Installation of Rev. Doug Dill at Mountain View Lutheran
Installation of Rev. Doug Dill at Mountain View Lutheran

Rev. Doug Dill will be installed Sunday, 9/15/2024 at 10:30 am at Mountain View Lutheran Church (11002 South 48th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85044).

Bishop Deborah K. Hutterer will preach and preside. Clergy are invited to vest and process. The color of the day is green. 

The installation will be live streamed as part of the 10:30 am Worship Service on Mountain View’s YouTube channel, www.youtube.com/mvlutheran. A reception will follow in the Family Life Center.  No RSVPs are necessary; all are welcome!

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardOrdinations and Installations, Mountain View Phoenix, Fiesta ConferenceComment
Join Resurrection Lutheran Church in Oro Valley as Director of Youth Ministry
Join Resurrection Lutheran Church in Oro Valley as Director of Youth Ministry

Resurrection Lutheran Church in Oro Valley is hiring a Director of Youth Ministry to lead our Middle School and High School programs. This full-time role involves dynamic leadership, collaboration with the Associate Pastor of Children, Youth, and Family, and managing key youth ministries. Apply today at www.orovalley.org.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardResurrection Oro Valley, Kino Conference, Help WantedComment
Lord of Life has Special Benevolence Grants Available
Lord of Life has Special Benevolence Grants Available

Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Sun City West is offering grants to local non-profit organizations that are doing extraordinary projects, through its Benevolence Fund. The minimum grant amount is $10,000. These funds may be requested through a grant review process for projects not currently supported by the church’s budgeted benevolence, Mission Endowment Fund or monthly Gratitude Gift program. View more info on their website and download a PDF brochure here. Benevolence Requests should be submitted by Monday, 9/9/2024.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardCactus Conference, Lord of Life Sun City West, GrantsComment
ELCA Spotlight: The Impact of Lutheran Services in America
ELCA Spotlight: The Impact of Lutheran Services in America

This week’s Synod Spotlight highlights Lutheran Services in America, a national network of 300 faith-based organizations that serve over 6 million people annually across the United States—one of every 50 Americans. In Arizona and Nevada, their impact is felt through member organizations that provide critical care and support to more than 64,000 people each year. View their fact sheets for Arizona and Nevada.

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ELCA, SpotlightBrian FlatgardLutheran Services in AmericaComment
For What Shall We Pray?
For What Shall We Pray?

  • For those caught in the midst of warfare and conflict, especially in Gaza, Israel, Lebanon, Iran, Iraq, Myanmar, Haiti, Russia, Ukraine, Burkina Faso, Sudan, and South Sudan…

  • For those attending or participating in the Democratic National Convention, and for all leaders in government…

  • For any countries experiencing political unrest and turmoil, especially Bangladesh…

  • For the care, safety, and well-being of women and girls around the world…

  • For those in the path of Hurricane Ernesto…

  • For the northeastern United States in the midst of record flooding…

  • For healing and protection in the wake of a new COVID variant and the Mpox virus…

  • For those experiencing extreme heat throughout different regions…

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ELCA, Prayers, SpotlightBrian FlatgardELCA Worship, For What Shall We PrayComment
Faith Lens: Finding Life
Faith Lens: Finding Life

When Jesus’ teachings become difficult to understand, many of his followers leave. But Simon Peter stays, proclaiming, “Lord, to whom can we go? You have the words of eternal life.” In this week's Faith Lens, we explore the importance of trusting in Jesus, even when faith is challenging. Discover how, like Peter, we can find life in Christ, even in the face of difficult teachings.

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Worship Resources, ELCA, ResourcesBrian FlatgardFaith Lens, Youth and Young AdultComment
2024 Manna Grants: Apply Now to Combat Hunger in Our Synod
2024 Manna Grants: Apply Now to Combat Hunger in Our Synod

The Grand Canyon Synod is pleased to announce that the 2024 Manna Grants are open for applications. With approximately $20,000 available, the grants support projects that alleviate hunger and address its root causes. Eligible congregations and ministries should apply here by September 13, 2024. Join us in our mission to combat hunger and uplift lives through this vital initiative.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardManna Grant, GrantsComment
Join Our Webinar on Congregational Safety: Addressing Concerns Amid Political Tensions
Join Our Webinar on Congregational Safety: Addressing Concerns Amid Political Tensions

Join us on September 5, 2024, at 10:15 am for the “Conversation about Congregational Safety” webinar, hosted by Bishop Hutterer and other synod leaders. This crucial event will address concerns about political violence and share resources from the FBI and the ELCA on Christian Nationalism. Congregational leaders are invited to participate and discuss community safety practices. Register now to be part of this essential conversation. Register here.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardCreating Space for Conversations, Christian Nationalism, Elections and Voting Rights, Church and Society Comment
Ordination and Installation of Julie Gerrish
Ordination and Installation of Julie Gerrish

Grand 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.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardOrdinations and Installations, Esperanza Phoenix, Fiesta Conference, Christ Sedona, High Country Conference Comments
New ‘Gathering Remix’ to Extend Impact of ELCA Youth Gathering with Exciting Resources
New ‘Gathering Remix’ to Extend Impact of ELCA Youth Gathering with Exciting Resources

The 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!

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian Flatgard2024 ELCA Youth Gathering, Youth and Young AdultComment
Less Than One Month Left to Register for Bishop’s Fall Gathering
Less Than One Month Left to Register for Bishop’s Fall Gathering

Time 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!

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian Flatgard2024 Bishop's Fall Gathering, Spirit in the Desert Retreat CenterComment
Ordination celebrations: August 23-29, 2024
Ordination celebrations: August 23-29, 2024

This 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.

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Grand Canyon Synod, News, SpotlightBrian FlatgardOrdination AnniversariesComment