Ordination celebrations: 2/18–2/24/2022

Rev. Barbara Bengtson, retired, celebrates 28 years on February 20, 2022.
Rev. Miguel Gomez-Acosta, Director for Evangelical Mission and Bishop’s Associate for Congregational Vitality, celebrates 13 years on February 22, 2022.
Rev. Robert Kleinke, Central Lutheran in Arizona City & Casa Grande, celebrates 41 years on February 20, 2022.
Rev. Peter Perry, St. John’s Lutheran in Glendale, celebrates 25 years on February 23, 2022.
Rev. Paul Block, New Song Lutheran in Henderson, celebrates 21 years on February 24, 2022.

News, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardFebruary 17, 2022Ordination AnniversariesComment

The Gift of Years: A Desert Sojourn Retreat

The Gift of Years retreat helps you transform your story of aging with mastery and purpose and learn to live abundantly in your remaining years. February 28–March 2, 2022 at Spirit in the Desert. Learn more and register here.

“Our spiritual obligation is to age well, so that others who meet us have the courage and spiritual depth to do the same.” –Joan Chittister

News, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardFebruary 17, 2022Spirit in the Desert Retreat CenterComment

Covid-19 exposure risk: 2/17/2022

New coronavirus cases have declined more than 80 percent from their peak in mid-January. Still, daily case reports remain well above 100,000 per day in the US.

Fully vaccinated rates remain at roughly 60% of our synod’s population. All counties are at extremely high levels of risk for unvaccinated people.

News, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardFebruary 17, 2022CoronavirusComment

Office of the Bishop Updates: 2/18/2022

The Office of the Bishop staff attends many leadership meetings across the synod and ELCA in the coming days. Photos from Bishop Hutterer’s visit to Covenant Lutheran in Quartzite are also in this post.

News, Bishop Hutterer, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardFebruary 17, 2022Office of the BishopComment

Announcing the open position of University Pastor at California Lutheran University

California Lutheran University invites applications and nominations for the position of University Pastor. Cal Lutheran is a forward-facing, private liberal arts and sciences, faith-based institution in the mid-21st century. As a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI), we are searching for candidates with a demonstrated commitment to and success working in diverse multi-religious, multi-cultural and multi-racial communities. Download a profile of the position as PDF. Applicants may apply here.

News, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardFebruary 15, 2022Region 2, California Lutheran University, Help WantedComment

Talks at the Desk: Black Boy Joy Ep. 2

Part two of the “Talks at the Desk” video series celebrates youth ministry and mentorship in the Black Church. Black men and boys speak about their connections across generations. They reflect on how their faith communities and mentor relationships have guided them and nurtured their passions. A discussion guide to help individuals and congregations engage with these conversations is available at ELCA.org/ADM.

ELCA, News, LettersBrian FlatgardFebruary 15, 2022African Descent Ministries, 2022 Black History MonthComment

Marriage of Pastor Randy Winsand & Alicia Gaston

We give thanks for the marriage of Pastor Randy Winsand & Alicia Gaston, who were married Saturday, February 12, 2022, at Ascension Lutheran Church in Paradise Valley.

Eternal God, without your grace no promise is sure. Strengthen Pastor Randy Winsand & Alicia Gaston with patience, kindness, gentleness, and all other gifts of your Spirit, so that they may fulfill the vows they have made. Keep them faithful to each other and to you. Fill them with such love and joy that they may build a home of peace and welcome. Guide them by your word to serve you all their days; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

News, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardFebruary 15, 2022Ascension Paradise Valley, Northeast Valley Conference, MarriageComment

Synod council minutes: 12/11/2021

Read the approved minutes from the synod council meeting on December 11, 2021 in PDF format.

News, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardFebruary 12, 2022Synod CouncilComment

Registration is open for the 2022 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly

Under the theme Stirred up in the Spirit, we gather at Love of Christ Lutheran Church in Mesa, June 10–11, 2022 for our annual synod assembly.

Registration is now open, and only voting members need to register. Visitors can view via livestream at no cost. Lay voting members and rostered ministers (active and retired) all use the same registration. Click here to register. $140 early bird registration through 4/22/2022, with $160 registration through 5/27/2021.

News, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardFebruary 10, 20222022 Synod AssemblyComment

Open Space newsletter: February 2022

Open Space rebuilds after a hiatus during the pandemic. Read their latest newsletter as PDF or in this post.

News, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardFebruary 10, 2022Open Space, Kino ConferenceComment

Hymns & Hops Fest

Join Crossroads Lutheran as we come together to celebrate the Gospel through community, song and drink. No preaching, no proselytizing, just a good-old-fashion sing along. Sunday, March 13, 2022, 3-6pm, at 2769 E Combs Rd, Bld D, San Tan Valley AZ 85140. Cost: $5.00 per glass.

This is our 3rd Hymns & Hops and it won't disappoint. So spend the word. Water available. Games and fun for all ages. Funds from this event will support the Crossroads Outreach Summer Day Camp for kids.

News, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardFebruary 10, 2022Crossroads San Tan Valley, Rio Salado ConferenceComment

Statements of intent for Mission Support in 2022 are due February 15, 2022

Your valuable partnership through your mission support to the Grand Canyon Synod meant we were able to do many amazing things in 2021. You can read about these achievements in this post.

Your statements of intent (PDF statement of intent in English, PDF statement of intent in Spanish) are due 2/15/2022. Thank you for your gifts and partnership as we are church together for the sake of the world.

Bishop Hutterer, News, Letters, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardFebruary 10, 2022Comment

Faith Formation In A Secular Age

You're invited to Faith Formation In A Secular Age: How we can partner with God in reshaping the church in the 21st century, with presenter Andrew Root, Ph.D. of Luther Seminary at Living Water Lutheran Church in Scottsdale. Saturday, 3/19/2022, 2-5pm MST, 1-4pm PST. Reception to follow. View PDF.

A virtual option will also be available. Space is limited. To register for free, please email aschmidt001@luthersem.edu or call 651-641-3431 by March 11, 2022.

News, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardFebruary 10, 2022Living Water Scottsdale, Northeast Valley Conference, Luther SeminaryComment

Covid-19 exposure risk: 2/10/2022

New coronavirus cases have been falling rapidly for weeks after reaching record highs. Though infection numbers remain elevated, the country is adding fewer than one-third as many cases as it was in mid-January. Fully vaccinated rates remain at roughly 60% of the population. All counties are at extremely high levels of risk for unvaccinated people.

News, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardFebruary 10, 2022CoronavirusComment

Office of the Bishop Updates: 2/11/2022

The Office of the Bishop staff will be at the upcoming synod council meeting, and catching up on paperwork and reports and meetings. Check this post for photos from the latest ordinations and installations.

News, Bishop Hutterer, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardFebruary 10, 2022Office of the BishopComment

Camp ALOMA Summer Camp 2022

Camp ALOMA "To The Cross" Summer Camp registration is now open! For more information: campaloma.com, office@campaloma.com, 928-778-1690. Register today at this link: app.campdoc.com/register/aloma.

Check out which one of our seven weeks works for you to join us this summer!! Register before March 15th and receive the early bird discount for your week fee. Register before February 28th and receive the early bird discount for your bus transportation! We hope to see you this summer!

News, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardFebruary 10, 2022Camp ALOMA, High Country ConferenceComment

Camp ALOMA Elementary Retreat

Registration for the Elementary Retreat is open! We hope to see you on this fun filled weekend, March 11th - March 13th. $90 per camper, 1st-6th grade.

This weekend is going to be jammed pack with fun activities, good food, and friendly fellowship! We are so excited to see all of you before summer. Go to campaloma.com or click here to register today.

News, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardFebruary 10, 2022Camp ALOMA, High Country ConferenceComment

OMNIA: Striving Towards Beloved Community

More than 50 years ago, Dr. Mary Nelson marched with Dr. Martin Luther King and gospel singer Mahalia Jackson in Chicago. For several decades, Dr. Nelson was a faculty member of OMNIA Institute’s predecessor organization SCUPE and she continues as an Advisory Board member of the OMNIA Institute for Contextual Leadership.

In an OMNIA podcast, Dr. Nelson talked about the Beloved Community as God’s vision for the city. It is that same vision that animated the founders of SCUPE to prepare pastors to break down all barriers to the flourishing of community. At the beginning of Black History month, it is fitting that we remember the power of this vision.

ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardFebruary 10, 2022Ecumenical and Inter-Religious RelationsComment

ELCA World Hunger’s Big Game Challenge 2022!

It’s game time! The Big Game Challenge has kicked off, and our church is racing toward the goal of ending hunger! While you are cheering on your team and celebrating with family and friends— let’s help tackle hunger together!

From kickoff to the final whistle, Team Cincinnati and Team Los Angeles will seek to outdo one another for the sake of the gospel. The fans that donate the most through their team page to ELCA World Hunger by midnight Central time on February 13th will help their synod take home the title of ELCA World Hunger Champion.

Bishop Eaton, ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardFebruary 10, 2022Hunger, ELCA World HungerComment

Talks at the Desk: Black Girl Magic Ep. 1

In this first part of the Talks at the Desk video series, Black women from across the ELCA share their experiences as leaders in the church. They speak about their journeys, joys, struggles and hopes for future generations. A discussion guide to help individuals and congregations engage with these conversations is available at ELCA.org/ADM.

African Descent Ministries of the ELCA celebrates Black History Month Talks at the Desk, a four-part video series that will explore diverse expressions of the church. A new video will premiere each Wednesday in February at 7:30 pm Central time. Watch them live on Facebook, stream them on YouTube or download them at ELCA.org/ADM.

ELCA, News, LettersBrian FlatgardFebruary 10, 2022African Descent Ministries, 2022 Black History MonthComment

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