Posts in News
ELCA World Hunger and Lutheran Disaster Response share the Fall, 2022 issue of LifeLines
ELCA World Hunger and Lutheran Disaster Response share the Fall, 2022 issue of LifeLines

ELCA World Hunger and Lutheran Disaster Response have always been intricately connected, but in recent months global events have reminded us again just how vital the work of God through these shared ministries is for communities around the world. View the latest Fall 2022 edition of Lifelines online or order here.

The depth of the humanitarian and refugee crisis in Ukraine and across Europe will require a yearslong response. Incredible generosity to Lutheran Disaster Response in the wake of the Eastern European crisis and to ELCA World Hunger over the last 18 months has enabled us to temporarily expand our work in impacted regions.

Read More
ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardHunger, ELCA World Hunger, Lutheran Disaster ResponseComment
ALAMEH Statement on Iran
ALAMEH Statement on Iran

ALAMEH (Association of Lutherans of Arab and Middle Eastern Heritage) released a issued a statement on current events in Iran. Read it here or in full in this post.

“Zan. Zendegi. Azadi. Woman. Life. Freedom. These are the words Iranian citizens have been shouting from the streets throughout Iran for the last several weeks. Iranians took to the streets to protest the murder of a Kurdish woman, Mahsa Amini.”

Read More
ELCA, Letters, NewsBrian FlatgardAssociation of Lutherans of Arab and Middle Eastern Heritage (ALAMEH)Comment
Rev. Lowell Nelson serves as Grand Canyon Synod Emissary and Encourager
Rev. Lowell Nelson serves as Grand Canyon Synod Emissary and Encourager

Retired pastor Lowell Nelson embarks on a three-month experiment, volunteering as a “Grand Canyon Synod Emissary and Encourager.”

Through the end of January, he’ll check in on council presidents and pastors, sharing stories of the Grand Canyon Synod and our common work. These first three months he will be focusing on the Northeast Valley and Capital Conferences, thanking them for being Church Together and providing mutual encouragement.

Read More
Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian Flatgard Comment
Living Lutheran: Life-changing generosity
Living Lutheran: Life-changing generosity

In the predawn hours of May 30, 2022, in Valley Springs, S.D., tornado sirens pierced the air, rain poured and windows clattered as they blew off hinges.

Beaver Valley Lutheran, a steadily growing congregation of around 420 active members, was directly in the path of the tornado. The church, more than a century old, suffered significant damage. Its offices, kitchen, fellowship hall and education wing were mangled into unrecognizable piles of debris, said Greg Johnson, pastor of Beaver Valley.

Read More
ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardLiving LutheranComment
Courageous Leadership: How gratitude rewires your brain
Courageous Leadership: How gratitude rewires your brain

Join ELCA Coaching on Wednesday, November 23, 2022 when we will hear from Christina Costa, MSc, a Psychology PhD candidate at University of Michigan. Log in info is on the ELCA Coaching website.

When a psychologist who studies well-being ends up with a brain tumor, what happens when she puts her own research into practice? Christina goes beyond the "fight" narrative of cancer -- or any formidable personal journey -- to highlight the brain benefits of an empowering alternative (hint: gratitude) to fostering resilience in the face of unexpected challenges.

Read More
ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardCoaching, ELCA CoachingComment
First Call Theological Education group gathers in Prescott
First Call Theological Education group gathers in Prescott

Seven pastors from across the Grand Canyon Synod gathered with Bishop Hutterer and Pastor Jacqui Pagel at Camp Pinerock in Prescott, as part of their additional education required after seminary. The group took a deep dive into scripture, explored the topic of money and finances, with time for collegiality and leadership building.

In April, 2023, there will be a gathering at Spirit in the Desert and discuss the relevance of applying Family System Theory to our ministry sites.

Read More
Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardFirst Call Theological EducationComment
Save the date for 2023 Spring Gatherings
Save the date for 2023 Spring Gatherings

Members of all Grand Canyon Synod congregations and ministries, including active and retired leaders, are welcome to our spring gatherings. Mark your calendars and connect with the people of the Grand Canyon Synod.

Read More
Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardKino Conference, Colorado River Conference, High Country Conference, Cactus Conference, Capital Conference, Fiesta Conference, Northeast Valley Conference, Rio Salado ConferenceComment
COVID-19 community levels: 11/17/2022
COVID-19 community levels: 11/17/2022

Cases and hospitalizations continue to rise nationwide, driven in part by a growing outbreak in the Southwest.

The nation's most rapid growth in hospitalizations with the virus is clustered in our synod, with Arizona, Colorado, Nevada and New Mexico all seeing hospitalization counts increase by more than 30 percent in the past two weeks. Cases in those states are on a similar upward climb, particularly in New Mexico.

Read More
News, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardCoronavirusComment
16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence
16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence

Churches around the world are coming together to participate in the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence. Starting on Nov 25th, 2022, we will be acting, lifting voices, and promoting a more justice world for women and girls.

Please find attached the form to sign up here for your activity during this campaign, and learn more in this post.

Read More
ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardGender-Based Violence, Ecumenical and Inter-Religious RelationsComment
Desert Cross and Spirit of Joy in Gilbert seek a Worship Leader & Choir/Bell Choir Director
Desert Cross and Spirit of Joy in Gilbert seek a Worship Leader & Choir/Bell Choir Director

Desert Cross Lutheran Church and Spirit of Joy Lutheran Church in Gilbert are seeking a Worship Leader & Choir/Bell Choir Director.

We are seeking a qualified person to fill both roles. However, If a single qualified candidate is not available, we will consider offering two separate positions.

Read More
Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardHelp Wanted, Spirit of Joy Gilbert, Desert Cross Tempe, Fiesta Conference, Rio Salado ConferenceComment
Spirited Book Club: Joan Chittister's The Gift of Years
Spirited Book Club: Joan Chittister's The Gift of Years

The Spirited Book Club's December selection is Joan Chittister's The Gift of Years: Growing Older Gracefully. Sheri Brown facilitates the discussion on Thursday, 12/8/2022, 2pm MST, 1pm PST. Register to receive Zoom link.

Not only accepting but celebrating getting old, this inspirational and illuminating work by Sr. Joan Chittister looks at the many facets of the aging process, from purposes and challenges to struggles and surprises.

Read More
Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardSpirited Book Club, Spirit in the Desert Retreat CenterComment
Synod office closed for Thanksgiving: 11/24 & 11/25/2022
Synod office closed for Thanksgiving: 11/24 & 11/25/2022

The Office of the Bishop will be closed on Thursday and Friday of Thanksgiving week, 11/24 and 11/25/2022.

As we celebrate Thanksgiving, lift up prayers of gratitude for the blessings and abundant resources we enjoy, and remember the people in our communities and world who suffer food insecurity, hunger and poverty. Ask the Spirit to increase our generosity and engagement with our neighbors in need and to help our communities become more just, generous, compassionate and committed to addressing difficult social issues.

Read More
Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardComment
SPICE: Spiritual Program for Individual and Couple Empowerment at Spirit in the Desert
SPICE: Spiritual Program for Individual and Couple Empowerment at Spirit in the Desert

A one-of-a-kind research-based, spiritual empowerment program that utilizes mindfulness, neuroscience, storytelling, and experiential exercises to infuse more calm, health, and joy in your relationships and in the world.

The Spiritual Program for Individual and Couple Empowerment (SPICE) Retreat is for individuals and couples seeking more meaning and purpose in their lives and relationships. Whether you’re floundering, fine, or fabulous, SPICE aims to bring you to the next level. Register and view full info on our calendar listing.

Read More
Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardSpirit in the Desert Retreat CenterComment