Grief, money narratives, and annual giving: Sharing grief changes reasons for giving
Grief, money narratives, and annual giving: Sharing grief changes reasons for giving

This timely piece by Erin Weber-Johnson from Luther Seminary works with the question: What do we do now?

As someone who guides faith communities and institutions in the work of discerning how to follow God’s call, and how they can best steward their resources to serve their mission in a given context, this question has long held relevance. As we think about raising money and leading congregations – especially when we know that the “now” is riddled with grief – this question feels more relevant than ever.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardStewardship, faith+lead, Luther SeminaryComment
Prompts for Prayers of Intercession: August 28, 2022
Prompts for Prayers of Intercession: August 28, 2022

  • For communities in China impacted by drought…

  • For communities in Algeria impacted by wildfires…

  • For victims of gun violence in Washington DC…

  • For resolution to the ongoing war in Ukraine as we cross the six-month mark of the war, and especially remembering Ukraine’s Independence Day (August 24)…

  • For those grieving the loss of a pet…

  • For those struggling with debt or financial stress…

  • For those experiencing housing insecurity…

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ELCA, PrayersBrian FlatgardELCA Worship, For What Shall We PrayComment
GCS Hunger Leaders Network meets 8/30/2022
GCS Hunger Leaders Network meets 8/30/2022

Calling all hunger champions! Join this network of the Grand Canyon Synod! Meet to hear updates on national and local Hunger and Food Insecurity efforts and initiatives, to learn from one another, and to share with the group what's happening in our congregations. Anyone interested in alleviating hunger is welcome. Tuesday, 8/30/2022, 6-7pm MST/PDT, 7-8pm MDT.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardAdvocacy, Hunger, Grand Canyon Synod Hunger Leaders NetworkComment
Worship Team Assistant wanted at Desert Hills Lutheran in Green Valley
Worship Team Assistant wanted at Desert Hills Lutheran in Green Valley

Vibrant, large congregation seeks a dynamic Worship Team Assistant to support the worship life of the church by aiding in worship planning, content creation, execution, distribution, and evaluation of worship experiences, both for in person and online services. Read the job description in this PDF and contact the church to apply.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardHelp Wanted, Desert Hills Green Valley, Kino ConferenceComment
ELCA Fund for Leaders awards TEEM scholarships
ELCA Fund for Leaders awards TEEM scholarships

Celebrating its 25th anniversary, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) Fund for Leaders will award 375 scholarships to students attending the seven seminaries of the ELCA for the 2022-2023 academic year.

This year the ELCA Fund for Leaders will distribute around $3.5 million through several types of scholarships, including direct full-time scholarships, federal chaplaincy ministries scholarships, mission developer scholarships, and synod or congregation scholarships.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardELCA Fund for Leaders, ELCA SeminariesComment
2022 ELCA Churchwide Assembly summary of actions
2022 ELCA Churchwide Assembly summary of actions

The 2022 ELCA Churchwide Assembly met Aug. 8-12, 2022, under the theme "Embody the Word." The assembly worshiped together in services of eucharist and lament, experienced a liturgy rooted in Indigenous traditions, and heard a public apology in a nonlegislative session to Iglesia Luterana Santa María Peregrina for harm experienced from actions taken by the Sierra Pacific Synod and this church. In this post, read the key actions taken by the assembly.

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ELCA, NewsBrian Flatgard2022 Churchwide AssemblyComment
Ordination celebrations: 8/19/2022-8/25/2022
Ordination celebrations: 8/19/2022-8/25/2022

  • Rev. Brent Maxwell, Gloria Cristi, Phoenix, who celebrates 15 years on August 19.

  • Rev. Kurt Fangmeier, Living Christ, Flagstaff, who celebrates 21 years on August 19.

  • Rev. Marilyn Ascarza, who celebrates 32 years on August 19.

  • Rev. Scott Hackler, Spirit of Grace, Surprise, who celebrates 33 years on August 20.

  • Rev. Michael Purcell, who celebrates 44 years on August 20.

  • Rev. Barbara Rapp, who celebrates 29 years on August 21.

  • Rev. Martha Neff Stum, who celebrates 12 years on August 21.

  • Rev. Doris Nolan, Our Savior’s, Mesa, who celebrates 17 years on August 22.

  • Rev. Loren Swanson, who celebrates 51 years on August 22.

  • Rev. Carlyle Smith, who celebrates 58 years on August 23.

  • Rev. Naomi Barcanic, who celebrates 25 years on August 24.

  • Rev. Nathan Bowman, Hospice of the West, who celebrates 37 years on August 25.

  • Rev. Sandra Jones, Bethany, Scottsdale, who celebrates 15 years on August 25.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardOrdination AnniversariesComment
Get ready for 2023 Grand Canyon Synod Grants
Get ready for 2023 Grand Canyon Synod Grants

For 2023, the Grand Canyon Synod is offering two categories of grant applications: Project Support Grants, and Adapting, Connecting, Transforming, and Sustaining (ACTS) Grants. More info at gcsynod.org/grants.

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News, Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardGCS Grants Program, Grants, 2023 Grand Canyon Synod GrantsComment
Excellence in Leadership registration deadline is 9/2/2022
Excellence in Leadership registration deadline is 9/2/2022

“It’s not easy to be the church these days.” In response to this truth and the desire to raise up courageous, resilient, and faithful leaders, the Rocky Mountain Synod, ELCA offers Excellence in Leadership: an 18-month investment, with classes meeting 1-2 times per month, which will provide tools and resources to last a lifetime. Click here to get more info and register.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardExcellence in Leadership, Region 2, Rocky Mountain Synod Comments