Prompts for Prayers of Intercession: February 20, 2022

For those impacted severely by climate change, especially parts of the Western United States experiencing “megadrought” conditions…
For the escalating situation at the Russia/Ukraine border…
For state and local leaders navigating ongoing decisions about Covid-19 response and mitigation efforts…
For all parents of children under age 5, continuing to wait for Covid-19 vaccine authorization for their children…
For the people of Tonga as they continue to deal with the destruction and trauma inflicted by January’s volcano and tsunami…
In gratitude for the generous and faithful stewardship of all who donated to ELCA World Hunger through the Big Game Challenge 2022…

ELCA, PrayersBrian FlatgardFebruary 17, 2022ELCA Worship, For What Shall We PrayComment

Why Churches Should Drop Their Online Services

Tish Harrison Warren’s opinion article, Why Churches Should Drop Their Online Services, drew a huge response, which she followed up with in her next article, 7 Thoughtful Reader Responses on Ending Online Church. Read the full articles in The New York Times, and excerpts in this post.

Over the past two years a refrain has become common in churches and other religious communities: “Join us in person or online.” I was a big proponent of that “or online” part. Now I think it’s time to drop the virtual option. And I think this for the same reason I believed churches should go online back in March 2020: This is the way to love God and our neighbors.

Read · Watch · ListenBrian FlatgardFebruary 15, 2022Comment

Prayers for Resurrection Lutheran Church in Scottsdale

We pray for Rev. Matthew Wiswall and the people of Resurrection Lutheran Church in Scottsdale, part of the Northeast Valley Conference. Visit their site at rlc-scottsdale.org and their Facebook page.

Prayers, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardFebruary 15, 2022Resurrection Scottsdale, Northeast Valley ConferenceComment

Announcing the open position of University Pastor at California Lutheran University

California Lutheran University invites applications and nominations for the position of University Pastor. Cal Lutheran is a forward-facing, private liberal arts and sciences, faith-based institution in the mid-21st century. As a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI), we are searching for candidates with a demonstrated commitment to and success working in diverse multi-religious, multi-cultural and multi-racial communities. Download a profile of the position as PDF. Applicants may apply here.

News, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardFebruary 15, 2022Region 2, California Lutheran University, Help WantedComment

Talks at the Desk: Black Boy Joy Ep. 2

Part two of the “Talks at the Desk” video series celebrates youth ministry and mentorship in the Black Church. Black men and boys speak about their connections across generations. They reflect on how their faith communities and mentor relationships have guided them and nurtured their passions. A discussion guide to help individuals and congregations engage with these conversations is available at ELCA.org/ADM.

ELCA, News, LettersBrian FlatgardFebruary 15, 2022African Descent Ministries, 2022 Black History MonthComment

Bishop Eaton: Our Black Lutheran heritage

In honor of Black History Month we celebrate the historic ministry and contributions of all members of the ELCA African Descent community who make up the American Lutheran tradition.

Bishop Eaton, ELCA, LettersBrian FlatgardFebruary 15, 20222022 Black History Month, African Descent MinistriesComment

Faith Lens: Love Your Enemies

The notion of enemies is all over the news. There’s military buildup at the Ukrainian border with Russia, making enemies of global neighbors. Many countries are enacting diplomatic boycotts of the Olympics, making enemies of athletes who often train together, regardless of their national origins.

What I’ve found fascinating are the stories of people whom we might consider enemies behaving rather friendly.

ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardFebruary 15, 2022Faith Lens, Youth and Young AdultComment

Marriage of Pastor Randy Winsand & Alicia Gaston

We give thanks for the marriage of Pastor Randy Winsand & Alicia Gaston, who were married Saturday, February 12, 2022, at Ascension Lutheran Church in Paradise Valley.

Eternal God, without your grace no promise is sure. Strengthen Pastor Randy Winsand & Alicia Gaston with patience, kindness, gentleness, and all other gifts of your Spirit, so that they may fulfill the vows they have made. Keep them faithful to each other and to you. Fill them with such love and joy that they may build a home of peace and welcome. Guide them by your word to serve you all their days; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

News, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardFebruary 15, 2022Ascension Paradise Valley, Northeast Valley Conference, MarriageComment

Prayers for Community Lutheran Church in Las Vegas

We pray for Rev. Benjamin Bergren, Rev. Brian Ward, and the people of Community Lutheran Church in Las Vegas, part of the Colorado River Conference. Visit their site at communitylv.org, and their social media pages on Facebook and Instagram.

Prayers, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardFebruary 14, 2022Community Las Vegas, Colorado River ConferenceComment

Synod council minutes: 12/11/2021

Read the approved minutes from the synod council meeting on December 11, 2021 in PDF format.

News, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardFebruary 12, 2022Synod CouncilComment

Registration is open for the 2022 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly

Under the theme Stirred up in the Spirit, we gather at Love of Christ Lutheran Church in Mesa, June 10–11, 2022 for our annual synod assembly.

Registration is now open, and only voting members need to register. Visitors can view via livestream at no cost. Lay voting members and rostered ministers (active and retired) all use the same registration. Click here to register. $140 early bird registration through 4/22/2022, with $160 registration through 5/27/2021.

News, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardFebruary 10, 20222022 Synod AssemblyComment

Open Space newsletter: February 2022

Open Space rebuilds after a hiatus during the pandemic. Read their latest newsletter as PDF or in this post.

News, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardFebruary 10, 2022Open Space, Kino ConferenceComment

Hymns & Hops Fest

Join Crossroads Lutheran as we come together to celebrate the Gospel through community, song and drink. No preaching, no proselytizing, just a good-old-fashion sing along. Sunday, March 13, 2022, 3-6pm, at 2769 E Combs Rd, Bld D, San Tan Valley AZ 85140. Cost: $5.00 per glass.

This is our 3rd Hymns & Hops and it won't disappoint. So spend the word. Water available. Games and fun for all ages. Funds from this event will support the Crossroads Outreach Summer Day Camp for kids.

News, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardFebruary 10, 2022Crossroads San Tan Valley, Rio Salado ConferenceComment

Statements of intent for Mission Support in 2022 are due February 15, 2022

Your valuable partnership through your mission support to the Grand Canyon Synod meant we were able to do many amazing things in 2021. You can read about these achievements in this post.

Your statements of intent (PDF statement of intent in English, PDF statement of intent in Spanish) are due 2/15/2022. Thank you for your gifts and partnership as we are church together for the sake of the world.

Bishop Hutterer, News, Letters, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardFebruary 10, 2022Comment

Faith Formation In A Secular Age

You're invited to Faith Formation In A Secular Age: How we can partner with God in reshaping the church in the 21st century, with presenter Andrew Root, Ph.D. of Luther Seminary at Living Water Lutheran Church in Scottsdale. Saturday, 3/19/2022, 2-5pm MST, 1-4pm PST. Reception to follow. View PDF.

A virtual option will also be available. Space is limited. To register for free, please email aschmidt001@luthersem.edu or call 651-641-3431 by March 11, 2022.

News, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardFebruary 10, 2022Living Water Scottsdale, Northeast Valley Conference, Luther SeminaryComment

Covid-19 exposure risk: 2/10/2022

New coronavirus cases have been falling rapidly for weeks after reaching record highs. Though infection numbers remain elevated, the country is adding fewer than one-third as many cases as it was in mid-January. Fully vaccinated rates remain at roughly 60% of the population. All counties are at extremely high levels of risk for unvaccinated people.

News, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardFebruary 10, 2022CoronavirusComment

Office of the Bishop Updates: 2/11/2022

The Office of the Bishop staff will be at the upcoming synod council meeting, and catching up on paperwork and reports and meetings. Check this post for photos from the latest ordinations and installations.

News, Bishop Hutterer, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardFebruary 10, 2022Office of the BishopComment

Camp ALOMA Summer Camp 2022

Camp ALOMA "To The Cross" Summer Camp registration is now open! For more information: campaloma.com, office@campaloma.com, 928-778-1690. Register today at this link: app.campdoc.com/register/aloma.

Check out which one of our seven weeks works for you to join us this summer!! Register before March 15th and receive the early bird discount for your week fee. Register before February 28th and receive the early bird discount for your bus transportation! We hope to see you this summer!

News, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardFebruary 10, 2022Camp ALOMA, High Country ConferenceComment

Camp ALOMA Elementary Retreat

Registration for the Elementary Retreat is open! We hope to see you on this fun filled weekend, March 11th - March 13th. $90 per camper, 1st-6th grade.

This weekend is going to be jammed pack with fun activities, good food, and friendly fellowship! We are so excited to see all of you before summer. Go to campaloma.com or click here to register today.

News, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardFebruary 10, 2022Camp ALOMA, High Country ConferenceComment

OMNIA: Striving Towards Beloved Community

More than 50 years ago, Dr. Mary Nelson marched with Dr. Martin Luther King and gospel singer Mahalia Jackson in Chicago. For several decades, Dr. Nelson was a faculty member of OMNIA Institute’s predecessor organization SCUPE and she continues as an Advisory Board member of the OMNIA Institute for Contextual Leadership.

In an OMNIA podcast, Dr. Nelson talked about the Beloved Community as God’s vision for the city. It is that same vision that animated the founders of SCUPE to prepare pastors to break down all barriers to the flourishing of community. At the beginning of Black History month, it is fitting that we remember the power of this vision.

ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardFebruary 10, 2022Ecumenical and Inter-Religious RelationsComment

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