The Grand Canyon Synod Grant application opens in September! With $175,000 in funding available, we encourage collaborative, innovative projects that align with our Strategic Plan. Attend our Grants Webinar on September 17, 2024, to learn more. Applications are due by midnight on October 18, 2024. Start planning now to support your ministry and bring new ideas to life! For more details, visit our website.
Read MoreJoin California Lutheran University’s Thriving Leadership Formation team, January 6-10, 2025, for the Executive Skills for Church Leaders retreat at Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center. This transformative event, designed for pastors, deacons, and church leaders, offers expert-led sessions on Conflict Management, Human Resources, Contemporary Leadership, and Congregations in the Digital Age. Register now to enhance your ministry leadership skills and connect with fellow church leaders in a serene Arizona desert setting. Learn more and sign up at Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center’s website or call 480-488-5218. View PDF poster 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. September's focus is Abortion with Dr. Caryn Riswold, Professor of Religion/McCoy Family Distinguished Chair in Lutheran Heritage and Mission at Wartburg College.View a PDF flyer and register now to engage deeply with our social teachings and lead community discussions. Click here to join this Sunday’s webinar.
September 10 New Date! Sun, Sep 8, 2024 at 7:00pm.: Abortion with Dr. Caryn Riswold, Professor of Religion/McCoy Family Distinguished Chair in Lutheran Heritage and Mission at Wartburg College.
The ELCA invites members to engage with a draft social statement on civic life and faith, reflecting our relationship with government as individuals and a church body. This statement, currently under review, offers guidance on church teaching and policies, serving as a vital tool for discernment on civic issues. Members can contribute feedback through an online survey or synod hearings until September 30, 2024. Post-feedback, the statement will be considered for official adoption at the 2025 ELCA Churchwide Assembly, potentially shaping the church's stance on civic engagement.
Read MoreThe Sierra Pacific Synod of the ELCA, encompassing nearly 180 congregations across Northern California and Northern Nevada, is a dynamic community dedicated to faith, service, and justice under the leadership of Bishop Jeff R. Johnson. The synod focuses on fostering connections, addressing social issues, and empowering congregations to make a difference in their communities.
Read MoreThis week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Barbara Duhlstine-Robarge, who celebrates 33 years on September 6.
Rev. William Phillips, Christ, Las Vegas, who celebrates 39 years on September 8.
Rev. Corazon Aguilar, Pan-Asian Ministry, Phoenix, who celebrates 29 years on September 9.
Deacon Connie Rose-Kamprath, Esperanza, Phoenix, who celebrates 32 years on September 10.
Rev. Bill Voris, who celebrates 64 years on September 11.
Deacon Ardie Senft, who celebrates 27 years on September 12.
Join ecumenical prayer vigils across Arizona as Christian leaders from various denominations unite to pray for peace and unity during the 2024 election season. The vigils will be held on September 9th at Our Lady of the Angels Conventual Church in Paradise Valley, October 14th at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Tucson, and November 4th at Sun City Christian Church. All are welcome to come together in faith to seek God’s guidance and peace for our nation. View a PDF flyer here.
Read MoreExplore the Grand Canyon Synod’s “Church and Society” page for essential resources tailored to help our congregations navigate the complexities of an election year. Featuring guides on political discussions, reflections on Christian nationalism, and updates on elections and voting rights, this page is your go-to source for fostering safe, informed, and united church communities. Visit now to access our comprehensive collection of articles and our “Creating Space for Conversations” series, ensuring our church remains a sanctuary of dialogue during these polarizing times.
Read MoreWe uplift and pray for Rev. Diane Drach-Meinel and the people of Christ the Servant Lutheran Church in Henderson, part of the Colorado River Conference. Visit their site at cslconline.org.
Read MoreWe uplift and pray for Vicar Jarrod Iversen and the people of Central Lutheran Church in Arizona City, part of the Fiesta Conference. Visit their site at centrallutheranaz.org.
Read MoreThe ELCA has released a comprehensive set of worship resources for the upcoming national elections, including scripture readings, prayers, and assembly song suggestions. These materials are designed to support congregations during prayer vigils, weekly worship, or personal devotions. Download the free resource to help guide your community through this important time.
Read MoreIn this episode of the Pivot Podcast, we ask, “Is innovation a helpful category for churches seeking to thrive in changing times?”
Are conventional church growth strategies falling short in today’s changing religious landscape? In this episode, we dive deep into the concept of “innovation” in church contexts, exploring whether it’s a helpful framework for ministry or a potential distraction from our core mission.
Read MoreIn this episode of the Pivot Podcast, Dave Male discusses blending traditional and emerging church forms.
Read MoreClear your calendar on January 6-12, 2025, for a transformative retreat in Turks & Caicos, specifically designed for women in ministry leadership. Led by Deacon Michelle Walka, this journey offers a unique blend of rest, learning, and spiritual growth in a beautiful location. Register by October 1, 2024, to secure your spot!
Read MoreLast chance to register for the Bishop’s Fall Gathering! Join us from October 21-23, 2024, at Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center for a time of worship, fellowship, and renewal. Register by September 13 to secure your spot.
Read MoreSeptember is Hunger Action Month, a time to take collective action in the fight against hunger. This year, the Arizona Legislature invested $3.8 million to support low-income children’s meals, a milestone achieved with the help of the Arizona Food Bank Network. As the need for food accessibility grows, you can make a difference by supporting AzFBN through donations, the HungryFriend app, or joining their Grove of Good. Together, let’s end hunger in Arizona.
Read MoreTimothy Graham didn’t plan on becoming a bishop. “I knew my name would be lifted up, but I didn’t have any expectations,” said Graham, who serves as a pastor of Messiah Lutheran Church in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Read the original article at Living Lutheran.
Although he knew he was under consideration for bishop of the Indiana-Kentucky Synod, Graham didn’t fill out his biographical information for this year’s assembly ahead of time. “Well, if the Holy Spirit wants it to happen, [it will],” he thought. “I could not have planned it.”
Read MoreLutheran Social Services in Nevada recently concluded the 2024 Peanut Butter Wars, raising over 8,000 pounds of peanut butter and $81,444 to combat food insecurity. New Song Lutheran Church led the charge, thanks in part to a heartwarming donation from Jake, a community member who found redemption through the church and LSSN. Additionally, their Back to School Brunch served 350 children, ensuring they are ready for the new school year. Learn how you can support our mission today!
Read MoreInterest forms are now available for the 2024-25 Thriving Leadership Formation Cohort Groups at California Lutheran University. These groups, meeting over Zoom 9-12 times, offer a unique space for spiritual practice and deeper connections. There is no cost, just a commitment to participate. Learn more and apply here. For questions, contact TLF Cohort Coordinator, Nicolette Rohr, at nrohr@callutheran.edu.
Read MorePhoto: Rev. Dr. Anne Burghardt, LWF General Secretary, delivering the keynote address at the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland during their Mission Partnership Consultation in Helsinki on 29 August.
