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The Northeast Valley Consortium wrapped up its 2024 lunch packing series for Arizona Faith Network’s heat respite centers, providing over 2,600 lunches and vital supplies for vulnerable communities in Phoenix. Supported by local churches, grants, and donations, NEVC’s collaborative efforts exemplify the power of working together to save lives in extreme heat.
We are excited to announce that Rev. David Pavesic will be joining the Office of the Bishop as our new Director for Evangelical Mission (DEM), beginning his service on November 1, 2024. As DEM, Rev. Pavesic will play a vital role in leading and supporting the mission and outreach efforts across our synod, fostering growth in congregational vitality and nurturing new ministries.
Coaching provides essential support for rostered leaders in the Grand Canyon Synod, helping them grow as spiritual leaders while managing the emotional and administrative demands of ministry. With trained coaches available through Rev. Phil Gustafson, leaders can strengthen their leadership skills, manage stress, and set goals to foster thriving congregational communities. Contact Pr. Phil, Coordinator of Coaches in the Grand Canyon Synod, at pngustafson01@gmail.com to get matched with your coach.
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.
Bishop’s Fall Gathering
From Monday, October 21 to Wednesday, October 23, 2024, the Grand Canyon Synod invites you to join Bishop Deborah Hutterer at the Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center, located at 7415 E Elbow Bend Road, Carefree, AZ, for a spiritually enriching Fall Gathering under the theme “Embody the Word.” View the full info here.
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In the month of September, the Season of Creation is celebrated in churches around the world. Join One Home One Future for a Season of Creation resource kit plus access to a robust resource hub, connections to over 100,000 people of faith, events, programs, and ongoing support.
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.
United Church of Christ presents a Community Safety Training Series via Zoom on August 19, September 9, 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.
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.
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 and contribute to a just and peaceful society. Sign up here.
Join the ELCA’s online workshop series through October to delve into how our faith informs our actions and voting on critical social issues. View a PDF flyer and register now to engage deeply with our social teachings and lead community discussions.
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!
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 and contribute to a just and peaceful society. Sign up here.
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! Click here to access the meeting, at 6pm on the last Tuesday of every month.
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.
Synod Spotlight
This section is dedicated to celebrating and lifting up the everyday work of our congregations, ministries, and partners at various levels—from local to global. Join us in gratitude and prayer for these people and organizations. View all our spotlight posts here.
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Church & Society
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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 remaining vigils will be held on 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.
Another new voter engagement video from LAMA! Filmed on location at the 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering, people of faith share their thoughts on the question, “Is voting important to you?”
Voting by mail is a trusted option for many Arizonans, says this blog post from Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona. If you want to vote by mail in the November 5th General Election, be sure to request your ballot soon! Ballots will be mailed out starting October 7th, and the deadline to request yours is 11 days before the election. Act early to ensure your vote is counted!
Arizona voters will decide on 13 ballot measures this fall. LAMA’s 2024 Voter Guide helps voters navigate these measures through a faith-based lens focused on Hunger, Water, and Civic Engagement. As people of God, ELCA members are encouraged to participate in direct democracy and vote thoughtfully. Download the guide to make informed decisions on critical issues impacting our state. Read LAMA's blog post introducing the guide here.
ELCA bishops in Pennsylvania are leading a movement for peace in the face of growing political tension, sparked by a violent incident at a rally. Working with Lutheran Advocacy Ministry in Pennsylvania (LAMPa), they issued a joint statement calling for dialogue and dignity. The statement has garnered over 380 signatures from faith leaders and remains open for more to join. Read the original article at Living Lutheran.
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!
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!
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.
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.
In 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.
United 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.
Join Arizona Faith Network and the Election Protection Arizona as a nonpartisan, volunteer poll monitor for the 2024 General Election! Sign up to be an EPAZ volunteer at allvoting.org/afn2024. Zoom-based training dates are on the form.
As a nonpartisan volunteer poll monitor, you will assist voters on Election Day should they encounter any problems voting.
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Featured Events
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Join us on Sunday, October 13th, 2024 following the 9:00 AM worship service at Grace Lutheran Church in Kingman, AZ, as they celebrate 60 years of ministry and community. Stay tuned for more details and visit glckingman.com for updates. Save the date and be part of this joyful milestone!
Join Bishop Deborah Hutterer from October 21-23, 2024, at the Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center for the Bishop’s Fall Gathering. This event promises a blend of worship, fellowship, and insightful discussions under the theme “Embody the Word.” Registration is open until September 13, 2024, with options for both overnight and commuter participation. Featured speakers include Rev. Andrea Roske-Metcalfe and Elder Perci Ami. Don’t miss this opportunity to deepen your spiritual journey and connect with fellow ministers. For registration details, visit our event page or contact the synod office.
Join the 2024 Grand Canyon Synod Retirees Retreat from October 28-30 at the Spirit in the Desert Retteat Center in Carefree, AZ. This year’s theme, “Signs of Hope in Turbulent Times,” features sessions with Rev. Mark Hanson. The retreat offers a rich program of fellowship, worship, and reflection. Secure your spot now and find renewal in the company of peers. View this PDF for registration and scholarship information, or contact Jan Fosen at (602-758-0875) or via email at fosen1215@gmail.com with questions.
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.
Rev. Lisa Hackler will be installed Thursday, 11/7/2024, at 3 pm, at American Lutheran Church, (17200 N Del Web Blvd, Sun City, AZ 85373). Bishop Deborah K. Hutterer will preach and preside. Clergy are invited to vest and process. The color of the day is green. A reception will follow.
RSVP to d.bautista@alcsuncity.org if one is a rostered minister planning to process, otherwise no RSVP needed. Visit www.alcsuncity.org for streaming information.
We gather to connect people and do business at our annual synod assembly. We are pleased to be back at Community Lutheran Church in Las Vegas. The exact dates and time are subject to change.
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We uplift and pray for Rev. Jeffery Gallen and the people of Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church in Goodyear, part of the Cactus Conference. Visit their site at christevangelical.org.
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 remaining vigils will be held on 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.
This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Nanette Christofferson, Love of Christ, Mesa, who celebrates 5 years on October 5.
Rev. Kimberly Sterner, Lord of Life, Sun City West, who celebrates 38 years on October 5.
Rev. Thomas Morrison, who celebrates 46 years on October 10.
We uplift and pray for Rev. Patricia Lowe and the people of Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Prescott Valley, part of the High Country Conference. Visit their site at elcpvaz.org.
We uplift and pray for Rev. William Phillips and the people of Christ Lutheran Church in Las Vegas, part of the Colorado River Conference. Visit their site at christlasvegas.org.
The Office of the Bishop gathers for an in-person staff meeting, and celebrates Tanque Verde Lutheran Church Marking their 50th Anniversary, Sep 29, 2024, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM.
This week’s Faith Lens from Mark 9:30-37 reminds us that true greatness is found in humility and service, not in competition or status. Jesus redefines success by challenging us to care for those often ignored. How can we embody this greatness in our own communities? Explore ways to serve and appreciate the “greatest” in God’s eyes.⬤
Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest is offering free caregiver training for those caring for children under five in Northwest Maricopa County. Starting October 1, the seven-week program includes CPR certification, self-paced online courses, and weekly in-person sessions at Community of Grace Lutheran Church, 10561 W Pinnacle Peak Rd, Peoria, AZ 85383. Register now to gain essential skills in injury prevention, healthy eating, and emotional literacy. Visit LSS-SW Children and Family Services and view this PDF for more details.
Another new voter engagement video from LAMA! Filmed on location at the 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering, people of faith share their thoughts on the question, “Is voting important to you?”
Voting by mail is a trusted option for many Arizonans, says this blog post from Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona. If you want to vote by mail in the November 5th General Election, be sure to request your ballot soon! Ballots will be mailed out starting October 7th, and the deadline to request yours is 11 days before the election. Act early to ensure your vote is counted!
This October, Thriving Leadership Formation is offering exciting opportunities to grow in faith and leadership through a Lectio Divina series (bit.ly/TLFLectioDivina), Enneagram workshops (bit.ly/TLFEnneagram), and cohort groups (bit.ly/TLFCohortGroupInterest). Sessions begin the first week of October, and all are welcome to participate.
Arizona voters will decide on 13 ballot measures this fall. LAMA’s 2024 Voter Guide helps voters navigate these measures through a faith-based lens focused on Hunger, Water, and Civic Engagement. As people of God, ELCA members are encouraged to participate in direct democracy and vote thoughtfully. Download the guide to make informed decisions on critical issues impacting our state. Read LAMA's blog post introducing the guide here.
ELCA bishops in Pennsylvania are leading a movement for peace in the face of growing political tension, sparked by a violent incident at a rally. Working with Lutheran Advocacy Ministry in Pennsylvania (LAMPa), they issued a joint statement calling for dialogue and dignity. The statement has garnered over 380 signatures from faith leaders and remains open for more to join. Read the original article at Living Lutheran.
The Northeast Valley Consortium wrapped up its 2024 lunch packing series for Arizona Faith Network’s heat respite centers, providing over 2,600 lunches and vital supplies for vulnerable communities in Phoenix. Supported by local churches, grants, and donations, NEVC’s collaborative efforts exemplify the power of working together to save lives in extreme heat.
Facing financial challenges in your congregation? Grace Pomroy’s Funding Forward offers practical strategies to align your mission with your finances. Download a free chapter to explore innovative ways to foster sustainable growth and discover inspiring stories of churches overcoming financial obstacles.
The 2024 Africa Lutheran Church Leadership Consultation is taking place in Abuja, Nigeria, from September 18 to 22, under the theme “We, who are many, are one body.” This gathering of 90 African Lutheran leaders aims to strengthen unity within the church while exploring how diversity enhances their collective mission. Leaders from various church sectors are participating in dialogues and reflections to empower their ministries across the African Lutheran communion.
Land Acknowledgment
We acknowledge and honor the original inhabitants of the various regions of our synod. The Grand Canyon Synod is spread across lands in Arizona, Nevada, and Utah, which are currently home to over two dozen tribal nations.
We acknowledge and honor these communities, their elders both past and present, as well as future generations. We give thanks to our Indigenous siblings who have cared and continue to care for this place — this land — and call it their home.
Learn more about ELCA Indigenous Ministries, land acknowledgments, and Native American and Indigenous education resources.
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 remaining vigils will be held on 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.