"I am beyond thrilled to report that author Robert Harris has agreed to join our discussion in May when we discuss his latest book, The Jesus Perspective,” says facilitator Sheri Brown.
Join Spirited Book Club's discussion of its May selection, The Jesus Perspective: A Faith that May Surprise You by Robert Harris. The book is discussed over two 60-minute meetings on Thursday, May 11 and May 25, 2023 at 2pm MST/PDT, 3pm MDT. Click for reviews, bio and registration.
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Lilly Endowment is pleased to announce its Compelling Preaching Initiative. The primary aim of this initiative is to cultivate practices among aspiring and active preachers that can help them to proclaim the gospel to a variety of audiences in more engaging and effective ways.
In this open and competitive national initiative, eligible charitable organizations may submit proposals for grants of up to $1.25 million that may be used for up to a five-year period to develop new and/or enhance existing programs that present promising strategies to further the aim of the initiative. Learn more in this PDF from the Lilly Endowment.
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Thanks to support from the Grand Canyon Synod and many others, the Inside Out Network (ION) continues to provide our one-of-a-kind online platform that connects people leaving incarceration with the service providers and ministries ready to provide the help and support they need.
If you haven’t heard about us before: ION is like eHarmony for reentry. Returning citizens and service providers can find each other and message back and forth, even prior to the inmate’s release.
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This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Donald Thompson, who celebrates 40 years on May 8.
Rev. Mary Louise Frenchman, Native American Urban Ministry, Phoenix, who celebrates 23 years on May 9.
The Office of the Bishop travels north and south to visit congregations and ministries around our synod, and prepares for synod assembly. We also share photos from Bishop Hutterer’s recent visits to Santa Cruz and San Juan Bautista.
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All of our synod’s counties are at at low levels except Greenlee and Apache counties, which are at medium level.
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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In their latest update, the ELCA Youth Gathering announces a new website makeover, as well as a new learning platform, gLearn. Create your free account in gLearn to access courses on how to successfully lead a group to the Gathering. Learn more here.
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The Grand Canyon Synod Stewardship teams shares a post from Luther Seminary’s faith+lead on the right kinds of stories to tell in stewardship, with nine practical ideas on how to accomplish good storytelling.
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The ESTARL scholarship is for students studying to be leaders (ministers/rabbis, musicians, education or youth ministry) in their church. The amount is up to $2500 per application, and paid out twice per year. Interested students can reach out directly to amy.pate@asu.edu for guidance on the application. For more info and to apply, visit the scholarship website.
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Here in Zambia, I gathered with five congregations in the Lusaka city area for Easter weekend celebrations. There were workshops, shared meals, worship, singing, and on Easter morning, we even marched on the side of the highway in front of the church to share the good news that Jesus is risen! Yesu, a uka!
In more good news, I’m sharing my April 2023 newsletter as a PDF. The Newsletter is also available to view and download on my blog: alongwithpastorkristin.blogspot.com. Please share the Newsletter with your congregation and anyone who might be interested.
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The Rev. Meggan H. Manlove, Nampa, Idaho, was elected April 29 to serve a six-year term as bishop of the Northwest Intermountain Synod of the ELCA.
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We are happy to announce that Erik Rehms has been reappointed by our Synod Council as Synod Treasurer for a second term. Erik's dedication and financial stewardship have greatly benefited the Grand Canyon Synod, ensuring stability and growth in our financial resources.
As permitted by our synod constitution, Erik's reappointment will enable us to continue leveraging his skills and experience for the betterment of our shared mission. Please join us in congratulating Erik on his reappointment and wishing him continued success as Synod Treasurer.
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ELCA Advocacy provides their April 2023 updates. Click here to read the UN and State edition, and click here to read the Advocacy Connections from the ELCA advocacy office in Washington, D.C.
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Kimberle Kennedy shares the 2023 annual report for Diakonia. View in this blog post, in this PDF or this Word doc.
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Visit elca.org/MMIW for resources on this month, including: 2023 National Week of Action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women; May 5, 2023 National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (#MMIW, wear red and post); ELCA #MMIW Sunday; and many resources.
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“Women of the ELCA has been involved in the anti-trafficking effort for nearly two decades. It is only natural, then, that we continue this important justice work with a focus on MMIW,” says Linda Post Bushkofsky, executive director. Many resources are available to assist you and your congregational unit as you work on these areas.
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