We give thanks for the gifts of Dr. Jerry Kingston, Special Bishop’s Associate for Mobility. Since 2014, he has assisted three Bishops in the placement of pastors from across the country who wish to serve in the Grand Canyon Synod.
At the end of 2022, that era of service will end, and Jerry will continue to do the work of the church through various ministries and by being the one who shows up for family, friends, and youth. Words of thanks for his work can be sent to jkingston@gcsynod.org.
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This article will introduce readers to a newly-published resource titled, “Preaching and Teaching with Love and Respect for the Jewish People.” This publication is a product of the ELCA’s Consultative Panel on Lutheran-Jewish Relations and was written under the leadership of Dr. Peter Pettit.
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In this Christmas season, we extend our warmest wishes and blessings to you and your loved ones. May this special season be filled with joy, love, and peace as we celebrate the birth of Jesus.
We are grateful for the gift of your presence in our synod, and for the ways in which you accompany us in our shared ministries. May the love and grace of Christ continue to guide and inspire you in the year ahead.
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The Office of the Bishop does year-end work, takes vacation time, and enjoys the Christmas season.
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High level counties are Gila, Greenlee, La Paz, Mohave, Navajo, Santa Cruz, and Yuma.
Medium level counties include Apache, Clark, Cochise, Coconino, Graham, Maricopa, Nye, Pima, Pinal, Washington, Yavapai, and Yuma.
Note: our updates can be a week behind due to our news cycle overlapping with Thursday updates. View the latest CDC and NYTimes updates here.
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We celebrate the following ordination anniversaries this week:
Rev. Rodney Hutton, who celebrates 45 years on December 26.
Rev. Susan Swanson, who celebrates 23 years on December 27.
The Grand Canyon Synod continues to build relationship with the Mexican Lutheran Church (Iglesia Luterana Mexicana, ILM). Bishop Hutterer recently joined Bishop Daniel Beaudoin of the Northwest Ohio Synod and President Roberto Trejo Haager for a “get to know you” tour to discuss ways we can journey with ILM.
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This summer Pastor Miguel will be walking the Camino de Santiago once again, and this time will lead others who wish to experience this incredible journey for themselves.
The group will start their journey in Sarria, Spain and end at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. If you are interested in learning more, please email Pr. Miguel at miguel.gomezacosta@gmail.com by January 2, 2022. Click here for preliminary itinerary.
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Warm hearts and wide smiles perfectly balanced the chilly Rock Point, Arizona winter air on December 15th, 2022, at the Mission 2022 Christmas Program.
39 Mission students in traditional Navajo finery and costumes sang Christmas carols and told the story of Jesus' birth so many years ago. Read more of the newsletter in this post.
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Registration prices for the Western States Youth Gathering (WSYG) are increasing on January 4, 2023! Have you registered your youth group yet? Registration prices increase $100 - so be sure to register today!
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The December, 2022 edition of Seeds Monthly is available, featuring: Journi’s introduction; When your Advent calendar is broken article; ELCA Good Gifts; and more.
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“When we talk to someone who shares the same Christian faith, but has a different set of political beliefs or convictions, it can be uncomfortable, or frustrating, and sometimes even scary. As members of the ELCA, we believe that we can have different political opinions but be of the same faith,” asserts Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton in her November 2, 2022 video addressing Christian Nationalism.
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The Rev. Lamont Wells has been named executive director of the Network of ELCA Colleges and Universities (NECU), effective Jan. 3, 2023.
Wells has served as program director for ELCA Campus Ministry since 2019. In this role he has provided leadership to the Lutheran Campus Ministry Network (LuMin), comprising over 240 colleges and universities. Wells is also national president of the African Descent Lutheran Association (ADLA).
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We celebrate the following ordination anniversaries this week:
Rev. Thomas Stephens, who celebrates 38 years on December 16.
Rev. Bjorn Pedersen, who celebrates 35 years on December 20.
The Office of the Bishop does year-end work, takes some vacation time, and enjoys the Advent and Christmas season. We share photos from the Bishop’s visit to La Casa de Misericordia as well as gathered with Region 2 Bishops.
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High level counties are Apache, Cochise, Coconino, Gila, Graham, Greenlee, La Paz, Maricopa, Navajo, Pima, Pinal, Santa Cruz, Yavapai, and Yuma.
Medium level counties include Clark, Mohave, Nye, and Washington.
Note: our updates can be a week behind due to our news cycle overlapping with Thursday updates. View the latest CDC and NYTimes updates here.
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Thanks to endowments created in the past for this purpose, Women of the ELCA is able to offer scholarships in two categories: for Lutheran laywomen and for those studying for ordained ministry. Learn more about Women of the ELCA Scholarships.
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Lutherans Restoring Creation shares their Good Green News for December 2022, featuring their Actions Speak Loudly program, a call for Board of Directors nominations, and upcoming Connection Calls.
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