Posts in Grand Canyon Synod
Bishop Hutterer Invites You to the 2026 Lenten Challenge
Bishop Hutterer Invites You to the 2026 Lenten Challenge

Bishop Deborah Hutterer invites you to join the 2026 ELCA Region 2 Lenten Challenge, beginning February 22. Rooted in Matthew 25:37–40, this six-week journey focuses on spiritual practices that strengthen our learning, care, and advocacy on behalf of neighbors who are hungry, thirsty, strangers, sick, imprisoned, or in need of clothing. Each week centers on one portion of the Gospel text and calls us to reflect on how serving others is serving Christ.

Watch Bishop Hutterer’s invitation video and consider registering today. Let’s make this year’s Lenten Challenge the most impactful yet as we grow together as a church for the sake of the world.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian Flatgard2026 Lenten Challenge, 2026 Lent and Easter, Bishop Hutterer LettersComment
ELCA Voices Profound Concern Over EPA Repeal of Climate “Endangerment Finding”
ELCA Voices Profound Concern Over EPA Repeal of Climate “Endangerment Finding”

On February 12, 2026, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced it would rescind the 2009 “Endangerment Finding,” the legal foundation for regulating greenhouse gas emissions under the Clean Air Act. The ELCA, which previously testified in support of upholding the finding, has expressed profound concern and disappointment, calling this a “Kairos moment” for urgent climate action grounded in faith and science.

In its official statement, the ELCA affirms that caring for creation is a sacred responsibility and urges the EPA to restore protections that safeguard public health and future generations. Read the full ELCA statement and learn more about the church’s advocacy response here.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardChurch and Society, Climate Change, Advocacy, ELCA AdvocacyComment
Rostered Ministers: Submit Your Annual Report to the Bishop by March 30, 2026
Rostered Ministers: Submit Your Annual Report to the Bishop by March 30, 2026

The annual Rostered Minister Report to the Bishop is now open and due Monday, March 30, 2026. This report offers rostered ministers an opportunity to reflect on their ministry and connect directly with Bishop Deborah Hutterer as part of our shared life as a synod.

All active (including those on leave or disability) and retired rostered ministers are asked to complete the appropriate online form. Every report is read by the bishop, with care given to each response. Links to both forms are on the synod website.

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Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardComment
Annual Congregation Report Due March 1: What Every ELCA Community Needs to Know
Annual Congregation Report Due March 1: What Every ELCA Community Needs to Know

The Annual Congregation Report is due March 1 for all ELCA congregations, new starts, and synod-authorized worshiping communities. This report provides essential data about people, finances, and resources and ensures your congregation is included in synod and churchwide planning and reporting.

Congregations should submit the report online at elca.org/congregationreport using the ID and password mailed in mid-January. Instructions, Form A, and support resources are available at elca.org/reportinstructions. If you are not receiving ELCA emails, be sure to update your contact information to stay informed.

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ELCA, Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardComment
Rooted in God’s Story: Mission Support Intent Forms Due March 1, 2026
Rooted in God’s Story: Mission Support Intent Forms Due March 1, 2026

Mission Support Statements of Intent for 2026–2027 are due March 1, 2026. Congregations are asked to submit their completed form to office@gcsynod.org to support faithful planning and shared ministry across the Grand Canyon Synod, the wider ELCA, and the world.

Rooted in the 2026 synod theme, Rooted in God’s Story, Mission Support is a theological practice grounded in abundance, partnership, and hope. Resources—including the Mission Support Letter, fillable form, and Bishop Hutterer’s Thank You Video—are available now.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardMission Support, StewardshipComment
Enter Lent in Stillness: A Silent Prayer Retreat at All Saints in Phoenix, Feb. 28
Enter Lent in Stillness: A Silent Prayer Retreat at All Saints in Phoenix, Feb. 28

All Saints Lutheran Church in Phoenix invites you to begin Lent with a half-day Silent Prayer Retreat on Saturday, February 28, from 8:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Rooted in monastic tradition, the retreat includes silent and communal prayer, worship, a shared meal, and service projects.

Space is limited. Contact the church office at 602-866-9191 or email Pastor Daniel Volkmann at dvolkmann@allsaintsphoenix.org to register or learn more.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardAll Saints Phoenix, Capital ConferenceComment
You Are Precious in God’s Sight: A Hymn Sing of Hope and Joy at Desert Cross in Gilbert
You Are Precious in God’s Sight: A Hymn Sing of Hope and Joy at Desert Cross in Gilbert

Desert Cross Lutheran Church invites the community to “You Are Precious in His Sight,” a free hymn sing on Sunday, March 1, 2026, from 4:00–5:15 p.m. in Gilbert. Featuring choirs from both Desert Cross locations, instrumental music, congregational singing, and a short drama about hymn writer Fanny Crosby, the event offers an afternoon of hope and joy rooted in faith.

A free taco dinner will follow in the fellowship hall. All are welcome—invite a friend and come sing.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardDesert Cross Tempe, Fiesta ConferenceComment
Wartburg College’s Castle Singers & Kammerstreicher to Perform at Lord of Life on March 5
Wartburg College’s Castle Singers & Kammerstreicher to Perform at Lord of Life on March 5

The Wartburg College Castle Singers and Kammerstreicher will perform at Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Sun City West on Thursday, March 5, 2026 at 7 PM. Featuring a 28-voice choir and a 16-member chamber string ensemble, the concert highlights Wartburg’s renowned Lutheran musical tradition. Tickets are $20 and available through the church office or at the door.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardLord of Life Sun City West, Cactus ConferenceComment
Now Hiring: Collaborative Musician at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, Tucson
Now Hiring: Collaborative Musician at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, Tucson

Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church (ELCA), 1200 N. Campbell Ave., Tucson, is seeking a part-time Collaborative Musician (keyboardist) to help lead joyful, meaningful worship. Responsibilities include Sunday worship leadership, choir accompaniment, and collaboration on liturgy. Applications are due March 31, with a flexible start date (no later than June 1). Learn more at lutherantucson.org or apply at Oslc@lutherantucson.org.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardHelp Wanted, Our Saviour's Tucson, Kino ConferenceComment
Mosaic: Why the Re-Introduction of the Recognizing the Role of a DSP Act Matters
Mosaic: Why the Re-Introduction of the Recognizing the Role of a DSP Act Matters

For too long, Direct Support Professionals have shared a Standard Occupational Classification with roles that have some of the same responsibilities, but are different. With the re-introduction of the “Recognizing the Role of a Direct Support Professional Act,” there’s an opportunity to change that.

The post Why the Re-Introduction of the Recognizing the Role of a DSP Act Matters appeared first on Mosaic.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardMosaic, Disability MinistriesComment
Three Organists Return to Faith Lutheran in Phoenix for Historic Organ Benefit on March 7
Three Organists Return to Faith Lutheran in Phoenix for Historic Organ Benefit on March 7

Faith Lutheran Church in Phoenix will host a Three Organists Benefit Concert on Saturday, March 7, 2026 at 3:30 p.m. featuring former organists Gary Rutherford, Jim Sage, and Craig Westendorf. Admission is free, with donations supporting the restoration of Faith’s historic pipe organ. The afternoon includes solos, duets, trios, guest musicians, and a reception. Learn more at faithalive.com/programs/music-ministry.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardFaith Phoenix, Capital ConferenceComment
Voices of Faith: Black Joy as God-Breathed Resilience
Voices of Faith: Black Joy as God-Breathed Resilience

In celebration of Black History Month, we share “Black Joy” from Voices of Faith, written by ELCA Secretary Lucille “CeCee” Mills. Through personal memories of her mother’s strength and generosity, Mills reflects on Black joy as God-breathed resilience—an enduring, hope-filled force that sustains communities through hardship and amplifies celebration in times of blessing.

As part of our commitment to be Rooted in God’s Story, this powerful reflection invites us to see Black joy as a living testimony of faith, courage, and the Spirit at work. Read the full article from Living Lutheran to experience the depth and witness of this story.

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ELCA, Grand Canyon SynodBrian Flatgard2026 Black History MonthComment
From Ramadan to Lent: Building Resilient Communities Across Arizona with AFN
From Ramadan to Lent: Building Resilient Communities Across Arizona with AFN

Arizona Faith Network is offering multiple opportunities for faithful public engagement this season, including Prophetic Witness Campaign trainings (Phoenix Feb. 19), a Digital Security Workshop (March 2), Sacred Space visits, and an interfaith book study. AFN also issued an Action Alert regarding harmful legislation moving through the Arizona Legislature.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardEcumenical and Inter-Religious Relations, Arizona Faith NetworkComment
Healthcare, Hunger & Voting Rights: LAMA’s February Advocacy Update
Healthcare, Hunger & Voting Rights: LAMA’s February Advocacy Update

LAMA invites Lutherans to gather for Lutheran Day at the Legislature on February 23 at the Arizona Capitol and to take action through RTS on healthcare and food insecurity legislation moving during crossover week. Additional opportunities include the Hunger Leaders Network (Feb. 24) and voting rights advocacy. Read the full LAMA newsletter for event details and action links.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardLutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA), Advocacy, Church and SocietyComment
Office of the Bishop Updates
Office of the Bishop Updates

The Office of the Bishop staff attends Lutheran Day at the Legislature, (Feb 23, 2026, 9:30 AM – 1:30 PM) as well as our first three Spring Gatherings in Phoenix, open to all:

For the evening gathering at St. Andrew Lutheran Church (6:30 pm), participants are invited to arrive anytime after 6:00 pm for light refreshments and informal fellowship prior to the conversation, as we will not have a post-gathering reception.

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News, Bishop Hutterer, Grand Canyon Synod, SpotlightBrian FlatgardOffice of the BishopComment
Better Together: Exploring Partnership for the Church’s Future
Better Together: Exploring Partnership for the Church’s Future

Pastor David Pavesic invites pastors and congregational leaders into Better Together, a four-session online book study exploring partnership, shared ministry, and the church’s future. Though February sessions have begun, it’s not too late to join—and slides from the first session are now available to help participants catch up.

Offered Tuesdays at 11:00 a.m. and Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. (Arizona time), this study looks honestly at congregational realities while imagining faithful, mission-centered collaboration. Register now and join the conversation about how we will be church—together.

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Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardMergersComment
ELCA Adopts Social Message on Child Protection—Free Webinar Series Begins February 26
ELCA Adopts Social Message on Child Protection—Free Webinar Series Begins February 26

On November 12, 2025, the ELCA Church Council adopted a Social Message on Child Protection, calling congregations to strengthen preaching, policies, and trauma-informed care. Wartburg Theological Seminary and the Center for Faith & Child Protection are offering a free webinar series (beginning February 26 at 6:45 p.m. CST) to help leaders implement these recommendations. Pastors and lay leaders across the Grand Canyon Synod are encouraged to register and equip their congregations to protect and care for the “least of these.”

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ELCA, Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardYouth and Young Adult, Wartburg SeminaryComment
Walking Alongside Latino Communities: A Faithful Response to Stress and Mental Health
Walking Alongside Latino Communities: A Faithful Response to Stress and Mental Health

Free Webinar – February 25, 10am Mountain, 9 am Pacific): Join Dr. Ana L. Chavez-Mancillas for “Walking With the Latino Communities: Faith, Stress, and Behavioral Health in a Time of Change.” This online workshop will equip faith leaders to recognize the behavioral health challenges facing Latino communities, including immigration stress, discrimination, and economic strain.

Participants will gain culturally responsive, faith-informed tools to reduce stigma, foster trust, and support Latino congregants with practical care strategies. Free registration required.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardLatino, Addiction, The Center of Addiction & FaithComment
"Belonging: Five Keys to Unlocking Your Potential as a Disciple" with Rev. Dr. Karoline Lewis
"Belonging: Five Keys to Unlocking Your Potential as a Disciple" with Rev. Dr. Karoline Lewis

Rev. Dr. Karoline Lewis will lead Belonging: Five Keys to Unlocking Your Potential as a Disciple on Saturday, April 11 (1:00–4:00 PM) at Living Water Lutheran Church in Scottsdale. Centered on Jesus’ encounter with the Samaritan woman (John 4), this free event invites participants to explore discipleship “from wonder to witness.” Registration is required by April 6 at lwlcaz.org/nevcevent/. Reception to follow.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardLiving Water Scottsdale, Northeast Valley ConferenceComment
Ordination celebrations
Ordination celebrations

This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:

  • Rev. Barbara Bengtson, who celebrates 32 years on February 20.

  • Rev. Miguel Gomez-Acosta, who celebrates 17 years on February 22.

  • Rev. Peter Perry, St. John’s, Glendale, who celebrates 29 years on February 23.

  • Rev. Kaila Armbruster, who celebrates 12 years on February 23.

  • Rev. Paul Block, New Song, Henderson, who celebrates 25 years on February 24.

  • Rev. Arhiana Shek-Dill, University, Tempe, ASU LCM, Tempe, who celebrates 14 years on February 25.

  • Rev. Robert Crabb, who celebrates 31 years on February 26.

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Grand Canyon Synod, News, SpotlightBrian FlatgardOrdination AnniversariesComment