In Christian Hope: Service for Roger and Kristine Bailey to Be Held January 17 at Community Lutheran in Las Vegas

With deep sadness and in Christian hope, the Grand Canyon Synod shares the news of the death of Roger Bailey and his wife, Kristine. Roger was a faithful synod leader who served on Synod Council, the Executive Committee, and numerous teams, while Kristine was deeply devoted to children’s ministry through Sunday school, children’s ministry, and Vacation Bible School.

A service celebrating their lives will be held on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at 11:00 am at Community Lutheran Church in Las Vegas. We invite prayers for their family, the congregation, the Las Vegas community, and all who grieve.

LEAN Wants Your Input: Help Shape Nevada’s 2026 Hunger & Advocacy Priorities

LEAN is planning for 2026 and invites your congregation to complete two short surveys that will guide next year’s hunger and advocacy priorities. Share how your congregation engages ELCA World Hunger and which justice issues matter most in your community—including housing, food insecurity, and voter engagement. Your input strengthens our shared Lutheran witness in Nevada.

A Rumor of Black Lutherans: The Scholar Behind the Story Joins Our MLK Events

Rev. Dr. James R. Thomas—pastor, scholar, and author of A Rumor of Black Lutherans—will preach at the Colorado River Conference’s MLK Celebration on Sunday, January 18, 2026, at New Song Church in Henderson, NV. Dr. Thomas’ remarkable journey from Seminex to global ministry in Ghana offers powerful insight into Black leadership in Lutheran history. Read more about his story, explore his new book, and join us as we honor Dr. King’s legacy across our synod.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardDecember 9, 20252026 MLK celebration, Colorado River Conference, Racial JusticeComment

Help Shape Sunday Worship: Apply to Be Church Musician at New Promise in St. George

New Promise Lutheran Church (ELCA) in St. George, Utah is hiring a part-time Church Musician (12–15 hrs/week) to provide organ/piano leadership for Sunday worship, plan with pastors and the music team, and support congregational song through the seasons of the church year. Compensation is commensurate with experience and includes continuing education funds and paid vacation. Send a résumé, brief statement of interest, and (if available) a recording to newpromisemusicsearch@gmail.com. Applications reviewed on a rolling basis. Download the full job description PDF inside.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardNovember 18, 2025Help Wanted, New Promise St. George, Colorado River ConferenceComment

Hope and Help for the Holidays: LSSN’s Mission Continues

Despite a temporary government shutdown that has paused pantry and senior meal services, Lutheran Social Services of Nevada continues serving the Las Vegas community through its holiday assistance programs. A new partnership with E.A.T Meals will provide 2,000 Thanksgiving dinners on November 25, and volunteers are invited to help. LSSN also thanks New Song Lutheran Church and Christian Academy for their creative generosity.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardNovember 13, 2025Lutheran Social Services of Nevada, Colorado River ConferenceComment

LSSN Temporarily Closes During Federal Shutdown; Reopening Planned

Lutheran Social Services of Nevada (LSSN) is temporarily closed during the federal government shutdown due to suspended grant funding that supports food and senior meal programs. LSSN is an independent organization, separate from Grand Canyon Synod leadership.

In a letter in this post, Rev. Dr. Marta Poling Schmitt outlines the shutdown’s impact, long-term plans for a federally qualified health clinic on the Boulder Pines campus, and a year-end fundraising effort leading into LSSN’s 40th anniversary. Congregations are invited to learn more, host an update this fall, and pray for this important ministry.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardOctober 28, 2025Colorado River Conference, Lutheran Social Services of NevadaComment

Help Shape Sunday Worship: Apply to Be Church Musician at New Promise in St. George

New Promise Lutheran Church (ELCA) in St. George, Utah is hiring a part-time Church Musician (12–15 hrs/week) to provide organ/piano leadership for Sunday worship, plan with pastors and the music team, and support congregational song through the seasons of the church year. Compensation is commensurate with experience and includes continuing education funds and paid vacation. Send a résumé, brief statement of interest, and (if available) a recording to newpromisemusicsearch@gmail.com. Applications reviewed on a rolling basis. Download the full job description PDF inside.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardOctober 23, 2025Help Wanted, New Promise St. George, Colorado River ConferenceComment

Oktoberfest Spirit Fuels Lutheran Social Services of Nevada’s Mission

As food pantry lines grow longer in Las Vegas, Lutheran Social Services of Nevada continues to meet the rising need through partnership, generosity, and faith in action. Their recent Oktoberfest celebration raised more than $30,000 and launched the new 1985 Society honoring 40 years of ministry. Upcoming efforts include the Warm Wishes Project (Oct. 22) and the expanding She Cares hygiene initiative. Learn how you can help at LSSNV.org.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardOctober 10, 2025Lutheran Social Services of Nevada, Colorado River ConferenceComment

From Mormon Missionary to Lutheran Pastor: Rev. Katie Langston’s Journey of Grace

The Salt Lake Tribune recently profiled Rev. Katie Langston, outreach pastor and music director at New Promise Lutheran Church in St. George, Utah. Once a Latter-day Saint missionary, Pastor Langston’s journey toward Lutheran ministry is a remarkable story of grace, healing, and bridge-building. Today she leads outreach, music, and support ministries that welcome those seeking faith and healing beyond traditional boundaries.

Read the full Salt Lake Tribune profile of Pastor Langston and New Promise Lutheran Church in the attached PDF or at sltrib.com/religion/2025/09/26/lds-missionary-turned-lutheran.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardOctober 7, 2025New Promise St. George, Colorado River Conference, In the NewsComment

Warm Wishes, SHE CARES, and More: How LSSN Serves Southern Nevada

In August, Lutheran Social Services of Nevada distributed a record 199,654 pounds of food to 1,875 households, yet demand continues to exceed supply. With fall approaching, LSSN is preparing for the Warm Wishes Project (Oct. 22) and expanding the SHE CARES initiative to serve both women and men with dignity. We also celebrate the faithful service of our truck driver, Enier, whose daily work ensures our community is cared for. Learn how you can support this vital ministry.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardSeptember 24, 2025Lutheran Social Services of Nevada, Colorado River ConferenceComment

Celebrating Service: How Volunteers, Churches, and Partners are Fueling LSSN’s Mission

In August, Lutheran Social Services of Nevada celebrated the many hands and hearts behind its mission. Volunteers Pete and JoAnn helped achieve a record 18,000-pound food distribution day, while congregations like Christ the Servant, First Good Shepherd, and St. Andrew Lutheran Churches supported Peanut Butter Wars and ongoing community needs. Business partners—including Junk Masterz, GISI, and Power Promotions—expanded our reach, and Team Wellness earned top honors in the Peanut Butter Wars business division. We also honored Pantry Manager Michelle Cookson as Employee of the Month for her tireless leadership. Together, these efforts embody Christ’s call to serve.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardAugust 14, 2025Colorado River Conference, Lutheran Social Services of NevadaComment

Dignity and Joy Served Daily at LSSN’s New 50’s Diner

Lutheran Social Services of Nevada celebrates the opening of their retro-inspired 50’s Diner space at the Journey Center, now serving meals made in-house by Chef Dom. Throughout July, join the Peanut Butter Wars campaign to support the food pantry, and help provide dignity through the She Cares Initiative by donating hygiene items. Learn how partners like Total Promotions and churches like Holy Spirit Lutheran are making an impact—and meet Employee of the Month, Barbara Hudson, whose spirit of care uplifts us all.

Rewatch the 2025 Synod Assembly and Concert from Community Lutheran in Las Vegas

Missed the 2025 Synod Assembly or want to relive the highlights? Recordings of both days and the stunning Thursday evening concert hosted by Community Lutheran in Las Vegas are now available. Watch the worship, music, and ministry that brought our synod together.

Grace Lutheran in Kingman, Annual Report: 2025

Grace Lutheran Church in Kingman shares their 2025 synod assembly report through the story of their weekly community lunch, supported by the Manna Grant. With help from Ascension Lutheran Church, Grace now serves a weekly meal and offers fresh produce to anyone in need—an act of hospitality and faith that continues to nourish their wider community.

New Medical Services at LSSN: Free Care Every Wednesday

Lutheran Social Services of Nevada (LSSN) is now offering free weekly medical care—including doctor consultations, prescriptions, and lab work—every Wednesday for all clients, regardless of insurance. March brought record-breaking achievements in meals served and families supported. Plus, mark your calendar for the Spring Easter Fest on April 18and check out this week’s featured recipes.

Skip the Strip—Experience a Soul-Stirring Concert at Community Lutheran

Why battle the noise and crowds of the Vegas Strip when you can experience a professionally produced, high-energy concert right at Synod Assembly? On Thursday, June 12 at 7 PM, our host congregation, Community Lutheran in Las Vegas, is delivering a stunning musical performance that promises to inspire and uplift. Make plans now to stay on-site—this is one show you don’t want to miss!

Prayers for Saved By Grace Lutheran Church in Pahrump

We uplift and pray for Rev. John Biggs and the people of Saved By Grace Lutheran Church in Pahrump, part of the Colorado River Conference.

Grand Canyon Synod, Spotlight, PrayersBrian FlatgardMarch 30, 2025Saved by Grace Pahrump, Colorado River ConferenceComment

Prayers for New Song Lutheran Church in Henderson

We uplift and pray for Rev. Paul Block, Rev. Lourdes Olson and the people of New Song Lutheran Church in Henderson, part of the Colorado River Conference.

Grand Canyon Synod, Spotlight, PrayersBrian FlatgardMarch 16, 2025New Song Henderson, Colorado River ConferenceComment

Prayers for New Promise Lutheran Church in St. George

We uplift and pray for Rev. Jill Doherty, Rev. Joseph Doherty, Rev. Katie Langston and the people of New Promise Lutheran Church in St. George, part of the Colorado River Conference.

Grand Canyon Synod, Spotlight, PrayersBrian FlatgardMarch 2, 2025New Promise St. George, Colorado River ConferenceComment

Installation of Luis Ochoa at First Evangelical Lutheran in Mesa

Rev. Luis Ochoa will be installed at First Evangelical Lutheran (142 N Date, Mesa, AZ 85201) on Saturday, 3/15/2025 at 2pm. Pastor Chris Stoxen will preach, with Bishop Hutterer presiding. Rostered ministers are invited to attend; no robes. Color of the day is purple. Livestream on YouTube here.

After the service, we will celebrate! To assist us in planning food, please RSVP by calling (480-969-7221) or emailing the office: felc@firstevlutheran.com with the number of people in your group.

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