Today we celebrate the ordination anniversary of Deacon Bernice Johnson, who celebrates 64 years on July 5.
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In turbulent times, our shared faith is both a source of solace and a beacon, guiding us towards the path of understanding and unity. With our nation grappling with all sorts of divisions, it is vital that we seek not to fight one another, but rather to engage in open and compassionate dialogue.
This comes after recent events have left our hearts heavy. Reports of church burnings in Southern Arizona, protests at our churches that openly welcome LGBTQIA+ members, and ongoing racial tensions nationally have underscored the urgent need for us to live out our call to be peacemakers and bridge builders.
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In our ongoing mission to connect people, we are happy to announce the upcoming Rostered Leaders of Color Cohort Retreat. This event is scheduled to take place in Sedona from August 20 to August 23, 2023.
The gathering will include rostered ministers of color and full-time rostered ministers from the Office of the Bishop Staff. It aims to create a nurturing environment where stories can be shared, connections made, and voices heard.
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Today we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Glenn Zorb, Mountain View, Phoenix, who celebrates 44 years on July 1.
Rev. Jan Flaaten, who celebrates 50 years on July 1.
Deacon Brenda J. Laukonis, who celebrates 42 years on July 1.
Rev. Robert Hutson Jr., who celebrates 50 years on July 1.
Rev. Robert Rod, who celebrates 50 years on July 1.
Rev. James Dew, Abounding Grace, Tucson, and Interim Director for Evangelical Mission (DEM), who celebrates 33 years on July 1.
If you were unable to join us for our enlightening Manna Grants webinar, fear not! The recording of this information-packed webinar is available here with the passcode: E^fi7Bvs
Our guest speakers, Roselle Tenorio, ELCA World Hunger Program Manager, and Sue Jensen, Synod Council Executive Committee member, shared insightful presentations on addressing the root causes of hunger and essential information on Manna Grants.
Ready to make a difference? Learn more about our Manna Grants here. The application deadline is midnight on July 31, 2023.
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In this article from Living Lutheran, we read how Rev. Kenneth Wheeler was compelled to write his new book US: The Resurrection of American Terror (Precocity Press, 2022) after connecting the trauma he’d experienced under Jim Crow segregation to the rise in Christian nationalism he’d seen in recent years. Read the full article in this post, and be sure to participate in our Conversations with Rev. Kenneth W. Wheeler, July 11 and August 1, 2023, at 10 am.
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The Grand Canyon Synod Hunger Leaders needs your help. In order to move forward with the implementation of the Grand Canyon Synod Resolution S23.01, they require some crucial information from each congregation.
To help us achieve their first goal of gathering data, please take a couple of minutes to complete this survey for your church. Their aim is to achieve 100% participation across the synod. Every response counts! You can access the survey here.
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The Office of the Bishop travels the synod and the Southwest for preaching and youth events.
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Today we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Randy Winsand, Ascension, Paradise Valley, who celebrates 10 years on June 30.
Rev. Myron Nysether, who celebrates 49 years on June 30.
Rev. William Dowling, who celebrates 63 years on June 30.
Rev. John Williams, who celebrates 50 years on June 30.
Today we celebrate the ordination anniversary of Rev. Gayle Bintliff, who celebrates 22 years on June 29.
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Christ Church School in Paradise Valley is seeking a dedicated and dynamic individual to join their team as a Half-time Chaplain. The ideal candidate will be a committed Episcopalian or ELCA lay or clergy person, with a passion for nurturing spiritual growth in children, and a talent for fostering a sense of belonging within the school community. More details can be found in this PDF. Applications are welcome at HeadofSchool@ccsaz.org.
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Pastor Dan Potaznick, accompanied by the Grand Canyon Synod Stewardship Team, relays an inspiring narrative of the multicultural worship experience where three congregations — St. John’s Lutheran Church, Iglesia Luterana Vida Nueva, and Emmanuel Sudanese Lutheran Church — each offer a unique and vibrant expression of faith.
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The book of Proverbs asks us to bring our whole lives with us when we read it. This is true for the whole of Scripture but especially for Proverbs.
As part of the biblical books known as wisdom literature, Proverbs centers human experience as a way of discerning God’s work in the world and our participation in it. Proverbs rarely shows up in the lectionary and isn’t known as a favorite in Lutheran circles, but it teaches careful reading and interpreting.
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Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Sun City West has a beautiful, unused "Behold the Lamb" Divine Light Paschal Candle from Will & Baumer to generously donate to a congregation.This new candle, never burned, with appliques for multiple years, is still in its original packaging.
For more info visit Majesty Divine Light Paschal Candle. Interested? Send an email to info@LOLaz.org.
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Looking for a useful item for your church's next campaign? Lord of Grace Lutheran Church in Tucson is giving away a freestanding display board previously used in their capital campaign. The board, with dimensions of 73” high, 36” wide, and 24” deep, could be a great asset to your church's outreach or communication efforts. Contact Lord of Grace Lutheran Church to claim this resource.
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For all experiencing the effects of smoke, air pollution, and poor air quality…
For cleanup and recovery following tornadoes in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Indiana…
For areas facing extreme heat and other extreme weather conditions…
For fire fighters and all in the paths of brush fires in California and Arizona…
For all victims and wounded in shooting events, especially in Kansas City, MO; Willowbrook, IL; Saginaw, MI…
For police protests in Paris…
For peace in the world, especially in Ukraine, Palestine, and Syria…
The Office of the Bishop will be closed on Monday, July 4th, 2023, in observance of Independence Day. As we celebrate this day of freedom and unity, let us also remember to cherish the gift of spiritual freedom we've been blessed with through faith.
"Gracious God, as we celebrate Independence Day, we are grateful for the freedoms we enjoy in this nation. May we use our liberties to seek justice, embrace love, and walk humbly in our service. Bless our land, guide our leaders, and unite our hearts in the pursuit of what is good and pleasing to You. In Christ's name, Amen."
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We invite you to a special webinar about our Manna Grants on June 28, 2023, at 5 pm MST/PDT, 6pm MDT. We're honored to have Sharon Magnuson and Roselle Tenorio from the ELCA join us, sharing insights on how to address root causes of hunger. Register here for the Zoom meeting.
Also, remember to apply for the Manna Grant by July 31, 2023. View our Manna Grant page for full info and an application.
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Today we celebrate the ordination anniversary of Rev. Craig Corbin, Mount Olive, Lake Havasu City, who celebrates 36 years on June 28.
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