Grand Canyon Synod stories of hope: April 2020

Synod members shared various stories of hope with us recently, and please remember to share yours. Some highlights:

Pastor Robert Jones with Santa Cruz Lutheran Church, Tucson, shares a Facebook album of a "Six Car Easter Parade," with 14 drive-by visits to homebound members and friends in neighborhoods on the west side of Tucson.

Pastor Carol Breimeier with Esperanza Lutheran Church, Ahwatukee, notes that the Ahwatukee Foothills News highlighted efforts by Esperanza folks for sewing masks and providing meals for healthcare workers.

Carol Brezina, Outreach Chair at Christ Lutheran, Sedona, let us know that 288 personal care kits were packed there on behalf of Lutheran World Relief.

Finally, Claire Crum, Church Council President at Grace Lutheran Church in Kingman shares they are creating CDC approved face masks utilizing their own material, machines, and, of course their time and talent.

Lutheran Social Services of Nevada services are by appointment

Lutheran Social Services of Nevada continues to offer services, including Identification Recovery Services (Birth Certificates), Rapid Rehousing Services, Senior Case Management, and more, although our one-on-one services will now be by appointment only.

Please call our main line at 702-639-1730 Monday - Friday or e-mail info@lssnv.orgat any time for more information about our services or scheduling an appointment.

Lutheran Social Services of Nevada: SNAP Signup

Lutheran Social Services of Nevada is setting appointments to help individuals sign up for SNAP (food stamps). For more information or to set an appointment, contact Nutrition Services Manager Maria at maria@lssnv.org.

Lutheran Social Services of Nevada: Heart of the City Senior Meal Program

As of Monday, March 23rd, the Lutheran Social Services of Nevada Heart of the City Senior Meal Program is served exclusively at Reformation Lutheran Church (580 East St. Louis, 89104) from 2:00 - 3:15 p.m. every weekday. Meals are free for seniors 60+. Currently we are offering our warm, nutrtious meals in to-go boxes to ensure the safety of our seniors.

For questions on the Senior Meal Program, contact Senior Meal Coordinator Jupiter Vasquez at jupiter@lssnv.org. For April's menu, visit our website here.

Lutheran Social Services of Nevada: DigiMart Food Pantry

The Lutheran Social Services of Nevada DigiMart Food Pantry is currently open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The distribution serves those who are driving in a drive-thru format and individuals who are walking or taking public transportation simultantously.

We are continuing to offer Emergency Boxes of canned goods, dried staples, snacks, and produce (based on availability) and serving clients outside. No prior registration is necessary, and anyone in need is welcome to come and receive food. For questions on the DigiMart Food Pantry, contact info@lssnv.org.

Reformation Lutheran Participates in Peer Ministry Review

In March, Reformation Lutheran Church of Las Vegas became the first congregation to participate in an intentional Peer Ministry Review. Ministry reviews have been done for other congregations, but usually at the request of Synod or Churchwide leadership.

A big thank you to Pr. Jason Adams for the invitation to conduct this insightful process and to the review team for their diligent work and recommendations.

Colorado River Conference, Pastor Gomez-Acosta, ResourcesBrian FlatgardApril 8, 2020Comment

Prayers for Pastor Ben Bergren

We pray for the family of Pastor Ben Bergren of Community Lutheran, Las Vegas, as they grieve the death of Ben's mother, and live separated across state lines during this time of physical distancing. His wife, Rachel Rochford Bergren, remains in California.

Colorado River Conference, PrayersBrian FlatgardMarch 25, 2020Community Las VegasComment

In Memoriam: Rev. Ron Hovick

Rev. Ron Hovick (last rostered in Pacifica Synod), member of Reformation Lutheran Church, Las Vegas, died February 20, 2020.

Funeral will be at Reformation Lutheran Church, Saturday, March 7, 2020 at 11 am.

You're invited to break new ground with LSSN

We invite you to join Lutheran Social Services of Nevada (LSSN) and Nevada Women's Philanthropy as we break ground for LSSN's new DigiMart Expansion on Thursday, March 5th, 2020!

Last May, LSSN was awarded NWP's Impact Grant 2019 to enable us to add an additional 2,308 square feet to our DigiMart Food Pantry. Groundbreaking will begin at 12:00 p.m. and refreshments will be available at 11:30 a.m. If you are planning to attend, RSVP to Tristan Hightower at tristan@lssnv.org.

Colorado River ConferenceBrian FlatgardFebruary 27, 2020Lutheran Social Services of NevadaComment

In memoriam: Rev. George Thune

Confident in the promise of resurrection, New Song Church announces the passing of Rev. George Thune, who died on Monday, February 17th, 2020 after a battle with cancer.

A memorial service will be held at New Song Church on Saturday, February 29th at 11:00am followed by a reception. All are invited to attend.

Colorado River Conference, In MemoriamBrian FlatgardFebruary 27, 2020New Song HendersonComment

POSITION FILLED: Office Administrator needed at St. Andrew Lutheran Church, Phoenix

St. Andrew Lutheran Church, Phoenix, is seeking a well-organized Office Administrator. This position will provide a warm and welcoming atmosphere to all who contact the church and will help to facilitate the ministries and the day to day business of the congregation. View job description.

To apply, submit a cover letter, resume, along with three personal references to officeadmin@saintandrewaz.org.

Colorado River Conference, Help WantedBrian FlatgardFebruary 13, 2020St. Andrew Las VegasComment

LSSN Volunteer Orientation meeting

Join Lutheran Social Services of Nevada for the first volunteer orientation of 2020 on Friday, February 21st at 10:00 a.m. right at their headqufooarters on 4323 Boulder Highway!

For more information or to RSVP, contact Tristan Hightower at tristan@lssnv.org.

Colorado River ConferenceBrian FlatgardFebruary 12, 2020Lutheran Social Services of NevadaComment

Prayers of thanksgiving for the Metevelis family's new son

Marissa and Pastor Matthew Metevelis welcome their son into this world: Jeremiah Peter (JP) Metevelis. Both of Reformation Lutheran Church in Las Vegas, Marissa works with youth ministry and Matthew is a pastor.

Marissa writes: “Happy groundhog day, super bowl 100, and birthday to Jeremiah Peter (JP) Metevelis. He arrived earlier than planned 2/2/20, but came into this world @ 1:57am surrounded by family and an amazing birth team…”

Colorado River Conference, PrayersBrian FlatgardFebruary 4, 2020Reformation Las Vegas Comment

Prayers for New Promise Lutheran, St. George, Utah

We pray for New Promise Lutheran Church in St. George, Utah, a vital, Christ-centered witness to all God's people.

We lift up in prayer Pastors Jill and Joe Doherty, Secretary Paula Fronk, Media Director Paul Leuthauser, Organist Cheryl Huner, Music Director Patty Brown, Building Manager Norman Chang, and Nursery Attendant Marta Salat Liorente.

We also pray for the New Promise Church Council: Eric Nicholaus, President; Walt Becher, Vice President; Indigo Klabanoff, Secretary; and Dave Falc, Dana Smith, Rick Morin, and Dave Preston.

Prayers, Colorado River ConferenceBrian FlatgardDecember 30, 2019New Promise St. GeorgeComment

Hakuna Matata Choir visits Community Lutheran Church, Bullhead City

We were blessed to partner with Hope United Methodist Church to bring the Hakuna Matata Children’s Choir from Kenya to Bullhead City. At Hope UMC and at Community Lutheran Church, we were in awe of the performances of these 14 young people…and their contagious smiles and great attitudes.

Colorado River ConferenceBrian FlatgardDecember 26, 2019Community Bullhead CityComment

1/18/2020: 2020 Gather Bible Study Event in Henderson, NV

The 2020 Gather Bible Study Event will be held Saturday, January 18, 2020, 8:30 am – 3pm at Christ the Servant Lutheran Church in Henderson, NV.

The theme will be “Vocation and Calling,” celebrating 50 years of women’s ordination in the Lutheran Church, featuring Rev. Dr. Kit Kleinhans. View the flyer for info and registration.

Colorado River ConferenceBrian FlatgardDecember 19, 2019Christ the Servant HendersonComment

Prayers for Community Lutheran, Bullhead City, AZ

We pray for Community Lutheran Church, in Bullhead City, AZ, an open & accepting congregation which ministers to the needs of all people through worship, prayer, outreach, education, fellowship, and service to the larger Christian community. We lift up the congregation and Pastor Tim Eighmy, Chancel Choir and Cantata Director Karl Thompson, and Accompanist Noni Robnett.

Colorado River Conference, PrayersBrian FlatgardDecember 16, 2019Community Bullhead CityComment

Pastor Ben Bergren installed as Senior Pastor at Community Lutheran Church in Las Vegas

Pastor Ben Bergren was installed as the new Senior Pastor at Community Lutheran Church in Las Vegas on November 16, 2019. He begins a new chapter for the church that has had only two other Senior Pastors in its 46 year history. Bishop Deborah Hutterer installed Pastor Ben and other pastors in the Las Vegas Valley came for the event.

Prayers for Christ the Servant, Henderson, NV

We pray for the people of Christ the Servant Lutheran Church, in Henderson, NV, a diverse, growing church where all people find an inviting, welcoming, safe place to explore and grow in spirituality, faith and discipleship. We lift up Pastors Dave and Diane Drach-Meinel, as well as Alicia Montague, Administrative Minister.

Colorado River Conference, PrayersBrian FlatgardNovember 27, 2019Christ the Servant HendersonComment

Las Vegas Area Churches Christ the Servant and Christ Lutheran help with orphanage in Liberia

New Life Liberia Lutheran Church in Las Vegas and Pastor Jackson Jaylah have inspired Christ the Servant and Christ Lutheran to participate in their ministry locally and globally. Together they have recently produced a 14 minute documentary of this ministry.

Colorado River Conference, AdvocacyBrian FlatgardNovember 19, 2019Christ the Servant Henderson, Christ Las VegasComment

Grand Canyon Synod

News

Connect

Communicate

create