In this episode of the Pivot Podcast, explore the intersection of faith and justice with the Rev. F. Willis Johnson, a pastor who led his church through racial tensions in Ferguson, Missouri.
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As we face the 2024 elections, threats to religious freedom are more prevalent than ever. In the latest Christians Against Christian Nationalism newsletter, their Report from the Capital sheds light on the misuse of the Bible in politics and the dangers of Christian nationalism. Learn how you can prepare to vote, protect your freedoms, and engage in efforts to safeguard religious liberty.
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Genesis Project has moved to Epiphany of Christ Lutheran Church in Apache Junction. They continue their mission of serving the hungry and homeless with hot meals, clothing, and support at their new location.
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August is National Make-a-Will Month—a perfect time to review and update your estate plans. The ELCA Foundation provides essential resources to guide you through every step, ensuring your values and priorities are honored. Explore tools like Giving Docs, learn about the benefits of a trust, and consider supporting an ELCA ministry as part of your legacy.
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The ELCA Domestic Hunger Grants support transformative projects across the U.S. and Caribbean to combat the root causes of hunger and poverty. This initiative, part of ELCA World Hunger, empowers communities with resources to create sustainable change and ensure food security, reflecting our commitment to justice and Lutheran values of accompaniment and advocacy.
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Kick off the new monthly young adult events in the Phoenix area with a fun night of unlimited bowling on Monday, September 9th, from 5:30 to 8:30 PM at Main Event in Tempe. This gathering, led by local young adult leaders, is the first of many opportunities to connect with peers across the Grand Canyon Synod. Don’t miss out on the fun—join us for this exciting event!
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Join Rev. Jim Wallis for an insightful discussion on “Democracy, Faith, and Peace-Building in 2024.” Reflecting on his latest book, Wallis will address the challenges of Christian nationalism and the importance of reclaiming a faith that supports democracy. Co-sponsored by local faith organizations, this event is a must-attend for those passionate about the intersection of faith and politics.
Tucson: Wednesday, September 11, at 6:00 pm MST. Southside Presbyterian Church, located at 317 W. 23rd Street, Tucson, AZ 85713. Register here.
Phoenix: Thursday, September 12, at 7pm MST. Trinity Cathedral, 110 W Roosevelt St., Phoenix AZ 85003. Register here.
Enhance your counseling ministry by becoming a certified Prepare-Enrich Facilitator at a special training on September 27th in Oro Valley. Offered at a discounted rate to Grand Canyon Synod clergy, this workshop equips you with essential tools for effective marriage counseling and supporting families. Register by September 15th to secure your spot.
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Even if you’re not old enough to vote, I’m sure you’ve heard people talking about “the growing political divide in America.” Maybe you’ve seen evidence of it yourself on the news, in your church, or even in your own family. It seems like everywhere we turn we can find more and more evidence that people are less and less able to listen to each other, especially about politics. Sometimes it feels like the only thing anyone can agree on is how impossible it would be for us to agree. It can be pretty stressful to watch.
But what if our political divide isn’t as huge or even as real as it seems? A recent article in Time Magazine paints a very different story of our country. It explains that while a small number of people on both political sides are very divided, most average Americans actually agree a lot more than we disagree. Like, a lot more. Their survey discovered what they called “stunning agreement” on almost every single issue they asked about.
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Many ELCA synods, congregations and ELCA-affiliated state public policy offices are involved in advancing the important aim of addressing polarization in our communities. In a blog post from ELCA Advocacy, these ideas from the “Faith in Elections Playbook” of Interfaith America are reprinted by permission to resource additional ways we can individually and collectively reduce polarization and care for our communities.
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Bennett Henrikson is offering free clergy shirts in red, white, and black, available for those in need. Shirts are size 17, with an optional request to donate to your favorite charity. Contact Bennett at bhenrikson@cox.net for details.
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This week’s Synod Spotlight highlights the Rocky Mountain Synod, covering five states and encompassing 153 congregations and multiple ministries. Led by Bishop Meghan Johnston Aelabouni, the RMS is a vital partner within Region 2, collaborating with the Grand Canyon Synod in a variety of ways. We celebrate this partnership and the shared mission of serving our communities through faith, justice, and vibrant ministry.
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This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Deacon Barbara Sikkink, who celebrates 32 years on August 30.
Deacon Janice Zimbelman, who celebrates 10 years on August 31.
Rev. Renee Geiger, who celebrates 36 years on September 1.
Rev. John Schaumburg, who celebrates 52 years on September 2.
Rev. Kirk Anderson, who celebrates 52 years on September 3.
Deacon Cathy Mannel, who celebrates 25 years on September 4.
Rev. Gregory Mannel, who celebrates 46 years on September 4.
Rev. Jeffrey Solheim, ELCA, Chicago, who celebrates 25 years on September 5.
Join us on September 10 for a special regional conversation with Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton on “God’s Love Made Real.” This live Zoom event, hosted by Bishop Brenda Bos, will explore how we can embody God’s grace and love in our communities. Registration is encouraged but not required.
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We extend our heartfelt thanks to Autumn Byars, our Grand Canyon Synod Hunger Advocacy Fellow, for her dedicated year of service with Lutheran Advocacy Ministry of Arizona (LAMA). Her work has been an inspiring example of how mission support from congregations flows through the synod and the ELCA to return as impactful ministry in our communities. We invite you to join us in praying for Autumn’s continued good work in the church and the world.
Reflecting on a year of impactful advocacy, Autumn shares key moments, including testimony against restrictive SNAP bills and support for the Grand Canyon Food Pantry. LAMA empowers congregations to turn their faith into action, advocating for justice and food security at all levels of government.
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Support Lutheran World Relief’s 2024 Fall Ingathering by donating quilts and kits at the Tucson collection on September 13-14 or the Phoenix/Glendale collection on October 18-19. Learn more about how to participate and what to donate on the LWR website, lwr.org/pack.
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Christopher (Chris) Johnson has been appointed president and chief executive officer of Portico Benefit Services, a separately incorporated ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). He will join Portico on Oct. 7.
Johnson brings a proven 30-year track record of scaling businesses for growth, along with extensive leadership experience, an innovative approach and a strong connection to the church, making him uniquely qualified to advance Portico's vision for the future.
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Join us for the 2024 Bishop’s Fall Gathering, October 21-23, at Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center. With the theme “Embody the Word,” this retreat offers a unique opportunity for rostered ministers, seminary students, and those serving in congregations to explore the power of storytelling in ministry. Register by September 13 to secure your spot.
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Download a new FREE arrangement from Lutheran Summer Music 2024 by Anne Krentz Organ: The Ash Grove for a solo instrument with keyboard accompaniment. The Ash Grove is a theme and variations based on the beloved Welsh folk tune and is this year’s installment in the LSM Hymn Tune Project. Free sheet music download: LSMacademy.org/resources.
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