Posts in In the News
Faith communities urge voters to cast their ballots with climate in mind
Faith communities urge voters to cast their ballots with climate in mind

Highlighted in the Arizona Republic, Bishop Hutterer was one of four Arizona faith leaders from diverse traditions who spoke at an online panel last week in Phoenix about how different faiths address human responsibility to the environment.

“From our Lutheran tradition, we have this idea of care of creation, the interdependence of each one of us, and the fact that without caring about creation, we have actually denied our neighbors,” Bishop Hutterer says in the article in Arizona Central. “Our lives depend on the life that surrounds us.”

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Advocacy, Bishop Hutterer, News, In the NewsBrian FlatgardBishop Deborah K. Hutterer, Ecumenical and Inter-Religious Relations, Interfaith Power & LIght, Climate ChangeComment
Lord of Life Lutheran featured in the Arizona Republic
Lord of Life Lutheran featured in the Arizona Republic

Under the headline “Sun City West church preserves a vital lifeline during a pandemic, one worshipper at a time,” Lord of Life Lutheran, Sun City West, was featured prominently on a front page article of the Arizona Republic (subscription may be required), a well-produced video story on YouTube, and an AZ Central photo gallery.

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In the News, Stories of HopeBrian FlatgardLord of Life Sun City West, Cactus ConferenceComment
Sedona's places of worship adapt to social distancing
Sedona's places of worship adapt to social distancing

“Just like everyone else, the impact changes from day to day but the church is still the church even when we aren’t meeting — in order to protect ourselves and our neighbors from getting the COVID-19 virus,” said Pastor David Brandfass, of Christ Lutheran Sedona.

“We exist to share the gospel, but we know we also exist for the sake of the world. During this time of what seems to be a lot of hoarding, we continue to follow our Lord’s pattern of giving his life away for the sake of our world and our neighbor in need.”

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High Country Conference, In the News, Covid-19Brian FlatgardChrist SedonaComment
Refugees To Arizona Lawmakers: Welcome The Persecuted
Refugees To Arizona Lawmakers: Welcome The Persecuted

Refugees and their supporters, including Bishop Deborah Hutterer, went to the Arizona Capitol on Monday to urge the state Legislature to pass a resolution welcoming those who escape violence and persecution.

Among them was Jolie Nabigondo from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. She explained at a news conference that she was imprisoned in the late 1990s and tortured. Nabigondo later fled to Rwanda, Uganda and Kenya before coming to the United States.

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Bishop Hutterer, Immigration, In the News, AdvocacyBrian FlatgardComment
ELCA Foundation introduces e-newsletter: Insights
ELCA Foundation introduces e-newsletter: Insights

View the first edition of Insights, a quarterly newsletter from the ELCA Foundation. In this newsletter you’ll find tips, tools and information to achieve your charitable-giving goals while supporting the people, ministries and causes you love. Subscribe here.

Interested in giving to the ELCA? The Grand Canyon Synod has three gift planners, one of which is Tina Kvitek. Contact the Office of the Bishop and we can let you know which gift planner can assist you with your charitable intentions.

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Grand Canyon Synod, In the NewsBrian FlatgardELCA FoundationComment
Mountain View Lutheran hosts Pan-Asian ministry
Mountain View Lutheran hosts Pan-Asian ministry

The Pan-Asian Ministry is holding its next event on Sunday, Oct. 13, 4:30-6:30 p.m. at Mountain View Lutheran Church, 11002 S. 48th St., Ahwatukee.

This exploratory, synodically-authorized Worshipping Community Ministry will connect Asians in the ELCA congregations in the Phoenix Metro Area, offering them a way to build grace-filled relationships through fellowship, and to develop disciples of Jesus Christ through the building of community together. 

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In the News, Fiesta ConferenceBrian FlatgardComment
Bipartisan group of lawmakers, faith leaders and refugee advocates gather at AZ State Capitol
Bipartisan group of lawmakers, faith leaders and refugee advocates gather at AZ State Capitol

Bishop Deborah Hutterer joined refugee advocates in response to President Donald Trump's decision to lower the cap on refugee admissions over the next 12 months to 18,000, saying it will hurt Arizona socially and economically.

"Let me reaffirm that refugees do not bring terror when they resettle. Rather, they are the ones who are fleeing terror," Hutterer said. "It's refugees who contribute to our community, both economically and with their passion for this country, (and) bring with them their diverse cultures and backgrounds that only enrich the United States."

Read the full story »

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In the News, Immigration, Bishop HuttererBrian Flatgard Comments
Lutheran Social Services of Nevada in the News
Lutheran Social Services of Nevada in the News

Fox5's Cassie Mlynarek came to LSSN to speak with Chief Programs Director, Cherry Richardson, Empowerment Services Manager, Mark Zellmer, and Family Case Manager Trnee Stephenson about the nearly $2 million grant we were awarded by Clark County for our Rapid Rehousing Program. Thanks to the grant, LSSN will be able to provide 60 literally homeless families in the valley with a home and other supportive services to help them become stable and self-sufficient once more.

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Colorado River Conference, In the NewsBrian FlatgardLutheran Social Services of NevadaComment
Ruth Wootten to retire after nearly six decades of hospital volunteering
Ruth Wootten to retire after nearly six decades of hospital volunteering

University Lutheran Church, Tempe, AZ, shares news articles of Ruth Wootten: “Ruth Wootten has consistently volunteered for 57 years, most recently at Banner Gateway Medical Center in Gilbert. She has most recently manned the information desk at the center, "where she helps visitors with a smile."

Watch news of Ruth on Fox 10, 12 News, and ABC 15.

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In the News, Fiesta ConferenceBrian FlatgardUniversity Tempe Comment
In the News: Refugees, community groups come together to celebrate World Refugee Day
In the News: Refugees, community groups come together to celebrate World Refugee Day

Tanque Verde Lutheran Church and Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest got a mention in this Tucson.com article. “Refugees and community resource groups in Tucson celebrated the day with live music, food and children’s games and activities. Community groups also provided information for refugees as they integrate into the Tucson community.”

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In the News, ImmigrationBrian FlatgardTanque Verde Tucson, Lutheran Social Services of the SouthwestComment
Moving graffiti from the streets to the steeple
Moving graffiti from the streets to the steeple

From the Marana News: “Michael Schultz’s family was surprised he didn’t burst into flames when he walked into church. 

As a graffiti artist, Schultz estimates he painted 60 boxcars by the age of 17. Now, as an adult, his days of covert canvassing are behind him. Schultz, along with Pastor Lars Hammar, organizes Open Space Church, a location promoting a crossroads of art and faith for the Tucson community.” Read the full article »

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In the News, Kino ConferenceBrian FlatgardComment