For What Shall We Pray?

For peace and reconciliation among the nations, especially in Iran, Lebanon, Gaza, Mali, South Sudan, Ukraine, and Venezuela…
For the wounded and all who grieve those killed in major Russian assaults in Ukraine…
For the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire…
For all immigrants, refugees, asylum seekers, and travelers…
For peaceful engagement and resolution to protests in Albania and Mexico…
For elections and political transitions, domestic and global…
For all affected by tropical storm Jangmi in southern Japan…
For the work of climate scientists, ecology researchers, and meteorologists…
For children and their families struggling with food scarcity, especially in the absence of school lunches…
For all God’s beloveds in the LGBTQIA+ community during this Pride month…
For all impacted by the Ebola outbreak in central Africa…
For synods of the ELCA as they gather in their assemblies and for bishops and bishops-elect…

ELCA, Prayers, SpotlightBrian FlatgardJune 4, 2026ELCA Worship, For What Shall We PrayComment

Rules of Procedure Now Available for 2026 Synod Assembly

The Rules of Procedure for the 2026 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly are available online. Voting members and attendees are encouraged to review the document ahead of the June 11–13 assembly in Mesa, including important details about resolutions, debate limits, electronic voting, and assembly participation.

The rules outline how the assembly will conduct business while emphasizing respectful Christian community grounded in Galatians 5 and the shared work of discernment, governance, and ministry together.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardJune 4, 20262026 Synod AssemblyComment

Responding to Arizona’s Heat: Join Faith-Based Relief Efforts This Summer

Arizona Faith Network’s 2026 Extreme Heat Relief Program is now serving communities across the state, providing cooling spaces, water, supplies, and compassionate care during dangerous summer temperatures. Congregations and individuals can support this ministry through donations, volunteering, supply drives, sharing resources, and using a congregational toolkit to help protect vulnerable neighbors this summer.

Arizona Faith Network: Heat Relief, Democracy & Summer Action Opportunities

Arizona Faith Network’s latest newsletter includes opportunities for advocacy, service, and interfaith engagement across Arizona this summer. Highlights include heat relief efforts, election protection volunteer opportunities, environmental justice conversations, meditation and dialogue gatherings, and ways to support vulnerable neighbors during extreme heat.

LAMA Update: Urgent Farm Bill Advocacy and New Opportunities to Engage

This week’s Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA) newsletter features an urgent Farm Bill action alert, opportunities to advocate around hunger and immigration, updates on extreme heat relief and Oak Flat, and upcoming events focused on justice, creation care, and faithful civic engagement.

Office of the Bishop Updates

The Office of the Bishop is preparing for the 2026 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly while continuing ministry across the synod, including the Installation of Rev. Patsy Koeneke at Epiphany of Christ in Apache Junction (June 7, 2026, 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM), congregational leadership, faith formation, and ongoing support for congregations and ministry partners.

News, Bishop Hutterer, Grand Canyon Synod, SpotlightBrian FlatgardJune 4, 2026Office of the BishopComment

Ordination Celebrations

Today we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:

Rev. Joseph Doherty, New Promise, St. George, who celebrates 27 years on June 4.
Rev. Floyd Anderson, who celebrates 65 years on June 4.
Rev. Keith Hardy, who celebrates 47 years on June 4.
Rev. Maria Valenzuela, who celebrates 37 years on June 4.

Grand Canyon Synod, News, SpotlightBrian FlatgardJune 4, 2026Ordination AnniversariesComment

Plan Your Time: Full Schedule Released for 2026 Synod Assembly

The timeline and full agenda for the 2026 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly (June 11–13 at Love of Christ Lutheran Church in Mesa) are now available. Highlights include opening worship with Bishop Hutterer, keynote leadership from Rev. Tim Brown, workshops, assembly business, and a Friday evening variety show.

Participants are encouraged to review the full schedule in advance and plan for key moments including voting, workshops, and worship. View the complete agenda and begin preparing for our time together as a synod rooted in God’s story.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardJune 3, 20262026 Synod AssemblyComment

Choose Your Path: Workshops Announced for the 2026 Synod Assembly

Workshops for the 2026 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly are now set. On Friday, June 12, participants can choose from two sessions featuring topics like AI in ministry, youth voices, congregational safety, conflict resolution, and more—led by presenters from across the synod.

Review the full workshop lineup, including presenters and room locations, and plan your afternoon of learning at Love of Christ Lutheran Church in Mesa.

Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardJune 3, 20262026 Synod AssemblyComment

800 Pounds of Hope: Help Feed Families at Synod Assembly

Join the 2026 Synod Assembly service project on Thursday, June 11 (2:00–5:00 pm) as we pack 800 pounds of rice and 800 pounds of beans for the West Valley Community Food Pantry and First Place Community Center Food Bank. This hands-on project invites all participants to serve together, with the food blessed during closing worship.

You can also support the effort financially—$5 provides food for 5 families. Give online via Tithe.ly, by Zelle, or by check. Together, we share daily bread and live out our call to serve our neighbors.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardJune 3, 20262026 Synod Assembly, hungerComment

Lutheran Church of the Foothills Seeks Part-Time Music Ministry Leader

Lutheran Church of the Foothills in Tucson is seeking a Part-Time Music Ministry Leader to support worship, choir leadership, and congregational music ministry. The flexible position is envisioned at approximately 20 hours per week, with compensation around $30,000 annually, and applicants with strengths in organ, piano, or choir direction are encouraged to apply. Applications will be reviewed as received until the position is filled.

Desert Cross Lutheran Seeks Worship Leader for Growing Gilbert Campus

Desert Cross Lutheran Church in Gilbert is seeking a part-time Worship Leader to help lead Christ-centered Sunday worship and mentor youth and emerging musicians. The role includes vocal and instrumental leadership, volunteer coordination, and helping shape worship rooted in Lutheran tradition at the congregation’s growing Gilbert campus. View job description here.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardJune 3, 2026Desert Cross TempeComment

Greetings from Rev. Roberto Trejo Haager

We share a video of 2026 Assembly Greetings from Rev. Roberto Trejo Haager, Pastor President of the Mexican Lutheran Church (Iglesia Luterana Mexicana, ILM).

Global Church, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardJune 3, 20262026 Synod Assembly, Mexican Lutheran ChurchComment

Meet the Ministry Partners Joining Us at Synod Assembly

As we gather for the 2026 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly, be sure to visit the exhibitor area and connect with ministry partners serving across the church and world. From camps and seminaries to advocacy, mission, youth, and congregational ministries, our exhibitors help strengthen and build up the body of Christ in countless ways.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardJune 3, 20262026 Synod AssemblyComment

Moving Boldly into the Future: Congregations in Transition Across the Grand Canyon Synod

The Grand Canyon Synod’s Congregations in Transition Team reports both challenge and hope as congregations across Arizona, southern Nevada, St. George, and the Navajo Nation continue discerning new leadership. Even amid a shortage of rostered ministers, the synod celebrates newly called leaders, active call processes, and the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in congregations moving boldly into the future. Read the report here.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardJune 3, 20262026 Assembly Stories, Office of the BishopComment

Rooted in God’s Story: The Grand Canyon Synod’s 2025–2026 Impact

The Grand Canyon Synod’s 2025–2026 Impact Report highlights a year of faithful ministry across Arizona, southern Nevada, St. George, Utah, and the Navajo Nation. From ordinations and ministry grants to hunger work, refugee support, congregational accompaniment, and leadership development, the report shows how mission support helps us communicate Jesus, connect people, and create possibilities together.

Explore the numbers, stories, and shared impact of ministry across the synod as we continue living rooted in God’s story.

Grand Canyon Synod, Bishop HuttererBrian FlatgardJune 3, 2026Office of the BishopComment

Build, Stabilize, Preserve: LSS-SW shares Ramon's story

Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest shares Ramon Miranda’s story, who feels LSS-SW is part of his family as they provide home care for him and his wife. Watch the story here.

Ordination Celebrations

Today we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:

Rev. Thomas Dunham, Streams in the Desert, Tucson, who celebrates 47 years on June 3.
Rev. Patricia Lowe, Emmanuel, Prescott Valley, who celebrates 19 years on June 3.
Rev. Mark Halvorson, who celebrates 53 years on June 3.
Rev. Donald Jacobson, who celebrates 64 years on June 3.
Rev. Greg Wenhold, who celebrates 47 years on June 3.

Grand Canyon Synod, News, SpotlightBrian FlatgardJune 3, 2026Ordination AnniversariesComment

Grieving a Fractured World: A Prayer for Hope and Resilience

In a deeply personal reflection reposted by Blessed Tomorrow, scholar Claire B. Crawford names the grief many feel amid climate anxiety, violence, division, and uncertainty while offering a prayerful call toward resilience, responsibility, and hope. Grounded in lament yet refusing despair, the piece invites readers to grieve what is broken without surrendering the possibility of healing and collective action. Read the original reflection from Blessed Tomorrow.

Brian FlatgardJune 2, 2026Climate Change, Blessed TomorrowComment

Rahel Mwitula Williams Named ELCA Executive for Innovation

Rahel Mwitula Williams has been appointed executive director for the ELCA’s Innovation unit after serving in interim leadership and innovation roles since 2025. She begins July 8 and emphasizes helping the church reimagine how it shares God’s love, connection, and hope in a changing world. Read the full announcement.

ELCABrian FlatgardJune 2, 2026Comment

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