Prep Now for August Advocacy Opportunities

ELCA Advocacy reminds us that August presents unique opportunities to bring our deep concerns as Christians about many things related to our planet and the beings that inhabit it to U.S. Congress in our own backyards. In-person and virtual meetings, as well as Town Halls, can be scheduled in this month as the U.S. Congress usually takes a recess. Representatives and senators often visit their congressional districts and/or home states in August to reconnect with their constituents – like you. Read the full post at ELCA.org.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardJuly 31, 2024Advocacy, ELCA AdvocacyComment

Elevate Your Leadership: Enroll in ‘Stepping Up to Supervision’ This August

Join Luther Seminary’s “Stepping Up to Supervision” course, led by Susan Beaumont, this August 2024. This three-session course offers comprehensive training in effective supervision within the church context, covering everything from performance management to progressive discipline. Sessions are on August 13, 20, and 27 from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM CT. Equip yourself with the skills needed for effective church leadership. Enroll now for $195 with access to recorded sessions for a year. Visit faithlead.org for more details and registration.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardJuly 31, 2024faith+lead, Lay Leadershipo, Luther SeminaryComment

Enhance Church Communication: Discover ‘Beyond the Bulletin’ Workbook

Discover ‘Beyond the Bulletin,’ a transformative communication workbook crafted by Rev Dr Marjorie Funk-Pihl and Pr Mike Girlinghouse. Designed to enhance how congregational leaders engage with their communities, this guide includes three 90-minute sessions focused on Attitude, Structure, and Process. Priced at $95, the workbook promises practical, hands-on strategies tailored for church councils and teams. Learn more and view sample pages at Living the Resurrection.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardJuly 31, 2024Comment

For What Shall We Pray?

For justice and peace among nations where war and conflict rage, especially Palestine and Israel, Iran, Lebanon, Myanmar, Iraq, Haiti, Russia and Ukraine, Burkina Faso, Sudan, and South Sudan; for an end to occupation and oppression…
For de-escalation of political tensions around the world…
For victims of violence, especially those affected by the stabbings in the UK…
For communities devastated by natural disasters, particularly those brought about by climate change…
For all impacted by landslides in Ethiopia and India, flooding in North Korea, and storms and wildfires in the USA and Canada…
For the safety and wellbeing of all involved in the Olympic games…
For the safety, wellbeing, and just treatment of agricultural workers…

ELCA, PrayersBrian FlatgardJuly 31, 2024ELCA Worship, For What Shall We PrayComment

Explore Spiritual Education with Godly Play Core Training This August in Peoria

Join Peace Lutheran Church in Peoria, AZ, for a comprehensive Godly Play Core Training from August 16-18, 2024. Perfect for educators, administrators, and parents involved in spiritual education, this training covers all aspects of the Godly Play method. Registration includes all materials and meals: Godly Play Core Training Registration.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardJuly 30, 2024Youth and Young AdultComment

Unleashing Lay Leadership: Vicki Elfers’ Lay Leadership Success Story

Vicki Elfers, an alum of Faith+Lead’s School for Lay Ministry, shares her remarkable journey from shy church secretary to confident lay minister.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardJuly 26, 2024Lay Leadershipo, faith+lead, Luther SeminaryComment

Lutherans Restoring Creation Good Green News: July 2024

Lutherans Restoring Creation shares their Good Green News for July, 2024, featuring their Youth Gathering wrap-up. You can also join in rayer and celebration as Pr. Nick Utphall walks the Ice Age Trail and raises funds for their work along the way. Register for their upcoming connections call, learn how to celebrate the upcoming season of creation, and discover other events.

ELCA, News, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardJuly 26, 2024Climate Change, Lutherans Restoring CreationComment

Thermostat energy savings project: Are you wearing a sweater while your pastor is sweating?

In this article from the Grand Canyon Synod Stewardship Team, discover how Spirit of Hope in Mesa, AZ, saved $6,000 annually on utility bills by installing programmable thermostats. By leveraging SRP’s rebate programs, the church improved comfort, reduced costs, and embraced good stewardship practices. Learn how you can implement similar energy-saving measures in your congregation and benefit from available promotions.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardJuly 26, 2024GCS Stewardship Team, Stewardship, Climate ChangeComment

Peanut Butter Wars end August 5, 2024 at midnight

The Peanut Butter Wars competition is coming to a dramatic conclusion on August 5 at midnight! We already have a lot of peanut butter and 41 donations for a total of $8,893 designated towards combating food insecurity in the Las Vegas metro area.

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

Lutheran Social Services's Summer of Impact

Lutheran Social Services of Nevada (LSSN) has completed an impactful fiscal year, serving thousands and expanding services. Highlights include a significant increase in individuals served through the Digimart and Mobile Markets, record numbers of children and seniors assisted, and new service locations. Notably, the Peanut Butter Wars competition concludes on August 5, aiming to combat food insecurity in the Las Vegas area. Read more about LSSN’s achievements and upcoming initiatives.

Summertime is Funtime for Many People Served by Mosaic

Like anyone else, the people supported by Mosaic enjoy many suntime funtime activities during the summer. See a few of them here. The post Summertime is Funtime for Many People Served by Mosaic appeared first on Mosaic.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardJuly 26, 2024Mosaic, Disability MinistriesComment

Rewatch LSM 2024 in the LSM Livestream Archives

Did you miss LSM 2024? Don’t worry! You are invited to revisit over 30 concerts, recitals, and worship services from LSM 2024 on demand in LSM’s Livestream Archive: LSMacademy.org/24archive. With so many great performances and inspiring services, you don’t want to miss out.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardJuly 26, 2024Lutheran Summer MusicComment

Lutheran World Federation newsletter: 7/26/2024

News, Global ChurchBrian FlatgardJuly 26, 2024Lutheran World FederationComment

In Memoriam: Deacon Brenda Laukonis

We pray for the family and friends of Deacon Brenda Laukonis, who died March 16, 2024. She was most recently an administrator at Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church in Tucson and filled many other roles for Lutheran Churches in Alaska and Chicago throughout her life of giving.

Grand Canyon Synod, News, Prayers, In MemoriamBrian FlatgardJuly 25, 2024Comment

In Memoriam: Rev. Leslie Niemi

We pray for the family and friends of Rev. Leslie Niemi, who died January 22, 2024, in Lake Havasu City.

A memorial service was held at Mount Olive Lutheran Church on January 26 with Pr. Craig M. Corbin officiating. A final service was held at Eden Lutheran Church in Munising on June 10 with Bishop Katherine Finegan and Rev. Paul Kelto officiating.

Grand Canyon Synod, News, Prayers, In MemoriamBrian FlatgardJuly 25, 2024Comment

Trinity Lutheran in Phoenix seeks piano and organ player

Trinity Lutheran in Phoenix seeks a piano/organ player for Sunday Services and praise team practices every other Wednesday evening at 7:00. The service is traditional/praise music. Trinity Lutheran Church is located at 9424 N 7th Ave. Phoenix, Az. Please call Judy Vogt at 602-999-7620 for more information.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardJuly 25, 2024Trinity Phoenix, Capital Conference, Help WantedComment

In Memoriam: Marge Ahlstrand

We pray for the family and friends of Marge Ahlstrand—widow of the Rev. Kenneth Ahlstrand—who died July 20, 2024.

She was surrounded at home by her daughters and now rests in the Peace of the Lord.

Grand Canyon Synod, News, Prayers, In MemoriamBrian FlatgardJuly 25, 2024Comment

Office of the Bishop Updates: 7/26/2024

The Office of the Bishop returns from the ELCA Youth Gathering & Young Adult Gathering, and gathers for an in-person staff meeting and celebration of Pastor Jim Dew’s year as Interim Director for Evangelical Mission. We also share photos from the Ordination and Installation of Louis Liss.

News, Bishop Hutterer, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardJuly 25, 2024Office of the BishopComment

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.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardJuly 25, 2024Ordination AnniversariesComment

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…

ELCA, PrayersBrian FlatgardJuly 24, 2024ELCA Worship, For What Shall We PrayComment

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