Grand Canyon Synod

News

Posts in Grand Canyon Synod

Medical Advocacy for IDD: How to Handle Dismissed Health Concerns

Medical Advocacy for IDD: How to Handle Dismissed Health Concerns

Everyone deserves health care that recognizes the person, not the disability. Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and other diverse needs may find themselves in situations where medical professionals dismiss, question, or downplay their health concerns, attributing symptoms to their disability. Mosaic’s Health Services Coordinator shares how to keep the lines of communication open and advocate for yourself or a person you support.

The post Medical Advocacy for IDD: How to Handle Dismissed Health Concerns appeared first on Mosaic.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardSeptember 25, 2026Mosaic, Disability MinistriesComment

Pivot #193: The Spiritual Treasures Churches Forgot They Had

Pivot #193: The Spiritual Treasures Churches Forgot They Had

In the latest Pivot podcast, what we learned looking back on season 7.

Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardSeptember 25, 2026Pivot Podcast, Luther SeminaryComment

Serve ASU Students with Gather Valley of the Sun on October 3

Serve ASU Students with Gather Valley of the Sun on October 3

Volunteer with Gather Valley of the Sun and Pitchfork Pantry on October 3 to help distribute food and essentials to ASU students. Arrive at 8 a.m. at First United Methodist Church in Tempe for an 8:15–10:15 a.m. shift, with optional brunch and a devotional afterward. RSVP by messaging Gather on Instagram.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardSeptember 24, 2026Youth and Young AdultComment

Office of the Bishop Updates

Office of the Bishop Updates

This week, the Office of the Bishop will support candidates for ministry, connect with congregations and youth leaders, and participate in church leadership, advocacy, and generosity gatherings. Staff will also lead a pastoral retirement service, coordinate grants and upcoming events, strengthen synod communications and website access, and complete monthly financial reporting. We also share photos from the Synod Council gathering.

News, Bishop Hutterer, Grand Canyon Synod, SpotlightBrian FlatgardSeptember 24, 2026Office of the BishopComment

AFN: Help Keep Arizona’s Elections Peaceful and Welcoming

AFN: Help Keep Arizona’s Elections Peaceful and Welcoming

Arizona Faith Network’s newsletter highlights election protection training September 28 and October 15, the October 20 Annual Gathering, and nonpartisan voter education events. Discover opportunities for interfaith learning, prayer, and service—including community celebrations in Phoenix, Tucson, and Flagstaff. Read the full newsletter for details and registration links.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardSeptember 23, 2026Ecumenical and Inter-Religious Relations, Arizona Faith Network, Church and SocietyComment

Shared Scripture, Stronger Relationships: Conference Experiments Ahead

Shared Scripture, Stronger Relationships: Conference Experiments Ahead

The Grand Canyon Synod is trying new ways to connect pastors and deacons through joint monthly Rio Salado–Fiesta gatherings and weekly Scripture study groups, with an evaluation planned for spring 2027. Leaders are also invited to help guide the studies or serve as Kino Conference dean as we explore meaningful, sustainable ways to walk together.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardSeptember 23, 2026Comment

Drumming and Dinner for a Cause at Holy Trinity in Chandler

Drumming and Dinner for a Cause at Holy Trinity in Chandler

Enjoy a Senegal-style dinner and drum circle with Pape Diouf and Dr. Sonja Branch at Holy Trinity in Chandler on November 21. Dinner begins at 6 p.m. with a freewill offering; drumming begins at 7 p.m. Beginners, experienced drummers, and children are welcome—$10 to play with an RSVP, free to listen. Learn more and RSVP.

Grand Canyon Synod, Global ChurchBrian FlatgardSeptember 23, 2026Global Engagement Team, Lutheran Church of Senegal, Senegal, Holy Trinity Chandler, Fiesta ConferenceComment

Books for Fatick: $6,100 Raised for Students and Teachers

Books for Fatick: $6,100 Raised for Students and Teachers

Thank you for supporting Books for Fatick! The 2026 drive raised $6,100 for student schoolbooks and much-needed teaching supplies at Martin Luther School in Fatick, Senegal. The Global Engagement Team celebrates this generosity, with photos of students and their books coming soon.

Grand Canyon Synod, Global ChurchBrian FlatgardSeptember 23, 2026Global Engagement Team, Senegal, Lutheran Church of SenegalComment

LAMA: Prepare to Vote—and Help Your Congregation Prepare, Too

LAMA: Prepare to Vote—and Help Your Congregation Prepare, Too

Take the Faithful AZ Voter Pledge, speak up against hunger, and join synod hunger leaders September 29, 6–7 p.m. LAMA’s latest issue also offers election resources, volunteer trainings, refugee health coverage concerns, and an October 3 Global Refuge event in Carefree. Read the full newsletter and find ways to participate.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardSeptember 23, 2026Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA), Advocacy, Church and SocietyComment

Strengthen Your Fundraising Strategy: November 11 ELCA Foundation Webinar

Strengthen Your Fundraising Strategy: November 11 ELCA Foundation Webinar

What do charitable giving trends mean for your ministry? Join the ELCA Foundation’s November 11 webinar, 11 a.m.–noon Arizona/Utah time or 10–11 a.m. Nevada time, for insights from Giving USA 2026 and practical fundraising guidance. Pastors, stewardship teams, and ministry leaders are encouraged to register.

ELCA, Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardSeptember 23, 2026ELCA FoundationComment

Election Reminders: Voting Registration Deadlines Are Near

Election Reminders: Voting Registration Deadlines Are Near

Preparing for November 3? Arizona’s October 5 registration deadline and Nevada’s October 6 standard registration deadline are approaching. Utah’s registration deadline is October 23; Navajo Nation absentee ballot requests are due October 19. Read this week’s reminder for official links, ballot-return requirements, and the separate Navajo Nation election deadlines.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardSeptember 23, 2026Elections and Voting Rights, Church and Society, AdvocacyComment

The Agenda Is Set: Bishop’s Fall Gathering, October 12–14

The Agenda Is Set: Bishop’s Fall Gathering, October 12–14

The agenda is set for the Bishop’s Fall Gathering, October 12–14 in Scottsdale! Registration is closed, and we look forward to reconnecting with registered ministry leaders for worship, renewal, and learning with the Rev. Dr. Carmelo Santos. Preview the schedule, including affinity groups, a film discussion, and closing worship.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardSeptember 23, 20262026 Bishop's Fall GatheringComment

Join a Special September 29 Hunger Leaders Meeting

Join a Special September 29 Hunger Leaders Meeting

Join LAMA and LEAN on September 29 at 6 p.m. Arizona time via Zoom for “Mercy and Compassion Merging for Hunger Justice.” Bishops Deborah Hutterer and Jeff Johnson join food-bank and ministry leaders to explore faith, hunger, and action. All are welcome; no registration required. Join the meeting.

Bishop Hutterer, Grand Canyon Synod, Region 2Brian FlatgardSeptember 22, 2026Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA), Lutheran Engagement and Advocacy in Nevada (LEAN), Hunger, Grand Canyon Synod Hunger Leaders Network, Sierra Pacific SynodComment

Ordination of Wendy Schulz at Peace Lutheran in Peoria

Ordination of Wendy Schulz at Peace Lutheran in Peoria

Wendy Schulz will be ordained to Word and Service at Peace Lutheran Church (18265 North 89th Ave., Peoria, AZ 85382), on Saturday, October 3, 2026 at 10 am, with a reception following. Bishop Hutterer will preside. Rostered ministers and seminarians are invited to process and robe. The color of the day is red. The ordination will be live-streamed by Peace Lutheran and available on their YouTube channel.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardSeptember 22, 2026Ordinations and Installations, Peace PeoriaComment

New Song Volunteers Honor 9/11 Through Service

New Song Volunteers Honor 9/11 Through Service

Pastor Paul Block and New Song Church volunteers honored 9/11 by cleaning up St. Rose Parkway during Henderson’s Community Day of Service. Block’s memories of serving as a chaplain at ground zero connect this act of neighborly care with the solidarity he witnessed 25 years ago.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardSeptember 22, 2026New Song Henderson, Colorado River ConferenceComment

Installation of Rev. Jenn Luong at Our Saviour’s Lutheran in Tucson

Installation of Rev. Jenn Luong at Our Saviour’s Lutheran in Tucson

Rev. Jenn Luong, called to serve University of Arizona Lutheran Campus Ministry, will be installed Sunday, 10/4/2026 at 4 pm at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church (1200 North Campbell Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85719). Bishop Hutterer will preach and preside. Rostered ministers are invited to process. Color of the day is green. There will be a reception and meal to follow.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardSeptember 22, 2026Ordinations and InstallationsComment

Installation of Rev. David Peterson at Gloria de Cristo Lutheran in Yuma

Installation of Rev. David Peterson at Gloria de Cristo Lutheran in Yuma

Rev. David Peterson will be installed on Sunday, 10/11/2026 at 9:30 am at Gloria de Cristo Lutheran Church (11273 E 40th St, Yuma, AZ 85367). Bishop Deborah K. Hutterer will preach and preside. Clergy are invited to vest and process. The color of the day is green.

There will be a reception in Fellowship Hall following the service. No RSVP's necessary. The service will be live-streamed and can be found on the church’s website and Facebook and YouTube.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardSeptember 22, 2026Ordinations and Installations, Gloria De Christo Yuma, Cactus ConferenceComment