Posts in News
POSITION FILLED: Administrative Assistant / Associate Marketing Manager needed at Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center

The Spirit in the Desert Administrative Assistant and Associate Marketing Manager is responsible for supporting guest services and marketing activities. The person will interact with guests and assist in the communication of relevant, product, program, promotional or branding information.

Download Admin / Marketing job description. Applications can be sent to Eric Simonson or call Eric at 480.488.5218.

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Covid-19 exposure risk: 8/19/2021

A majority of United States counties were experiencing extremely high Covid-19 transmission in mid-August. Risk levels for unvaccinated people in the synod continue to be very high or extremely high.

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Office of the Bishop Updates: 8/20/2021

The Office of the Bishop continues to work behind the scenes on the details and administration of our synod, as well as engaging in conversations with leaders about our future. And getting in a few breaks and hikes.

View all the details for each team member in this post.

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Cal Lutheran’s Fifty and Better (FAB) Fall Session begins in September

Cal Lutheran’s Fifty and Better (FAB) 6-week Fall Session begins on 9/8/2021 and will include both an in-person course and virtual courses! Registration is now open.

Courses explore subjects such as U.S. history through the lens of baseball, how holidays we celebrate today were driven by historical forces, Vincent van Gogh and his influences, rock art in the ancient world, and more!

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How Your Charitable Heart Can Leave a Legacy

Our regional gift planners present “How Your Charitable Heart Can Leave a Legacy” on September 21, 2021 at 6pm MST/PDT via zoom. Please register here.

Join Lisa Higginbotham, CFRE, and Josh Kerney of the ELCA Foundation, in a dynamic conversation with as they help us connect our charitable hearts and desires to our gift planning intentions.

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New Covenant Lutheran in Scottsdale seeks Director of Student and Family Ministries

New Covenant Lutheran in Scottsdale is looking for a Director of Student and Family Ministries who will create a heart for discipleship in students (grades 6th – college) and summer ministries (ages 2-8 and grades 6-12). The Student and Family Ministry position is full-time with benefits for someone with a heart for students and growing faith in families. Contact them through their website: newcovenantaz.church.

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Excellence in Leadership cohort begins in September

In the desire to raise up courageous, resilient, and faithful leaders, the Rocky Mountain Synod has created a leadership initiative called Excellence in Leadership. It is a two-year investment, with classes meeting 1-2 times per month, that will provide tools and resources to last a lifetime.

They are beginning a new cohort this September. Find out more information and register on the Rocky Mountain Synod site.

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Rev. Ron Glusenkamp named one of 2021's Distinguished Alumni at LSTC

The Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago (LSTC) has named five 2021 Distinguished Alumni, including Rev. Ronald Glusenkamp, who is currently serving as Interim Pastor at Desert Hills Lutheran in Green Valley. Learn more at the LSTC website.

The Rev. Ronald Glusenkamp (Christ Seminary-Seminex, 1980, MDiv), who recently celebrated 40 years of ordained ministry, will receive the Called to Lead Award.

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Earthquake relief in Haiti

For over two decades, the ELCA has been present in southern Haiti. Lutheran Disaster Response is working in those communities to meet relief needs. In this post we share a letter from The Rev. Daniel Rift, Director of ELCA World Hunger and Lutheran Disaster Response Fund.

For many Haitians, their only source of aid throughout their lives has been the church. After the earthquake, presidential assassination and storms, many of those churches are in ruins, as we learn in this article and podcast from the New York Times.

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Part time music director wanted: Sierra Evangelical in Sierra Vista

Sierra Evangelical Lutheran Church (SELC) is searching for a part-time music/choir director to lead the congregation in worshipful music and singing at regular and special services. This position supervises the SELC organist and the contemporary worship team leader(s) as well. Hours will vary as required. If interested please contact the church office at 520-459-0444, admin@selcaz.org or go to our website.

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Support for wildfire relief in the Sierra Pacific Synod

The Sierra Pacific Synod is collecting funds and working in partnership with Lutheran Disaster Relief and Lutheran Social Services of Northern California to provide immediate relief for those affected by the Dixie Fire and other fires expected to affect California and Nevada this season.

Your contributions will go to emergency relief support for congregations and members impacted by the wildfires. We invite you to make a donation here: https://tinyurl.com/SPSfiresupport

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Mexican Lutheran Church leader shares his vision of a healing community of believers

As we deepen our relationship with the Mexican Lutheran Church (ILM), we revisit this article from the Lutheran World Federation, featuring Rev. Roberto Trejo Haager, Pastor President of the ILM. Trejo will be our guest at the 2021 Bishop’s Fall Gathering.

“In whatever context,” Trejo says, “the Lutheran message has much value and is very important because the gospel message that we transmit is a message about the grace of God.”

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12 Tiny Things: A Desert Sojourn Retreat at Spirit in the Desert

In a culture that says bigger is better, it is subversive to take tiny, lasting steps toward learning and growth. Ellie Roscher, author of 12 Tiny Things, will guide you through curating and cultivating your own tiny things practice. Friday, 1/28/2022 - Sunday, 1/30/2022 at Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center.

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Vida Nueva shares summer update

In this post, we share a summer update from Iglesia Luterana Vida Nueva in Glendale, full of images and good news.

Thank God, Iglesia Luterana "Vida Nueva" survived Covid 19 and starting in May with new strength. We continue to minister to Christian people, the Hispanic community and in a special way to immigrants. We thank God and the Grand Canyon Synod for the spiritual and financial support that you give us, so we can continue the ministry of the Church, serve the community and be able to plan for growth and become self-reliant.

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