El tiempo es un regalo en el Adviento | Time is a gift this Advent
El tiempo es un regalo en el Adviento | Time is a gift this Advent

La escritora y artista Kristina Díaz crea una experiencia de Adviento centrada en objetos que nos conectan con las personas que amamos. Ella escribe: "Sentarse con objetos que guardan recuerdos puede recordarnos nuestra historia y hacernos volver a los momentos y seres queridos que extrañamos". Participe en esta acción especial de Adviento descargando un calendario de Adviento semanal disponible en inglés y en español. Leer más.

Writer and artist Kristina Diaz creates an Advent experience focused on objects that connect us to the people we love. She writes, "Sitting with objects that hold memories can remind us of our story and bring us back to the moments and loved ones we miss." Participate in this special Advent action by downloading a weekly Advent calendar available in English and Spanish. Read more.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardEspañol, Women of the ELCA (WELCA), 2024 Advent and ChristmasComment
Rediscover the Heart of Advent with Faith+Lead's 4-Day Mindful Challenge
Rediscover the Heart of Advent with Faith+Lead's 4-Day Mindful Challenge

Pause and reflect this Advent season with the 4-Day Mindful Advent Challenge from Faith+Lead. Beginning December 2nd, this free devotional series will guide you through Advent’s themes of hope, peace, joy, and love with contemplative art by Pastor Steve Thomason, daily prayers, and simple practices. Visit faithlead.org/2024-advent to sign up and start this season with stillness and renewal.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian Flatgard2024 Advent and Christmas, faith+lead, Luther SeminaryComment
The 2024 Vine Deloria Jr. Symposium: Challenging Perspectives, Building Bridges
The 2024 Vine Deloria Jr. Symposium: Challenging Perspectives, Building Bridges

This week, we highlight Indigenous voices and theological insights from the 2024 Vine Deloria Jr. Theological Symposium. Watch Star Eschiti share her vision for Native youth, explore a panel discussion on Vine Deloria Jr.’s Custer Died for Your Sins, and hear Rev. Dr. Robert O. Smith discuss Red Power, Black Power, and critical race theory. Discover how these conversations challenge and inspire our journey toward justice and reconciliation.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardAmerican Indian Alaska Native Lutheran Association, American Indian and Alaska Native, ELCA Indigenous Ministries and Tribal RelationsComment
Making Room for All: An Advent Pilgrimage of Justice and Peace
Making Room for All: An Advent Pilgrimage of Justice and Peace

Join the ELCA Sumud and ELCA Young Adults this Advent for a powerful spiritual journey exploring Bethlehem and the Holy Land through reflections, webinars, and theological resources. Starting Nov. 30, this series invites us to make room for justice and peace in our lives. Learn more and download the Advent Devotional Guide.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardSumud, Israel and Palestine, ELCA Young Adults, Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land, 2024 Advent and ChristmasComment
Advent Begins: Restore Our Hope with Centering Prayer
Advent Begins: Restore Our Hope with Centering Prayer

Advent is here! Join Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center this Monday, December 2, at 12:00 PM AZ/MST for Restore Our Hope: Advent Centering Prayer. This week, we reflect on a world marked by isolation, comparison, and fear, as we pray for connection, compassion, and liberation. Begin the season with 30 minutes of song, prayer, and quiet reflection. Register here to receive the Zoom link.

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Grand Canyon Synod, News, Resources, Worship ResourcesBrian Flatgard2024 Advent and Christmas, Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center, Worship ResourcesComment
Celebrate the Season: Explore Our Advent and Christmas Highlights
Celebrate the Season: Explore Our Advent and Christmas Highlights

Discover the Grand Canyon Synod’s 2024 Advent and Christmas hub! This special section of our site gathers worship resources, event calendars, and inspiring stories to guide you through this holy season. Visit gcsynod.org/2024-advent-christmas to explore and share your own events or reflections with the synod. Let’s prepare our hearts together for the coming of Christ!

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Grand Canyon Synod, News, Leadership ResourcesBrian Flatgard2024 Advent and ChristmasComment
Lifting Voices for Justice: ELCA Advocacy on Child Hunger, DACA, and More
Lifting Voices for Justice: ELCA Advocacy on Child Hunger, DACA, and More

From combating child hunger to advocating for climate action and justice for Dreamers, the ELCA continues to live out its call to serve neighbors and proclaim God’s peace. This month’s highlights include updates from COP29, work on U.S.-Israel humanitarian aid, and support for DACA protections. Learn how Lutherans are putting faith into action and how you can join the effort.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardAdvocacy, ELCA AdvocacyComment
Ordination celebrations: November 29 – December 5, 2024
Ordination celebrations: November 29 – December 5, 2024

This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:

  • Rev. Brian Weinberger, Bethlehem, Mesa, who celebrates 16 years on November 29.

  • Rev. Naomi Hartman, Church of the Foothills, Tucson, who celebrates 15 years on November 29.

  • Deacon April Boyden, who celebrates 35 years on December 1.

  • Rev. Lars Hammar, Lord of Grace, Tucson, who celebrates 25 years on December 5.

  • Rev. Joshua Pontious, Community of Grace, Peoria, who celebrates 3 years on December 5.

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Grand Canyon Synod, News, SpotlightBrian FlatgardOrdination AnniversariesComment
2024 LSM Musical Advent Calendar available in December
2024 LSM Musical Advent Calendar available in December

Experience the anticipation and hope of the Advent season with Lutheran Summer Music's fourth-annual Musical Advent Calendar. From December 1-24, immerse yourself in a daily moment of music and reflection shared on our Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube pages and archived on our website at LSMacademy.org/acal. 

To have these daily videos delivered straight to your inbox, sign up here.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardLutheran Summer Music, Worship Resources, 2024 Advent and ChristmasComment
ELCA World Hunger provides Advent and Lent Resources
ELCA World Hunger provides Advent and Lent Resources

New resources are now available from ELCA World Hunger to enrich the life of your congregation in Advent 2024 and Lent 2025. As congregations across the ELCA creatively find new ways to lean into the future, we are eager to equip leaders with ELCA World Hunger resources for the important church seasons of Advent and Lent.

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ELCA, News, Leadership ResourcesBrian FlatgardHunger, ELCA World Hunger, 2025 Lent, 2024 Advent and ChristmasComment
Find Healing and Strength: ELCA Coaching Offers Free Support for Church Leaders
Find Healing and Strength: ELCA Coaching Offers Free Support for Church Leaders

Facing transitions and challenges in ministry? ELCA Coaching offers free individual coaching sessions and Supportive Spaces, a six-week support group for church leaders. These programs provide a safe space to reflect, process grief, and find renewal with the help of certified coaches. Next Supportive Spaces cohort begins December 5. Sign up today to invest in your well-being and leadership.

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ELCA, Leadership Resources, NewsBrian FlatgardCoaching, ELCA CoachingComment
Lutheran World Federation newsletter
Lutheran World Federation newsletter
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News, Global Church, SpotlightBrian FlatgardLutheran World FederationComment
A Legacy of Learning: First Scholarships Awarded by Grace Lutheran Church in Phoenix
A Legacy of Learning: First Scholarships Awarded by Grace Lutheran Church in Phoenix

Grace Lutheran Church in Phoenix has awarded its first scholarships through the Grace and Grand Canyon Synod Scholarship Fund, established in 2023 to help ELCA members pursue higher education and professional growth. This fund honors Martin Luther’s legacy of learning, providing financial aid and community support. With matching funds available at many faith-based institutions, a single gift can make a significant impact. To learn about eligibility or contribute to the fund, contact Arizona Community Foundation at azfoundation.org or Grace Lutheran’s team at Treasurer@graceinthecity.com.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardGrace Phoenix, Capital Conference, Grants, Youth and Young AdultComment
Fighting Hunger, Seeking Peace, and Elevating Indigenous Voices: ELCA Advocacy Highlights
Fighting Hunger, Seeking Peace, and Elevating Indigenous Voices: ELCA Advocacy Highlights

From fighting child hunger to advocating for bold climate action at COP29, the ELCA continues to embody Christ’s call to justice. Explore updates on global partnerships, featured resources like Bishop Eaton’s post-election message, and dates to mark, including World AIDS Day. Read more to find ways your congregation can take action this season.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardAdvocacy, ELCA AdvocacyComment
November Advocacy Updates from UN and State Offices
November Advocacy Updates from UN and State Offices

Discover how Lutherans are putting faith into action this November with advocacy updates from the UN and state public policy offices. From amplifying human rights at the United Nations to championing civic engagement and justice in Colorado, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Wisconsin, our church is making an impact globally and locally. Learn more about these efforts and how you can get involved.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardAdvocacy, ELCA AdvocacyComment