Give thanks that God shows no partiality or exclusivity in sharing love, mercy and forgiveness; the good news of Jesus Christ is for everyone and every nation!
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The Reverend Doctor Lincoln L. Leer passed over into the new life of God’s total embrace early January 14th, 2020, with all the family surrounding him in love.
The funeral service is Saturday, January 25th at 3:00pm at The Episcopal Church of the Nativity, 22405 North Miller Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85255.
He is survived by his wife Ramona. We will update this information as we learn more.
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We offer prayers of joy and thanksgiving for the engagement of The Rev. Kim Sterner, Lord of Life Lutheran Church, to Bob Muehling. The happy couple are getting married in April.
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Five leaders from the Grand Canyon Synod joined leaders from across the country at Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center in Carefree, AZ. Lay leaders Ramon Encinas (Open Space, Tucson), Whitney Lennon (Our Saviour’s, Phoenix) and Brian Neely (St. Andrew, Las Vegas) along with Associates to the Bishop Pastors Jacqui Pagel and Miguel Gomez-Acosta attended “train the trainer training” to learn how to teach our congregations to grow their faith and deepen their relationship with God.
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Friends of Open Space Church, here’s our January newsletter, a little late because of the holidays.
We have our usual paint nights and worship on Thursdays at The Studio Space. Also, our annual meeting is January 30th at 7pm at Streams in the Desert Lutheran Church at 5360 E. Pima St, Tucson (Pima-Craycroft).
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If you have ELCA-Primary health benefits, a suite of new online offerings provides convenient access to care at your fingertips, whether on the go, in your office, or and in the privacy of your own home. Find support to strengthen your emotional resilience, learn new skills, and save on costs.
Being is a holistic, faith-based, educational platform. Learn to Live is a self-directed online mental health support program. Text-Based Primary Care is available through a convenient app.
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A federal judge in Maryland has blocked a recent executive order allowing state and local officials to refuse refugee resettlement.
The preliminary injunction is part of a lawsuit by three faith-based organizations against the U.S. government over the order.
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The current crisis between the United States and Iran is worrisome for many of us in our church, in our nation and in the world. Our country and Iran need urgently to find ways to resolve our differences through a de-escalation of the current crisis, using diplomacy and other peaceful means. Our social statement, "For Peace in God's World," offers guidance.
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When boilers are serviced regularly, they’re safer, more efficient and less likely to break down. Regular boiler service will reduce your energy bills and ensure that the boiler and its main components have a longer life. Should your congregation need funds for infrastructure repairs or improvements, contact the ELCA Federal Credit Union for a cost-effective loan solution either by phone at 877-715-1111 or by visiting their website.
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The Lucas family lost their son and gained a cause. When 18 year old Jonah died, his grieving family decided to start a program inspired by his caring relationships with people experiencing homelessness. They now collect coats and other clothing items for distribution to those in need KUTV in Salt Lake City, Utah featured this story under the heading “Pay It Forward.”
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Pray for ELCA churchwide staff, volunteers and planning committees as they prepare for “boundless: God beyond measure,” the 2021 ELCA Youth Gathering in Minneapolis. Ask the Spirit to guide them as they help youth, young adults and adults catch a glimpse and develop a deeper understanding of Christ’s love and what it means to live a life filled with God.
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We pray for the congregation of Love of Christ Lutheran Church, Mesa.
We lift up: Steve Talmage, Senior Pastor; Nanette Christofferson, Associate Pastor; Kevin Anderson, Youth and Family Faith Formation Director; Darlene Fleischhauer, Office Manager, Wedding Assistant, Baptism and Memorial Service Coordinator; Dick Beckman, Operations Manager; Janice Herron, Preschool Director; Dianne Oien, New Members, Seniors & Logistics Manager; Anita Christensen, Children's Ministry Leader; Jung Csuy, Director of Music Ministry; William Nunes, Traditional Worship Pianist; William Hewes, Contemporary Worship Leader; Heather Parker, WOW Coordinator; Karen Thompson, WOW Meal Prep Coordinator; Mark Cloud and Brian Thompson, Set Up; Patti DeLaney, Church Board President; Karen Humbert, Church Board Secretary; Michael Obert, Church Board Treasurer; Dan Wilke, Church Board Vice President; and Clyde Anderson, Dave Dohrmann, Allen Gjersvig, Melissa Riner, Church Board.
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We pray for the people of Emmanuel Sudanese Lutheran Church, in Glendale, AZ. Emmanuel Sudanese is a synodically authorized worshipping community located on the campus of St. John's, Glendale.
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The ELCA Youth Gathering offers a great way for congregations to be a part of the larger church. The Gathering can be quite a financial and faith commitment on the part of the congregation as well as the family, but I strongly believe this event belongs on the timeline of each person’s faith journey. With a solid plan in place, collecting the funding for this experience can be both faith-filled and joyful.
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Last week, in a flurry of misleading headlines, many of us read that the United Methodist Church had split. This is not, in fact, what happened.
Many of you may be pondering the good Lutheran question: What does this mean? For the UMC? For our full communion partnership? It is simply too soon to have clarity on those questions. I assure you that there are leaders, both ELCA and UMC, who are carefully and faithfully tending to these questions.
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Love of Christ Lutheran Church in Mesa has about 300 used chairs that they would like to sell for $5.00 each. About half of the chairs have a book rack underneath. Contact Love of Christ Lutheran Church if you are interested.
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These guidelines will assist pastors and other congregational leaders in keeping a parish register.
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Give thanks for saints, martyrs and leaders, throughout history and today, who have dedicated their lives to racial justice, equality for all people and an end to racism and discrimination, and who stand with the neglected or weary. Pray that our actions, words and service for the sake of our neighbor will be inspired and guided by the witness and example of these bold leaders.
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Form A & C Parochial Reports, which are due February 15, 2020, are available on the ELCA.org Office of the Secretary resource page. These reports as well as many types of other resources can be found the page.
If your congregation did not receive your password from ELCA Churchwide, or if you have any questions, please contact Theresa Thornburgh in the synod office.
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For Bishop Hutterer’s upcoming trip to Israel and Palestine, we are looking for three or four gifts she can share with people she meets in her travels to the Holy Land.
If you can share unique or homemade gifts that reflect the Grand Canyon synod, please contactthe office. Items needed by January 21, 2020. These items need to be, small, packable, and travel well.
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