Posts in Grand Canyon Synod
Ordination celebrations: July 19-25, 2024

This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:

  • Deacon Lana Neighbors, Honor Health, Scottsdale, who celebrates 27 years on July 20.

  • Rev. Joaquin Garcia, Vida Nueva, Glendale, who celebrates 41 years on July 20.

  • Rev. Dennis D. Nelson, who celebrates 50 years on July 21.

  • Rev. Harold Kriesel, who celebrates 56 years on July 21.

  • Rev. Richard Miller, who celebrates 56 years on July 21.

  • Rev. Doug Heskin, who celebrates 56 years on July 21.

  • Rev. Janice Brosen, who celebrates 40 years on July 22.

  • Rev. Paul Scheitlin, who celebrates 45 years on July 22.

  • Rev. Robert Jones, Santa Cruz, Tucson, who celebrates 41 years on July 24.

  • Rev. Colin Melby, who celebrates 41 years on July 24.

  • Rev. Craig Larson, Desert Hills, Green Valley, who celebrates 36 years on July 24.

  • Rev. Jeffery Gallen, Christ Evangelical, Goodyear, who celebrates 42 years on July 25.

  • Rev. Matthew Metevelis, Nathan Adelson Hospice, Las Vegas, who celebrates 14 years on July 25.

  • Rev. David Tiede, who celebrates 53 years on July 25.

Read More
Navigating Nationalism: Exploring the Impact of Christian Nationalism on U.S. Democracy

This summer, the Arizona Faith Network is spearheading critical initiatives to combat the devastating effects of extreme heat and foster interfaith dialogue. Participate in our relief efforts by donating essential supplies, and engage in our educational webinars to learn about issues like Christian Nationalism and interfaith leadership. Your involvement is crucial in supporting our vulnerable neighbors and enriching our community dialogue. Join us to make a significant impact! Click here to learn more and participate.

Read More
Music Majors Take Note: J.W. Pepper’s 150th Anniversary Scholarship Program Launches

J.W. Pepper is celebrating its 150th anniversary by launching a nationwide scholarship program, awarding 52 scholarships to future music educators. With $3,000 for each state’s recipient and an additional $10,000 for the top scholar, this initiative supports students entering college as music education majors in fall 2025. Applications open in October 2024—learn more and sign up for updates on this extraordinary educational opportunity.

Read More
A Faithful Transition: Celebrating Pastor Dew’s Leadership and Looking Ahead

Pastor James Dew will conclude his role as Interim Director for Evangelical Mission on July 31, 2024, marking the end of a significant tenure with the Grand Canyon Synod. Throughout his service, he has played a pivotal role in enhancing our ministry’s outreach, overseeing important tasks such as the Mission and Ministry Task Force, and supporting diverse Synodically Authorized Worshipping Communities and Strategic Ministries.

As we thank him for his heartfelt service and leadership, we also look forward to the continued growth and impact of our ministries. Join us in celebrating his contributions and wishing him well in his future endeavors.

Read More
You're invited to a Lutheran Social Services of Nevada (LSSN) Grand Opening

We are celebrating the expansion of our food pantry services, now open seven days a week with extended hours — making us the only pantry in the area operating all week long!

This is a fantastic opportunity to connect with elected officials, members of the media, other business professionals, and the dedicated LSSN board and staff members.

Monday, July 15, 2024, 11:00 am - 3:00 pm. Ceremony starts at 11:45 am. LSSN, 4323 Boulder Hwy, Las Vegas, NV 89121. RSVP here.

Read More
Grand Canyon Synod Youth and Young Adults Journey to the ELCA National Youth Gathering

This July, over a dozen congregations from the Grand Canyon Synod are sending their youth and young adults to the ELCA Youth Gathering in New Orleans. Joining 16,000 others, they will participate in a week of faith formation through interactive learning and fellowship. Events include MYLE and the tAble, focusing on youth of color and those with disabilities. Our community prays for their safe and enriching journey as they grow in faith and leadership.

Read More
Director of Worship and Music wanted at Saint Andrew Lutheran Church

Do you love church music, working with a choir and musicians to lead worship, and blending classical and new approaches in ways that inspire congregations to grow spiritually? Do you have an innate ability to know what music and arrangements will make a service more meaningful? If yes, you may be the person to help take the St. Andrew Lutheran Church music program to new heights.

Read More
Feed Arizona’s Future: Join AFN’s Hunger and Housing Advocacy This July

This July, engage with the Arizona Faith Network’s crucial initiatives, which you can find in full in their latest newsletter. Volunteer as a Poll Monitor to safeguard the election process, delve into the impact of Christian Nationalism in our democracy, advocate for hunger and housing, support heat relief efforts, and help build a stronger interfaith community. Each event offers a unique opportunity to act on our Lutheran values and make a significant impact.

Read More
Community Spotlight: Our Savior’s Lutheran & Grace St. Paul’s Episcopal

Hunger Advocacy Fellow Autumn Byar visited Tucson to learn more about the partnership between Our Savior’s Lutheran Church and Grace St Paul’s Episcopal Church as they find new ways to get involved in neighbor-love right in their own neighborhood.

“From food pantries to mobile showers, our ELCA churches have found many different ways to minister to the needs of their neighbors, each one tailored to the specific needs of the community. For Our Savior’s, it didn’t make sense to build a new ministry like this when a robust community partner exists just around the corner. Our Savior’s Lutheran sits right across the street from the University of Arizona and Banner University Hospital. It isn’t the only church to occupy this advantageous area; just a few blocks away sits Grace St. Paul’s Episcopal parish.” Read the full article on the Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA) website.

Read More
Learning How to Step Back from the Abyss of Political Violence

We share an article by Don Henninger from the Episcopal Diocese of Arizona. You can read the full article at azdiocese.org.

“Picture a country where fear of one’s neighbor is rampant, distrust of law enforcement is the standard, destructive riots occur regularly, and threats of political violence loom large over the minds of its citizens.

This evokes images of modern America, but we’re thinking of another country: Northern Ireland, in the lead-up to the violent and deadly multi-decade conflict known as The Troubles. With worries of political violence top of mind for millions of Americans, learning from leaders who have helped navigate conflict in other countries may give us insights for maintaining peace here at home.”

Read More
Ordination celebrations: July 12-18, 2024

This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:

  • Rev. Abigail Byrd, who celebrates 32 years on July 12.

  • Rev. Richard Sherrill, Prince of Peace, Phoenix, who celebrates 26 years on July 12.

  • Rev. Steven Holm, who celebrates 54 years on July 12.

  • Rev. Keith Ingle, who celebrates 54 years on July 12.

  • Rev. Susan Sauerberg, who celebrates 27 years on July 13.

  • Rev. Arthur Goetz, who celebrates 62 years on July 14.

  • Rev. Sherwood Glover, who celebrates 51 years on July 15.

  • Rev. James Price, who celebrates 27 years on July 15.

  • Rev. Erin Morris, Resurrection, Oro Valley, who celebrates 5 years on July 15.

  • Rev. Mark Huggenvik, who celebrates 52 years on July 16.

  • Rev. Timothy Brown, who celebrates 30 years on July 17.

  • Rev. Alan Field, who celebrates 39 years on July 18.

  • Rev. Karn Carroll, who celebrates 25 years on July 18.

Read More
Know Your Voting Rights: A Comprehensive Guide

ecoAmerica has developed the Know Your Voting Rights Guide — an essential resource to help you understand your rights, detect and address voter intimidation or deception, and guarantee broad participation in our democracy. By protecting voting rights, we enable ourselves to elect leaders committed to climate solutions that benefit everyone. Share this guide to empower voters and safeguard our democracy. Explore the guide here.

Read More