Posts in News
Spirit in the Desert Welcomes New Director of Advancement
Spirit in the Desert Welcomes New Director of Advancement

Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center is pleased to announce the appointment of Chanse Frenette as the new Director of Advancement. Chanse joined the team on August 19, 2024, bringing a wealth of experience and a passion for driving transformative growth in the non-profit sector.

Spirit in the Desert will host a welcome event on September 21, from 3:00 to 5:00 PM. The event will feature hors d'oeuvres and drinks and an opportunity to bid Solveig Muus a fond farewell while warmly welcoming Chanse into the community. We invite all community members, friends, and Spirit in the Desert supporters to join us for this special occasion. More info here.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardSpirit in the Desert Retreat CenterComment
Get Your Project Funded: Join the Grand Canyon Synod Grant Webinar on 9/17
Get Your Project Funded: Join the Grand Canyon Synod Grant Webinar on 9/17

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.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardGrants, GCS Grants ProgramComment
Register by 9/15/2024 for Prepare-Enrich Facilitator Training
Register by 9/15/2024 for Prepare-Enrich Facilitator Training

Enhance your counseling ministry by becoming a certified Prepare-Enrich Facilitator at a special training on September 27th in Oro Valley. Offered at a discounted rate to Grand Canyon Synod clergy, this workshop equips you with essential tools for effective marriage counseling and supporting families. Register by September 15th to secure your spot.

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Grand Canyon Synod, News, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardResurrection Oro ValleyComment
ELCA Advocates Push for Just 2024 Farm Bill as Time Runs Short
ELCA Advocates Push for Just 2024 Farm Bill as Time Runs Short

The 2024 Farm Bill is at a critical juncture, and the ELCA is calling on Lutherans to advocate for hunger programs, rural community support, and conservation efforts. Congress will reconvene the week of September 9 for three weeks of legislative action. Take part by contacting your lawmakers and joining the ELCA Advocacy Network to ensure this vital bill reflects our faith values. Read more on the ELCA Advocacy blog.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardAdvocacy, ELCA AdvocacyComment
Luther Seminary Doctoral Student Prepares to Strengthen Caribbean Churches
Luther Seminary Doctoral Student Prepares to Strengthen Caribbean Churches

Rev. Danielle Dokman, supported by the ELCA’s International Leaders Program, is preparing to expand her leadership in Suriname and the Caribbean. Currently pursuing her doctorate in Old Testament at Luther Seminary, she aims to strengthen the visibility of the Lutheran church in society and train lay and clergy leaders. Read more about her journey and other updates from ELCA Global Mission in the latest edition of Global Links as well as updates on mission personnel and other news.

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ELCA, Global Church, NewsBrian FlatgardGlobal MissionComment
Office of the Bishop Updates: 9/6/2024
Office of the Bishop Updates: 9/6/2024

The Office of the Bishop staff attends the Installation of Julie Gerrish at Christ Lutheran in Sedona, Sep 8, 2024, 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM, as well as Prayer Vigils for Peace During the 2024 Election Season with UCC, Disciples of Christ, Methodist, Presbyterian, Episcopal, and ELCA at Franciscan Renewal Center, Monday, September 9, 4:45 pm.

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News, Bishop Hutterer, Grand Canyon Synod, SpotlightBrian FlatgardOffice of the BishopComment
Supporting Peace and Justice: Updates from the Ground in Palestine and Israel
Supporting Peace and Justice: Updates from the Ground in Palestine and Israel

The September Sumud Newsletter calls Lutherans to speak up for peace and justice in Palestine and Israel. Updates include a $250,000 donation from Lutheran Disaster Response to support children’s education in the Holy Land, reflections on the ongoing violence, and Bishop Meghan Aelabouni’s new role in the Rocky Mountain Synod. Join us for the Global Sunday of Mutual Flourishing on October 6th by accessing worship resources at mutualflourishing.com. Read the full newsletter here.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardSumud, Israel and PalestineComment
Dream with Women of the ELCA: Answer Strategic Planning Questions
Dream with Women of the ELCA: Answer Strategic Planning Questions

This is a transitional year! Women of the ELCA has an interim executive director. We are going to hit our goal for fundraising for Katie’s Fund! And we are all wondering about the next steps for the future of WELCA. You are invited to participate in a survey to gather ideas about what WELCA is and can be! We will use this time to reflect, dream and prepare together. Take the survey, share the survey and download the QR code!

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardWomen of the ELCA (WELCA)Comment
Navigating Election Season with Faith: Tools for Congregational Peace and Understanding
Navigating Election Season with Faith: Tools for Congregational Peace and Understanding

The 2024 Election Season Toolkit from Faith+Lead provides essential resources to help church leaders guide their congregations through the political tensions of election season. Learn how to foster empathy, promote peace, and ground conversations in Gospel values. Access the toolkit and subscribe for updates at faithlead.org/toolkit/2024election.

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Grand Canyon Synod, News, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardChurch and Society, Elections and Voting RightsComment
Campaign for Kindness: A Preaching Series to Guide Us Through Election Season
Campaign for Kindness: A Preaching Series to Guide Us Through Election Season

The Campaign for Kindness Preaching Series from the Arkansas-Oklahoma Synod is designed to guide congregations through the 2024 election season with messages of kindness, humility, and reconciliation. Starting on a suggested date of October 6, this six-week sermon series encourages pastors to address political anxiety from a faith perspective. Learn more about the resources and join weekly discussions to promote kindness in your faith community.

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Grand Canyon Synod, News, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardElections and Voting Rights, Church and SocietyComment
From Closure to New Beginnings: Navigating Church Transitions with Grace
From Closure to New Beginnings: Navigating Church Transitions with Grace

As some congregations face the difficult decision to close, new opportunities for community and ministry emerge. This article in Living Lutheran explores the emotional and practical aspects of church closures and highlights how congregations can offer support to new members during these transitions. By honoring the past and welcoming the future, both closing and receiving congregations can continue to share God’s love with the world.

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ELCA, News, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardLiving Lutheran, Holy ClosureComment
Thrive 2024: Witness the Global Impact of Lutheran Disaster Response
Thrive 2024: Witness the Global Impact of Lutheran Disaster Response

Lutheran Disaster Response is actively working to bring hope and healing to communities impacted by disasters worldwide. In the latest edition of Thrive, discover how your support has made a difference—from aiding wildfire recovery in Maui to providing care for people with disabilities in the West Bank. Read more and learn how your generosity continues to change lives. Read Thrive 2024.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardLutheran Disaster ResponseComment