Christians Against Christian Nationalism shares this letter and list of resources.
Today marks one year since the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. The Christian symbols and imagery on display during the violent attack on American democracy highlighted some of the worst manifestations of Christian nationalism. Our need to respond to this dangerous ideology that threatens our faith and country is as pressing as ever.
Read MoreA year ago, I watched the storming of the U.S. Capitol with horror – outraged at the violence and assault on our democracy, fearful for the lives of public servants and appalled at the proliferation of Christian language and symbols used by the mob. I turned to the book of Isaiah that day, especially chapter 61 where the prophet promises comfort and restoration to those who mourn.
The prophet unveils a vision for rebuilding out of the rubble of national tragedy. The blog post “Actual Renewal and Repair After Capitol Breach” explored this vision and the work of the church after January 6, 2021.
Read MoreWe introduce a new feature of our news system this year. Each week we’ll celebrate upcoming ordination celebrations, on a Friday-to-Friday basis. We hope you will enjoy getting to know the ordained leaders of the Grand Canyon Synod. And while our records should be up to date, please let us know if we’ve missed you or anyone else. We also want to feature photos, so please update us with your most recent portrait or selfie.
Up first is Rev. Stephen Springer, with Dove of Peace Lutheran in Tucson, who celebrates 25 years on January 12, 2022. Congratulations! And we appreciate all he does in helping us with our synod assemblies!
Read MoreAll are welcome to this free event at Saint Matthew’s Episcopal Church, 901 W Erie St., Chandler, AZ 85225. Sunday, 1/16/2022, 5pm MST.
Come for a faith-filled evening of song with pianist Raymond Forte, soloist Diana McCowan, and readings from Letter from Birmingham Jail. Optional children’s focused lesson available. View livestream at Youtube here.
Read MoreThe number of reported daily cases has never been higher since the start of the pandemic for Nevada and Utah. Arizona is rapidly approaching record-breaking numbers of daily cases.
All but two counties in our synod continue to have extremely high levels of risk for unvaccinated people.
Extremely high risk counties for unvaccinated people in our synod include Apache, Clark, Cochise, Coconino, Gila, Greenlee, Maricopa, Mohave, Navajo, Pima, Pinal, Santa Cruz, Washington, Yavapai, and Yuma counties.
2022 gains momentum as we celebrate ordinations and installations, welcome those new to the synod, and continue planning for the year, especially the 2022 assembly.
Read MorePending congregation vote on 1/30/2022, Bishop Deborah Hutterer will preside at the ordination and installation of Katie Langston at New Promise Lutheran in St. George, Utah.
Rev. Kathryn Schifferdecker, Professor and Elva B. Lovell Chair of Old Testament at Luther Seminary, will preach. Color of the day is red. Friday, February 4, 2022, 5pm MST. 244 S Valley View Dr, St. George, UT 84770.
Read MoreBishop Deborah Hutterer will preach and preside at the installation of Rev. Naomi Hartman at Lutheran Church of the Foothills in Tucson. Clergy will be invited to process.
Sunday, February 6, 2022, 2 pm MST, 5102 North Craycroft Road, Tucson, AZ, 85718.
Read MoreFor those affected by snow, ice, and wind during recent winter storms…
For victims of the tragic house fire in Philadelphia…
For political unrest in Kazakhstan…
For the newly baptized and those preparing for baptism and affirmation of baptism…
For researchers and public health officials working to mitigate Covid variants and case count spikes…
For congregations, businesses, and institutions revising and canceling plans in order to stay healthy during this season of Covid…
We pray for Rev. Christine Stoxen and the people of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Chandler, part of the Fiesta Conference. Visit their site at htlutheran.com, and their social media pages on Facebook and YouTube.
Read MoreBishop Deborah Hutterer will preach and preside at the installation of Rev. Ruby Myers at Trinity Lutheran in Phoenix.
Sunday, January 9, 2022, 2pm MST, 9424 North 7th Avenue, Phoenix, AZ, 85021. Color of the day is white.
Read MoreBishop Deborah Hutterer will preach and preside at the installation of Chad Diegle as the Director of Youth and Family Ministries at Prince of Peace Lutheran in Phoenix.
Sunday, January 9, 2022, 9:30am MST, 3641 N 56th St, Phoenix, AZ 85018. Reception and Youth lunch to follow.
Read MoreWe pray for Rev. David Brandfass and the people of Christ Lutheran Church in Sedona, part of the High Country Conference. Visit their site at christsedona.org, and their social media pages on Facebook and Vimeo.
Read MoreAs your congregation prepares for its annual meeting, be sure to invite members to attend our 2022 Assembly, Friday-Saturday, June 10 & 11, 2022, at Love of Christ Lutheran Church in Mesa. Our theme is “Stirred Up by the Spirit.” Read more to find out how many voting members you congregation can send.
Read MoreThe crew at PhLY (Phoenix Lutheran Youth) share a 2021 wrap-up video of what the high school ministry means to them.
PhLY is multi-congregation ministry, and a Vitality and Innovation grant recipient through Vital Right-Shaped Ministry (VRSM), which is supported by the Growing Generosity Appeal.
Read MoreWe share a message from Rocky Mountain Synod’s Bishop Jim Gonia, who reports two pastors and multiple church members lost their homes in the recent Marshall Fire. In his message, Bishop Gonia provides an update, prayers, and information on how to help.
We also share Lutheran Disaster Response’s wildfire relief page about the Marshall Fire.
Read MoreFrom the most recent Stories of Faith in Action (SOFIA), we share a snapshot of giving in the ELCA. In 2020, ELCA members gave $1.7 billion in unrestricted offerings to support God’s mission and ministry through the three expressions of the ELCA: congregations, synods, and the churchwide organization.
Thank you for your generosity that enable us to be communities together in Christ serving the world!
Read MoreThe ministry of ELCA World Hunger is ready to respond to ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, participating creatively and courageously in the renewing work God is doing — even in the most difficult times. In 60 countries including the United States, ELCA World Hunger is working to end hunger and poverty.
Read MoreCase records are shattered across the nation. Despite reporting inconsistencies caused by the holidays, caseloads have continued to increase rapidly as the Omicron variant spreads. Deaths and hospitalizations have remained relatively steady.
Extremely high risk counties for unvaccinated people in our synod include Apache, Clark, Cochise, Coconino, Gila, La Paz, Maricopa, Mohave, Navajo, Pima, Pinal, Santa Cruz, Washington, Yavapai, and Yuma counties.
Things are quiet this time of year as a good number of the staff take a vacation and travel. May you find God’s peace in this liminal time of the year.
O God, it is your will to hold both heaven and earth in a single peace. Let the design of your great love shine on the waste of our wraths and sorrows, and give peace to your church, peace among nations, peace in our homes, and peace in our hearts; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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