Posts in Grand Canyon Synod
From Meditation to Mobilization: Join AFN’s Interfaith Work for Justice and Relief
From Meditation to Mobilization: Join AFN’s Interfaith Work for Justice and Relief

Arizona Faith Network is offering a wide range of opportunities this summer—from interfaith meditation sessions to heat relief service projects, public witness at the Eloy Detention Center, and training for Election Protection Arizona poll monitors. Events include the Bags of Hope packing days in Tucson and Tempe, a nuclear waste community conversation in Sahuarita, and a call to oppose a proposed public lands sell-off. Lutheran voices are needed to show up, speak out, and serve. Click here to read the full AFN newsletter and learn how you can get involved.

Read More
Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardArizona Faith Network, Ecumenical and Inter-Religious RelationsComment
Arizona Advocates Head to Capitol Hill to Fight Hunger
Arizona Advocates Head to Capitol Hill to Fight Hunger

LAMA Director Solveig Muus joined faith leaders from Arizona in Washington, D.C. for Bread for the World’s 50th Anniversary Advocacy Summit, urging legislators to support SNAP, WIC, and global nutrition programs. The Arizona delegation met with representatives across the political spectrum, combining public witness with prayer, partnership, and policy engagement. Click here to read the full story and reflections from Solveig’s five days in D.C.

Read More
Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardLutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA), Advocacy, HungerComment
Dignity and Joy Served Daily at LSSN’s New 50’s Diner
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.

Read More
Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardLutheran Social Services of Nevada, Colorado River ConferenceComment
Bishop Eaton: Juneteenth and the Tuskegee Airmen
Bishop Eaton: Juneteenth and the Tuskegee Airmen

On Juneteenth Day, we celebrate the end of slavery and the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. But that freedom granted to all enslaved people in 1865 was short-lived. In her video, Bishop Eaton recalls the stark differences experienced by White American soldiers, like her father, and African American soldiers after World War II.

“Like my father, after the war, the Tuskegee Airmen came home to start families and build a life. However, despite their sacrifices, despite wearing the same uniform and flying the same missions, they were denied the benefits of the GI Bill because they were African American. This is white supremacy.” Watch the video on YouTube here, download at bit.ly/4eapi9h.

Read More
Bishop Eaton, ELCA, Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardJuneteenth, Racial Justice, Bishop Eaton LettersComment
Assembly Art Now Available: Explore the Mosaic-Inspired Images of Our Synod
Assembly Art Now Available: Explore the Mosaic-Inspired Images of Our Synod

We’ve released the 50 mosaic-style images created for the 2025 Synod Assembly after many of you asked how they were made. Using Midjourney, an AI tool that turns text into art, we created visuals inspired by handcrafted tilework and the desert tones of our synod. These images are now available for all congregations and ministries to use. View and download the collection in this blog post.

Read More
Grand Canyon Synod, News, Leader ResourcesBrian Flatgard2025 Synod AssemblyComment
Assembly 2025: Thank You for Building Up the Body of Christ
Assembly 2025: Thank You for Building Up the Body of Christ

Our 2025 Synod Assembly was made possible by the faithful service of volunteers, leaders, and congregations across our synod. From hospitality and worship to technology and planning, every contribution helped shape a Spirit-filled gathering centered on connection, discernment, and shared mission. We extend deep thanks to all who served—named and unnamed—and celebrate the many ministries and partners who made our time together possible.

Read More
Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian Flatgard2025 Synod Assembly Comment
Learning to Be Brave: June Book Club Explores Mariann Budde’s Bestseller
Learning to Be Brave: June Book Club Explores Mariann Budde’s Bestseller

Join Spirit in the Desert’s Spirited Book Club for a two-part discussion of How We Learn to Be Brave by Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde, Thursdays, June 12 and 26 at 12:00 PM AZ time. Explore faithful courage in life’s turning points through a book that blends Scripture, story, and personal reflection. Registration now open.

Read More
Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardSpirit in the Desert Retreat Center, Spirited Book Club, The Episcopal Church, Ecumenical and Inter-Religious RelationsComment
Creation, Community, and Christ: Lutheran Campformation Returns
Creation, Community, and Christ: Lutheran Campformation Returns

Over 80 youth from across the synod will attend Lutheran Campformation at Pinerock from June 30–July 4, exploring faith through worship, study, and fellowship. This year features a new focus on Creation theology. You can support this ministry by sponsoring meals, camper days, scholarships, or giving to the Gerald Manlove Memorial Camp Fund.

Read More
Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardYouth and Young Adult, Campformation, Outdoor MinistryComment
Free Webinar June 25: Help Others Prepare to Quit Alcohol & Substance Use
Free Webinar June 25: Help Others Prepare to Quit Alcohol & Substance Use

Join a free, one-hour webinar on June 25, Prepare to Quit: Equipping Others for Readiness to Change, hosted by the Center of Addiction & Faith. Author and coach Rose Ann Forte offers a biblically grounded, neuroscience-informed approach to support those exploring recovery from alcohol and substance use. This resource is ideal for ministry leaders, lay leaders, and anyone walking with others through the preparation stage of change. Register now to gain tools that empower without shame.

Read More
Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardAddiction, The Center of Addiction & FaithComment
Calling All Youth: Leadership Lab Builds Lifelong Lutheran Leaders
Calling All Youth: Leadership Lab Builds Lifelong Lutheran Leaders

Youth from the Grand Canyon Synod are invited to Leadership Lab 2025, a weeklong Lutheran leadership experience for grades 8 through age 24, held June 23-28 at Augustana College in Rock Island, IL. Rooted in faith and friendship, Leadership Lab helps young people grow as disciples and leaders. Register now at leadershiplab.net.

Read More
Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardYouth and Young Adult, Leadership LabComment