Posts tagged Stewardship
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
Deep Roots, Shared Mission: Resources for Your 2026–2027 Mission Support Plan
Deep Roots, Shared Mission: Resources for Your 2026–2027 Mission Support Plan

Congregations across the Grand Canyon Synod are invited to prepare their 2026–2027 Mission Support Plans and submit their Statement of Intent by March 1, 2026. Mission Support resources—including the letter from Bishop Hutterer and Vice President Mark Myers and the fillable intent form—are now available. A downloadable thank you video from Bishop Hutterer is also provided for use in worship, newsletters, and council meetings.

Rooted in our 2026 theme, “Rooted in God’s Story,” congregations are encouraged to consider a 10% Mission Support commitment as we invest in leadership formation, local and global partnerships, justice advocacy, and ministries that transform lives across our synod and the wider church.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardMission Support, StewardshipComment
Deep Roots, Shared Mission: Resources for Your 2026–2027 Mission Support Plan
Deep Roots, Shared Mission: Resources for Your 2026–2027 Mission Support Plan

Congregations across the Grand Canyon Synod are invited to prepare their 2026–2027 Mission Support Plans and submit their Statement of Intent by March 1, 2026. Mission Support resources—including the letter from Bishop Hutterer and Vice President Mark Myers and the fillable intent form—are now available. A downloadable thank you video from Bishop Hutterer is also provided for use in worship, newsletters, and council meetings.

Rooted in our 2026 theme, “Rooted in God’s Story,” congregations are encouraged to consider a 10% Mission Support commitment as we invest in leadership formation, local and global partnerships, justice advocacy, and ministries that transform lives across our synod and the wider church.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardMission Support, StewardshipComment
Multiply Your Impact: Direct Thrivent Choice Dollars to Ministry That Matters
Multiply Your Impact: Direct Thrivent Choice Dollars to Ministry That Matters

Thrivent members can make a big difference through Thrivent Choice Dollars and Thrivent Action Teams—two benefits that support ministry at no extra cost. Direct your 2025 Choice Dollars by March 31, 2026 to your congregation or the Grand Canyon Synod, and apply anytime for a $250 Action Team grant to fund a service or outreach project. Learn more at Thrivent.com/thriventchoice and Thrivent.com/actionteam.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardThrivent, StewardshipComment
Mission Support at Work: From Christ Lutheran to Nineveh’s New Beginning
Mission Support at Work: From Christ Lutheran to Nineveh’s New Beginning

In the December 2025 Mission Support Memo, we are invited into the story of Radford, Virginia, where the closing of Christ Lutheran Church became the seedbed for something new. On Easter 2023, the congregation transformed into Nineveh Lutheran Justice Ministry—a synod-authorized worshiping community grounded in healing, justice, and radical welcome for people on the margins, including those impacted by addiction, mental health challenges, and exclusion.

This story from the Virginia Synod highlights how ELCA Mission Support and innovation grants make space for courageous new ministry, partnerships, and hope-filled imagination. As we wait for Christ’s light this Advent, Nineveh’s journey invites us to reflect on what inspires us—and how God may be calling our own congregations to try something new. Read the full Mission Support Memo and explore ways to partner with ELCA Innovation in this powerful story of healing, community, and hope.

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ELCABrian FlatgardStewardship, Mission Support, ELCA Mission Support TeamComment
From Table Ministry to Christmas Eve Outreach: Insights from the November Mission Support Memo
From Table Ministry to Christmas Eve Outreach: Insights from the November Mission Support Memo

This month’s Mission Support Memo shares a powerful story of relationship-based ministry from the East Central Synod of Wisconsin, highlighting the Rev. Tauna Roth’s joyful stewardship of community, hospitality, and connection. It also offers timely guidance on using Christmas Eve worship as a missional moment, inviting congregations to consider how larger holiday attendance can strengthen outreach and welcome.

The memo includes details for an online conversation on Monday, Dec. 8 at 6 p.m. Central, hosted by the ELCA’s Congregation and Synod Support Team, along with continued opportunities to engage with churchwide partners. Read the full November Mission Support Memo (PDF): Click here to open.

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ELCABrian FlatgardMission Support, ELCA Mission Support Team, StewardshipComment
Celebrating Seven Ordinations in 2025: Your Mission Support Makes It Possible
Celebrating Seven Ordinations in 2025: Your Mission Support Makes It Possible

The Grand Canyon Synod is celebrating a record year of leadership formation with six ordinations in 2025 and a seventh scheduled for December, including our first-ever two deacons in Word and Service Ministry. Thanks to your congregation’s mission support, leaders across the synod are being raised up, equipped, and called into ministry.

Bishop Hutterer’s 2025 Impact Story highlights the journey of Rev. Solomon Kuch, a South Sudanese refugee who served Emmanuel Sudanese Lutheran Fellowship for years while working night shifts, raising a family, and completing seminary. His ordination shows what becomes possible when a community’s generosity meets God’s call. Download and share the full story to celebrate how your mission support is transforming lives and empowering ministry across our synod. View the letter in English and Spanish here.

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Grand Canyon Synod, Bishop HuttererBrian FlatgardBishop Hutterer Letters, Mission Support, Stewardship, Mission Support ImpactComment
Siete ordenaciones en 2025: Su congregación está formando líderes
Siete ordenaciones en 2025: Su congregación está formando líderes

El Sínodo del Gran Cañón celebra un año histórico con seis ordenaciones en 2025 y una séptima prevista para diciembre, incluyendo por primera vez dos diáconos en el Ministerio de Palabra y Servicio. Gracias al apoyo misionero de sus congregaciones, nuevos líderes están siendo acompañados, formados y enviados a servir en comunidades de todo nuestro sínodo.

La historia destacada de este año es la del Rev. Solomon Kuch, un refugiado sudsudanés que sirvió fielmente durante años mientras trabajaba turnos nocturnos, criaba a su familia y completaba el seminario. Su ordenación muestra lo que sucede cuando la generosidad de una congregación se une al llamado de Dios. Descargue y comparta la carta completa para celebrar cómo su apoyo transforma vidas y fortalece el liderazgo en nuestro sínodo. Descarga la historia completa aquí:: Inglés y Español.

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Grand Canyon Synod, Bishop HuttererBrian FlatgardBishop Hutterer Letters, Mission Support, Stewardship, Mission Support ImpactComment
Mission Support Memo (Oct 2025): Worship that Sends Us to Serve
Mission Support Memo (Oct 2025): Worship that Sends Us to Serve

Discover how St. John’s, Rock Island (Northern Illinois Synod) is pairing homemade community meals with contemplative worship through Table of Grace and “Welcome Wednesday,” supported by creative lay leadership, grants, and creation-care partnerships. The memo also introduces the updated What Does My Offering Do? poster (with a companion video) and celebrates churchwide leadership updates as the ELCA welcomes Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curryand prepares for Rev. Lucille “CeCee” Mills to begin as secretary. Read the October Mission Support Memo for the full story and resources.

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ELCABrian FlatgardStewardship, Mission Support, ELCA Mission Support TeamComment
Generosity That Grows: Resurrection Lutheran Church and the ELCA Foundation Model Sustainable Ministry
Generosity That Grows: Resurrection Lutheran Church and the ELCA Foundation Model Sustainable Ministry

See how the ELCA Foundation is partnering with Resurrection Lutheran Church in Oro Valley and the Grand Canyon Synod to nurture a spirit of generosity that will last for generations. Watch the video Grounded in Grace, Growing in Generosity, featuring Pastor Tim Nybroten, Rev. Dan Potaznick, and ELCA Foundation planner Lisa Marie Higginbotham, and learn how faithful giving strengthens the future of the church.

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ELCA, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardGCS Stewardship Team, Stewardship, ELCA FoundationComment
August Mission Support Memo: Churchwide Assembly Shows What Mission Support Looks Like
August Mission Support Memo: Churchwide Assembly Shows What Mission Support Looks Like

Our August 2025 Mission Support Memo provides a picture into the 2025 Churchwide Assembly where almost a thousand ELCA Lutherans made their way to toasty Phoenix, Ariz., to gather July 28 to Aug. 2. Hear about what a joyous, thoughtful and busy week it was for the voting members who considered resolutions, memorials and social statements and also elected a new presiding bishop and secretary to lead our church for the next six years. 

Assembly also included a NEW ELCA Mission Support video available for all to learn what mission support does and to share with others. Each memo ends with words of gratitude and this month we express how extremely grateful we are for all the people who made Churchwide Assembly run successfully. You can even get the memo in pdf too!

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News, ELCABrian Flatgard2025 Churchwide Assembly, Mission Support, ELCA Mission Support Team, StewardshipComment
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
From Scarcity to Abundance: Discovering the Gifts Your Church Already Has
From Scarcity to Abundance: Discovering the Gifts Your Church Already Has

Feeling like your church doesn’t have enough? Join a free webinar on Thursday, Aug. 14 at 6 p.m. Central (4 p.m. AZ)to discover the hidden resources your congregation already holds. Learn from the Kaleidoscope Institute how currencies of relationship, truth, and more can help us move from a mindset of scarcity to one of abundance. No registration required—just click to join.

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Grand Canyon Synod, News, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardStewardship, GCS Stewardship TeamComment
Join the Growing Network of Creation Care Ministries 
Join the Growing Network of Creation Care Ministries 

The Grand Canyon Synod is already represented on the national Lutherans Restoring Creation map—and your ministry can be too. Whether through gardens, green teams, outdoor worship, or advocacy, congregations across our synod are invited to share their creation care efforts and connect with others doing this vital work across the ELCA. The Stewardship team invites you to add your ministry at www.LutheransRestoringCreation.org and help highlight how we care for creation in Arizona, Nevada, and Utah.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardClimate Change, Stewardship, Lutherans Restoring Creation, GCS Stewardship TeamComment
Building up the Body: The Impact of Our 2025 Synod Assembly Offering
Building up the Body: The Impact of Our 2025 Synod Assembly Offering

Your generosity during the 2025 Synod Assembly raised $3,365.80, now supporting wildfire recovery in Southern California and essential services in Las Vegas through Lutheran Disaster Response and Lutheran Social Services of Nevada. It’s not too late to give—join us in building up the body of Christ and making a lasting impact in our region and beyond.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardRev. Dan Potaznick, Stewardship, 2025 Synod AssemblyComment
June 2025 Mission Support Memo: Not Good to Be Alone
June 2025 Mission Support Memo: Not Good to Be Alone

Our June 2025 Mission Support Memo connects us to Peoples Church, one of our Indigenous Ministries of the ELCA. A church that lives out its call to love and serve Creator God by opening its doors year-round as an overnight shelter, providing hot meals for the community every day and joyfully celebrating in a festival worship meal every Sunday. Peoples Church believes everyone deserves shelter, a meal, community and dignity. It is a place where folks need not pretend to be anything other than exactly who they are — with imperfections and quirks, with longings and failures, with all their hopes and their visions of the future.

The memo also provides tips to stay connected with members in the busy summer months and thanks our synods for their partnership during assemblies and in ministry. View the memo in pdf as well.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardMission Support, ELCA Mission Support Team, StewardshipComment
On the Journey Together: The 2024–2025 Grand Canyon Synod Impact Report
On the Journey Together: The 2024–2025 Grand Canyon Synod Impact Report

The 2024–2025 Impact Report highlights how your support empowers ministry across our synod. From guiding congregations in transition to nurturing new leaders, advocating for justice, and forming faith in young people, your generosity fuels a church that walks together. Discover how we Communicate Jesus, Connect People, and Create Possibilities.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardStewardship, GCS Stewardship TeamComment
May 2025 Mission Support Memo: God With Us
May 2025 Mission Support Memo: God With Us

The May 2025 Mission Support Memo from ELCA is all about the resiliency of a small-town ministry. Immanuel Lutheran Church, in rural central Texas, faced a variety of challenges, a vacancy in pastoral leadership and the ongoing impact of the pandemic. Yet, they saw opportunity when they called Katie Rode under a special program that allowed her to serve part-time while attending seminary full-time.

Explore the memo to find out how you can participate in the September Stewardship Kaleidoscope Conference in New Orleans and learn about the 2024 Mission Support outcomes.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardStewardship, Mission Support, ELCA Mission Support TeamComment
Love Letters That Inspire Giving: A Webinar with Rev. Dr. Eric H.F. Law
Love Letters That Inspire Giving: A Webinar with Rev. Dr. Eric H.F. Law

Join Rev. Dr. Eric H.F. Law on Thursday, May 8, for a free webinar that reimagines stewardship through storytelling. Learn how the simple act of writing “love letters to our church” can inspire natural generosity rooted in gratitude and connection. No registration needed—just join online from 4–5:30 p.m. AZ/NV or 5–6:30 p.m. UT/Navajo Nation.

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ELCA, Grand Canyon Synod, News, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardStewardship, ELCA Mission Support TeamComment