From The New York Times Daily podcast we hear how a pastor quickly puts together an online funeral for his wife. The service, punctuated with technical difficulties and expressions of deep love, reveals the new rituals we are creating in crisis.
He was a pastor. She was a poet. They found a second chance at love and traveled the world together, visiting Antarctica, Mount Sinai and Alaska. We hear how he memorialized her life when she died in quarantine.
Read MoreRev. Miguel Gomez-Acosta, Director for Evangelical Mission and Bishop’s Associate for Congregational Vitality with the Grand Canyon Synod, brings greetings, the Gospel, and a sermon for the second Sunday after Easter.
The Gospel, Luke 24:13-35, The Walk to Emmaus, can be found at the beginning of the video. The greetings and sermon starts at 2:54.
Read MoreWe are writing this blog because we see how the effects of this pandemic are compounded by the effects of systemic and everyday racism. The disparities seem even more stark and clear now. Since much of our nation is highly segregated, it can be hard to see beyond what one is personally experiencing.
Read MoreCarey Nieuwhof writes about the trick of online analytics: “So now that your church (along with almost every other church) is online, you’re probably asking: how exactly do I track ‘attendance’?
One of the remarkable stories of the global pandemic is that suddenly, 49% of churches are reporting that their online attendance is higher or much higher than their in-person attendance.”
Read MoreAs a shy introvert, being up on stage in a room of 700+ people is one of my worst nightmares. If you would have told me years ago that I would have been playing guitar, singing, and rapping (yes, rapping), in front of hundreds of youth from the North Carolina synod, I would have thought you were delusional.
I was never really one to have a place in a group. There was a voice in my head saying, “I didn’t belong anywhere,” and I let that voice control my life for a long time. Until I met the band.
Read MoreNow the world’s primary method of communication is the clunky, awkward video call. Nobody wants to come across to their co-workers and friends as a dimly lit basement troll. The only thing that can save you is good lighting.
From The Wirecutter, get tips from a professional video producer working from home.
Read MoreGiven the ongoing uncertainty regarding travel and large gatherings in the coming months, the decision has been made to cancel the 2020 Rostered Ministers Gathering. Refunds will be processed automatically within 30 days. Please visit ELCA.org/RMG for more information.
Pastor Christine Stoxen and the planning team thanks all volunteers for their gifts of time and talent in what would have been a spirit-filled event.
Read MoreAllen Gjersvig, Director Outreach and Enrollment with Arizona Alliance for Community Health Centers, provides this COVID-19 update for thousands who are losing health insurance coverage or losing income and becoming AHCCCS, KidsCare and SNAP eligible. Read the article or access this Word doc or PDF.
Read MoreFacing an increase of coronavirus cases in East Jerusalem, Augusta Victoria Hospital and other East Jerusalem health systems are in critical need of financial resources to help mitigate the spread of the virus.
Augusta Victoria Hospital is owned and operated by the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) and supported by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and several other member churches of the LWF.
Read MoreThe West Virginia University Lutheran Campus ministry provides a place of respite, worship and community for Lutherans and non-Lutherans alike in Morgantown.
Read MorePastor Shari Bernau invites you to a pre-registration training for primary adult leaders for the 2021 ELCA Youth Gathering on Monday, April 27 at 1pm. More info on the Grand Canyon Synod 2021 ELCA Youth Gathering Facebook Page.
This is a private group that many of you have access to, but if you are new to our synod or this position, please just click on the link and request to be included.
Read MoreSynod members shared various stories of hope with us recently, and please remember to share yours. Some highlights:
Pastor Robert Jones with Santa Cruz Lutheran Church, Tucson, shares a Facebook album of a "Six Car Easter Parade," with 14 drive-by visits to homebound members and friends in neighborhoods on the west side of Tucson.
Pastor Carol Breimeier with Esperanza Lutheran Church, Ahwatukee, notes that the Ahwatukee Foothills News highlighted efforts by Esperanza folks for sewing masks and providing meals for healthcare workers.
Carol Brezina, Outreach Chair at Christ Lutheran, Sedona, let us know that 288 personal care kits were packed there on behalf of Lutheran World Relief.
Finally, Claire Crum, Church Council President at Grace Lutheran Church in Kingman shares they are creating CDC approved face masks utilizing their own material, machines, and, of course their time and talent.
Read MoreOn Saturday, April 18, 2020, the Grand Canyon Synod Council agreed, through a unanimous vote, to postpone the 2020 Assembly. The 2021 assembly will be held in Las Vegas, with planned dates of June 10-11, 2021. The 2022 Assembly will be held in Mesa. Special thanks to Community Lutheran, Las Vegas, and Love of Christ, Mesa, for your flexibility and hospitality.
We will share hotel refund information as we learn it. Expect to see a refund of your Assembly fees by the end of the month.
Read MoreDue to the continued and anticipated impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Young Adults in Global Mission program has decided to postpone sending volunteers until the 2021-2022 year of service. This decision was made for the safety and care of volunteers and global companions. Watch the video and read the press release.
Read MoreMolly Beck Dean, Director of the ELCA Youth Gathering, talks about faithfully going forward towards the 2021 Youth Gathering.
Read MoreELCA Worship shares a variety of ways to worship during this time of pandemic, as many are seeking resources to support daily prayer in the home. As we are physically separated from supportive Christian communities, it becomes increasingly important to mark our days and hours with prayer.
“I arise early in the morning and I cry out to you, I hope for your word. My eyes are open in the night watches, that I may meditate upon your promise.” (Psalm 119:147-148)
Read MoreEmergency room doctor Halleh Akbarnia shares a poignant op-ed about her first COVID-19 patient, Mr. C. They learn from one another as they share a long and frightening road toward his recovery, which is also healing for her. For twelve days she waited to see if her efforts would be successful. At the end of her wait, she went in to visit her patient. Mr. C looked up at her and said, “I remember your eyes.” Sometimes it is a small thing which establishes a deep connection.
Read MoreView photos from the “And It Is Good” photo exhibition, an invitation to contemplate the diversity of creatures that give glory to God in their being and who tend to our well-being. Que seamos inspiradas e inspirados a dar gracias por cada criatura de Dios y toda la creación divina. Each photo is paired with verses from the Bible. Cada foto se entrelaza con versículos de la Biblia.
Read MoreWhether born of fear, ignorance, or bigotry, the calumny and actual harm that the Chinese American community has suffered is morally reprehensible. The same is true for those of other communities who are assumed to be Chinese. Any sense of isolation that might be compounded by our silence only adds to the pain and offense.
Read MoreGod is bringing about something new for the world and for the church - and we have hopes and dreams for that - but we are waiting for God to reveal that. So, in the meantime, in our anxiety, in our joy, in our hope, let's remember: Christ is risen! Christ is risen, indeed! Alleluia!
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