Posts in Grand Canyon Synod
Rev. Dan Potaznick, Director of Generosity & Strategic Development, Annual Report: 2025
Rev. Dan Potaznick, Director of Generosity & Strategic Development, Annual Report: 2025

The Grand Canyon Synod’s FY 2024-2025 Annual Report highlights a year of remarkable generosity and strategic development. The Mission and Ministry Fund grew nearly 8%, enabling us to double the number of ministries we support—from 8 to 16—particularly in underserved communities. From congregational triumphs like Crossroads’ debt-free Easter to the creation of two new endowments and a new donor CRM system launching this summer, this year’s progress reflects a Spirit-led commitment to stewardship, sustainability, and expanding Christ’s mission across Arizona, Nevada, Utah, and the Navajo Nation.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian Flatgard2025 Assembly Stories, Office of the BishopComment
From Lawn to Life: How Native Plants Can Heal Creation
From Lawn to Life: How Native Plants Can Heal Creation

Two things are essential for a blessed tomorrow: cutting emissions and restoring biodiversity. This spring and summer, congregations are invited to be part of healing creation—starting by shrinking the lawn and planting native. Native plants support pollinators, conserve water, sequester carbon, and tell the story of where we live. Whether planting a pot on a balcony or transforming church grounds, every step counts. Click here to read the full article on the Blessed Tomorrow blog.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardClimate Change, Blessed TomorrowComment
Ordination celebrations: May 23-29, 2025
Ordination celebrations: May 23-29, 2025

This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:

  • Rev. Wallace Klandrud, who celebrates 70 years on May 23.

  • Rev. Richard Jessen, who celebrates 62 years on May 24.

  • Rev. Ronald Koplitz, who celebrates 56 years on May 25.

  • Rev. David Swanson, who celebrates 61 years on May 26.

  • Rev. Jon Clutz, who celebrates 61 years on May 27.

  • The Rev. Donald Bebber, St. Raphael, Benson, who celebrates 2 years on May 27.

  • Rev. Benjamin Bergren, Community, Las Vegas, who celebrates 27 years on May 28.

  • Rev. Nicholas Mays, who celebrates 59 years on May 29.

  • Rev. Norene Smith, who celebrates 42 years on May 29.

  • Rev. Leroy Rehrer, who celebrates 48 years on May 29.

  • Rev. Ronald Glusenkamp, who celebrates 44 years on May 29.

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Grand Canyon Synod, News, SpotlightBrian FlatgardOrdination AnniversariesComment
Voices for Justice and Creation: May Updates from Lutherans Restoring Creation
Voices for Justice and Creation: May Updates from Lutherans Restoring Creation

Learn how Lutheran leaders are addressing the crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women in a free May 27 webinar, and explore new creation care resources from Lutherans Restoring Creation. Share your voice in a churchwide ELCA survey, mark your calendar for upcoming climate-focused calls, and join a June 4 conversation on federal policy and the environment. Read the full newsletter now for links and details. Read the full update.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardClimate Change, Lutherans Restoring CreationComment
Free Webinar: Faith Communities Responding to the Addiction Crisis – May 28
Free Webinar: Faith Communities Responding to the Addiction Crisis – May 28

Join the Center of Addiction & Faith on May 28 from 10–11 a.m. (AZ/NV) for “Breaking Chains, Building Hope,” a free webinar with Jeff Horowitz, CEO of SAFE Project, on how faith communities can respond to America’s addiction crisis. Learn practical strategies to support those struggling with addiction and move beyond judgment to life-saving compassion. Register now.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardAddiction, The Center of Addiction & FaithComment
Churchwide Assembly 2025: Congregation Observers Invited to Participate
Churchwide Assembly 2025: Congregation Observers Invited to Participate

Each ELCA congregation is invited to register one observer for the 2025 Churchwide Assembly in Phoenix. Observers receive access to all assembly materials and reserved seating but do not vote. Registration is $125 and closes May 31. Learn more about lodging, travel, and how to be part of this unique gathering of our wider church.

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ELCA, News, Grand Canyon SynodBrian Flatgard2025 Churchwide AssemblyComment
TENx10: A National Effort to Make Faith Matter for 10 Million Teens
TENx10: A National Effort to Make Faith Matter for 10 Million Teens

Young people are leaving the church at an alarming rate—but it doesn’t have to be this way. The Grand Canyon Synod’s Youth Advisory Team highlights TENx10, a national collaboration led by Fuller Youth Institute, offering free, research-based tools to help youth leaders, pastors, and congregations reimagine faith formation. Visit TENx10.org to access resources, take a 2-minute quiz, and join this movement to help faith matter more to the next generation.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardSynod Youth Advisory Team (SYAT), Youth and Young Adult, Fuller Seminary, Fuller Youth InstituteComment
Experience the Spirit of Music at LSM 2025—Live or Online
Experience the Spirit of Music at LSM 2025—Live or Online

Lutheran Summer Music returns June 22–July 20, 2025, at Valparaiso University, featuring over 30 free concerts, worship services, and recitals. From the beloved Bach Cantata Eucharist to the Festival Choir finale, all events are open to visitors and streamable via Live from LSM. Explore the full season brochure and plan your visit at LSMacademy.org/2025.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardLutheran Summer MusicComment