Posts in Grand Canyon Synod
Problem Gambling and the Church’s Call to Care – August 26 Webinar

Problem gambling impacts up to 10 million Americans, with online betting and gaming fueling its rise. On Tuesday, August 26, 2025, from 2–3 pm MST/PDT, the Center of Addiction & Faith will host a free webinar, Problem Gambling: Becoming a Part of the Solution, featuring Susan Sheridan Tucker of the Minnesota Alliance on Problem Gambling. Hosted by Rev. Dr. Ed Treat, the session will explore the scope of the issue, its public health intersections, and practical steps for prevention and recovery—equipping faith communities to respond with compassion and action. Register here.

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Register Now: Upcoming Zoom Sessions for 2026 ELCA-Primary Health Plan Updates

Major changes are coming to all ELCA-Primary Health Plan options in 2026. Rostered ministers, lay staff, and congregational leaders are invited to two live Zoom sessions on Wednesday, August 27, and Thursday, August 28, to learn about the updates and how to prepare for Annual Enrollment. Sessions are not recorded, so advance registration is required. Times and registration links are included.

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Refugia and Renewal: A Book Club Journey into Climate, Faith, and Hope

Join the Spirited Book Club this August as we read Refugia Faith by Debra Rienstra, a profound exploration of Christian spirituality in a climate-altered world. We’ll meet online Thursdays, August 14 and 28, from 12:00–1:00 pm AZ time, with discussion led by Sheri Brown. Come discover how faith can help create hidden shelters of healing and hope—for the earth, for the church, and for each other.

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A Deeper Well: Renewal and Resilience for Clergy Through Depth Psychology

A seven-week Zoom course—Renewal and Resilience: A Depth Psychology Approach for Clergy—offers active clergy a space to explore burnout, internalized pressure, and hidden congregational dynamics. Led by Rev. Richard Mallory, the program runs Tuesdays from Sept. 9–Oct. 28. Limited to 8 participants.

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Ordination of Kylee Bestenlehner at Christ the Servant Lutheran Church in Henderson

Kylee Bestenlehner will be ordained at Christ the Servant Lutheran Church (2 S Pecos Rd, Henderson, NV 89074) on Saturday, 9/13/2025, at 2pm. Bishop Hutterer will preside. Rev. Dr. Brooke Petersen of the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago will preach.

Clergy and seminarians are invited to vest and process. The color of the day is red. Click here to RSVP. The service will be streamed over Zoom, link will be shared after you RSVP.

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Installation and Ordination of Solomon Kuch at Emmanuel Sudanese Lutheran Church in Glendale

Solomon Kuch will be ordained and installed at Emmanuel Sudanese Lutheran Church (7205 N 51st Ave., Glendale, AZ 85301) on Sunday, August 24, 2025 at 1 pm. Bishop Deborah Hutterer will preach and preside. Rostered ministers are invited to process. The color of the day is red.

The service will be live-streamed on the Emannuel Sudanese Facebook page.

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Capture the Spirit: National Photo Contest Celebrates Sacred Spaces

Photographers are invited to enter the national “Third Place: Sacred Places Serving Their Neighborhoods” photo contest, highlighting historic houses of worship as vibrant community hubs. Open to amateurs and professionals, the contest runs August 15–October 15 with categories in The Arts, Education and Service, Open Space, and Community Events. Prizes up to $500 are available. Enter here.

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New FREE Arrangement from Lutheran Summer Music by Anne Krentz Organ

Download a new free arrangement from Lutheran Summer Music 2025 by Anne Krentz Organ: Beach Spring for solo instrument with keyboard accompaniment. Based on the well-known shape-note hymn tune, this versatile work is this year’s installment in the LSM Hymn Tune Project and can be performed either in full or as individual movements. Listen and download for free at LSMacademy.org/lsmpress.

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Classic Notes: Piano & Voice Recital to Benefit Navajo Mission – Aug. 24 at Mount of Olives in Phoenix

Enjoy Classic Notes on Aug. 24 at 3:00 PM at Mount of Olives Lutheran Church in Phoenix, featuring ASU graduate students in piano and voice. A light dessert reception follows, with a freewill offering supporting the Navajo Evangelical Lutheran Mission. Jazz Vespers with Beth Lederman and Alice Tatum follows Sept. 14.

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August Good Green News: Events, Action, and Inspiration for Creation Care

From upcoming conversations on Micah 6:8 to a January 2026 retreat at Lutheridge, the latest Good Green News is full of ways to connect faith and environmental action. Highlights include the Christian Climate Training on September 27, Greenfaith’s Sun Day advocacy for renewable energy, and resources for the Season of Creation beginning September 1. Find event details, registration links, and opportunities to shape the future of Lutherans Restoring Creation in the full newsletter: Read more here.

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Bishop Eaton Urges U.S. Leaders to Act Swiftly for Peace in Gaza

ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton has sent a letter to President Donald Trump and members of Congress expressing support for Jewish-American and Israeli communities affected by the Oct. 7 attacks, while voicing profound horror over the ongoing catastrophe in Gaza. Citing famine, mass displacement, and civilian deaths, Eaton urges U.S. leaders to leverage their influence to halt the war, ensure unrestricted humanitarian aid, and pursue a just peace for all in the Holy Land. To read Bishop Eaton’s full letter, click here.

“For the love of God, the sake of our shared humanity and the future of our Palestinian siblings of all faiths, your swift action may be the best and perhaps only way to stop the war and plant seeds of peace in the Holy Land.” — Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton

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Speak Up for WIC: Urge Congress to Fully Fund Nutrition Support

The U.S. Senate has passed bipartisan legislation providing $8.2 billion for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)—a $500 million increase to meet rising need and protect the cash value benefit for fresh produce. Now the U.S. House must act. Use the FRAC Action Network to contact your representatives and urge them to support this funding so every eligible family can participate. WIC offers healthy foods, nutrition education, and support from pregnancy through a child’s fifth birthday, reflecting Isaiah’s call to “feed the hungry, and help those in trouble.” Read more on the LAMA site.

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SNAP Cuts Could Overwhelm Arizona’s Food Banks

Arizona, birthplace of the global food bank movement, now faces a crisis as federal cuts to SNAP could strip food assistance from tens of thousands. Leaders at St. Mary’s and United Food Bank warn the expected surge in demand will exceed their capacity—SNAP covers nearly a billion meals annually in Arizona, far beyond what food banks can supply. Without state action to cover hundreds of millions in new costs, fewer resources will serve more people, threatening a slow erosion of the safety net. This moment recalls the 1983 warning: food banks are one link in fighting hunger, but they cannot replace federal programs. Read more on the LAMA site.

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From Meditation to Voter Protection: AFN’s Upcoming Opportunities

The latest Arizona Faith Network newsletter is packed with August and September opportunities to connect across faiths, learn together, and serve our community—from Interfaith Awareness Week and “Faith & Science from an Islamic Perspective” to voter protection training, book studies, and heat relief efforts. Read the full newsletter for event details, partner updates, and ways to get involved: arizonafaithnetwork.org/newsletter.

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3 Weeks Remaining: Register Now for the Bishop’s Fall Gathering

Less than three weeks remain to register for the Bishop’s Fall Gathering, Sept. 29–Oct. 1 at the Franciscan Renewal Center in Scottsdale. Rostered ministers and SAMs of the Grand Canyon Synod are invited to join Bishop Deborah Hutterer and Wartburg Seminary leaders Rev. Dr. Kristin Johnston Largen and Rev. Dr. S. Helen Chukka for worship, learning, and fellowship centered on the theme Life Together: Lament, Love, and Christian Hope in a Time Such as This. Onsite and commuter options are available; registration closes Friday, Sept. 5.

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Update on Pastor Brian Weinberger: Recovery Progress and Support Fund

Pastor Brian Weinberger of Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Mesa, continues to make steady progress in his recovery, uplifting others with his humor and hope. The Bethlehem council has established a Pastor Brian Recovery Fund to support the family during this time. Contributions can be sent to Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 2745 N 32nd Street, Mesa, AZ 85213, with “Pastor Brian Recovery Fund” in the memo line. Unused funds will go toward the church’s sabbatical fund. Please continue to keep Pastor Brian, his family, and the Bethlehem congregation in your prayers.

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