Support Your Synod and Save on Taxes: A Special IRA Opportunity

Discover how you can make a difference and save on taxes with an IRA charitable rollover. If you’re 70½ or older, this special opportunity allows you to give up to $105,000 from your IRA directly to a qualified charity, like your ELCA congregation or the Grand Canyon Synod, without paying income taxes on the amount. Connect with Lisa Higginbotham, our Regional Gift Planner, to learn more about this impactful and tax-efficient way to support the ministries you care about.

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Rev. Dan Potaznick Earns Certificate in Fundraising Management

Rev. Dan Potaznick, Director of Generosity and Strategic Development for the Grand Canyon Synod, has earned the prestigious Certificate in Fundraising Management from the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy at Indiana University. This accomplishment enhances our synod’s capacity for sustainable growth and reflects a collective commitment to nurturing a culture of generosity.

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Ordination of Daniel Volkmann in Shiner, Texas

Daniel Volkmann will be ordained on Friday, 9/13/2024, at 6pm at United Dr. Martin Luther Church in Shiner, Texas. Volkmann will be called to serve as the Associate Pastor at All Saints Lutheran Church in Phoenix, Arizona. 

All rostered ministers are invited to robe and process. The color of the day is red. Rev. Christopher Heinold will be preaching. Bishop Deborah Hutterer will be presiding. The service will be live-streamed on the Shiner Lutheran Church Facebook page; no RSVP is necessary.

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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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