Diakonia’s new 2024-2025 Foundation Year courses begin on August 27, 2024. This program, a long-standing ELCA ministry, offers flexible learning tracks to deepen your faith. Enroll now at www.diakonia.education and explore both online and hybrid communities in the Grand Canyon Synod.
Read MoreGrand Canyon Synod candidate Julie Gerrish has been called to serve as Associate Pastor at Christ Lutheran Church, Sedona, Arizona.
Julie’s ordination service will be held on Saturday, August 24, 2024, 11:00 am at her home congregation, Esperanza Lutheran Church, 2601 E Thunderhill Place, Phoenix Arizona, 85048-9517. Bishop Hutterer will preside, and Pastor David Brandfass will preach. Clergy are invited to vest, the color of the day is red. Reception to follow. Livestream available here.
Julie’s installation service will be on Sunday, September 8, 2024, 3:00 pm at Christ Lutheran Church, 25 Chapel Road, Sedona, Arizona, 86336. Bishop Hutterer will preside. Clergy may vest and the color for this service is green. Reception to follow. Livestream available here.
Read MoreWe uplift and pray for Rev. Scott Klimke, Rev. Lisa Hackler and the people of American Lutheran Church in Sun City, part of the Cactus Conference. Visit their site at alcsuncity.org.
Read MoreThe ELCA Youth Gathering team has announced the “Gathering Remix,” a new digital resource launching in September to keep the energy of the 2024 Gathering alive. This tool includes Mass Gathering recordings, exclusive interviews, and over 10 weeks of discussion guides, perfect for youth groups seeking to deepen their faith engagement post-New Orleans. Available for pre-order now, don’t miss out on this opportunity to enrich your ministry and inspire our youth!
Read MoreTime is running out to register for the Bishop’s Fall Gathering at the Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center from October 21-23, 2024. Join Bishop Deborah Hutterer and special guests Rev. Andrea Roske-Metcalfe and Elder Perci Ami for a time of worship, fellowship, and spiritual renewal under the theme “Embody the Word.” The registration deadline is September 13, 2024—don’t miss out on this opportunity to connect with fellow ministers in a serene and supportive environment. Register today!
Read MoreHave news, events, or opportunities to share? The Grand Canyon Synod invites all congregations to submit their stories, job openings, and volunteer opportunities. Keep our community informed and connected by contributing to our news blog, events calendar, and weekly email newsletter. Share your updates today at gcsynod.org/share.
Read MorePacifica Synod, led by Bishop David Nagler, is a vibrant Lutheran community encompassing Hawaii and Southern California. With 110 congregations and nearly 25,139 baptized members, this synod is committed to faith, service, and social justice.
Read MoreThis week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Carlyle Smith, who celebrates 60 years on August 23.
Rev. Naomi Barcanic, who celebrates 27 years on August 24.
Rev. Nathan Bowman, Hospice of the West, who celebrates 39 years on August 25.
Rev. Sandra Jones, Bethany, Scottsdale, who celebrates 17 years on August 25.
Rev. John Maroni, Shepherd of the Desert, Sun City, who celebrates 19 years on August 27.
Rev. Michael Sager, Desert Hills, Green Valley, who celebrates 30 years on August 28.
Rev. Hildegardo González Gómez, who celebrates 25 years on August 28.
Rev. Paul Ninnemann, who celebrates 48 years on August 29.
Rev. Carol George, Resurrection, Oro Valley, who celebrates 25 years on August 29.
How to End Christian Nationalism is the essential guidebook for Christians alarmed by the rising tide of Christian nationalism yet unsure how to counter it. Five years into leading the Christians Against Christian Nationalism campaign, Amanda Tyler unpacks key truths we can share with others: Patriotism is not the same as nationalism. Religious freedom means little if it's not for everyone. Christians follow a gospel of love, not the idol of power. Learn more and order the book here.
Read MoreJoin the ELCA’s online workshop series through October to delve into how our faith informs our actions and voting on critical social issues. August’s focus is Corporate Social Responsibility with Rev. Kaari Reierson. View a PDF flyer and register now to engage deeply with our social teachings and lead community discussions.
Read MoreThe FBI has reached out to the Office of the Bishop with vital resources to combat the rise in hate crimes during election years, offering support and emphasizing community safety and civil rights protection.
Read MoreIn the month of September, the Season of Creation is celebrated in churches around the world. The first Season of Creation was celebrated in 2000, under Norman Habel’s leadership at St Stephen’s Lutheran Church, Adelaide, South Australia. Habel wrote, “For four weeks we relived the great creation stories in the Bible. The children loved it. We also confessed what we have done to creation and how God is working to renew creation. It was an exciting beginning!”
Join One Home One Future for a Season of Creation resource kit plus access to a robust resource hub, connections to over 100,000 people of faith, events, programs, and ongoing support.
Read MorePhoto: In an urgent appeal for peace, the LWF warns “there is everything to lose through an escalation of the conflict” in the Middle East region. Photo: Wafa / APAImages (CC-BY-SA)
India: Theology that embraces tolerance and prioritizes justice, by Rev. Anup Indwar
Soreo, a service of Mosaic, has doubled its service capacity in Arizona, expanding its in-home care for aging individuals and people with disabilities to nearly 950 people. This growth through the acquisition of Prileo reflects Mosaic’s commitment to expanding its mission and ensuring high-quality care across the state.
Read MoreThe Lutheran World Federation (LWF) unites over 77 million Lutherans across 99 countries, embodying our shared commitment to faith, justice, and service. As we highlight the global Lutheran community, we celebrate the rich history and ongoing impact of Lutherans worldwide, from the Reformation to the present day. Learn more about how the LWF addresses global challenges and how you can be part of this global mission.
Read MoreThis week’s Synod Spotlight celebrates the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), highlighting its formation in 1988, its three-part structure of congregations, synods, and churchwide organization, and its significant role in the global church through partnerships and advocacy. The ELCA continues to unite Lutherans in worship, service, and community, shaping our shared mission locally and globally.
Read MoreRegion 2 of the ELCA connects five synods—Grand Canyon, Sierra Pacific, Southwest California, Pacifica, and Rocky Mountain—across a vast and diverse territory. As one of the nine ELCA regions, it plays a crucial role in uniting the work of over 600 congregations, offering support and resources that strengthen the mission of the church in varied cultural and environmental contexts. This Synod Spotlight highlights the vital connections and collaborative efforts that define Region 2’s role in our shared life in the ELCA.
Read MoreThe Grand Canyon Synod of the ELCA is a dynamic network of Lutheran congregations across Arizona, Southern Nevada, and St. George, Utah, dedicated to doing together what we cannot do alone. This spotlight highlights our synod’s vital role in connecting and supporting congregations, fostering collaboration, and empowering our communities to live out their faith.
Read MoreIntroducing Synod Spotlight, a new feature in our blog and newsletter dedicated to celebrating the everyday work of our congregations, ministries, and partners. Join us in highlighting the diverse and vibrant activities within our synod, Region 2, ELCA, and the global church.
Read MoreEsperanza Lutheran Church (2601 E Thunderhill Pl, Phoenix, AZ 85048) is seeking a part time choir director to supplement our worship experience and partner with the congregation in giving glory to God. For more information, please contact the church office at esperanza@myesperanza.org and view this job description (PDF).
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