As we look back, I am grateful for the ways you have embraced the world as it is, not as you want it to be. You ensured that the witness of the church continued even when it was not safe to gather in-person.
Through the gifts of the Holy Spirit, you went well beyond what you might have imagined possible. Through uncertainty, you spoke words of hope and offered reminders that nothing will separate us from the love of God.
Read MoreMost Americans incorrectly assume that federal laws will protect someone being evicted from their home or turned away from a place of business for the sole reason of being part of the LGBTQ+ community. There are no such laws.
But there could be. The Equality Act, a landmark piece of legislation which has already been passed in the U.S. House, would add the words “sexual orientation” and “gender identity” to the Civil Rights Act, affording protections in employment, housing, public accommodations, federal funding, credit, the jury system and more.
Read MoreLutheran Disaster Response provides a situation report on the Palestine-Israel conflict.
Read MoreThis Pride Month, Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton gives thanks for the blessings of our LGBTQIA+ siblings and prays that we will all have a sense of pride in being part of this fearfully and wonderfully made family.
Read MoreWe pray for the family of Pastor David Halmers.
Rev. David Edward Halmers, 83, of South Windsor, CT, died Thursday, May 27, 2021, at home surrounded by his family. Pastor Halmers had moved back to New England in recent months due to failing health. He remained rostered in Grand Canyon Synod.
Read MoreHoly Trinity, Chandler, seeks an office administrator for 26 hours per week. Monday thru Thursday from 8:30 AM - 3 PM. Please email resume to: judi@htlutheran.com. View this post for full job description.
Read MoreAll Saints Lutheran Church, Phoenix, is taking applications for Administrative Assistant. View more info in this PDF.
Read MoreAll Saints Lutheran Church, Phoenix, is taking applications for Communications Administrator. View more info in this PDF.
Read MoreEducate, Equip, Enact (3E) is pleased to sponsor Scam Proof Your Finances, a webinar from LSS Financial Counseling, on June 24 at 10:30 am MST/PDT. Register in advance for this meeting here. Open to all in the Grand Canyon Synod.
Plan to leave this class smarter than the identity thieves.
Read MoreLeaders of Reconciling in Christ (RIC) congregations are joining together to find ways to show who we are, where we are, and what we believe. We joyfully affirm God's love, word, and grace for all of God's creation.
If you are interested in learning more about how RIC churches in our synod are spreading God's affirming gospel, join us at our next meeting on Tuesday, July 6 at 3:30pm MST/PDT. Contact Carly Chamberlain at info@faithalive.com for the Zoom Link.
Read MoreWith new CDC guidelines for fully vaccinated people, we continue to show risk for unvaccinated people in our synod.
High risk counties: Apache, Clark, Cochise, Gila, Graham, Greenlee, La Paz, Maricopa, Mohave, Navajo, Pima, Pinal, Santa Cruz, Washington, and Yavapai.
Moderate risk in Coconino and Yuma counties.
Read MoreWe’ve fielded multiple calls from assembly voting members looking for their Zoom registration emails, which are usually found in their junk mail and spam folders.
You can add office@gcsynod.org to your address book and that may help the problem. Also, flag the email as “Not Junk” so you’ll get future emails. And we’ll try our best to not send emails that trigger spam warnings.
Read MoreJoin us as we launch the Be Connected: Faith Network in support of Arizona's 500,000+ service members, veterans & their families. Be a part of bringing hope and healing to all at this Military/Veteran Faith-Based Summit, Wednesday, June 9, 2021 | 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM MST/PDT. Click Here to Register. View PDF.
Read MoreAs part of our assembly, we’ll be approving our proposed 2022-2023 Mission Spending Plan. Use our page at gcsynod.org/20222023-mission-spending-plan to explore the plan in depth as we provide different ways of seeing this data.
Read MoreWe pray for Rev. David Pavesic and the people of Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church in Tucson, part of the Santa Cruz Conference. Visit their site at beautifulsavior.net, and their Facebook page.
Read MoreThe latest version of the The Official Gathering Handbook: Tips & Tricks for Adult Leaders, a resource filled with helpful resources and guidance for having an amazing Gathering experience.
Read MoreWe’re happy to introduce a new monthly column, A Cup of Generosity, from Pastor Dana Karen Reardon and the Grand Canyon Synod Stewardship Team.
My dad was a drunk. Not a mean drunk, but maybe a cynical one. Then he got sober. And God changed him more than I knew.
Read MoreThe Diakonia Program, in connection with the Grand Canyon Synod, has recently developed an Advanced Classes Task Force. This task force is devoted to creating and offering high quality training for lay persons, beyond the regular two-year Diakonia Program.
Read MoreRead the latest update from the 2022 ELCA Youth Gathering where you’ll find volunteer applications, info on a 6/17/2021 webinar, PASSAGE (a small-group ministry and resource development program for recently graduated high school seniors), and info on the 7/25 kickoff celebration.
Read MoreA collection of resources is available at elca.org/emanuelnine to help synods and congregations mark the martyrdom of the Emanuel Nine — the nine people shot and killed on June 17, 2015, during a Bible study at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, S.C.
These resources can be adapted for virtual worship, online conversation or individual reflection and devotion. Synods and congregations are encouraged to mark this commemoration locally.
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