Posts in Grand Canyon Synod
Faith Leaders to Civic Leaders: Reject Fear-Based Governance

Ten D.C.-area faith leaders, including ELCA Bishop Leila Ortiz, have issued a statement rejecting fear-based approaches to public safety. The letter calls on civic leaders to embrace dignity, collaboration, and compassion instead of militarization and scapegoating. True safety, the leaders stress, is achieved through justice, community care, and investment in people. Click here to read the full letter.

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ELCA Network Rejects Stigma in Federal Policy on Homelessness

The ELCA Homeless and Justice Network strongly opposes a recent executive order conflating homelessness with crime and disorder. Rooted in stigma and lacking evidence, the order misrepresents the realities of unhoused people. Guided by Isaiah’s call to “loose the bonds of injustice,” the ELCA instead urges policies rooted in compassion, dignity, and affordable housing. Click here to read the full statement and explore ways to take action.

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Grand Canyon Synod Grants Open Sept. 8 — Apply by Oct. 31

The Grand Canyon Synod grant cycle opens Sept. 8 and closes Oct. 31, 2025 (midnight) for projects that advance our GCS Strategic Plan. Up to $15,000 per award (about $175,000 total available). Priority for innovative, collaborative proposals. Applicants should attend the September webinar (registration posted soon) and must submit the application (Word/PDF, proper file name), a Statement of Financial Position, and (for congregations) last year’s/current Mission Support. Decisions by Jan. 24, 2026; funding begins Feb. 2026. Apply: gcsynod.org/grants. Contact office@gcsynod.org / 602-957-3223.

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Young Adults Are Gathering Across the ELCA: Creating communities of faith, fellowship, and radical welcome

Young adult ministry is surging across the ELCA. After attending the Justice & Joy conference in St. Louis (July 24–27, 2025), Bryan Gamelin—co-leader of Gather Valley of the Sun—returned with new partnerships, practical tools, and a renewed commitment to radical welcome and young-adult leadership. Fall programming for Gather in our synod is underway.

Congregations: want to connect or host a gathering? Contact Bryan Gamelin (bryangamelin@yahoo.com) to explore next steps.

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Pray Without Ceasing: Weekly Liturgy and Intercessions from Metro D.C. Synod

Pray Without Ceasing continues this week with a liturgy for August 21–27, drawn from Metro D.C. Bishop Leila Ortiz’s call to prayer and fasting. The prayers lift up the vulnerable, our communities, leaders, and the church in this urgent time. Congregations and individuals are invited to use the liturgy and join weekly Thursday Zoom calls to connect with others across the ELCA. Learn more and join the movement.

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From Book Studies to Voter Protection: Join AFN This Season

The latest Arizona Faith Network newsletter is full of opportunities for engagement: interfaith book studies, voter protection training, guided meditation, peacemaking workshops, and a voter registration fair. AFN also invites support for heat relief centers and calls on faith communities to protect Arizona’s sacred lands. Read the full newsletter and subscribe at arizonafaithnetwork.org/newsletter.

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Mission Support Grants Transform Lives Across Our Synod

In 2025, the Grand Canyon Synod awarded $108,900 in grants to 19 ministries, funded through your mission support. From Talking Circles in Phoenix to a revived Summer Day Camp in Sedona and regional MLK worship services in Las Vegas and Tempe, your gifts are transforming lives across our synod. Looking ahead, $175,000 in grant funding is available for 2026. Read more in the post or view as a letter in PDF.

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Prayers and Support for Pastor Brian Weinberger’s Recovery

Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Mesa shares that Pastor Brian Weinberger has made strides in recovery from hip and knee surgeries, though a recent setback has affected his healing. His wife, Bekkah, expresses deep gratitude for the prayers and support from across the synod. A Pastor Brian Recovery Fund has been established to support the family; contributions may be sent to Bethlehem Lutheran Church. Please continue to keep Pastor Brian, Bekkah, their children, and the congregation in prayer.

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September 20 is Leadership Day 2025 at King of Glory in Tempe

Join us for Leadership Day 2025 on Saturday, September 20, 9 a.m.–2 p.m. at King of Glory Lutheran Church, Tempe. Featuring ELCA guest speaker Rev. Anna-Kari Johnson, the day will include teaching sessions on disciple making, small group conversations, and practical tools for ministry leaders. Come for renewal, encouragement, and fellowship. Register here.

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From the Grand Canyon Synod to Wittenberg, Germany: A young adult’s travels into the global church

NAU student and campus ministry leader Sarah Lee represented the Grand Canyon Synod at the International Seminar for Laypersons in Church Leadership in Wittenberg, Germany, and Geneva, Switzerland. From walking in Luther’s footsteps to advocating for LGBTQIA+ inclusion and meeting global Lutheran leaders, Sarah’s journey was a transformative experience in faith and leadership. She returns with renewed vision for campus ministry and gratitude for the synod’s investment in young adult leaders.

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Finding God’s Presence in Life’s Transitions

Transitions—whether the Sunday night shift into a busy week, or the August shift into a new school and church program year—can stir up anxiety and resistance. In her latest Bold Café article, Dr. Crystal L. Hall reminds us that God’s presence meets us in these threshold moments. By practicing simple, grounding rituals—like sharing gratitude, singing together, or pausing for prayer—we return to our bodies, our relationships, and to God’s steady embrace. Read the full reflection and discussion questions at Bold Café: click here.

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Finding God in Small Rituals of Beginning and Ending

Life is full of transitions—new school years, work weeks, and daily thresholds that can bring both anxiety and possibility. In her Faith Reflections piece, Dr. Crystal L. Hall explores how Jesus’ sending of the Twelve in Luke 9 models vulnerability, hospitality, and rituals that help us embrace change with God’s presence. She reminds us that even simple acts, like blessing a backpack or sharing highs and lows, can mark sacred transitions and ground us in faith. Read Dr. Hall’s full reflection on Bold Cafeclick here.

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Mandatory Boundary Training for Rostered Leaders: Complete by October 8

All rostered leaders in the Grand Canyon Synod are required to complete boundary awareness training in 2025. The synod has partnered with Faith+Lead to offer an online course at a reduced cost of $29, plus a mandatory Zoom review session with Pr. Jacqui Pagel. The course must be completed by October 8, 2025, and certificates submitted to the synod office by October 13, 2025.

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When Disasters Become the Norm: Facing the “Danger Season” with Faith

Every summer, more and more communities across the U.S. face wildfires, storms, floods, and dangerous heat. Scientists now call May through October the “danger season”—a time when once-rare disasters have become routine. In his recent reflection, Rev. Derrick Weston warns that our hearts risk hardening to this new normal, much like Pharaoh in the Exodus story, leaving the most vulnerable to suffer. Instead, Christians are called to renewal of mind and heart, resisting complacency and standing with those on the frontlines of climate disruption. Read Rev. Weston’s full article on Blessed Tomorrow—click here.

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Register today for "Bearing Worthy Fruit," A Retreat for Rostered Ministers with Rev. Karoline Lewis

Rostered and synodically authorized ministers are invited to “Bearing Worthy Fruit,” a fall retreat led by Rev. Karoline Lewis, October 13–15 at the Franciscan Renewal Center in Scottsdale. Together, participants will explore gender justice, embodied leadership, and preaching rooted in God’s transformation. Registration is open and act fast, as space is limited to 25 participants.

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2 Weeks Remaining: Register Now for the Bishop’s Fall Gathering

Less than two weeks remain to register for the Bishop’s Fall Gathering, Sept. 29–Oct. 1 at the Franciscan Renewal Center in Scottsdale. Rostered ministers and SAMs of the Grand Canyon Synod are invited to join Bishop Deborah Hutterer and Wartburg Seminary leaders Rev. Dr. Kristin Johnston Largen and Rev. Dr. S. Helen Chukka for worship, learning, and fellowship centered on the theme Life Together: Lament, Love, and Christian Hope in a Time Such as This. Onsite and commuter options are available; registration closes Friday, Sept. 5.

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Ordination celebrations: August 22-28, 2025

Today we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:

  • Rev. Loren Swanson, who celebrates 54 years on August 22.

  • Rev. Gary Garvey, who celebrates 43 years on August 22.

  • Rev. Carlyle Smith, who celebrates 61 years on August 23.

  • Rev. Naomi Barcanic, who celebrates 28 years on August 24.

  • Rev. Julie Gerrish, Christ, Sedona, who celebrates 1 years on August 24.

  • Rev. Nathan Bowman, Hospice of the West, who celebrates 40 years on August 25.

  • Rev. Sandra Jones, Bethany, Scottsdale, who celebrates 18 years on August 25.

  • Rev. John Maroni, Shepherd of the Desert, Sun City, who celebrates 20 years on August 27.

  • Rev. Michael Sager, Desert Hills, Green Valley, who celebrates 31 years on August 28.

  • Rev. Hildegardo González Gómez, who celebrates 26 years on August 28.

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Hunger Leaders Network meets 6pm last Tuesday of every month

Calling all hunger champions: join this network of the Grand Canyon Synod! Meet to hear updates on national and local Hunger and Food Insecurity efforts and initiatives, to learn from one another, and to share with the group what's happening in our congregations. Anyone interested in alleviating hunger is welcome. Prepare to be encouraged and supported! Tuesday, 8/26/2025, 6-7pm MST.

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Administrative Assistant Position Open at All Saints, Phoenix

All Saints Lutheran Church in Phoenix is hiring a part-time Administrative Assistant (21–24 hrs/week) to support its ministry by welcoming visitors, coordinating volunteers, and managing office tasks. Applications and job descriptions are available online or through the church office. Visit allsaintsphoenix.org/job-openings or contact Courtney Krueger at 602-866-9191.

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