We believe in the Holy Spirit: A global conversation on being Lutheran
We believe in the Holy Spirit: A global conversation on being Lutheran

The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) is engaged in a global study of contemporary Lutheran identities as they are lived in local church contexts. Between now and June you are invited to take part in a larger conversation, with a discussion guide titled We Believe in the Holy Spirit: Welcome to a Global Conversation on Being Lutheran.

This guide will help lead your congregation’s Christian education and/or youth group on a journey of mutual discovery and learning. View/download the guide.

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News, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardLutheran World FederationComment
The Rev. Dr. Daniel R. Defassio: Facebook Live Memorial Service
The Rev. Dr. Daniel R. Defassio: Facebook Live Memorial Service

A memorial service for Rev. Dr. Daniel R. Defassio was live-streamed on Facebook, Tuesday, March 30, 2021. Bishop Deborah Hutterer and Pastor Phil Gustafson were among those who celebrated his life and ministry .

A copy of the service is available on the same Facebook page, Shepherd of the Desert Lutheran Church, Sun City, AZ. Feel free to share this link with all who would like to remember.

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Prayers, In MemoriamBrian FlatgardShepherd of the Desert Sun City, Cactus ConferenceComment
Registration now open for Domestic Hunger Grants
Registration now open for Domestic Hunger Grants

Registration for the 2022 ELCA World Hunger Domestic Hunger Grants is now open. Visit ELCA.org/domestichungergrants to learn more about the grants and how to apply.

Organizations applying for an ELCA grant for the first time must register by setting up an account in ELCA GrantMaker in order to access the Domestic Hunger Grant application once it opens on April 19, 2021.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardHunger, ELCA World HungerComment
3/31/2021 is last day to take the global survey on being Lutheran
3/31/2021 is last day to take the global survey on being Lutheran

This Lent, Bishop Eaton invites us to participate in the Global Survey on Being Lutheran (en Español: Encuesta Mundial Sobre lo Que Significa Ser Luteran). We also ask that you invite others in your churches to participate. The survey will be open through March 31, and responses gathered will help to shape the 13th LWF Assembly in 2023.

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Bishop Eaton, ELCA, News, LettersBrian FlatgardLutheran World FederationComment
Creation-Focused Service for Earth Day 2021
Creation-Focused Service for Earth Day 2021

For Earth Day April 25, 2021, Lutherans Restoring Creation is preparing a gorgeous program of liturgy, visual journeys, musical offerings, insights and inspiration. Bishop Elizabeth Eaton will be delivering the sermon. More info here.

Be sure to register and receive a link to download the service a week prior to the live presentation on April 25th (Good Shepherd Sunday). The entire worship service will also be offered via our YouTube and Facebook channels live that day.

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Bishop Eaton, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardLutherans Restoring Creation, Climate ChangeComment
Transformative Waters: The Flooding of the Umatilla River
Transformative Waters: The Flooding of the Umatilla River

During a multi-day warm-up in February 2020, melting snow and heavy rains caused the Umatilla River and its tributaries to overflow their banks. Damage was great and so was the need for a long-term recovery group (LTRG), a common structure in the disaster response community that allows for a holistic response. Read how Lutheran Disaster Response was a catalyst in the group.

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ELCA, LettersBrian FlatgardLutheran Disaster ResponseComment
Summer heat respite program coordinator at Grace, Phoenix
Summer heat respite program coordinator at Grace, Phoenix

Grace Lutheran in Phoenix is seeking a full-time coordinator for their summer heat respite program, May 15-September 15, 2021. View the job description as a PDF or as a Word doc.

Send your resume, cover letter, and at least two references to Pastor Sarah Stadler at pastorsarah@graceinthecity.com. For questions, you may reach Pastor Sarah at the Grace office at 602-258-3787.

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News, Help Wanted, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardGrace Phoenix, Capital Conference, Help WantedComment
In Memoriam: Rev. Wayne Viereck
In Memoriam: Rev. Wayne Viereck

Pastor Tim Nybroten, Resurrection Lutheran in Tucson, writes to tell us of the death of Rev. Wayne Viereck: “Pastor Wayne passed into the loving arms of God just before midnight on Wednesday, March 24, 2021. We hold Pat and the Viereck family in our prayers, and we thank God for Wayne’s many years of faithful service to Resurrection Lutheran and to the greater Church.”

A memorial service for Pastor Wayne is scheduled for Saturday, April 3rd at 1:00 p.m. at Resurrection Lutheran Church. All CDC Covid-19 protocols will be followed.

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Prayers, In Memoriam, News, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardResurrection Oro Valley, Kino Conference Comment
Advocacy Updates: March 2021
Advocacy Updates: March 2021

In two posts at ELCA.org, we hear from the ELCA advocacy office in Washington, D.C., and get the U.N. and state edition, including news from Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA), who is tracking 37 bills of interest to people of faith in Arizona, organizing a second Advocacy 101 training workshop alongside Arizona Faith Network and Bread for the World, and celebrating its first birthday.

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ELCA, News, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardAdvocacy, ELCA Advocacy, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA)Comment
In Memoriam: Rev. Frank Caron
In Memoriam: Rev. Frank Caron

The Reverend Franklyn Annesifor Caron, longtime member of ELCA Grand Canyon Synod, died peacefully at the age of 91 on Friday, March 19, 2021 at Marley House Hospice in Prescott, AZ.

He was born June 29, 1929 to Annesifor and Ella Caron in Butte, Montana. Reverend Caron lived a long and storied life: musician, dancer, rodeo rider, miner, locomotive engineer, Marine, small business owner, and finally, pastor. We’ve updated this post with his full obituary.

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Prayers, In Memoriam, News, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardHigh Country ConferenceComment