Dare to Lead for Faith Leaders
Dare to Lead for Faith Leaders

"Dare to Lead for Faith Leaders" offers faith leaders an opportunity to apply Brené Brown's insights to their roles. Starting March 5th, 2024, this six-session training focuses on developing daring leadership skills, enhancing self-awareness, and fostering authentic connections. Participants will explore the balance between vulnerability and professional authenticity, aiming to lead their faith communities with courage and integrity. The program, led by Sarah Ciavarri, aims to equip leaders with practical wisdom for the 21st-century church.

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Grand Canyon Synod, News, Leader ResourcesBrian Flatgardfaith+lead, Luther Seminary, Lay LeadershipoComment
Burned Out and Overwhelmed: Experiencing God’s Healing Presence on the Ancient Paths
Burned Out and Overwhelmed: Experiencing God’s Healing Presence on the Ancient Paths

Join Jorge Acevedo for "Burned Out and Overwhelmed: Experiencing God’s Healing Presence on the Ancient Paths," a workshop offering practical wisdom and ancient spiritual practices to combat pastoral burnout. Scheduled for February 29, 2024, this session aims to reconnect Christian leaders with foundational spiritual disciplines, providing tools for peace, resilience, and holistic well-being amidst the challenges of modern ministry.

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Grand Canyon Synod, News, Leader ResourcesBrian Flatgardfaith+lead, Luther Seminary, Lay LeadershipoComment
Ministry that honors the body: The holiness of simply being
Ministry that honors the body: The holiness of simply being

In part one of an interview, Living Lutheran spoke with Rachel Young Binter about how embodied spiritual practices inform her work as pastor of the Corner House, the Lutheran campus ministry of the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee. The second part of her interview focuses on the specifics of those practices, resources she recommends and a meditation she offered our readers.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardLiving LutheranComment
Faith Lens: Lose Your Life
Faith Lens: Lose Your Life

This week's Faith Lens explores the challenging call of discipleship through the lens of Mark 8:31-38, examining the concept of losing to win in the realm of faith and life. Reflecting on personal experiences with winning, losing, and the profound lessons of showing up, the discussion delves into Jesus' teachings on the cost of following Him, inviting us to embrace sacrifice for the sake of God's Word and the restoration of our relationship with the Divine.

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ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardYouth and Young Adult, Faith LensComment
From Brazil's Kilombo Monjolo to Your Lenten Reflection: A Story of Reconciliation
From Brazil's Kilombo Monjolo to Your Lenten Reflection: A Story of Reconciliation

Explore the theme of reconciliation in ELCA World Hunger's 2024 Lent Study. This week focuses on the transformative journey of Jerri Eliano de Quevedo and Sirlei Eloí in Kilombo Monjolo, Brazil, and the vital role of reconciliation in addressing hunger through the story of their community's resilience and partnership with the Igreja Evangélica de Confissão Luterana no Brasil.

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ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardHunger, ELCA World Hunger, 2024 LentComment
Sacred Histories: Martin Luther on the Chosenness of Nations
Sacred Histories: Martin Luther on the Chosenness of Nations

As part of our Creating Space for Conversations series, we share a PDF of an article by Miles Hopgood, Sacred Histories: Martin Luther on the Chosenness of Nations, from A Chosen Nation?, an issue of Word and World, Luther Seminary’s journal of theology.

In considering the idea of any nation as “chosen” of God, Martin Luther understands that such a relationship would have to be relational at its core, a relation between God and a group of people. But this relationship would be proclaimed by God and not something that individuals or groups could claim. Though Israel was chosen by God, this passed to the true, invisible church.—Miles Hopgood

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Grand Canyon Synod, News, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardCreating Space for Conversations, Word and World, Luther SeminaryComment
Enhance Your Lent and Easter Worship with ELCA's Latest Resources
Enhance Your Lent and Easter Worship with ELCA's Latest Resources

In the latest monthly worship news from ELCA Worship, explore a diverse range of resources for Lent and Easter, including special materials for International Women's Day, enriching discussions on worship and culture, and the "All Creation Sings" worship guide. Join the journey through Lent with insightful conferences and the revival of ancient liturgies to enrich your congregation's worship experience.

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ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian Flatgard2024 Lent, 2024 Holy WeekComment
‘Yes in God’s Backyard’ Seeks to Transform Church Lands into Homes
‘Yes in God’s Backyard’ Seeks to Transform Church Lands into Homes

Religious leaders across Arizona, including Bishop Hutterer, rallied at the state Capitol to support legislative efforts aimed at alleviating the affordable housing crisis. They advocated for a bill, “Yes in God’s Backyard,” to permit religious institutions to develop affordable housing on their properties. Read or listen to the article from KJZZ here, and read the Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona article here.

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Bishop Hutterer, Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardIn the News, Advocacy, HomelessnessComment
Redefining Recovery: Free Webinar on Ending Addiction Compassionately
Redefining Recovery: Free Webinar on Ending Addiction Compassionately

The Center of Addiction & Faith is set to host an enlightening webinar titled "Addiction & Ending It For Good," featuring Christina Dent, the visionary founder of End It For Good, on Wednesday, Feb. 28th, 2024 1pm MST, 2pm PST. This free, one-hour session will explore revolutionary approaches to understanding and addressing drug addiction—a journey from a punitive to a health-centered perspective. Register here.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardThe Center of Addiction & Faith, AddictionComment
Sumud: the Way of Jesus with Ranan Issa Abu Shanab
Sumud: the Way of Jesus with Ranan Issa Abu Shanab

Week 1 of “Following the Way of Jesus: A Lenten Holy Land Journey” is: Sumud the Way of Jesus with Ranan Issa Abu Shanab at the Church of Annunciation.

Sumud is the ELCA’s new name for our church’s engagement in accompaniment, awareness-building and advocacy for justice in Palestine and Israel. Sign up for updates about Sumud and upcoming events at: https://www.bit.ly/SumudSubscribe You can also learn more at https://www.ELCA.org/sumud.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardSumud, Israel and Palestine, 2024 LentComment
Ending with Grace: February Series at Community of Grace
Ending with Grace: February Series at Community of Grace

Conclude the 'Aging with Grace' series on February 28th at Community of Grace with Ms. Alma Init, RN, discussing 'Ending with Grace.' Delve into end-of-life care considerations, including hospice and palliative care processes. This compassionate and informative session will provide valuable insights into ensuring dignity and care in life’s final stages, coupled with a focus on self-care for caregivers.

For a deep dive into each weekly topic and to connect with valuable resources, visit the full series details at Community of Grace or in this PDF.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardCommunity of Grace Peoria, Cactus Conference, Older AdultComment
March 1 Marks Important Reporting Deadlines
March 1 Marks Important Reporting Deadlines

The ELCA calls on its congregations and rostered ministers to complete the simplified Annual Congregation Report by March 1, 2024. This streamlined Form A is crucial for the ELCA's understanding of church vitality and planning. For forms and assistance, visit the ELCA website or contact the secretary's office.

Additionally, the Rostered Minister Report to the Bishop offers a direct communication line to Bishop Hutterer, also due by March 1. Your timely submissions reflect our collective identity and resourcefulness, helping us be a united church in mission.

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Grand Canyon Synod, ELCABrian FlatgardComment
National Fund for Sacred Places LOIs due 2/29/2024
National Fund for Sacred Places LOIs due 2/29/2024

The National Fund for Sacred Places is accepting letters of intent (LOIs) until Thursday, February 29th at 11:59 EST. The LOI is the first step in a two-step application process. To access the LOI form, please visit fundforsacredplaces.org/apply.

The National Fund for Sacred Places is a grant-making program that provides capital grants ranging from $50,000 to $500,000 as well as wrap-around support services to congregations undertaking once-in-a-generation preservation projects.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardNational Fund for Sacred PlacesComment