Celebrating Seven Ordinations in 2025: Your Mission Support Makes It Possible
Celebrating Seven Ordinations in 2025: Your Mission Support Makes It Possible

The Grand Canyon Synod is celebrating a record year of leadership formation with six ordinations in 2025 and a seventh scheduled for December, including our first-ever two deacons in Word and Service Ministry. Thanks to your congregation’s mission support, leaders across the synod are being raised up, equipped, and called into ministry.

Bishop Hutterer’s 2025 Impact Story highlights the journey of Rev. Solomon Kuch, a South Sudanese refugee who served Emmanuel Sudanese Lutheran Fellowship for years while working night shifts, raising a family, and completing seminary. His ordination shows what becomes possible when a community’s generosity meets God’s call. Download and share the full story to celebrate how your mission support is transforming lives and empowering ministry across our synod. View the letter in English and Spanish here.

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Grand Canyon Synod, Bishop HuttererBrian FlatgardBishop Hutterer Letters, Mission Support, Stewardship, Mission Support ImpactComment
Siete ordenaciones en 2025: Su congregación está formando líderes
Siete ordenaciones en 2025: Su congregación está formando líderes

El Sínodo del Gran Cañón celebra un año histórico con seis ordenaciones en 2025 y una séptima prevista para diciembre, incluyendo por primera vez dos diáconos en el Ministerio de Palabra y Servicio. Gracias al apoyo misionero de sus congregaciones, nuevos líderes están siendo acompañados, formados y enviados a servir en comunidades de todo nuestro sínodo.

La historia destacada de este año es la del Rev. Solomon Kuch, un refugiado sudsudanés que sirvió fielmente durante años mientras trabajaba turnos nocturnos, criaba a su familia y completaba el seminario. Su ordenación muestra lo que sucede cuando la generosidad de una congregación se une al llamado de Dios. Descargue y comparta la carta completa para celebrar cómo su apoyo transforma vidas y fortalece el liderazgo en nuestro sínodo. Descarga la historia completa aquí:: Inglés y Español.

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Grand Canyon Synod, Bishop HuttererBrian FlatgardBishop Hutterer Letters, Mission Support, Stewardship, Mission Support ImpactComment
November Good Green News: Gather, Learn, Act, and Support Creation Justice
November Good Green News: Gather, Learn, Act, and Support Creation Justice

Catch the latest November Good Green News from Lutherans Restoring Creation, including upcoming events, advocacy actions, and opportunities to support creation justice this season. Highlights include the Nov. 18 Calling Conscientious Consumers event, early registration for the January 2026 LRC gathering, COP30 reflections, monthly policy conversations, and ways to urge U.S. participation in global climate talks. Read the full newsletter here: November Good Green News.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardClimate Change, Lutherans Restoring CreationComment
“We Must Stay Connected”: A Pastoral Message from Bishop Curry
“We Must Stay Connected”: A Pastoral Message from Bishop Curry

In a new pastoral message, ELCA Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry reflects on ministry during a historic government shutdown and the church’s call to serve neighbors amid division, disruption, and fear. He lifts up ELCA ministries feeding the hungry, accompanying immigrants, responding to disasters, and advocating for justice when government fails to protect the vulnerable.

Read the full message: A Pastoral Message for These Troubled Days.

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Bishop Curry, ELCA, LettersBrian FlatgardBishop Curry LettersComment
“A Connected Church”: Bishop Curry to Advise Portico Board
“A Connected Church”: Bishop Curry to Advise Portico Board

Portico Benefit Services has announced that the Rev. Yehiel Curry, ELCA presiding bishop, has been appointed as an advisory member of its board of trustees. Curry’s leadership will help guide Portico’s strategic priorities, strengthening its support for the retirement, health, and financial wellness of more than 55,000 ELCA leaders and employees.

Read the full announcement: Presiding Bishop Curry Joins Portico Board or visit Portico’s detailed release: Yehiel Curry Joins Portico Board.

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Bishop Curry, ELCABrian FlatgardPorticoComment
Kevin Shock Elected Bishop of the Allegheny Synod
Kevin Shock Elected Bishop of the Allegheny Synod

On Nov. 1, the Rev. Kevin T. Shock was elected bishop of the Allegheny Synod during its assembly in Altoona, Pa., receiving 118 votes on the fifth ballot. Shock—currently serving as assistant to the bishop—will take office Feb. 1, 2026, with an installation service on Feb. 7 at Mount Calvary Lutheran Church in Johnstown, Pa. Read the full ELCA News release: Kevin Shock Elected Bishop of the Allegheny Synod.

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ELCABrian FlatgardComment
Standing with Indigenous Neighbors: National Day of Mourning
Standing with Indigenous Neighbors: National Day of Mourning

For Native American Heritage Month, ELCA Indigenous Ministries and Tribal Relations invites us to mark the National Day of Mourning on Nov. 27 in Patuxet (Plymouth, Mass.). ELCA leaders, partners, and members will gather on Cole’s Hill to honor Indigenous voices, lament ongoing oppression, and deepen our commitment to truth, healing, and justice. Read the full cross-posted article from Living Lutheran: Observing Native American Heritage Month.

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ELCABrian FlatgardELCA Indigenous Ministries and Tribal RelationsComment
New Pastor, New Possibilities: Women’s Leadership in Indonesia
New Pastor, New Possibilities: Women’s Leadership in Indonesia

On the island of Nias in western Indonesia, the Rev. Agusiang Zebua, a newly ordained pastor, shares how a Lutheran World Federation women’s empowerment course deepened her sense of call as a female leader in the church. Through theological education, clinical pastoral support, and connection with other women, she experienced how God’s gifts in women can transform families, congregations, and communities. Read the full story on the ELCA World Hunger blog: Women Empowerment on the Island of Nias!.

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ELCABrian FlatgardELCA World HungerComment
From Florida to Wisconsin: ELCA Public Policy Offices at Work
From Florida to Wisconsin: ELCA Public Policy Offices at Work

From Florida to Wisconsin, ELCA-affiliated state public policy offices are lifting a strong faith voice in the public square. Highlights include Florida Faith Advocacy Days in Tallahassee, Kansas Interfaith Action’s voter engagement and immigration advocacy, new interfaith coalitions in New Jersey, bold public witness in Pennsylvania, gun violence prevention and hunger work through Texas Impact, and renewed advocacy in Wisconsin around hunger, clean water, and care for homeless youth. Read the full article on the ELCA Advocacy blog: Fall Updates: State Edition.

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ELCABrian FlatgardAdvocacy, ELCA AdvocacyComment
For What Shall We Pray?
For What Shall We Pray?

  • For an end to war and conflict, and for places of political unrest or contention, especially Gaza, South Sudan, Myanmar, Ukraine, and Pakistan/Afghanistan…

  • For all in the path of Typhoon Fung-wong…

  • For UN climate talks and for safety amidst protests…

  • For national tragedies around the world including a Turkish military plane crash, a bridge collapse in south-west China, a bus crash in Peru, and a car explosion attack in India…

  • For feeding ministries and all hunger relief organizations…

  • For all federal employees…

  • For care and safety for immigrants…

  • For all loving marriages and partnerships…

  • For the beauty of God’s creation, especially sightings of the Northern Lights this week…

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ELCA, Prayers, SpotlightBrian FlatgardELCA Worship, For What Shall We PrayComment
Grand Canyon Synod Update on Ongoing Federal Investigation
Grand Canyon Synod Update on Ongoing Federal Investigation

The Grand Canyon Synod continues to cooperate fully with law enforcement and the ELCA churchwide organization regarding the ongoing federal investigation involving former synod leader Casey Goslin. A new gathering, Holding Space: A Time for Prayer and Conversation, will be offered Monday evening, 11/17/2025, for rostered and lay leaders affected by this news.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardFederal Investigation Updates
Lift Your Voice in Joy: Messiah Sing-Along at Lord of Life Lutheran in Sun City West
Lift Your Voice in Joy: Messiah Sing-Along at Lord of Life Lutheran in Sun City West

Celebrate the season with a cherished holiday tradition! Join Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Sun City West on Sunday, November 30 at 3 PM for Handel’s Messiah Sing-Along. Sing with the choir or simply enjoy the soaring beauty of Handel’s beloved Christmas music, featuring Comfort Ye My People, For Unto Us a Child Is Born, and more. All are welcome—come lift your voice or your heart in song.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian Flatgard2025 Advent and Christmas, Lord of Life Sun City West, Cactus ConferenceComment
Hope and Help for the Holidays: LSSN’s Mission Continues
Hope and Help for the Holidays: LSSN’s Mission Continues

Despite a temporary government shutdown that has paused pantry and senior meal services, Lutheran Social Services of Nevada continues serving the Las Vegas community through its holiday assistance programs. A new partnership with E.A.T Meals will provide 2,000 Thanksgiving dinners on November 25, and volunteers are invited to help. LSSN also thanks New Song Lutheran Church and Christian Academy for their creative generosity.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardLutheran Social Services of Nevada, Colorado River ConferenceComment
Faith and Advocacy: Updates from LAMA’s November 11 Newsletter
Faith and Advocacy: Updates from LAMA’s November 11 Newsletter

The latest newsletter from Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA) calls us to faithful advocacy on behalf of our neighbors and creation. This week’s Action Alert urges Lutherans to contact legislators and advocate for U.S. participation in global climate talks (COP30).

Upcoming events include the Power of Hello workshop on community safety (Nov. 17), the LAMA Liaison Roundtable (Nov. 17), Bread for the World regional meetings (Nov. 18–19), and the Grand Canyon Synod Hunger Leaders Network (Nov. 25).

The newsletter also features the LAMA T-Shirt Design Contest, ELCA World Hunger’s Daily Bread Grants, and a Save the Date for Lutheran Day at the Legislature 2026 (Feb. 23). Read more at lamaz.org and join the movement for justice and compassion in Arizona.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardAdvocacy, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA), Church and SocietyComment
Upcoming AFN Events Celebrate Unity, Justice, and Creation Care
Upcoming AFN Events Celebrate Unity, Justice, and Creation Care

Join people of faith across Arizona for AFN’s 2025 Annual Gathering—United We Rise on Dec. 2, honoring Rep. Patty Contreras for her leadership in unity and service. Explore more events including an interfaith Prayer Walk, Reconciliation Ecology Workshop, and the No Amazon for Advent pledge. Read the full newsletter at arizonafaithnetwork.org/newsletter.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardArizona Faith Network, Ecumenical and Inter-Religious RelationsComment
Rev. Dan Potaznick Shares Exciting Family Update and Parental Leave Plans
Rev. Dan Potaznick Shares Exciting Family Update and Parental Leave Plans

Rev. Dan Potaznick, our synod’s Director of Generosity and Strategic Development and pastor at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Phoenix, recently shared joyful news about his growing family. Pastor Dan and his wife, Randi, are expecting their first child—affectionately nicknamed “Baby Hiccup”—with a due date of December 15.

He will be on parental leave from December 15 through February 15, supported by both St. John’s and the Grand Canyon Synod, as they celebrate this precious time together. We join in congratulating Pastor Dan and Randi, holding them in prayer and joy as they prepare for this new chapter of life.

Read the full update and message from Pastor Dan on the St. John’s website: “Baby Hiccup Updates”.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardOffice of the BishopComment
Faith Lens: My Greatest Fear… Realized
Faith Lens: My Greatest Fear… Realized

This week’s Faith Lens reflection, “My Greatest Fear… Realized” by Pastor Bob Chell, explores Luke 21:5–19—Jesus’ teaching that speaks directly to our fears, doubts, and insecurities. As the disciples marvel at the temple’s beauty, Jesus warns of destruction, betrayal, and suffering—but also offers an astonishing promise: “Not a hair of your head will perish.”

In the face of life’s uncertainty, Jesus calls us not to over-prepare or defend ourselves, but to trust that he will give us the words and wisdom we need. This devotion invites readers to release their fears into Christ’s care and remember that God’s promise of presence endures, even when all else seems to fall apart.

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ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardFaith LensComment