Spreading Love: The 2023 Peanut Butter Wars Champions Announced

Every summer, this friendly competition brings together churches, businesses, and service groups in a race to collect peanut butter—one of the most in-demand food pantry items—and make a real difference in fighting food insecurity.

New Song Lutheran Church emerged as the 2023 champions with a jaw-dropping 16,235 pounds of peanut butter collected! They were closely followed by Community Lutheran Church, winning an award for the most creativity, with 9616 pounds. Other notable contributions came from churches such as Good Samaritan, Saint Andrew, Christ the Servant, and more, all of whom displayed impressive efforts in their collections.

Understanding Documentation and Legal Aspects in Faith Community Nursing

Join the Lutheran Faith Community Nurse Association's workshop on Documentation and Legal Aspects of FCN Practice, led by Denise Viker, RN BSN. Dive into legal guidelines, professional boundaries, and documentation standards, helping you optimize your faith community nursing practice. Click here to learn more about this virtual event on 8/17/2023.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardAugust 7, 2023Lutheran Faith Community Nurse Association (LFCNA)Comment

Social Media Smarts: Guiding Kids in Our New Media Culture

Navigating the digital landscape as a parent can be challenging. Join Luther Seminary’s Faith+Lead’s "Parenting in a New Media Culture" online workshop on August 12th, 2023, 12pm PDT/MST, 11am MDT, hosted by renowned Dr. Angela Gorrell.

Designed to equip parents and mentors with essential tools to guide our youth in this digital era, this is an opportunity not to be missed. Register today, get more info, and let's help our children thrive in our digital world.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardAugust 7, 2023Luther Seminary, faith+leadComment

Climate Theater: Kiss the Ground

Join facilitator Sheri Brown in viewing hopeful, encouraging, and soul-strengthening films, followed by group discussion and mutual support. Climate Theater meets online via Zoom for their final film, Kiss the Ground, on Thursdays, August 17 & 24 at 4pm PDT/MST, 5pm MDT. Register here to receive the Zoom link.

To significantly mitigate the climate crisis, there are a lot of problems humans need to solve — and as this documentary suggests, one of the biggest problems is right under your feet: the soil. Narrated by Woody Harrelson, the star-studded film explains why transitioning to regenerative agriculture could be key in rehabilitating the planet, while simultaneously invigorating a new sense of hope and inspiration in viewers.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardAugust 4, 2023Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center, Climate ChangeComment

The Role of Spiritual Readiness in Healing Veterans: A Be Connected Faith Gathering event

Join the Be Connected Faith Network as they explore the concept of 'spiritual readiness' with renowned expert, Dr. Harold Koenig, at the next online Be Connected Faith Gathering, Wednesday, 8/16/2023, 9am PDT/MST, 10am MDT. Click here to register for free.

In this PDF learn more about the importance of this essential quality in the lives of service members and veterans. Don't miss this opportunity to delve deeper into a theme that resonates across cultures and faiths.

'Living Our Faith - A Tri-Faith Discussion' on Perspectives of Wealth

Join us for an enlightening discourse on the perceptions of wealth and richness across different faiths, in our upcoming event titled "Living Our Faith - A Tri-Faith Discussion." Scheduled for Tuesday, August 15, 2023, at 6pm PDT/MST, 7pm MDT, this free virtual event invites you to gain insights from diverse religious perspectives. Click here to register.

Our esteemed presenters for the evening include Rabbi John Linder, Pastor Bill Utke, and Imam Didmar Faja. They will delve into the topic "Who is Rich? What is Wealth?" providing valuable viewpoints from their respective faiths.

Join the 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering: Opportunities and Resources Available Now

Get involved in the 2024 Gathering! With volunteer applications now open, a new course series on gLearn, and a comprehensive Registration Workbook available, we've made preparation easy for you. Mark your calendar for the opening of Priority Registration and Financial Assistance on Sept. 15, 2023. Learn more about these exciting opportunities and resources in the 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering’s latest blog post.

ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardAugust 4, 20232024 ELCA Youth Gathering, Youth and Young AdultComment

Lynn Hockenberger: ELEA's Early Childhood Director of the Year

Join us as we celebrate Lynn Hockenberger, the Early Childhood Director of the Year recognized by the Evangelical Lutheran Education Association (ELEA). Serving as the director of Children of Hope Development Center at Esperanza Lutheran Church in Phoenix, Lynn exemplifies administrative excellence and a deep commitment to integrating faith and education.

Embracing the Journey: ELEA's 2023-2024 Devotion Guide

Download and discover the Evangelical Lutheran Education Association's (ELEA) 2023-2024 Devotion Guide titled "On the Road / En La Carretera." The guide, compiled by educators, leaders, and bishops, serves as a powerful resource for parents, staff, and those involved in our schools and centers. Join others on this journey of faith and education which follows the lectionary each week.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardAugust 4, 2023Evangelical Lutheran Education Association (ELEA)Comment

A Glimpse into the United Nations High-Level Political Forum 2023: Reflections from a Lutheran Delegate

Lutheran delegate Willie F. Korboi shares insightful reflections from his participation in the 2023 United Nations High-Level Political Forum. From emphasizing collective action for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to advocating for child safety, Willie's experience at the forum offers a profound perspective on global challenges and the urgent need for tangible actions. Read more at ELCA.org to delve into these reflections and understand the crucial role of faith-based communities in addressing global issues.

ELCA, Global Church, NewsBrian FlatgardAugust 4, 2023Advocacy, ELCA Advocacy, Lutheran World FederationComment

Lutheran World Federation newsletter: 8/4/2023

News, Global ChurchBrian FlatgardAugust 4, 2023Lutheran World FederationComment

Double Your Impact: ELCA's Fund for Leaders Day of Giving is 8/16/2023

The ELCA Fund for Leaders invites everyone to join the Day of Giving on August 16, 2023. Celebrate over 25 years of investing in seminary education and help shape the future of our church by donating, spreading the word on social media, or fostering awareness in your community. Every gift will be matched, doubling your impact. Learn more about this significant event here.

ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardAugust 3, 2023ELCA Fund for LeadersComment

Children of Hope CDC Achieves Highest Quality Rating

Children of Hope Child Development Center, an outreach ministry of Esperanza Lutheran Church in Phoenix, proudly announces its achievement of a 5-star Quality First rating, the highest level of recognition for early learning providers in Arizona. Discover how this milestone validates their commitment to delivering excellent early education, setting children up for success in kindergarten and beyond, in their latest blog post.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardAugust 3, 2023Esperanza Phoenix, Fiesta ConferenceComment

Office of the Bishop Updates: 8/4/2023

The Office of the Bishop staff travels the synod, and attends the Ordination and Installation of Wyatt Linde, Aug 9, 2023, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM, Resurrection, Oro Valley.

News, Bishop Hutterer, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardAugust 3, 2023Office of the BishopComment

Ordination celebrations: August 2-10, 2023

Today we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:

Rev. Sharon Brown, Spirit of Joy, Clarkdale, who celebrates 10 years on August 2.
Rev. Mark Perry, Sierra Evangelical, Sierra Vista, who celebrates 37 years on August 2.
Rev. Thomas McFarland, who celebrates 37 years on August 3.
Rev. Janet Richardson, who celebrates 34 years on August 6.
Rev. Richard Peterson, who celebrates 30 years on August 8.
Rev. John Hoelter, who celebrates 56 years on August 9.
Rev. Joseph Dillon, who celebrates 47 years on August 10.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardAugust 2, 2023Ordination AnniversariesComment

California Lutheran’s Thriving Leadership Formation: Call for New Cohort Leaders

Thriving Leadership Formation is seeking leaders for our next round of Contemplative Action Groups. Leaders receive a stipend of $2,500. A job description can be found here.

Leaders will receive training in spiritual practices, the Enneagram, and access to other resources for spiritual leadership and support. If you are interested in leading a cohort, please complete this interest form.

AFN's August Offering: Bridging Communities, Fostering Understanding

The Arizona Faith Network's August events bring opportunities to connect, learn, and make a difference. From social justice meetings to enlightening sessions on religious nationalism and faith practices, there's something for everyone. We also highlight our efforts to combat extreme heat, showcasing the importance of collective action. Discover more about their events and how you can participate in their latest newsletter.

The ELCA Wants to Hear Your Opinion

Throughout the next couple of months, the ELCA is asking for your help. We are looking for your thoughts and ideas on how we are called to be a church in today’s world.

Please visit our website on Future Church: God’s Love Made Real – lovemadereal.elca.org – where you can learn more about this action and complete a survey to share your views of the church and the world today.

In the coming weeks we will offer listening sessions where you can participate in online opportunities to provide your thoughts on God’s call for the church.

ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardAugust 2, 2023Love Made RealComment

Ordination and Installation of Wyatt Linde

The Ordination of Wyatt Linde will be Wednesday, 8/9/2023, 6pm, at Resurrection Lutheran Church in Oro Valley (11575 North 1st Avenue, Oro Valley, AZ 85737). Bishop Deborah Hutterer will preside and Rev. Tim Nybroten will preach.

A buffet reception will follow. Kindly RSVP by calling the church office, 520.575.9901. If you are unable to attend, you may watch online at orovalley.org.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardAugust 2, 2023Ordinations and InstallationsComment

Abounding Grace Lutheran Church offers worship items to fellow churches

Abounding Grace Lutheran Church in Tucson has been a sanctuary for countless prayers, hymns, and services. Now, many of its cherished worship items are available to enrich your own congregations. The collection includes hymnals, communion chalices and trays, altar candles, paraments, and even pastors' robes and stoles.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardAugust 1, 2023Classifieds, Abounding Grace Tucson, Kino ConferenceComment

Grand Canyon Synod

News

Connect

Communicate

create