Stewardship in the Grand Canyon Synod
The Stewardship Team communicates how the mission dollars are spent through the annual narrative mission plan, letting congregations know of up coming stewardship events across the country, and providing educational opportunities for congregations to learn more what it means to be good stewards of what God has first given to us. Learn more…
Lilly 3E
The Grand Canyon Synod is pleased to announce that it will be sharing in a grant awarded to the Rocky Mountain Synod as part of the Lilly Endowment’s National Initiative to Address Economic Challenges Facing Pastoral Leaders. Select a topic below to learn more.
Generosity Film Festival
The Generosity Film Festival features fast, fun, and hopeful stories of generosity from all around our synod. Grab some popcorn and watch here.
A Cup of Generosity
A Cup of Generosity is a monthly letter from Pastor Dana Karen Reardon and the Grand Canyon Synod Stewardship Team. Read archives here.
The Generosity Project
An intergenerational, household focused approach to stewardship made possible by a grant from the SOLI Foundation to the Grand Canyon Synod.
The Generosity Project connects generations and equips households as centers for the faith practice of generosity. Learn more…
Legacy Planning
Enjoy this dynamic conversation with Lisa Higginbotham, CFRE and Josh Kerney of ELCA Foundation, as they help us connect our charitable hearts and desires to our gift planning intentions. Watch here »
It is a question of equality between your present abundance and their need,
so that their abundance may also supply your need, in order that there may be equality.
As it is written,
“The one who had much did not have too much,
and the one who had little did not have too little.”
—2 Corinthians 8:13b-15
The Grand Canyon Synod Council encourages all congregations to faithfully allocate mission support as an intentional commitment to our shared mission as church together. We encourage congregations to be generous and proportionate in their mission support, in accordance with the witness of scripture and the saints who came before us.
Stewardship news
In our December 2024 Mission Support Memo hear from Bishop Laurie Larson Caesar of our Oregon Synod, telling her story of joyful and important accompaniment with the Evangelical Church of the Augsburg Confession in Poland. Explore the eight enlightening things she learned about Poland and Polish Lutherans.
We are grateful how Mission Support connects us globally. You can also find out about an exciting series on aligning your pocketbook with your values, so learn how to join January 13th to explore “6 Weeks on Money.”
Looking to make a difference and save on taxes before 2024 ends? Discover smart ways to give that benefit both you and the ELCA ministries you care about. From simple cash donations to leveraging appreciated securities, gift annuities, and IRA contributions, these giving options can maximize your impact. Contact Lisa Marie Higginbotham, our Regional Gift Planner, to explore how you can contribute meaningfully this holiday season.
As 2024 draws to a close, the ELCA Foundation is offering a range of impactful and tax-advantaged ways to support ministries that matter to you. From IRA distributions to gifts of appreciated securities, there are options to maximize your giving while reducing taxes. Key deadlines for year-end gifts are fast approaching, so now is the time to act. Looking ahead, new opportunities like increased QCD limits in 2025 offer even more flexibility for generosity. Learn more about these strategies and contact Lisa Higginbotham for personalized guidance. Read the full newsletter.
As 2024 draws to a close, the ELCA Foundation is offering a range of impactful and tax-advantaged ways to support ministries that matter to you. From IRA distributions to gifts of appreciated securities, there are options to maximize your giving while reducing taxes. Key deadlines for year-end gifts are fast approaching, so now is the time to act. Looking ahead, new opportunities like increased QCD limits in 2025 offer even more flexibility for generosity. Learn more about these strategies and contact Lisa Higginbotham for personalized guidance. Read the full newsletter.
November is a “hinge time” — a moment to reflect on stories that inspire faith and generosity as we enter Advent. This month’s Where Your Heart Is newsletter offers stewardship insights, including tips for year-end giving, upcoming webinars on generosity and financial literacy, and reflections on Advent lectionary texts. Discover how narratives of courage and divine promise can transform your ministry.
In our November 2024 Mission Support Memo we share a story about how the Accident-Friendsville Parish, in our West Virginia - Western Maryland Synod, was able to equip their rural congregations with digital technology and stream to reach out to member near and far. Plus consider attending a webinar on November 18th on “Theology and Practicality of Space Usage” (it will also be recorded so feel free to register to get the link).
Living Christ Lutheran Church in Flagstaff has left a lasting legacy with the creation of the Living Christ Leadership Endowment, a fund to support future ELCA leaders. Established with $598,000, the endowment is dedicated to training and equipping seminary students, pastors, deacons, and lay leaders, especially those in the Grand Canyon Synod. Contributions to the fund are welcome through various giving options. Join us in carrying forward Living Christ’s mission of love and hope, ensuring that future leaders are empowered to serve and lead in faith.
Facing tighter budgets and attendance shifts? Join us for a free webinar, Funding Forward: Finding Hope and Sustainability Together, on November 12, 2024, 11am MST, 10am PST, with author Grace Pomroy. Discover faith-centered approaches to funding ministry that focus on hope and mission-driven sustainability. Grace will share real-life stories and practical steps that help churches reimagine finances through innovative models that build community. Register today to take part in this hopeful and transformative conversation.
Learn how to inspire generosity and simplify giving in your congregation with the “Inspired to Give” webinar, hosted by Vanco and the ELCA on October 24, 2024 at 10 am PDT/MST, 11 am MDT. You’ll gain insights into storytelling, best practices for giving, and exclusive tips on utilizing Vanco’s tools. Sign up today to join or receive the recording!
It is a question of equality between your present abundance and their need,
so that their abundance may also supply your need, in order that there may be equality.
As it is written,
“The one who had much did not have too much,
and the one who had little did not have too little.”
—2 Corinthians 8:13b-15
The Grand Canyon Synod Council encourages all congregations to faithfully allocate mission support as an intentional commitment to our shared mission as church together. We encourage congregations to be generous and proportionate in their mission support, in accordance with the witness of scripture and the saints who came before us.
October is National Estate Planning Awareness Month, a perfect time to reflect on your legacy and ensure your future wishes are clearly outlined. Estate planning is not just for the wealthy — it’s for everyone who wants to protect their loved ones, ensure their assets are distributed according to their wishes, and avoid unnecessary stress down the road.
Please reach out to Lisa Higginbotham or your regional gift planner if you have any questions or would like to schedule a meeting. Together, we can create a charitable plan that gives you peace of mind, cares for loved ones, and ensures the continuation of God’s work in the world for years to come.
Gloria Christi Federated Church in Paradise Valley, AZ, held its final service this past Sunday, celebrating decades of unity and service. In a spirit of generosity, the congregation made significant gifts to the Grand Canyon Synod, including an endowment supporting our mission and campus ministries. Their legacy lives on through these acts of love and outreach, blessing future generations in faith. Read more in this post from Rev. Dan Potaznick, Director of Generosity & Strategic Development.
The purpose of Lilly Endowment grant is to build a Ministerial Excellence Fund and to help congregations enhance stewardship.