Join us for a free concert on September 13 at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Phoenix, featuring organist and composer John Dixon. This is Dixon’s first Arizona performance, where he will present his own compositions on the church’s new Rodgers hybrid organ.
Read MoreJoin ecumenical prayer vigils across Arizona as Christian leaders from various denominations unite to pray for peace and unity during the 2024 election season. The vigils will be held on September 9th at Our Lady of the Angels Conventual Church in Paradise Valley, October 14th at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Tucson, and November 3rd at Sun City Christian Church. All are welcome to come together in faith to seek God’s guidance and peace for our nation.
Read MoreThe Office of the Bishop staff prepares to enter a busy September full of events.
Read MoreWith the 2024 presidential election fast approaching, we share a post from the Episcopal Diocese of Arizona as well as the Episcopal Church's Vote Faithfully Toolkit to help congregations engage in faithful civic participation. This toolkit offers resources for healthy election engagement, including crucial dates, action steps, and communication materials.
Read MoreThe end of the year is swiftly approaching, which means it will soon be time for the LAMA Policy Council to decide what our 2025 Policy Priorities will be.
Take our one-question survey now and let us know what you want LAMA to work on next year! We encourage you to share this survey with your ministries, small groups, and congregations. We want to hear from our community members across Arizona.
Read MoreRethink what ministry can look like in our increasingly digital world with the “Real Faith in an AI World: Rethinking Digital Ministry” Learning Community. This four-week course, starting on October 14, 2024, will equip you with the tools and strategies to integrate AI and digital tools into your ministry, ensuring authentic faith formation and community building in a tech-driven world.
Read MoreTransform Your Ministry in Just One Year with Theologically-Sound Training and Leadership Development. The School for Lay Ministry Learning Community starts October 12, 2024. Join this year-long journey to enhance your leadership skills, deepen your faith, and serve your congregation more effectively. Enroll now to secure your spot!
Read MoreIn this episode of the Pivot Podcast, explore the intersection of faith and justice with the Rev. F. Willis Johnson, a pastor who led his church through racial tensions in Ferguson, Missouri.
Read MoreAs we face the 2024 elections, threats to religious freedom are more prevalent than ever. In the latest Christians Against Christian Nationalism newsletter, their Report from the Capital sheds light on the misuse of the Bible in politics and the dangers of Christian nationalism. Learn how you can prepare to vote, protect your freedoms, and engage in efforts to safeguard religious liberty.
Read MoreGenesis Project has moved to Epiphany of Christ Lutheran Church in Apache Junction. They continue their mission of serving the hungry and homeless with hot meals, clothing, and support at their new location.
Read MoreAugust is National Make-a-Will Month—a perfect time to review and update your estate plans. The ELCA Foundation provides essential resources to guide you through every step, ensuring your values and priorities are honored. Explore tools like Giving Docs, learn about the benefits of a trust, and consider supporting an ELCA ministry as part of your legacy.
Read MoreKick off the new monthly young adult events in the Phoenix area with a fun night of unlimited bowling on Monday, September 9th, from 5:30 to 8:30 PM at Main Event in Tempe. This gathering, led by local young adult leaders, is the first of many opportunities to connect with peers across the Grand Canyon Synod. Don’t miss out on the fun—join us for this exciting event!
Read MoreJoin Rev. Jim Wallis for an insightful discussion on “Democracy, Faith, and Peace-Building in 2024.” Reflecting on his latest book, Wallis will address the challenges of Christian nationalism and the importance of reclaiming a faith that supports democracy. Co-sponsored by local faith organizations, this event is a must-attend for those passionate about the intersection of faith and politics.
Tucson: Wednesday, September 11, at 6:00 pm MST. Southside Presbyterian Church, located at 317 W. 23rd Street, Tucson, AZ 85713. Register here.
Phoenix: Thursday, September 12, at 7pm MST. Trinity Cathedral, 110 W Roosevelt St., Phoenix AZ 85003. Register here.
Enhance your counseling ministry by becoming a certified Prepare-Enrich Facilitator at a special training on September 27th in Oro Valley. Offered at a discounted rate to Grand Canyon Synod clergy, this workshop equips you with essential tools for effective marriage counseling and supporting families. Register by September 15th to secure your spot.
Read MoreBennett Henrikson is offering free clergy shirts in red, white, and black, available for those in need. Shirts are size 17, with an optional request to donate to your favorite charity. Contact Bennett at bhenrikson@cox.net for details.
Read MoreThis week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Deacon Barbara Sikkink, who celebrates 32 years on August 30.
Deacon Janice Zimbelman, who celebrates 10 years on August 31.
Rev. Renee Geiger, who celebrates 36 years on September 1.
Rev. John Schaumburg, who celebrates 52 years on September 2.
Rev. Kirk Anderson, who celebrates 52 years on September 3.
Deacon Cathy Mannel, who celebrates 25 years on September 4.
Rev. Gregory Mannel, who celebrates 46 years on September 4.
Rev. Jeffrey Solheim, ELCA, Chicago, who celebrates 25 years on September 5.
Join us on September 10 for a special regional conversation with Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton on “God’s Love Made Real.” This live Zoom event, hosted by Bishop Brenda Bos, will explore how we can embody God’s grace and love in our communities. Registration is encouraged but not required.
Read MoreWe extend our heartfelt thanks to Autumn Byars, our Grand Canyon Synod Hunger Advocacy Fellow, for her dedicated year of service with Lutheran Advocacy Ministry of Arizona (LAMA). Her work has been an inspiring example of how mission support from congregations flows through the synod and the ELCA to return as impactful ministry in our communities. We invite you to join us in praying for Autumn’s continued good work in the church and the world.
Reflecting on a year of impactful advocacy, Autumn shares key moments, including testimony against restrictive SNAP bills and support for the Grand Canyon Food Pantry. LAMA empowers congregations to turn their faith into action, advocating for justice and food security at all levels of government.
Read MoreSupport Lutheran World Relief’s 2024 Fall Ingathering by donating quilts and kits at the Tucson collection on September 13-14 or the Phoenix/Glendale collection on October 18-19. Learn more about how to participate and what to donate on the LWR website, lwr.org/pack.
Read MoreJoin us for the 2024 Bishop’s Fall Gathering, October 21-23, at Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center. With the theme “Embody the Word,” this retreat offers a unique opportunity for rostered ministers, seminary students, and those serving in congregations to explore the power of storytelling in ministry. Register by September 13 to secure your spot.
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