Posts in News
Faith in Action: Thanksgiving Outreach Feeds 148 Families in Need
Faith in Action: Thanksgiving Outreach Feeds 148 Families in Need

On November 26, Faith / Le Fe and Mount of Olives Lutheran united to serve 148 families through the “Faith In Action Together” Thanksgiving outreach. Families received food boxes and a hot lunch, thanks to the efforts of over 40 volunteers. Read more for photos and to celebrate the power of walking together in Christ.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardFaith Phoenix, Mount of Olives Phoenix, Capital ConferenceComment
Your Church Can Go Solar—and Save Big—with New Federal Incentives
Your Church Can Go Solar—and Save Big—with New Federal Incentives

The Inflation Reduction Act opens new opportunities for ELCA congregations to embrace clean energy with rebates of 30% on project costs. Partner with the Mission Investment Fund for financing and guidance to make your vision a reality. Join others in caring for creation while saving money and empowering ministry. Learn more about this faithful opportunity today!

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ELCA, Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardELCA Mission Investment FundComment
Thank You, Deacon Katie: Supporting Congregations Through Transition
Thank You, Deacon Katie: Supporting Congregations Through Transition

This year, Deacon Katie Kline has been a tremendous blessing to the Grand Canyon Synod as our Interim Director for Congregation Transition. Her collaborative leadership and passion for supporting healthy leaders have guided many congregations through critical times of change. Join us in celebrating Deacon Katie’s impactful work and thanking her for her faithful service!

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardComment
Hunger Leaders Network meets for special year-end meeting
Hunger Leaders Network meets for special year-end meeting

Calling all hunger champions: join this network of the Grand Canyon Synod! Meet to hear updates on national and local Hunger and Food Insecurity efforts and initiatives, to learn from one another, and to share with the group what's happening in our congregations. Anyone interested in alleviating hunger is welcome. This year-end meeting will be combined with LAMA Liaison Roundtable, on Monday, December 16, 6:30 pm.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian Flatgardhunger, Grand Canyon Synod Hunger Leaders NetworkComment
Welcome Pastor John Maroni as the New Congregations in Transition Coordinator
Welcome Pastor John Maroni as the New Congregations in Transition Coordinator

Pastor John Maroni has been named the new Congregations in Transition Coordinator for the Grand Canyon Synod, beginning in 2025. Pastor John brings nearly two decades of pastoral experience and continues to serve as pastor at Shepherd of the Desert Lutheran Church in Sun City, Arizona. We thank Deacon Katie Kline for her dedicated service over the past year as Interim Director for Congregation Transition. Read more about Pastor John’s ministry and his role in supporting congregations in transition.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardOffice of the BishopComment
Experience Advent Hope at Faith Lutheran in Phoenix on December 18th
Experience Advent Hope at Faith Lutheran in Phoenix on December 18th

Take a break from the season’s busyness to reflect on Advent’s hope and anticipation. Faith Lutheran Church in Phoenix invites you to a candlelit Service of Advent Lessons & Carols on Wednesday, December 18th, at 7:00 p.m. Experience scripture, song, and the timeless beauty of this cherished tradition. All are welcome!

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian Flatgard2024 Advent and Christmas, Faith Phoenix, Capital ConferenceComment
Celebrate Advent with Jazz and Generosity at Mount of Olives
Celebrate Advent with Jazz and Generosity at Mount of Olives

Join Mount of Olives in Phoenix for Wednesday Evening Jazz Vespers through Advent, featuring live jazz performances, contemplative worship, and fellowship. Free and open to all, each evening begins at 5:30 p.m. with refreshments following. Donations support the church’s Food Pantry, helping over 150 families weekly.

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Grand Canyon Synod, News, Leader ResourcesBrian Flatgard2024 Advent and Christmas, Mount of Olives Phoenix, Capital Conference, Worship ResourcesComment
Experience Christmas in German Tradition at Mountain View Lutheran in Ahwatukee
Experience Christmas in German Tradition at Mountain View Lutheran in Ahwatukee

Join Mountain View Lutheran Church in Ahwatukee on Sunday, December 15, for a German-language Christmas service and carol sing-along! Starting at 4:10 pm, this special gathering will celebrate Advent with traditional German carols and worship, offering a beautiful experience of faith and community. For more details, visit weihnachtsgottesdienstphoenix.com.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian Flatgard2024 Advent and ChristmasComment
Finding Light in the Darkness: A Blue Christmas Worship Service
Finding Light in the Darkness: A Blue Christmas Worship Service

When the holiday season feels heavy, join the Blue Christmas Winter Solstice Worship Service on Thursday, Dec. 19, 2024, from 6-7 PM MST (5-6 PM PST). This virtual candlelight service, presented by the Center of Addiction & Faith, creates space to acknowledge pain, seek hope, and plead for God’s light amid the darkness. Register now to participate: Click here to register.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardAddiction, The Center of Addiction & Faith, 2024 Advent and ChristmasComment
Advent Reflection: New Life Through Centering Prayer
Advent Reflection: New Life Through Centering Prayer

As Advent deepens, join us this Monday, December 16, at 12:00 PM AZ/MST for the third session of Restore Our Hope: Advent Centering Prayer. This week, we reflect on how God brings life from places we often consider dead and hopeless. Experience 30 minutes of meditation, prayer, and renewal as we wait in hope for Christ’s coming. Register here to receive the Zoom link.

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Grand Canyon Synod, News, Leader ResourcesBrian Flatgard2024 Advent and Christmas, Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center, Worship ResourcesComment
Christ Lutheran Sedona Among 2024 ELCA Disability Ministries Grant Recipients
Christ Lutheran Sedona Among 2024 ELCA Disability Ministries Grant Recipients

Christ Lutheran Church in Sedona has been awarded a 2024 ELCA Disability Ministries Grant! This exciting recognition highlights their commitment to creating a more inclusive church. Learn more about this and other grant recipients, discover featured resources, and find ways to get involved with disability ministries in the Grand Canyon Synod and beyond. Read more in the latest newsletter from ELCA Disability Ministries.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardChrist Sedona, High Country Conference, Disability Ministries, ELCA Disability MinistriesComment
Lutheran World Federation newsletter
Lutheran World Federation newsletter
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News, Global Church, SpotlightBrian FlatgardLutheran World FederationComment
Bishop Eaton Urges Biden Administration: Address the Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza
Bishop Eaton Urges Biden Administration: Address the Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza

In a December 4 letter to President Biden, ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton called for urgent action to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the West Bank. She condemned new Israeli laws restricting UNRWA’s operations and emphasized the catastrophic toll on Palestinian lives. Rooted in Lutheran theology, Bishop Eaton urged the U.S. to restore humanitarian aid and uphold human dignity.

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Bishop Eaton, ELCA, News, Z AdvocacyBrian FlatgardIsrael and Palestine, Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land, Bishop Eaton LettersComment
Bishop Eaton's Christmas Joy message
Bishop Eaton's Christmas Joy message

In her Christmas message, ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton calls our attention to the word “joy” in the angel’s proclamation to the shepherds. “Do not be afraid, for see, I am bringing you good news of a great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord.’” (Luke 2:10-11). Eaton reminds us that the message of Christmas is joy, not happiness. Happiness is transient and humanmade. But joy given by God is deep and strong and unshakable. Read the message in English or Spanish, and download a video file at bit.ly/3D9ULKc.

“Joy is a sign of the reign of God…Perhaps that is why in the middle of the night, to terrified shepherds, outside of a small town, God chose to send the angels to announce the birth of Jesus. No distraction. No interference. Just the simple, deep, profound gift of true and lasting joy.”

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Bishop Eaton, ELCA, Letters, NewsBrian FlatgardBishop Elizabeth Eaton, Bishop Eaton Letters, 2024 Advent and ChristmasComment
Office of the Bishop Updates
Office of the Bishop Updates

The Office of the Bishop worships and preaches at ministries around the synod, and continues year-end projects.

We also share photos from Senegal and Mexico. The Grand Canyon Synod and the Lutheran Church of Senegal renewed and signed our covenant as global companions. Photos of Bishop Hutterer’s Senegal visit with President Latyr Diouf include worship at Bokotou village. In Mexico, to strengthen ties with Iglesia Luterana Mexicana and Pastor President Rev. Roberto Federico Trejo Haager, we share photos from Iglesia Bethel in Mazatlan and San Pablo in Tepic.

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News, Bishop Hutterer, Grand Canyon Synod, SpotlightBrian FlatgardOffice of the BishopComment