Posts in Grand Canyon Synod
SPICE: Spiritual Program for Individual and Couple Empowerment at Spirit in the Desert
SPICE: Spiritual Program for Individual and Couple Empowerment at Spirit in the Desert

A one-of-a-kind research-based, spiritual empowerment program that utilizes mindfulness, neuroscience, storytelling, and experiential exercises to infuse more calm, health, and joy in your relationships and in the world.

The Spiritual Program for Individual and Couple Empowerment (SPICE) Retreat is for individuals and couples seeking more meaning and purpose in their lives and relationships. Whether you’re floundering, fine, or fabulous, SPICE aims to bring you to the next level. Register and view full info on our calendar listing.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardSpirit in the Desert Retreat CenterComment
CWA Reflection: Pastor David Brandfass
CWA Reflection: Pastor David Brandfass

We continue our series of weekly reflections on the 2022 Churchwide Assembly with thoughts from Rev. David Brandfass, with Christ Lutheran in Sedona.

“When I left the 2019 assembly I felt as though we faced great challenges as a church, and I wasn’t sure we were up to it. Three years later, on my way home from Columbus, it is obvious we face even greater challenges, but now, through the witness of this assembly, I feel we are ready, led by the Spirit and filled with grace, to meet the challenges faced by Jesus’ church in this twenty-first century.”

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian Flatgard2022 Churchwide Assembly, Colorado River Conference, Synod CouncilComment
Daily devotions during Advent available from Spirit in the Desert
Daily devotions during Advent available from Spirit in the Desert

Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center offers an Advent-specific daily devotion via email beginning Sunday, November 27, 2022, and ending on Christmas Day. If you would like to receive a special devotional reflection by Pastor Steve Holm in your inbox each day during Advent, register here.

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Grand Canyon Synod, News, Worship ResourcesBrian FlatgardSpirit in the Desert Retreat Center, 2022 Advent and ChristmasComment
COVID-19 community levels: 11/10/2022
COVID-19 community levels: 11/10/2022

In the South and West, several states — including Nevada, New Mexico and Utah — have seen reported cases increase by 50 percent or more over the past two weeks.

According to the CDC’s COVID-19 Community Levels, Apache is a high level county. All other synod counties are low level: Apache, Clark, Coconino, Cochise, Gila, Graham, Greenlee, La Paz, Maricopa, Mohave, Navajo, Nye, Pima, Pinal, Santa Cruz, Yavapai, Washington, and Yuma.

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News, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardCoronavirusComment
Tidings of Comfort & Joy: A virtual Advent of Making program from Spirit in the Desert
Tidings of Comfort & Joy: A virtual Advent of Making program from Spirit in the Desert

Join facilitator Sheri Brown this Advent to explore what faith is making of you this Advent season … and to practice making a few gifts for the world in response. Our Advent of Making will be a season of making peace, making hope, making comfort, and making joy.

Join the Spirit community for a scant hour on Sundays at 4pm MST, 5pm PST. Weekly themes and program details here. The four programs are free of charge, but donations are welcome.

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Worship Resources, Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian Flatgard2022 Advent and Christmas, Spirit in the Desert Retreat CenterComment
Grand Canyon Synod Youth represent at the ELCA Youth Summit
Grand Canyon Synod Youth represent at the ELCA Youth Summit

“Beloved – No Matter What” the theme for the ELCA Youth Leadership Summit at the Carol Joy Holling Camp in Ashland, Nebraska. Three youth from across the Grand Canyon Synod traveled with Pr. Jacqui Pagel to meet up with 100 other youth, young adults, and leaders to practice better ways to communicate God’s love to all in and out of our churches.

Please contact Pr. Jacqui if you are a youth or have a youth that would like to represent the Grand Canyon Synod at The Summit, November 2 – 5, 2023, in New Orleans, LA.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardYouth and Young AdultComment
Be Connected Faith Network: A Conversation with Pastor Brett Everett
Be Connected Faith Network: A Conversation with Pastor Brett Everett

In this video for the Be Connected Faith Network, Pastor Brett Everett shares the power the faith community has to deal with issues facing combat veterans and active duty service members, including dealing with forgiveness, guilt, anger, estranged relationships, depression, and PTSD.

A combat healing group is someplace where veterans can feel safe, share their stories, and find a healing of the soul.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardVeterans, Military, Be Connected Faith NetworkComment
Be Connected Faith Network provides faith-based support for veterans
Be Connected Faith Network provides faith-based support for veterans

Our synod is home to more than 500,000 service members, veterans and their families. If you need help or would like to help, we invite you to learn more about the Be Connected Faith Network which provides support and healing to our service members, veterans and their families through faith. Visit ConnectVeterans.org/Faith, read this PDF, or call their confidential support line at 866-4AZ-VETS (866-429-8387).

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News, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardMilitary, Be Connected Faith Network, Arizona Coalition for Military Families, VeteransComment
A prayer for Veterans Day
A prayer for Veterans Day

Almighty and ever-living God, we give you thanks for the men and women who have served and defended our country and the values of freedom and justice we hold so dear. Help us be mindful of the sacrifices they made and the hardship endured by their families and friends, so that we never take for granted the privileges they have secured for us. Hear us, we pray, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

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Grand Canyon Synod, PrayersBrian FlatgardVeteransComment