This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Brian Weinberger, Bethlehem, Mesa, who celebrates 15 years on November 29.
Rev. Naomi Hartman, Church of the Foothills, Tucson, who celebrates 14 years on November 29.
As you gather this Thanksgiving season with friends and family—whether they be relatives or connections as family in Christ—I want to express my deep gratitude to each congregation and individual for your support and commitment to our mission as church together. Through prayer, presence, and financial gifts, your generous support has allowed the Grand Canyon Synod to accomplish so much this year. I am continually inspired by the way you live the call to love God and serve our neighbor.
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We pray for the family and friends of Rev. Dr. Carl Braaten, who died October 28, 2023.
A memorial service will be held November 25, 2023, 1pm, at Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Sun City West, 13724 W. Meeker Boulevard, Sun City West, AZ 85375.
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Join us Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center online for "Spirited Advent: My Soul Magnifies the Lord!" – a soulful Zoom journey this Advent. Hosted by Sheri Brown, each Sunday session offers a sacred space for reflection and connection, exploring themes of hope, peace, joy, and love. Inspired by Mary's Magnificat, these 30-minute gatherings provide a much-needed spiritual respite during the busy holiday season. Register now for this enriching, free series and discover your soul's unique begotten-ness.
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The Office of the Bishop staff takes time to give thanks this upcoming week. We also share photos from the Latin American Consultation with ILM President Roberto Trejo Haager, Trinity Lutheran’s 75th anniversary, and the Grand Canyon Women of the ELCA convention.
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This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Carl Sirotzki, Mount Cross, Payson, who celebrates 8 years on November 21.
Rev. Leonard Hoffmann, who celebrates 48 years on November 23.
Rev. Mari Larson, St. Andrew, Las Vegas, who celebrates 27 years on November 23.
We pray for the family and friends of Deacon Sonnee Ann Olson Steveson, who died October 7, 2023, after a brief illness. Memorial services will be held at Mountain View Lutheran in Phoenix on Nov. 25, 2023 at 2pm.
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Explore Mark K. Smutny’s insightful approach to establishing ground rules in meetings (view as a PDF), a vital tool for enhancing dialogue and understanding in our diverse society. Discover how empathy, respect, and inclusivity can transform group interactions. We share this as part of our Creating Space for Conversations resource page. Mark Smutny is founder of Civic Reinventions.
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Explore the art of spiritual caregiving with Luther Seminary's course for community members and leaders, "Embodying Thoughts and Prayers." Equip yourself with tools for meaningful care visits, empathetic listening, and self-care techniques to strengthen your ministry and community bonds. Dive into this enriching 6.5-hour course to uplift and empower your spiritual care practice.
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Find enriching resources for church leaders in this edition of Faith + Lead's Resource Roundup. Explore pivotal insights from the latest Pivot Podcast episode, delve into the powerful practice of storytelling, and download the essential ebook on "Pivots and Pitfalls for Church Leaders."
Plus, learn about upcoming events designed to enhance your spiritual grounding and leadership skills. Use these transformative tools and insights for guiding your congregation in these changing times.
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Maximize the impact of your year-end charitable giving with Thrivent Choice. Contribute to the Grand Canyon Synod or choose from over 40,000 organizations, and Thrivent will cover all processing fees, ensuring your entire donation benefits your chosen cause. Visit the GCS page to give through Thrivent Choice to make your contribution count.
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The ELCA Foundation's recent Insights newsletter highlights the importance of generosity during this season of thankfulness. It offers smart ways to give before 2023 ends, critical factors to consider when giving, a recorded webinar on estate planning and charitable giving, and information about the Ministry Growth Fund for ELCA congregations and affiliates. Additionally, it spotlights ELCA Good Gifts, offering unique charitable gifts to honor loved ones while making a difference globally.
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Welcome our new Transition Coach, Pastor Phil Gustafson, an experienced leader and Coordinator of ELCA Coaches in the Grand Canyon Synod, and join us in thanking Pastor Glenn Zimbelman for his exceptional service. Pastor Phil is set to continue guiding our community through transformative times.
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Potencia tu liderazgo en justicia climática con nuestro programa de certificación en línea transcontinental, disponible de febrero a noviembre de 2024 (PDF). Desarrolla habilidades morales, espirituales y prácticas para impulsar el cambio en tu comunidad. Comprométete solo 2-4 horas semanales para ser parte de un movimiento que fusiona el bienestar ecológico con la justicia social. Aplica antes del 30 de noviembre de 2023.
Empower your leadership in climate justice with our transcontinental online certification program, available February - November 2024 (PDF). Develop moral, spiritual, and practical skills to drive change in your community. Commit just 2-4 hours weekly to become a part of a movement merging ecological wellbeing with social justice. Apply by November 30, 2023.
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Experience the joyous installation of Pastor Josh Pontius as the Associate Pastor at Community of Grace Lutheran Church in Peoria through our shared video. Join us in celebrating this momentous occasion which took place on November 5, 2023.
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In addition to synod council and other meetings, the Office of the Bishop staff visit congregations celebrating significant anniversaries: Trinity Lutheran (75 years), Epiphany of Christ Lutheran Church (50 years), and Maricopa Lutheran (10 years).
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This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. R. Stewart McDonald, who celebrates 37 years on November 12.
Rev. Ruby Myers, Trinity, Phoenix, who celebrates 2 years on November 13.
Rev. David Krueger, who celebrates 47 years on November 14.
St. Andrew Lutheran Church is on the lookout for a Worship and Music Director. If you have a heart for worship and a talent for music direction, your opportunity awaits! Learn more about this part-time, salaried position and how to apply in this PDF job description.
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Click here to readArizona Faith Network's latest newsletter for enriching events and vital community updates. Engage in serene Monday Meditation, become informed during the National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week, and connect at the ASU Interfaith Social. Participate in crucial meetings and the unique Art Auction supporting incarcerated artists. Plus, learn about the AZ Nonprofit Security Grant Program and contribute to the winter coat drive for asylum seekers. Embrace religious diversity with Diwali celebrations and more.
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