Faithful Preaching in the Digital Age: Leveraging AI Tools
Faithful Preaching in the Digital Age: Leveraging AI Tools

Artificial intelligence is transforming sermon preparation, making it more efficient and accessible. Tools like ChatGPT can generate compelling sermons tailored to specific congregations, enhancing the preaching experience. However, faithful preaching requires more than AI can offer alone. Dr. Karoline Lewis of Luther Seminary emphasizes that while AI can support the homiletical process, preachers must integrate their unique voice and context into sermons. Discover how AI can serve as a valuable co-pilot in sermon crafting, ensuring that the message is both impactful and faithful. Read more on using AI effectively in your preaching in the full post from Ryan Panzer.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardRyan PanzerComment
Stepping Up to Supervision: Essential Training for Church Leaders
Stepping Up to Supervision: Essential Training for Church Leaders

Join faith+lead for “Stepping Up to Supervision,” a training series by Susan Beaumont, designed to enhance your supervisory skills within a faith-based context. Starting on August 13, this three-session course covers essential topics like performance management, hiring practices, and effective feedback. Register now to gain practical strategies and theological insights that will empower you to lead your congregation more effectively. Sessions will be held on August 13, 20, and 27, 2024, from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM Central Time. Enroll for $195 and access the recordings for a year. Enroll Now

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian Flatgardfaith+lead, Luther SeminaryComment
Community Spotlight: Santa Cruz Lutheran Food Bank
Community Spotlight: Santa Cruz Lutheran Food Bank

In this story by Hunger Advocacy Fellow Autumn Byars, discover how Santa Cruz Lutheran Food Bank in Tucson, led by Pastor Bob Jones and Joanie Contreras, extends Christ’s love beyond food distribution. Open every Wednesday from 11 am to 7 pm, the food bank offers flexible support, additional services, and hosts resource fairs. Serving southern Tucson and nearby reservations, this holistic approach creates a strong community, addressing broader issues of food insecurity. Explore the inspiring story of Santa Cruz and their dedicated volunteers who make a difference every week on the LAMA website.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardHunger, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA), Kino Conference, Santa Cruz TucsonComment
Restoring Nature, Restoring Ourselves: Embrace Climate Action This Summer
Restoring Nature, Restoring Ourselves: Embrace Climate Action This Summer

From the latest Blessed Tomorrow newsletter: “Explore how restoring nature can lead to healthier, more fulfilling lives in our new Climate Action Guide. Learn from young climate leaders, discover the role of health professionals in climate advocacy, and prepare to vote with our comprehensive guide. Join One Home One Future for the Season of Creation and stay connected with Blessed Tomorrow for more updates and resources.” Read the full newsletter here.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardBlessed Tomorrow, Climate ChangeComment
Youth Gathering 2024: A Week of Gratitude and Growth in New Orleans
Youth Gathering 2024: A Week of Gratitude and Growth in New Orleans

The 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering in New Orleans was an incredible week of faith, fun, and fellowship. We extend our deepest thanks to everyone who contributed, from the city’s warm hospitality to the adult leaders, volunteers, and participants. Highlights included inspiring speeches, engaging activities, and raising nearly $100,000 for ELCA World Hunger’s Generation Zero-Hunger. Looking ahead, mark your calendars for the next gathering in Minneapolis from June 28 to July 2, 2027. Thank you for making this event a success!

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ELCA, NewsBrian Flatgard2024 ELCA Youth Gathering, Youth and Young AdultComment
Unlock the Art of Storytelling with Rev. Andrea Roske-Metcalfe at the Bishop’s Fall Gathering
Unlock the Art of Storytelling with Rev. Andrea Roske-Metcalfe at the Bishop’s Fall Gathering

Join us October 21-23, 2024, at the Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center in Carefree, AZ, for the Bishop’s Fall Gathering. Featuring Rev. Andrea Roske-Metcalfe, this event will focus on the craft of storytelling with three engaging sessions designed to inspire and equip you for future ministry. Registration includes meals and is available until September 13, 2024. For more information and to register, visit our 2024 Bishop’s Fall Gathering page.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian Flatgard2024 Bishop's Fall GatheringComment
Finding Grace Amidst Division: Upcoming Workshop on Preaching in Polarized Times
Finding Grace Amidst Division: Upcoming Workshop on Preaching in Polarized Times

Be sure to sign up for “Preaching in an Age of Polarization,” an online workshop on August 22, 2024, from 10am - 11:30 am MST/PDT. This session, led by Rev. Katie Langston of the Grand Canyon Synod, offers tools and insights for preaching with grace and humor in politically charged times. Engage in practical discussions, learn to address hot-button topics, and stay true to your Christian identity amid polarization. Register now at faithlead.org/polarization to secure your spot or access the post-event recording.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardCreating Space for Conversations, Colorado River Conference, faith+lead, Luther SeminaryComment
Faith-Based Civic Engagement: Join NCC Freedom Summer 2024
Faith-Based Civic Engagement: Join NCC Freedom Summer 2024

Join the NCC Freedom Summer 2024, a faith-based campaign inspired by the 1964 Freedom Summer, focusing on voter education, registration, and mobilization in five key states. The campaign begins the week of Juneteenth and includes the Virtual Freedom Summer Academy and a five-city Freedom Ride, culminating in a Freedom Summit on August 17, 2024. Discover how you can participate and make a difference in communities across the nation by engaging with this pivotal initiative. Visit their sign-up page to get involved and help bring about social change through faith and action.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardLutheran Ecumenical and Inter-Religious Relations Network (LEIRN), Elections and Voting Rights, Church and SocietyComment
Understanding Who “Guadalupe” Is: A Lutheran and Latine Perspective
Understanding Who “Guadalupe” Is: A Lutheran and Latine Perspective

Join Rev. Jesus Escamilla on August 17th for “Understanding Who Guadalupe Is,” a presentation by Wartburg Seminary’s CTLM. Explore the significance of the Virgin of Guadalupe within Lutheranism from a Latine perspective. This online event runs from 7am -10am MST/PDT. View a PDF flyer here, and register now at wartburgseminary.edu/ctlm.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardLatino, Wartburg Seminary, Ecumenical and Inter-Religious RelationsComment
Engage with Your Representatives: August Recess Toolkit Available Now
Engage with Your Representatives: August Recess Toolkit Available Now

August is a key time to meet with your U.S. representatives and advocate for your policy priorities. Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona provides a 2-page toolkit with tips on arranging, preparing for, and following up on in-district meetings. Download the toolkit here and make your voice heard this August.

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ELCA, News, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardLutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA), Advocacy, ELCA AdvocacyComment
Living That Summer Life: Embracing Faith and Planning
Living That Summer Life: Embracing Faith and Planning

ELCA’s Congregational Stewardship Support team shares their monthly "Where Your Heart Is" newsletter. The excitement of July, filled with images from the ELCA Youth Gathering and mission trips, highlights the importance of early and strategic planning. Congregational leaders are encouraged to channel their community’s energy into living out the gospel through thoughtful preparation and resource management.

Upcoming events include a grant writing webinar on August 19 and the Stewardship Kaleidoscope conference in Portland from September 23-25. Embrace this season with dedication and faith, making July memorable and impactful through careful planning and stewardship.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardWhere Your Heart Is, ELCA Congregational Stewardship Support, StewardshipComment
POSITION FILLED: Bookkeeper/Accountant Needed at King of Glory Lutheran Church
POSITION FILLED: Bookkeeper/Accountant Needed at King of Glory Lutheran Church

King of Glory Lutheran Church in Tempe is looking for a Bookkeeper/Accountant to maintain financial records, prepare reports, and manage budgets. This part-time role requires attention to detail, confidentiality, and teamwork. Interested candidates should contact Vicki Hegebush at vickih@kogaz.org or 480-838-0477. View job description here.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardHelp Wanted, King of Glory Tempe, Fiesta ConferenceComment
Embody the Word: Engage with Faith Leaders at the 2024 Bishop’s Fall Gathering
Embody the Word: Engage with Faith Leaders at the 2024 Bishop’s Fall Gathering

Join Bishop Deborah Hutterer from October 21-23, 2024, at the Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center for the Bishop’s Fall Gathering. This event promises a blend of worship, fellowship, and insightful discussions under the theme “Embody the Word.” Registration is open until September 13, 2024, with options for both overnight and commuter participation. Featured speakers include Rev. Andrea Roske-Metcalfe and Elder Perci Ami. Don’t miss this opportunity to deepen your spiritual journey and connect with fellow ministers. For registration details, visit our event page or contact the synod office.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian Flatgard2024 Bishop's Fall GatheringComment