The ELCA Disability Ministries blog post for this month is a sermon preached by Pastor Mack Patrick at the opening worship at the tAble, a pre-event to the 2024 Youth Gathering. Based on Psalm 139, it grounded attendees and staff in their time together, exploring “how we are created to be wHoly”.
Read MoreThis week, our Synod Spotlight highlights California Lutheran University (Cal Lutheran). Cal Lutheran, a Hispanic-Serving Institution since 2016, fosters personal and academic growth for students from around the world, with six schools and colleges dedicated to transformative education.
Read MoreThis week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Judith Rainforth, Christ the Lord, Carefree, who celebrates 21 years on September 21.
Rev. Gary Ulrich, who celebrates 45 years on September 24.
Join the Vital Congregations journey with ELCA and Kindling Faith! This six-month coaching program, starting on September 21, provides congregational teams with the tools to develop strategic plans for thriving ministries. Each monthly session includes practical resources and the support of a trained coach, helping congregations thrive in faith and outreach. Register here or download a flyer here.
Read MoreFeeling overwhelmed in ministry? Join Dr. Alicia Granholm for a free Faith+Lead webinar, “The Ministry of Less Is More: 5 Practices to Cultivate a Flourishing Church by Scaling Back,” on Sept. 23rd, 24th, or 26th. Learn how to prioritize what truly matters and minister from a place of strength and purpose. Register now.
Read MoreFinal days to register! Join women from across the Grand Canyon Synod at the Women of the ELCA Fall Retreat in Tucson on October 4-5. With powerful speakers, networking events, and unique shopping opportunities, this retreat promises to renew your spirit and connect you with a vibrant community. Register by September 21 at www.grandcanyonwomen.org/events.
Read MoreJoin the #ELCAElectionActivator network to support and equip ELCA members for nonpartisan participation in the electoral process through monthly virtual gatherings and regular updates. Participate in activities that foster civic engagement. Sign up now to join the next meeting on 9/24/2024 and contribute to a just and peaceful society. Sign up here.
Read MoreCalling all hunger champions: join this network of the Grand Canyon Synod! Meet to hear updates on national and local Hunger and Food Insecurity efforts and initiatives, to learn from one another, and to share with the group what's happening in our congregations. Anyone interested in alleviating hunger is welcome. Prepare to be encouraged and supported! Tuesday, 9/24/2024, 6-7pm MST/PDT.
Read MoreWe give thanks for the life and ministry of Pastor Harold Peterson, who passed away on Saturday, 9/14/2024. A memorial service will be held September 17, 2024, at 11 a.m. at American Lutheran Church in Sun City, with a luncheon to follow. Please keep Pastor Harold’s family and friends in your prayers.
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 Faith, Sexism and Justice with Dr. Mary Streufert, Director of Gender Justice and Women’s Empowerment, and Heather Dean, Program Coordinator of Theological Discernment at the ELCA. View a PDF flyer and register now to engage deeply with our social teachings and lead community discussions.
Read MoreJoin faith leaders and community members at the 6th Annual Addiction & Faith Conference, a virtual event from October 17-19, 2024. Explore crucial topics like the role of trauma in addiction and effective community healing strategies through faith. Featuring over 35 expert speakers, the conference offers up to 15 CEUs and a platform for spiritual and professional growth. Learn more and register here.
Read MoreWe uplift and pray for Rev. Kim Taylor and the people of American Lutheran Church in Tucson, part of the Kino Conference. Visit their site at godsplaceforgrace.org.
Read MoreWe uplift and pray for Rev. Brian Weinberger and the people of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Mesa, part of the Rio Salado Conference. Visit their site at blcmesa.org.
Read MoreIn this episode of the Pivot Podcast, dive into the world of Fresh Expressions with Dr. Eliseo Mejia, director of Expressiones Divinas for Fresh Expressions North America.
Read MoreIn response to the Grand Canyon Synod’s Congregational Safety Webinar, Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Sun City West shares critical security resources. These tools include self-assessments, emergency planning guides, and training programs to help churches improve safety and security. Read more to access the full list of resources and strengthen your congregation’s preparedness.
Read MoreEnhance your counseling ministry by becoming a certified Prepare-Enrich Facilitator at a special training on September 27th in Oro Valley. This workshop equips you with essential tools for effective marriage counseling and supporting families.
Read MoreUnited Church of Christ presents a Community Safety Training Series via Zoom on September 23 and 30, 5:00 - 7:00 pm. Register for Zoom info here.
How can congregations build an ecology of community safety that is rooted in care, investing in each other, believing in each other, and trusting each other and the rhythms and cycles around/within us? What community safety practices can we engage in now that also help us build the world we long for? Our experienced trainers will expand on our “Ecology of Community Safety” guide to offer practical skills, psycho-social care practices, planning tools, and analysis of current conditions.
Read MorePhoto: Floods, caused by heavy rains, impacted the Far North region of Cameroon.
AI and Church Communication: Balancing Innovation with Connection
In this week’s Faith Lens, we look at the story of Peter rebuking Jesus and the recent challenges in Springfield, Ohio, as immigrants and longtime residents navigate building a new home together. Just as Peter learned to follow God’s leadership, we are called to find our place in the greater story, trusting God’s guidance even when it challenges our assumptions.
Read MoreRooms for the Bishop’s Fall Gathering are sold out, but commuter registration is still open through October 7! Join Bishop Hutterer and special guests Rev. Andrea Roske-Metcalfe and Elder Perci Ami for worship, storytelling, and fellowship at Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center. Meals are included for commuters—register now to secure your spot!
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