Posts in Grand Canyon Synod
Ordination and installation of Nanette Christofferson
Ordination and installation of Nanette Christofferson

We celebrate Nanette Christofferson’s ordination and installation this weekend!

Ordination is Saturday, October 5th 2019, 5:30 pm, at Peace Lutheran Church in Peoria, AZ (18265 N.89th Ave., Peoria AZ. 85382.) All rostered leaders are invited to robe and process. The color of the day is green. Reception for all following ordination.

Installation is Sunday October 6, 2019, 3 pm in the sanctuary at Love of Christ Lutheran Church (1525 N Power Rd., Mesa AZ 85205.) All rostered leaders are invited to robe and process. The color of the day is red. Reception for all following installation.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardPeace Peoria, Love of Christ Mesa, Rio Salado Conference, Cactus Conference, Ordinations and InstallationsComment
Save the date for 2020 Assembly: June 11 & 12, 2020
Save the date for 2020 Assembly: June 11 & 12, 2020

Clear those calendars for the 2020 Assembly! We gather to do business and celebrate at Community Lutheran Church in Las Vegas under the theme “Why Jesus.”

Assembly opens Thursday, June 11, 2020 at 3:00 pm, and closes Friday, June 12, 2020 at 4:00 pm. By having assembly business done during the weekdays, this trip should be more affordable and convenient for those who travel. We are planning optional extra activities for those who wish to stay longer and better get to know their synod brothers and sisters.

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News, Grand Canyon SynodBrian Flatgard2020 AssemblyComment
We pray for Spirit of Grace, Surprise, AZ
We pray for Spirit of Grace, Surprise, AZ

We pray for Spirit of Grace Lutheran Church in Surprise, AZ. We lift up: Harold Stromer, Interim Pastor; Dave Sitzman, Church Council President; Sue Kopcha, Council Vice President; Vicki McCarville, Council Secretary; Council Members Spence Videon, Dick Lyda, Richard Johnson, Robin Aguilar, Treedah Magee, and Phyllis Borchardt; Sheila Marlow, Admin Assistant; Fred Bornhoeft, Director of Music; Deb Frusciano, Faith Community Nurse; Gerry White, Finance Director; Glenn Schultz, Accountant; Jerry Huston, Facilities Manager; Norm Lindstrom, Assistant to Facilities Manager; Ken Carnes, Choir Director; and Accompanists Georgette Harper and Elaine Indahl.

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Prayers, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardSpirit of Grace Surprise, Cactus ConferenceComment
POSITION FILLED: Children's Ministry Director at Community of Grace, Peoria, AZ
POSITION FILLED: Children's Ministry Director at Community of Grace, Peoria, AZ

Community of Grace Lutheran Church in Peoria, AZ, is currently looking for a full-time Children's Ministry Director to join our team. They are seeking a candidate that will help them to engage in ministry with children, particularly infants - 5th graders, and their families at church, at home, and in the community. Candidates should love children and be passionate about cross-generational ministry. If interested please send resume and references to Kathleen@boldrecklessgrace.org.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardCommunity of Grace Peoria, Cactus Conference, Help WantedComment
We pray for Community of Grace, Peoria, AZ
We pray for Community of Grace, Peoria, AZ

We lift up in prayer the congregation of Community of Grace Lutheran Church in Peoria, AZ. We pray for their leadership: Tim Wright, Senior Pastor; Kathleen Lotz, Associate Pastor; Michelle Halonen, Director of Administration; Kendrah Germundson, Volunteer Coordinator/Receptionist; Jeff Wright, Director of Church Operations; Tony Lake, Director of Worship; Lise Hopson, Performing Arts Director/Worship Assistant; Alan Gardiner, Director of Pastoral Care; Alycia Wright, Director of Missions; and Joshua Lotz, Student Ministry/Missions Assistant.

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Prayers, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardCommunity of Grace Peoria, Cactus ConferenceComment
Spirit of Grace celebrates Adult Vacation Bible School
Spirit of Grace celebrates Adult Vacation Bible School

This August, Spirit of Grace, Surprise, AZ gathered for a study on Swimming with Jonah, developed and presented by Cyndy Warnier, Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center. Each day approximately 65 members and friends enjoyed a coffee and craft hour followed by a presentation by community service organizations with a close with prayers and hymn sing.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsGrand Canyon SynodSpirit of Grace Surprise, Spirit in the Desert Retreat CenterComment
Prayers for Native American Urban Ministry
Prayers for Native American Urban Ministry

We prayer for the Pastor Mary Louise Frenchman and all those who are part of Native American Urban Ministry (NAUM) in Phoenix. NAUM is a Synodically Authorized Worshipping Community (SAWC) of the Grand Canyon Synod. Their ministry is possible through the grants they receive from the ELCA Domestic Mission Unit and the Grand Canyon Synod.

We particularly give thanks to God for the elders among us. We are graced by their wisdom and seasoning. We are touched by their knowledge and faith. Bless them, O God, as they are a blessing to us. Pour out your Spirit, that our elders may continue to dream dreams and testify to the Light of their salvation, Jesus Christ.

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Prayers, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardNative American Urban Ministry Phoenix, Capital Conference, American Indian and Alaska Native Comment
Reflections on Synod Assembly from Allie Papke-Larson
Reflections on Synod Assembly from Allie Papke-Larson

From Allie Papke-Larson comes this reflection on attending the Grand Canyon Synod Assembly this summer. Papke-Larson is Program Coordinator for Lutheran Campus Ministries/Canterbury Episcopal Campus Ministries at Northern Arizona University and Youth Director at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church in Flagstaff.

I have to admit; this was my first Synod Assembly since I was 14 years old and living in northern Minnesota. Going into the assembly I was looking forward to experiencing, and really meeting, the Grand Canyon Synod (GCS) for the first time. As a new member of the synod it was apparent to me that GCS is going through change and transition.

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Letters, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardComment
Gloria de Cristo, Yuma, AZ, receives $10,000 grant from the ELCA Division of Disability Ministries
Gloria de Cristo, Yuma, AZ, receives $10,000 grant from the ELCA Division of Disability Ministries

Gloria de Cristo Lutheran Church, Yuma, AZ, now has a Mental Health Ministry Team that has received a $10,000 grant from the ELCA Division of Disability Ministries. 

This new Mental Health Ministry will foster greater awareness and understanding within our congregation, and facilitate our work in reaching out to those with mental illnesses and their families.

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News, Stories of Hope, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardGloria De Christo Yuma, Cactus ConferenceComment
We pray for All Saints Lutheran, Phoenix
We pray for All Saints Lutheran, Phoenix

We uplift in prayer All Saints Lutheran Church in Phoenix as they bring people the good news of God’s love in Jesus Christ. We pray for the congregation and leadership and staff: Pastor Dan Hoeger; Director of Worship and Music  Jerry Gunderson; Director of Children and Youth Education Joe Schwartz; Website Administrator Tammy Follensbee; Pastor for Intergenerational Ministry Kristin Rice; Director of Senior Ministries Maritta Fink; Director of Children’s Music Betty Erickson; Grief Support, Carole Becker; Parish Administrator Shari Clark; Publications Administrator Christy Wirsig; Worship and Adult Education Coordinator Donald Wade. We pray for their church council: Jerry Hugo, Council President; Ben Blixt, Vice President; Karen Rasmussen, Treasurer; Nance Wabshaw, Secretary; Courtney Krueger, Recording Secretary; Kristin Boorse, Dave Cech, Lenore Little , Jon Nelson, Bob Richardson, and Johnny Edwards, Youth Representative.

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Prayers, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardAll Saints Phoenix, Capital ConferenceComment
Prayers for America Lutheran, Sun City, AZ
Prayers for America Lutheran, Sun City, AZ

We uplift in prayer American Lutheran Church of Sun City, AZ. We pray for Rev. Lowell D. Nelson, Senior Pastor; Rev. Gary R. Ulrich, Pastor of Care; Rev. Gary R. Garvey, Pastor of Visitation; Linda Shirck, Interim Organist; Janet MacDonald, Interim Choir Director; George Zoske, Director of Christo Bells; Julie Ochs, Financial Coordinator; Diane Lewis, Admin. Assistant; Carol Weber, Financial Consultant; Lori Kellar, Wellness Coordinator; Judy Gilmore, Communications Coordinator/Admin Assistant; Dave Tigges, Property / Grounds,

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Prayers, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardAmerican Sun City, Cactus ConferenceComment
Congratulations to Servant of Christ Award Winners!
Congratulations to Servant of Christ Award Winners!

Congrats to New Spirit Lutheran Church, Tucson, and All Saints Lutheran Church, Phoenix!

Recipients of the Servant of Christ Award from Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest, they have truly shown the love of our Savior and embodied the mission of Lutheran Social Services—showing kindness, doing justice, and serving those in need.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardNew Spirit Tucson, All Saints Phoenix, Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest, Capital Conference, Advocacy, Kino Conference, Immigration and RefugeesComment