UCC presents Community Safety Training Series

United Church of Christ presents a Community Safety Training Series via Zoom on August 19, September 9, 23, and 30, 5:00 - 7:00 pm. Register for Zoom info here.

How can congregations build an ecology of community safety that is rooted in care, investing in each other, believing in each other, and trusting each other and the rhythms and cycles around/within us? What community safety practices can we engage in now that also help us build the world we long for? Our experienced trainers will expand on our “Ecology of Community Safety” guide to offer practical skills, psycho-social care practices, planning tools, and analysis of current conditions.

Faith and Politics: How to Lead with Wisdom

Explore the complex relationship between faith and politics with Luther scholar, the Rev. Dr. Anthony Bateza in this enlightening episode of the Pivot Podcast.

How to Provide Comfort at the End of Life: A Lutheran Approach

Join Deaconess Cheryl Plummer on August 22, 2024, for “Spiritual Care of the Dying,” a vital Zoom workshop. Learn to address the spiritual and emotional needs of the dying through effective assessment tools and the Death Cafe dialogue model. This session, running from 5 to 7 PM MT, is essential for those involved in ministry and end-of-life care. Register now to deepen your understanding and care capabilities at this significant event. More info & registration on their site, or view this PDF flyer .

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardAugust 14, 2024Lutheran Faith Community Nurse Association (LFCNA)Comment

LAMA Liaison Roundtable: Engaging in Advocacy

Join the Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona Liaison Roundtable on Monday, August 19, 2024, from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM via Zoom. This monthly discussion offers a platform for congregational leaders and members to explore topics like civic engagement, overcoming reticence about advocacy, and educating members on the importance of advocacy as part of our Lutheran heritage. Participate in shaping future discussions and equipping our congregations for meaningful advocacy. Join via Zoom using Meeting ID: 879 9811 3829.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardAugust 14, 2024Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA), AdvocacyComment

Introducing “Book Time with LAMA” - A New Monthly Book Club

Join LAMA’s new book club, “Book Time with LAMA,” starting Wednesday, August 21, 2024, at noon. Our first book, I Think You’re Wrong (But I’m Listening) by Sarah Stewart Holland and Beth Silvers, explores grace-filled political conversations. Monthly meetings will provide a safe space for discussions on social justice. Register now to join the conversation! Register for Book Time: ‘I Think You’re Wrong’

Lifting Up Lutheran Campus Ministry at the University of Arizona

Join us in lifting up Lutheran Campus Ministry at the University of Arizona, where Rev. Rebecca Boardman and her team provide a welcoming and inclusive space for students of all backgrounds. Discover how this vibrant community fosters radical hospitality, spiritual growth, and a deep sense of belonging for young adults.

Prayers and Blessings for Flagstaff’s Episcopal and Lutheran Campus Ministry

As the new academic year begins, we lift up in prayer Rev. Michael Girlinghouse and The Episcopal and Lutheran Young Adult and Campus Ministries in Flagstaff. This inclusive ministry serves Northern Arizona University and the broader Flagstaff community, offering a welcoming space for all. Services resume on August 25th. Learn more at www.lcmcanterbury.org.

Prayers for ASU Lutheran Campus Ministry as New Academic Year Begins

As Arizona State University welcomes students for a new academic year, we lift up Rev. Arhiana Shek-Dill and the ASU Lutheran Campus Ministry in Tempe. This inclusive community provides spiritual growth, fellowship, and service opportunities, offering weekly Bible studies, worship services, and free meals for students. With retreats, community outreach, and a range of activities, this ministry creates a safe, welcoming space for all. Join us in praying for their continued impact on students’ lives as they begin this new academic journey. Visit ulctempe.org/campus-ministry to learn more.

Grand Canyon Synod, Prayers, SpotlightBrian FlatgardAugust 14, 2024LCM ASU, Youth and Young Adult, Lutheran Campus MinistryComment

Experience the Wisdom of Elder Perci Ami at the Bishop’s Fall Gathering

Join us for the Bishop’s Fall Gathering from October 21-23, 2024, at Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center. The highlight of this event is Elder Perci Ami, a Hopi/Tewa grandmother, storyteller, and healer. Experience her wisdom on October 22. Registration includes meals, and scholarships are available. Register by September 13 to secure your spot!

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardAugust 13, 20242024 Bishop's Fall GatheringComment

Santa Cruz Lutheran Joins Project AZUL to Expand Community Outreach

In this article from Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona, learn how Santa Cruz Lutheran Church in Tucson partners with Project AZUL to bring essential resources to the community. With the help of Sahuarita Food Bank, the mobile project offers education, health services, and job assistance, enhancing our food ministry. As new homes are built nearby, they aim to expand their services to include GED, resume writing, and ESL classes. Support and prayers are welcomed as they strive to fulfill our “God’s Work, Our Hands” vision.

Office of the Bishop Updates: 8/9/2024

The Office of the Bishop spends a day volunteering with staff at West Valley Lutheran Thrift Store this week, as well as regularly scheduled activities.

News, Bishop Hutterer, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardAugust 8, 2024Office of the BishopComment

Join AFN’s Summer of Listening: Strengthening Interfaith Bonds

The Arizona Faith Network (AFN) invites you to participate in our “Summer of Listening: Building Bridges for a Stronger Interfaith Community” campaign. Running from June through August, this initiative aims to foster interfaith collaboration and ensure our efforts meet Arizona’s diverse community needs. Your input via our community survey is crucial in helping us build a more inclusive and resilient interfaith community. Take the survey to contribute to a stronger, more connected community. And read more news in their latest weekly newsletter.

Ordination celebrations: August 9-15, 2024

This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:

Rev. John Hoelter, who celebrates 57 years on August 9.
Rev. Wyatt Linde, Resurrection, Oro Valley, who celebrates 1 years on August 9.
Rev. Joseph Dillon, who celebrates 48 years on August 10.
Rev. Paul Campbell, who celebrates 45 years on August 12.
The Rev. Cheryl Fox, St. John’s, Williams, who celebrates 15 years on August 15.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardAugust 7, 2024Ordination AnniversariesComment

Fuller Church Leadership Institute shares their Crucible newsletter for August, 2024

In the August 2024 Fuller church Leadership Institute newsletter The Crucible, reflect on Jürgen Moltmann’s influential legacy and his emphasis on finding hope amidst life’s tensions. Enhance your ministry leadership skills by joining the Business of Ministry Cohort with Mike Bonem, preorder Tod Bolsinger’s adaptive leadership series, and attend a practical training event in Colorado Springs.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardAugust 7, 2024Fuller Church Leader Institute, The CrucibleComment

Faithful Preaching in the Digital Age: Leveraging AI Tools

Artificial intelligence is transforming sermon preparation, making it more efficient and accessible. Tools like ChatGPT can generate compelling sermons tailored to specific congregations, enhancing the preaching experience. However, faithful preaching requires more than AI can offer alone. Dr. Karoline Lewis of Luther Seminary emphasizes that while AI can support the homiletical process, preachers must integrate their unique voice and context into sermons. Discover how AI can serve as a valuable co-pilot in sermon crafting, ensuring that the message is both impactful and faithful. Read more on using AI effectively in your preaching in the full post from Ryan Panzer.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardAugust 6, 2024Ryan PanzerComment

Stepping Up to Supervision: Essential Training for Church Leaders

Join faith+lead for “Stepping Up to Supervision,” a training series by Susan Beaumont, designed to enhance your supervisory skills within a faith-based context. Starting on August 13, this three-session course covers essential topics like performance management, hiring practices, and effective feedback. Register now to gain practical strategies and theological insights that will empower you to lead your congregation more effectively. Sessions will be held on August 13, 20, and 27, 2024, from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM Central Time. Enroll for $195 and access the recordings for a year. Enroll Now

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardAugust 6, 2024faith+lead, Luther SeminaryComment

Save the Date: 60th Anniversary Celebration at Grace Lutheran Church

Join us on Sunday, October 13th, 2024 following the 9:00 AM worship service at Grace Lutheran Church in Kingman, AZ, as they celebrate 60 years of ministry and community. Stay tuned for more details and visit glckingman.com for updates. Save the date and be part of this joyful milestone!

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardAugust 6, 2024Colorado River Conference, Grace KingmanComment

Community Spotlight: Santa Cruz Lutheran Food Bank

In this story by Hunger Advocacy Fellow Autumn Byars, discover how Santa Cruz Lutheran Food Bank in Tucson, led by Pastor Bob Jones and Joanie Contreras, extends Christ’s love beyond food distribution. Open every Wednesday from 11 am to 7 pm, the food bank offers flexible support, additional services, and hosts resource fairs. Serving southern Tucson and nearby reservations, this holistic approach creates a strong community, addressing broader issues of food insecurity. Explore the inspiring story of Santa Cruz and their dedicated volunteers who make a difference every week on the LAMA website.

Restoring Nature, Restoring Ourselves: Embrace Climate Action This Summer

From the latest Blessed Tomorrow newsletter: “Explore how restoring nature can lead to healthier, more fulfilling lives in our new Climate Action Guide. Learn from young climate leaders, discover the role of health professionals in climate advocacy, and prepare to vote with our comprehensive guide. Join One Home One Future for the Season of Creation and stay connected with Blessed Tomorrow for more updates and resources.” Read the full newsletter here.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardAugust 6, 2024Blessed Tomorrow, Climate ChangeComment

From Summer Workers to Charitable Gift Donors: The Carlson Sisters’ Lifelong Support of Mosaic

August is National Make-A-Will Month. A will is only one of several ways to ensure your charitable planned giving creates a legacy lasting beyond your lifetime. The post From Summer Workers to Charitable Gift Donors: The Carlson Sisters’ Lifelong Support of Mosaic appeared first on Mosaic.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardAugust 6, 2024Mosaic, Disability MinistriesComment

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