We give thanks to all those who attended and presented at our 2021 Bishop’s Fall Gathering. Your participation strengthens the connection of the people of the Grand Canyon Synod, making us better together for the sake of the Gospel.
In this post we thank Bishop Eaton, Ryan Panzer, Pastor Roberto Trejo Haager, our worship, planning and prayer team, and pastors who shared their hybrid ministry experiences.
Read MoreMost of you have heard of the ELCA’s goal to engage 1 million new, young, diverse members by the end of the decade. But what about the rest of us, the ones already engaged? Bishop Eaton has your answer.
Read MoreWe’re delighted to welcome ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton and Ryan Panzer to our 2021 Bishop's Fall Gathering, held online, October 18-19, 2021. All active rostered ministers, retired ministers serving as interim pastors, and synod council members are invited.
Participants are encouraged to download and print this PDF which includes our order of worship, as well as a workbook to use during Ryan Panzer’s hybrid ministry presentation.
Read MoreJoin Bishop Eaton in giving thanks for this year’s Fund for Leaders recipients, a scholarship program which supports seminary students. We’re grateful for all future ministers, their confidence and courage to lead the church, and the ways they share the love of God in Christ with God’s people. Are you considering a call to ministry? Visit: elcaseminaries.org/
Read MoreOn Indigenous Peoples’ Day, we celebrate the heritage and contributions of Indigenous members of our church and society. Bishop Eaton also invites us into a time of confession and commitment.
We confess the church’s failure to address the racism that has so damaged Indigenous communities. We commit to working cooperatively to promote justice for Indigenous people, participating in acts of advocacy, practicing land acknowledgements and taking seriously the experiences of our Indigenous neighbors. Together we are all children of God, redeemed by Jesus, sustained by the Spirit.
Read MoreIn her letter introducing Stories of Faith in Action, Bishop Eaton notes that “the disciples in John’s Gospel approach ministry challenges with a scarcity mindset. Jesus shows us a different way: trusting in God’s awesome abundance.”
Read MoreOur church teaches that, as a matter of dignity for all people, the U.S. has an international and moral responsibility to honor the human rights and dignity of migrants, and to not be silent in the face of racial injustice against people of African descent.
Read MoreIn this video, Presiding Bishop Eaton and Presiding Bishop Curry of The Episcopal Church share their experiences at the White House advocating for children and families through a series of bills before Congress right now.
Visit The Episcopal Public Policy Network and ELCA Advocacy or more ways to get involved.
Read MoreBishop Eaton joins three other bishops in North America to invite us to to commemorate September 30, 2021 (www.orangeshirtday.org) as a day for truth and healing.
We encourage you to learn about residential and boarding schools for Indigenous People, honor survivors, and remember those who never made it home from the schools.
Read MoreReflecting on the early church, Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton writes: “They were one body. We are one body. We are the body of Christ.” Despite cultural and political differences, she reminds us that we can’t dissolve this bond. Read her September column for Living Lutheran in English at https://bit.ly/3hMNz9G and in Spanish at https://bit.ly/3tVcAUM.
Read MoreELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton and other members of the Circle of Protection coalition met Thursday, Sept. 22, 2021, with senior officials at the White House. The Circle of Protection letter, including the full list of signers, can be read here.
Eaton and other heads of Christian denominations and organizations are working together to urge passage of the economic bills the U.S. Congress is considering now, along with voting rights legislation this fall. Thursday's meeting focuses on the family support bill currently being debated in Congress.
Read MoreBishop Eaton invites us to an online benefit for ELCA World Hunger, Thursday, Oct. 14, 5:30 p.m. MST/PDT, via Zoom. Register here.
Join Bishop Eaton and Rick Steves, guidebook author and travel TV host, as they celebrate World Food Day!
Read MorePresiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton encourages us to celebrate and pray for the new bishops being installed in our region and throughout America.
Read MoreAs we observe the 20th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, tragedies, Bishop Eaton invites us to remember, reflect and pray. Let us never forget the many lives lost or that many still carry the burdens of grief, trauma, and illness. As we remember the trauma of 9/11 and its aftermath, may we reflect on and hold fast to the promise that God has given us a future of hope.
Read MoreAs this time of pandemic carries on, sometimes it’s easy to forget that we’re still living through something major and global. In the midst of anxiety and fear, Bishop Eaton shares the words of Jesus, “Come to me, all you that are weary and carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.”
Read MoreFor nearly a century, Lutherans have been helping to resettle those fleeing harm. As we pray for Afghanistan, we are called to support those arriving in the U.S. by becoming a part of the long welcome for these families.
Support LIRS’ Neighbors in Need: Afghan Allies fund, which will provide food, housing assistance, clothing, and other basic needs for our Afghan friends as they await the official services available to them by visiting LIRS.org/HelpNow.
Read MoreDuring this week of devastating news, Bishop Eaton encourages us to take a brief pause in silence, that we may be able to hear the voices of those affected by tragedy, listen for God, and respond to suffering in our world.
Read MoreIn her August column in Living Lutheran, Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton writes: “This is the faith which declares that through pandemics, droughts, floods, famines, deadly bigotry, war, all the death-dealing things in nature and the human heart, life—the abundant life that Jesus promises—will prevail. Plant something in the summer.” Read her column in English at https://bit.ly/3CGLepk and in Spanish at https://bit.ly/3iDH4qd.
Read MoreEspecially as temperatures and wildfires are soaring all over the country, it is clear that our climate crisis is reaching a tipping point. Our Christian call and vocation include caring for creation, and Bishop Eaton encourages us to find ways to be part of the solution to this dire situation. Start with a read or re-read of the ELCA Social Statement, Caring for Creation: Vision, Hope and Justice.
Read MoreJust as the Olympians are surrounded by family, friends, mentors, and entire countries, we too are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses. This week, Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton encourages us to "run like the wind."
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