Transform Your Leadership with Dare to Lead Training for Faith Leaders

Join faith+lead’s “Dare to Lead” training starting September 10th, 2024, and transform your leadership approach. This program, inspired by Brené Brown’s research, consists of six live online sessions focusing on essential skills for daring leadership. Led by Certified Dare to Lead™ Facilitator Sarah Ciavarri, you will gain practical wisdom and tools to lead authentically. Enroll now for $600 and become Dare to Lead Trained, bringing these insights to your faith community. Scholarships available. This popular program is back this year with a fall session starting on September 10th, 2024

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardSeptember 4, 2024faith+lead, Luther Seminary, Lay LeadershipoComment

In Memoriam: Rev. Colin H. Melby

We pray for the friends and family of Pastor Colin H. Melby, who died on August 28, 2024 in the Philippines. We especially lift up and pray for his wife Connie Melby.

Grand Canyon Synod, News, Prayers, In MemoriamBrian FlatgardSeptember 4, 2024 Comment

Recovering a lost Caribbean Lutheran history: José David Rodríguez

For José David Rodríguez, what began as a doctoral dissertation is now the first academic history of the Lutheran church by a Puerto Rican.

Rodríguez’s new book, Caribbean Lutherans: The History of the Church in Puerto Rico (Fortress Press, 2024), first took shape through a Ph.D. program in the Department of History at the University of the West Indies in Mona, Jamaica. An ELCA pastor and professor, Rodríguez had long hoped to put together a history of how the Lutheran mission in Puerto Rico began and evolved. But when he visited the Archivo General de Puerto Rico (General Archive of Puerto Rico) to begin his research, he found no information. Read the full story in Living Lutheran.

ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardSeptember 3, 2024Living LutheranComment

Unlock $175,000 in Funding with Grand Canyon Synod Grants

The Grand Canyon Synod Grant application opens in September! With $175,000 in funding available, we encourage collaborative, innovative projects that align with our Strategic Plan. Attend our Grants Webinar on September 17, 2024, to learn more. Applications are due by midnight on October 18, 2024. Start planning now to support your ministry and bring new ideas to life! For more details, visit our website.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardSeptember 3, 2024Grants, GCS Grants ProgramComment

Transform Your Leadership at the 2025 Executive Skills Retreat

Join California Lutheran University’s Thriving Leadership Formation team, January 6-10, 2025, for the Executive Skills for Church Leaders retreat at Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center. This transformative event, designed for pastors, deacons, and church leaders, offers expert-led sessions on Conflict Management, Human Resources, Contemporary Leadership, and Congregations in the Digital Age. Register now to enhance your ministry leadership skills and connect with fellow church leaders in a serene Arizona desert setting. Learn more and sign up at Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center’s website or call 480-488-5218. View PDF poster here.

NEW DATE: Explore Lutheran Values in Election Year: 9/10/2024 discussion on abortion

Join the ELCA’s online workshop series through October to delve into how our faith informs our actions and voting on critical social issues. September's focus is Abortion with Dr. Caryn Riswold, Professor of Religion/McCoy Family Distinguished Chair in Lutheran Heritage and Mission at Wartburg College.View a PDF flyer and register now to engage deeply with our social teachings and lead community discussions. Click here to join this Sunday’s webinar.

~~September 10~~ New Date! Sun, Sep 8, 2024 at 7:00pm.: Abortion with Dr. Caryn Riswold, Professor of Religion/McCoy Family Distinguished Chair in Lutheran Heritage and Mission at Wartburg College.

Ordination celebrations: September 6-12, 2024

This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:

Rev. Barbara Duhlstine-Robarge, who celebrates 33 years on September 6.
Rev. William Phillips, Christ, Las Vegas, who celebrates 39 years on September 8.
Rev. Corazon Aguilar, Pan-Asian Ministry, Phoenix, who celebrates 29 years on September 9.
Deacon Connie Rose-Kamprath, Esperanza, Phoenix, who celebrates 32 years on September 10.
Rev. Bill Voris, who celebrates 64 years on September 11.
Deacon Ardie Senft, who celebrates 27 years on September 12.

Grand Canyon Synod, News, SpotlightBrian FlatgardSeptember 3, 2024Ordination AnniversariesComment

9/9/2024: Prayer Vigil for Peace During the 2024 Election Season in Paradise Valley

Join ecumenical prayer vigils across Arizona as Christian leaders from various denominations unite to pray for peace and unity during the 2024 election season. The vigils will be held on September 9th at Our Lady of the Angels Conventual Church in Paradise Valley, October 14th at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Tucson, and November 4th at Sun City Christian Church. All are welcome to come together in faith to seek God’s guidance and peace for our nation. View a PDF flyer here.

Synod Spotlight: The GCS Church & Society resource page

Explore the Grand Canyon Synod’s “Church and Society” page for essential resources tailored to help our congregations navigate the complexities of an election year. Featuring guides on political discussions, reflections on Christian nationalism, and updates on elections and voting rights, this page is your go-to source for fostering safe, informed, and united church communities. Visit now to access our comprehensive collection of articles and our “Creating Space for Conversations” series, ensuring our church remains a sanctuary of dialogue during these polarizing times.

Worship Resources for Navigating National Elections: Available Now

The ELCA has released a comprehensive set of worship resources for the upcoming national elections, including scripture readings, prayers, and assembly song suggestions. These materials are designed to support congregations during prayer vigils, weekly worship, or personal devotions. Download the free resource to help guide your community through this important time.

ELCA, Grand Canyon Synod, News, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardAugust 30, 2024Church and Society, Elections and Voting RightsComment

Experience Renewal in Turks & Caicos: A Unique Retreat for Women in Ministry

Clear your calendar on January 6-12, 2025, for a transformative retreat in Turks & Caicos, specifically designed for women in ministry leadership. Led by Deacon Michelle Walka, this journey offers a unique blend of rest, learning, and spiritual growth in a beautiful location. Register by October 1, 2024, to secure your spot!

Grand Canyon Synod, News, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardAugust 30, 2024Comment

Connect and Renew: Register by 9/13 for the Bishop’s Fall Gathering in October

Last chance to register for the Bishop’s Fall Gathering! Join us from October 21-23, 2024, at Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center for a time of worship, fellowship, and renewal. Register by September 13 to secure your spot.

Bishop Hutterer, Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardAugust 30, 20242024 Bishop's Fall GatheringComment

September is Hunger Action Month

September is Hunger Action Month, a time to take collective action in the fight against hunger. This year, the Arizona Legislature invested $3.8 million to support low-income children’s meals, a milestone achieved with the help of the Arizona Food Bank Network. As the need for food accessibility grows, you can make a difference by supporting AzFBN through donations, the HungryFriend app, or joining their Grove of Good. Together, let’s end hunger in Arizona.

Down-to-earth leadership: Get to know Bishop-elect Timothy Graham

Timothy Graham didn’t plan on becoming a bishop. “I knew my name would be lifted up, but I didn’t have any expectations,” said Graham, who serves as a pastor of Messiah Lutheran Church in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Read the original article at Living Lutheran.

Although he knew he was under consideration for bishop of the Indiana-Kentucky Synod, Graham didn’t fill out his biographical information for this year’s assembly ahead of time. “Well, if the Holy Spirit wants it to happen, [it will],” he thought. “I could not have planned it.”

ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardAugust 30, 2024Living LutheranComment

Celebrating Generosity: Over 8,000 Pounds of Peanut Butter Donated to Combat Hunger

Lutheran Social Services in Nevada recently concluded the 2024 Peanut Butter Wars, raising over 8,000 pounds of peanut butter and $81,444 to combat food insecurity. New Song Lutheran Church led the charge, thanks in part to a heartwarming donation from Jake, a community member who found redemption through the church and LSSN. Additionally, their Back to School Brunch served 350 children, ensuring they are ready for the new school year. Learn how you can support our mission today!

Deepen Your Faith with Thriving Leadership Cohorts at Cal Lutheran

Interest forms are now available for the 2024-25 Thriving Leadership Formation Cohort Groups at California Lutheran University. These groups, meeting over Zoom 9-12 times, offer a unique space for spiritual practice and deeper connections. There is no cost, just a commitment to participate. Learn more and apply here. For questions, contact TLF Cohort Coordinator, Nicolette Rohr, at nrohr@callutheran.edu.

Lutheran World Federation newsletter

Photo: Rev. Dr. Anne Burghardt, LWF General Secretary, delivering the keynote address at the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland during their Mission Partnership Consultation in Helsinki on 29 August.
Christians worldwide join for Season of Creation
Communities of hope in a divided world
Indonesia: Empowering women for leadership on Nias island
Burundi: From Bumba to the world

News, Global Church, SpotlightBrian FlatgardAugust 30, 2024Lutheran World FederationComment

Sharing Trustworthy Information About Where and How to Vote

As this post from ELCA Advocacy reminds us, our civic engagement as people of faith can help ensure that everyone benefits from the good of government. Some congregations use bulletin blurbs, some post a “Prepared to Vote Checklist” in the window from ELCA.org/civicengagementresources, some help neighbors check their voter registration status during church activities or at shelters they work with – among many creative approaches that fit their setting. Resources and ideas for this important non-partisan service by faith communities an election year are reprinted here by permission from the “Faith in Elections Playbook” of Interfaith America.

ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardAugust 29, 2024Church and Society, Elections and Voting RightsComment

John Dixon to Perform at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Phoenix

Join us for a free concert on September 13 at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Phoenix, featuring organist and composer John Dixon. This is Dixon’s first Arizona performance, where he will present his own compositions on the church’s new Rodgers hybrid organ.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardAugust 29, 2024Our Saviour's Phoenix, Capital ConferenceComment

United in Prayer: Ecumenical Vigils for Peace During the 2024 Election Season

Join ecumenical prayer vigils across Arizona as Christian leaders from various denominations unite to pray for peace and unity during the 2024 election season. The vigils will be held on September 9th at Our Lady of the Angels Conventual Church in Paradise Valley, October 14th at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Tucson, and November 3rd at Sun City Christian Church. All are welcome to come together in faith to seek God’s guidance and peace for our nation.

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