For What Shall We Pray?

For peace in our world, especially in Gaza and Israel, Ukraine and Russia, Syria, Sudan, Myanmar, and all areas of conflict…
For Shanghai and all in the path of Typhoon Bebinca…
For those affected by the Houston pipleline explosion…
For the safety of political leaders amidst threats of violence…
For the Haitian community of Springfield, OH; for Wittenberg University and all schools and institutions under threat…
For those affected by flooding in Central Europe and in the mid-Atlantic region of the United States…

ELCA, Prayers, SpotlightBrian FlatgardSeptember 18, 2024ELCA Worship, For What Shall We PrayComment

Office of the Bishop Updates: 9/20/2024

The Office of the Bishop staff attends the Synod Council Retreat, and travels for work and vacation.

We also share photos from the Ordination of Daniel Volkmann in Shiner, Texas, on Sep 13, 2024, and the Installation of Rev. Doug Dill at Mountain View Lutheran, on Sep 15, 2024.

News, Bishop Hutterer, Grand Canyon Synod, SpotlightBrian FlatgardSeptember 18, 2024Office of the BishopComment

Christian Voices for Justice: Screening & Discussion on Voter Rights

Join us on Tuesday, September 24, 2024, at 5 p.m. PDT/MST (6 p.m. MDT) for a screening of Suppressed and Sabotaged: The Fight to Vote, followed by a panel discussion on combating Christian nationalism and voter suppression. This online event, hosted by the BJC Center for Faith, Justice and Reconciliation, will offer insights and action steps to protect democracy and voter rights. Register today and help spread the word!

The Backbone of the Mosaic Workforce

We’re in Direct Support Professional Recognition Week. DSPs are the backbone of our workforce, and without them we could not accomplish our mission to love and serve others. The post The Backbone of the Mosaic Workforce appeared first on Mosaic.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardSeptember 17, 2024Disability Ministries, MosaicComment

Half a Century of Faith: Tanque Verde Lutheran Church Marks 50th Anniversary

Tanque Verde Lutheran Church celebrates its 50th anniversary this fall with a special worship service on Sunday, September 29 at 10:00 AM, followed by a banquet. Join the TVLC community in reflecting on five decades of ministry and celebrating the continued work of God’s grace. For more information, visit TVLC’s event page.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardSeptember 17, 2024Kino Conference, Tanque Verde TucsonComment

Administration Matters: September 2024

The latest "Administration Matters" issue from the ELCA covers vital church administration topics including:

ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardSeptember 17, 2024Administration MattersComment

Empowering a New Generation | Empoderando a una Nueva Generación

In celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month which is celebrated in the United States September 15- October 15, ELCA Racial Justice shares an article which is cross-posted from Living Lutheran. The original post can be found here.

ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardSeptember 17, 2024Racial Justice, Racial Justice Ministries, ELCA Racial Justice MinistriesComment

Created to Be: wHoly You

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”.

ELCA, Letters, NewsBrian FlatgardSeptember 17, 2024Disability Ministries, ELCA Disability MinistriesComment

Prayers for Pastor Luis Ochoa and Family

Please join us in lifting up Pastor Luis Ochoa in prayer as he prepares for liver cancer surgery on October 1. We pray for his medical team, and his family. Let us ask God for healing, strength, and peace during this difficult time. Pastor Ochoa serves at both Holy Trinity and First Evangelical Lutheran.

Grand Canyon Synod, News, PrayersBrian FlatgardSeptember 17, 2024Fiesta Conference Comment

Mark Your Calendars: 2025 Bishop’s Fall Gathering at the Franciscan Renewal Center

The 2025 Bishop’s Fall Gathering will take place from September 29 through October 1 at the Franciscan Renewal Center in Scottsdale. This annual event offers a time of spiritual renewal, theological reflection, and fellowship for all within the Grand Canyon Synod. Mark your calendars, and stay tuned for more details!

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardSeptember 17, 20242025 Bishop's Fall GatheringComment

Region 2 Spotlight: California Lutheran University

This 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.

Region 2, SpotlightBrian FlatgardSeptember 17, 2024California Lutheran UniversityComment

Ordination celebrations: September 20-26, 2024

This 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.

Grand Canyon Synod, News, SpotlightBrian FlatgardSeptember 17, 2024Ordination AnniversariesComment

Plan Ahead: Early Voting Starts Soon Across Arizona, Nevada, and Utah

Early voting for the 2024 General Election begins soon! Arizona voters can start as early as October 9, with early voting starting in Nevada on 10/19/2024 and Utah on 10/22/2024. Early voting ends on 11/1/2024 for all three states.

Find out key early voting dates, locations, and how to sign up for mail ballots in our latest blog post, and be sure to make your voice heard before Election Day!

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardSeptember 16, 2024Elections and Voting Rights, Church and SocietyComment

Join the Vital Congregations Journey: Strengthen Your Ministry in Six Sessions

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.

ELCA, Leadership Resources, NewsBrian FlatgardSeptember 16, 2024Coaching, ELCA Coaching, United Lutheran SeminaryComment

The Ministry of Less Is More: Free Webinar on Scaling Back for Greater Impact

Feeling 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.

Grand Canyon Synod, News, Leadership ResourcesBrian FlatgardSeptember 16, 2024Lay Leadershipo, faith+lead, Luther SeminaryComment

Last Call for Registration: Grand Canyon Synod Women of the ELCA Fall Retreat

Final 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.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardSeptember 16, 2024Women of the ELCA (WELCA), Grand Canyon WomenComment

ELCA Election Activator Network meeting is Tuesday, 9/24/2024

Join 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.

ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardSeptember 16, 2024ELCA Advocacy, Advocacy, Elections and Voting Rights, Church and SocietyComment

Hunger Leaders Network meets 6pm last Tuesday of every month

Calling 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.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardSeptember 16, 2024hunger, Grand Canyon Synod Hunger Leaders NetworkComment

In Memoriam: Pastor Harold Peterson

We 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.

Grand Canyon Synod, News, Prayers, In MemoriamBrian FlatgardSeptember 16, 2024American Sun City, Cactus ConferenceComment

Explore Lutheran Values in Election Year: 9/24/2024 discussion on Faith, Sexism and Justice

Join 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.

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