the Olympic Games…

  • For wildfires in the US Pacific Northwest and western Canada…

  • For all who struggle with asthma and severe allergies and other chronic breathing disorders…

  • For travelers still stranded amidst flight cancellations and delays, and especially for youth and leaders still waiting to travel home from the ELCA Youth Gathering…

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ELCA, PrayersBrian FlatgardELCA Worship, For What Shall We PrayComment
ELCA World Hunger Supports Chilean Community Garden Revival
ELCA World Hunger Supports Chilean Community Garden Revival

In Santiago’s El Bosque subdivision, a community garden has transformed lives. Led by EPES health monitors and supported by ELCA World Hunger, the Amajudisa Community Gardening Group grows fresh produce on a once-neglected strip of patio. This garden symbolizes hope and renewal, fostering community spirit and empowering local women. Read more in the spring 2024 issue of “LifeLines.” Read this story and more in the latest Global Links from ELCA for July/August 2024.

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ELCA, Global Church, NewsBrian FlatgardGlobal Mission, Global LinksComment
ELCA Worship News: July 2024
ELCA Worship News: July 2024

ELCA’s monthly Worship news for July features: All Creation Sings resources for Time after Pentecost–Autumn, Reformation and All Saints; “God’s work. Our hands.” Resources; ELW Narrative Holy Communion; Narrative Holy Communion; Living Lutheran “Hymn of the Month”; ELCA Worship blog; Lutheran Summer Music Academy & Festival; and Assembly Song Companion to All Creation Sings.

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ELCA, News, Worship ResourcesBrian FlatgardELCA WorshipComment
Understanding Addiction: Webinar with Harvard’s Amanda Sharp
Understanding Addiction: Webinar with Harvard’s Amanda Sharp

Join Amanda Sharp on July 31, 2024, 10am to 11 am MST/PDT, for a free webinar presented by the Center of Addiction & Faith. Amanda Sharp, PhD, MPH, teaching associate at Harvard Medical School, and former Public Health Analyst at SAMHSA, will discuss Motivational Interviewing, an evidence-based approach to behavior change. Hosted by Rev. George A. Wood, this webinar will equip you with compassionate communication techniques to support those struggling with addiction. Register now to enhance your ministry’s impact. Register Here

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardAddiction, The Center of Addiction & FaithComment
POSITION FILLED: Tanque Verde Lutheran in Tucson seeks Business and Facilities Manager
POSITION FILLED: Tanque Verde Lutheran in Tucson seeks Business and Facilities Manager

TVLC is a dynamic, multi-generational congregation with a gifted staff, devoted volunteers, and vibrant worship. We are looking for a full-time Business and Facilities Manager to join our team and help ensure that our campus and day to day operations support and encourage our ongoing mission and ministry. Find the full job description on Indeed.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardTanque Verde Tucson, Kino Conference, Help WantedComment
Recharge and Lead: The Importance of Regular Rest for Church Leaders
Recharge and Lead: The Importance of Regular Rest for Church Leaders

In the July 2024 issue of the Crucible Newsletter from Fuller Church Leadership Institute, Embrace resilience in church leadership by integrating regular rest and renewal into your routine, as inspired by legendary coach Bill Bowerman’s stress-recovery-improve principle. This summer, recharge with vacations or sabbaticals, and consider the ongoing rhythm of restoration for effective leadership.

Additionally, explore the Business of Ministry Cohort this September to enhance your administrative skills, and listen to the latest episode of the Spiritual Life and Leadership Podcast for insights on multi-inclusivity in church communities.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardFuller Church Leader InstituteComment
Lead with Purpose: Grand Canyon Synod Seeks Director for Evangelical Mission
Lead with Purpose: Grand Canyon Synod Seeks Director for Evangelical Mission

The Grand Canyon Synod is seeking a Director for Evangelical Mission, based in Phoenix, AZ. This vital role focuses on enhancing congregational vitality and leadership, aligning with our mission to nurture transformative relationships within communities. Responsibilities include educational strategy, team coordination, and leadership training. This full-time, contract position offers a competitive salary and benefits. Apply now and join us in shaping our spiritual and communal future. Apply here.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardHelp WantedComment
Connect & Rejoice: Join Grace Lutheran’s Campformation Reunion and Youth Gathering
Connect & Rejoice: Join Grace Lutheran’s Campformation Reunion and Youth Gathering

Grace Lutheran Church invites you to the Campformation Reunion and Youth Gathering on July 31, 2024, from 6:00 PM to 9:30 PM at 1124 N 3rd Street, Phoenix. Enjoy an evening filled with inspiring music, a brief message, and light meals, followed by games and prizes. Whether you’re a youth, parent, or adult from the Grand Canyon Synod, come for a night of faith, fun, and fellowship. View this PDF flyer for info.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardGrace Phoenix, Capital Conference, Campformation, Outdoor Ministry, Youth and Young AdultComment
Faith Lens: And Then There Were Flight Delays
Faith Lens: And Then There Were Flight Delays

Just small mistake in a few lines of code. That’s all it took to cancel thousands of flights, lock hospital computers, freeze bank operations, and even temporarily shut down government operations. Throughout the globe, millions upon millions of people’s lives were impacted by just a small mistake in a few lines of code.

Some of you reading this may have dealt with the impacts directly. As I write this, I’m in a hotel room, hoping to make it home only 36 hours late, while others have been delayed as much as five days!

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Worship Resources, ELCA, ResourcesBrian FlatgardYouth and Young Adult, Faith Lens, 2024 ELCA Youth GatheringComment
Youth Gathering 2024: Transformative Encounters in New Orleans
Youth Gathering 2024: Transformative Encounters in New Orleans

The 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering in New Orleans has transformed participants through deep conversations, community engagement, and inspiring worship. Highlighted by Bishop Eaton’s powerful closing message and a living Good Samaritan story, the week exemplified discipleship and the call to see Jesus in every neighbor. As we return home, we embrace the Spirit of courage and authenticity, ready to serve and love as disciples of Christ.

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ELCA, NewsBrian Flatgard2024 ELCA Youth Gathering, Youth and Young AdultComment
Accompaniment Day: Building Bridges in New Orleans
Accompaniment Day: Building Bridges in New Orleans

On July 18, over 5,000 participants at the 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering in New Orleans took part in “Accompaniment Day,” engaging in community service and building meaningful relationships. Despite torrential rain, the day concluded with an inspiring Mass Gathering. Highlights included powerful speeches on justice and freedom, emphasizing the theme “Created to Be Free.”

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ELCA, NewsBrian Flatgard2024 ELCA Youth Gathering, Youth and Young AdultComment
Double Your Gift: ELCA World Hunger’s Match at the Youth Gathering
Double Your Gift: ELCA World Hunger’s Match at the Youth Gathering

Join us at the 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering in New Orleans to support ELCA World Hunger in a significant way. Dive into an immersive role-playing experience in the Interactive Learning Space and learn about the daily challenges of those living in poverty. Take part in a special offering where your donation will be matched up to $250,000, doubling your impact. Donate via ELCA.org/GiveGZH or bring your contributions to the Gathering, and share your journey on social media with #GenZeroHunger. Together, we can strive for a world without hunger.

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ELCA, News, Grand Canyon SynodBrian Flatgard2024 ELCA Youth Gathering, Hunger, ELCA World HungerComment
Lutherans Restoring Creation at the 2024 Youth Gathering
Lutherans Restoring Creation at the 2024 Youth Gathering

We are here at ELCA's Youth Gathering 2024 where we're learning, lamenting, listening, and loving along with 16,000 young people from across the country! Lutherans Restoring Creation was asked to help support ELCA's World Hunger's area in the Interactive Center as we make the connections between climate, natural disaster, hunger and migration.

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ELCA, News, Grand Canyon SynodBrian Flatgard2024 ELCA Youth Gathering, Lutherans Restoring Creation, Climate ChangeComment