Posts in News
Grand Canyon Synod Grants Open Sept. 8 — Apply by Oct. 31
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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Grand Canyon Synod, Leader Resources, NewsBrian FlatgardGrants, GCS Grants ProgramComment
Young Adults Are Gathering Across the ELCA: Creating communities of faith, fellowship, and radical welcome
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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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardYouth and Young Adult, Synod Youth Advisory Team (SYAT)Comment
From Book Studies to Voter Protection: Join AFN This Season
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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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardArizona Faith Network, Ecumenical and Inter-Religious Relations, Church and SocietyComment
Mission Support Grants Transform Lives Across Our Synod
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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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardMission Support Impact, StewardshipComment
The Organ Lives: A Renaissance in Church Music
The Organ Lives: A Renaissance in Church Music

Despite perceptions that organ music is fading, organists and educators report a strong resurgence of interest in the instrument. Young musicians are pursuing advanced studies, congregations continue to request organists, and new generations are captivated by the instrument’s depth, variety, and spiritual power. Leaders emphasize that investing in church music programs—and recognizing music as vocation and calling—keeps congregations vibrant. The ancient organ continues to inspire worshippers and musicians alike. Click here to read more.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardLiving LutheranComment
Seedbeds of Faith: How the ELCA is Preparing Leaders for Today’s Needs
Seedbeds of Faith: How the ELCA is Preparing Leaders for Today’s Needs

The ELCA is reshaping how future leaders are prepared for ministry, blending traditional seminary education with localized training, mentoring, and online learning. With nearly 60% of congregations averaging fewer than 50 in worship attendance, new models such as Theological Education for Emerging Ministries (TEEM) and Synod-Authorized Ministers (SAMs) are vital to serving smaller and diverse communities. Programs like Fund for Leaders are also expanding to support these emerging leaders. Together, these changes reflect a reclaiming of the Lutheran vision of the whole people of God in ministry. Click here to read more.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardLiving LutheranComment
Prayers and Support for Pastor Brian Weinberger’s Recovery
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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Grand Canyon Synod, News, PrayersBrian FlatgardBethlehem Mesa, Rio Salado ConferenceComment
September 20 is Leadership Day 2025 at King of Glory in Tempe
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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Grand Canyon Synod, Leader Resources, NewsBrian FlatgardKing of Glory Tempe, Fiesta ConferenceComment
From the Grand Canyon Synod to Wittenberg, Germany: A young adult’s travels into the global church
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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Global Church, Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardSynod Youth Advisory Team (SYAT), Youth and Young AdultComment
Mandatory Boundary Training for Rostered Leaders: Complete by October 8
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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Grand Canyon Synod, Leader Resources, NewsBrian FlatgardComment
When Disasters Become the Norm: Facing the “Danger Season” with Faith
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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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardBlessed Tomorrow, Climate ChangeComment
Register today for "Bearing Worthy Fruit," A Retreat for Rostered Ministers with Rev. Karoline Lewis
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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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardComment
2 Weeks Remaining: Register Now for the Bishop’s Fall Gathering
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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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian Flatgard2025 Bishop's Fall GatheringComment
Ordination celebrations: August 22-28, 2025
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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Grand Canyon Synod, News, SpotlightBrian FlatgardOrdination AnniversariesComment
Hunger Leaders Network meets 6pm last Tuesday of every month
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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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian Flatgardhunger, Grand Canyon Synod Hunger Leaders NetworkComment
Administrative Assistant Position Open at All Saints, Phoenix
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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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardAll Saints Phoenix, Capital Conference, Help WantedComment
Problem Gambling and the Church’s Call to Care – August 26 Webinar
Problem Gambling and the Church’s Call to Care – August 26 Webinar

Problem gambling impacts up to 10 million Americans, with online betting and gaming fueling its rise. On Tuesday, August 26, 2025, from 2–3 pm MST/PDT, the Center of Addiction & Faith will host a free webinar, Problem Gambling: Becoming a Part of the Solution, featuring Susan Sheridan Tucker of the Minnesota Alliance on Problem Gambling. Hosted by Rev. Dr. Ed Treat, the session will explore the scope of the issue, its public health intersections, and practical steps for prevention and recovery—equipping faith communities to respond with compassion and action. Register here.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardThe Center of Addiction & FaithComment
Register Now: Upcoming Zoom Sessions for 2026 ELCA-Primary Health Plan Updates
Register Now: Upcoming Zoom Sessions for 2026 ELCA-Primary Health Plan Updates

Major changes are coming to all ELCA-Primary Health Plan options in 2026. Rostered ministers, lay staff, and congregational leaders are invited to two live Zoom sessions on Wednesday, August 27, and Thursday, August 28, to learn about the updates and how to prepare for Annual Enrollment. Sessions are not recorded, so advance registration is required. Times and registration links are included.

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Grand Canyon Synod, News, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardPorticoComment