Church Leaders Gather to Discern the Future of Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence is transforming our world—how will the Church respond? Faithful Futures: Guiding AI with Wisdom and Witness (September 2–5, 2025) invites leaders and learners across the Church to explore theological, ethical, and practical responses to AI. While in-person participation in Minneapolis is by invitation, everyone is invited to join the full online experience, with livestreamed keynotes, interactive scenario planning, and digital cohorts. Grounded in Richard Osmer’s practical theology framework, this ecumenical gathering will equip participants with tools and insights to lead faithful, informed responses to emerging technologies.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardAugust 27, 2025Artificial IntelligenceComment

ELCA Guidance on Federal Grant Requirements for Congregations and Ministries

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has issued new federal grant terms for FY2025 affecting programs such as FEMA, HHS, and the Nonprofit Security Grant Program. These terms include restrictions related to ICE cooperation, DEI/DEIA activities, and certain boycotts. ELCA congregations and mhomelandinistries are advised to carefully review the new requirements and consult legal counsel before applying. Read the full ELCA guidance →

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardAugust 27, 2025Grants, Church and SocietyComment

For What Shall We Pray?

For an end to war and conflict, especially in Gaza, Thailand, Cambodia, Colombia, South Sudan, Myanmar, Ukraine, and Ethiopia…
For all victims of gun violence, especially in Minneapolis, MN…
For business owners and leaders, facing increased costs and challenges…
For victims of flooding and landslides in Vietnam and Thailand…
For police officers and military personnel…
For immigrants coming to the US to escape violence in their countries of origin…
For those without a home or secure housing and those who serve them…
For those seeking meaningful work and all who are unemployed, underemployed, or retired…
For students transitioning to college and for the staff and faculty who care for them in these spaces, especially at our ELCA Colleges and Universities…

ELCA, Prayers, SpotlightBrian FlatgardAugust 27, 2025ELCA Worship, For What Shall We PrayComment

Obispa Hutterer: Por el Bien del Mundo

La Obispa Hutterer comparte con gratitud sus reflexiones sobre la Asamblea de toda la Iglesia de la ELCA 2025, donde el Sínodo del Gran Cañón fue anfitrión. Destaca la dedicación de los voluntarios, las transiciones históricas de liderazgo en la ELCA y la alegría de ser una sola iglesia expresada en congregaciones, sínodos y en toda la organización eclesial.

Bishop Hutterer: For the Sake of the World

Bishop Hutterer reflects with gratitude on the 2025 ELCA Churchwide Assembly, where the Grand Canyon Synod served as host. She lifts up the dedication of volunteers, the historic leadership transitions in the ELCA, and the joy of being one church expressed through congregations, synods, and the churchwide organization.

From Scripture to Borderlands: Our Call to Welcome the Stranger

Rev. Christine Stoxen of Holy Trinity, Chandler, writes that welcoming the stranger is not optional—it is a biblical mandate. Drawing on Isaiah and Micah, she reminds us that Jesus himself was a refugee, and that hospitality strengthens whole communities. Through ministries like AMMPARO and Global Refuge, the ELCA continues to advocate for migrants and asylum seekers. Faith calls us to justice, kindness, and humble service alongside the displaced and vulnerable in our midst. Click here to read her full op-ed.

Southern Arizona Clergy Unite Against Christian Nationalism

Four Lutheran clergy in Tucson have sparked an ecumenical movement, responding to harmful policies and the rise of Christian nationalism. Their statement, For God So Loved the World: A Christian Witness Against Harm, has now been signed by over 100 clergy and shared widely across congregations. The group is also hosting “Pray Without Ceasing” services every other Monday, modeled after Leipzig’s 1989 Prayers for Peace. Their witness reminds us of the church’s prophetic call to resist harm and lift up justice. Click here to read the full story and statement.

September is Hunger Action Month: Join the Fight Against Hunger

September is Hunger Action Month, a time to rally together to fight food insecurity. One in eight Arizonans struggles with hunger—even though our state produces 12% of the nation’s fruits and vegetables. In 2024, food bank visits rose to 650,000 each month. This September, you can act by supporting food banks, joining peer fundraisers, downloading the “Hungry Friend” app, or simply wearing orange on September 5 to raise awareness. Every action matters in working toward a hunger-free Arizona. Click here to learn more and find the full Hunger Action Month calendar.

Strengthen Spirit & Democracy: AFN’s August–September Events

Stay connected with the Arizona Faith Network! This week’s AFN newsletter highlights upcoming interfaith events, including a Tears of Things book study, election poll monitor training, Monday meditation, the Habits of a Peacemaker series, and the National Voter Registration Day Fair. You’ll also find ways to support heat relief efforts, join the call to protect Arizona’s sacred lands, and connect with partner events in Tucson and Chandler. Read the full newsletter and subscribe at arizonafaithnetwork.org/newsletter.

Free Concert: Foxes, Wine & Wheat Premieres Michael Torke’s Psalms and Canticles

Experience the American premiere of Michael Torke’s Psalms and Canticles in the interfaith concert Foxes, Wine & Wheat. Join us September 12 at Paradise Valley UMC or September 13 at Holy Trinity Lutheran, Chandler. Admission is free (donations welcome). Featuring soprano Lariche Lamar and conductor Charles Zoll, with livestream available on YouTube.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardAugust 27, 2025Holy Trinity Chandler, GCS Grants Program, Fiesta ConferenceComment

Finding Joy in the Long Days: Desert Cross Lutheran's Holiday Breakfast Playdates

At Desert Cross Lutheran Church, holiday mornings have become ministry moments. What began as simple breakfast playdates in the park for young families has grown into an intergenerational tradition of fellowship, outreach, and joy. These gatherings remind us that church happens not only in sanctuaries but wherever God’s people meet in community.

Seeds of Faith: How ELCA Schools Are Shaping Tomorrow's Church

The Grand Canyon Synod has joined the Evangelical Lutheran Education Association (ELEA), strengthening Christian education across Arizona. With 20 schools and learning centers serving 1,800 students, Lutheran preschools like Children of Hope and New Covenant are planting seeds of faith and building bridges between church and community. Learn more about ELEA schools at elcaschools.org.

Practical Tools for Thriving Church Leadership – January 2026 in Carefree, AZ

Join pastors, deacons, bishops, and faith leaders for Executive Skills for Church Leaders, a weeklong continuing education retreat at Spirit in the Desert, Carefree, AZ, January 5–9, 2026. Daily sessions cover hybrid ministry, AI tools, congregational vitality, and communication strategies, led by expert facilitators. Registration includes lodging, meals, and programming. Register now »

Living Our Baptismal Call in Public Life

The ELCA’s 1991 social statement The Church in Society: A Lutheran Perspective continues to guide how we live our baptismal promises in today’s complex world. Grounded in the gospel and Lutheran theology, the statement calls us to serve neighbors, advocate for justice, and respond with courage and compassion to society’s needs. Read Craig L. Nessan’s reflection in Living Lutheran—click here.

ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardAugust 26, 2025Living Lutheran, Church and SocietyComment

Show Up More, Say Less: Forming Faith in Children

Faith formation, like learning baseball, often requires giving children room to practice on their own. In her reflection, Erin Strybis encourages parents to “show up more, say less” and create opportunities for kids to encounter God’s presence in everyday life—whether through prayer under the stars, music on a road trip, or volunteering as a family. Explore practical, Spirit-led ways to nurture faith at home—click here.

ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardAugust 26, 2025Living LutheranComment

Bishop-Elect Kristen Papson: Building Trust for the Church’s Future

Kristen Papson, recently elected bishop of the Northwestern Pennsylvania Synod, emphasizes the importance of trust, pastoral care, and creating safe spaces for conversation in guiding the church forward. Beginning her new call September 1 and with installation set for October 19, Papson reflects on leadership shaped by listening, humility, and collaboration. Read more from Living Lutheran about her vision for the synod’s future—click here.

ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardAugust 26, 2025Living LutheranComment

In Memoriam: Remembering Jim Krueger

We mourn the death of James (Jim) William Krueger Jr., husband of Laura Krueger, president of the Grand Canyon Women of the ELCA. Jim, a lifelong Lutheran and dedicated volunteer, passed away on August 19, 2025, at age 73. His funeral service will be held September 13 in Huntersville, NC, with livestreaming available. Please keep Laura and her family in your prayers. Read his full obituary.

Grand Canyon Synod, In Memoriam, News, PrayersBrian FlatgardAugust 26, 2025Alleluia Phoenix, Cactus Conference, Lutheran Thrift ShopComment

Walking Together with the Latine Community · Caminando Juntos con la Comunidad Latine

Join the Latine Ministry Competency Workshop, October 2–4, 2025, led by Rev. Dr. Rubén Durán and a team of practitioners. This online gathering will equip leaders for cross-cultural ministry, offering practical tools to strengthen relationships with the Latine community. Cost: $250 individual / $600 congregation. Register here. Download the full flier here.

Participe en el Taller de Competencia en el Ministerio Latine, del 2 al 4 de octubre de 2025, dirigido por el Rev. Dr. Rubén Durán y un equipo de líderes. Este encuentro en línea ofrece herramientas prácticas para el ministerio intercultural y para fortalecer relaciones con la comunidad latine. Costo: $250 individual / $600 congregación. Regístrese aquí.

Grand Canyon Synod, Leader Resources, NewsBrian FlatgardAugust 26, 2025Wartburg Seminary, Latino, EspañolComment

Free ELCA Coaching Events in September: Training for Leaders Like You

ELCA Coaching invites you to take part in a series of free opportunities this September, including Creating Beloved Community gatherings, decolonization workshops, and supportive spaces for leaders. All events are subsidized by the ELCA and offered at no cost to participants. In addition, applications are open for the final Segment 1 Basic Skills Coach Training of 2025 (beginning September 25), with an Everyday Life Coaching training starting October 14. Learn more and register at elcacoaching.org/events.

ELCA, Leader Resources, NewsBrian FlatgardAugust 26, 2025Coaching, ELCA CoachingComment

Ordination celebrations: August 29 – September 4, 2025

Today we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:

Rev. Paul Ninnemann, who celebrates 49 years on August 29.
Rev. Carol George, Resurrection, Oro Valley, who celebrates 26 years on August 29.
Deacon Barbara Sikkink, who celebrates 33 years on August 30.
Rev. Renee Geiger, who celebrates 37 years on September 1.
Rev. John Schaumburg, who celebrates 53 years on September 2.
Rev. Kirk Anderson, who celebrates 53 years on September 3.
Deacon Cathy Mannel, who celebrates 26 years on September 4.
Rev. Gregory Mannel, who celebrates 47 years on September 4.

Grand Canyon Synod, News, SpotlightBrian FlatgardAugust 26, 2025Ordination AnniversariesComment

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