September is Hunger Action Month: Join the Fight Against Hunger

September is Hunger Action Month, a time to rally together to fight food insecurity. One in eight Arizonans struggles with hunger—even though our state produces 12% of the nation’s fruits and vegetables. In 2024, food bank visits rose to 650,000 each month. This September, you can act by supporting food banks, joining peer fundraisers, downloading the “Hungry Friend” app, or simply wearing orange on September 5 to raise awareness. Every action matters in working toward a hunger-free Arizona. Click here to learn more and find the full Hunger Action Month calendar.

Strengthen Spirit & Democracy: AFN’s August–September Events

Stay connected with the Arizona Faith Network! This week’s AFN newsletter highlights upcoming interfaith events, including a Tears of Things book study, election poll monitor training, Monday meditation, the Habits of a Peacemaker series, and the National Voter Registration Day Fair. You’ll also find ways to support heat relief efforts, join the call to protect Arizona’s sacred lands, and connect with partner events in Tucson and Chandler. Read the full newsletter and subscribe at arizonafaithnetwork.org/newsletter.

Finding Joy in the Long Days: Desert Cross Lutheran's Holiday Breakfast Playdates

At Desert Cross Lutheran Church, holiday mornings have become ministry moments. What began as simple breakfast playdates in the park for young families has grown into an intergenerational tradition of fellowship, outreach, and joy. These gatherings remind us that church happens not only in sanctuaries but wherever God’s people meet in community.

Seeds of Faith: How ELCA Schools Are Shaping Tomorrow's Church

The Grand Canyon Synod has joined the Evangelical Lutheran Education Association (ELEA), strengthening Christian education across Arizona. With 20 schools and learning centers serving 1,800 students, Lutheran preschools like Children of Hope and New Covenant are planting seeds of faith and building bridges between church and community. Learn more about ELEA schools at elcaschools.org.

In Memoriam: Remembering Jim Krueger

We mourn the death of James (Jim) William Krueger Jr., husband of Laura Krueger, president of the Grand Canyon Women of the ELCA. Jim, a lifelong Lutheran and dedicated volunteer, passed away on August 19, 2025, at age 73. His funeral service will be held September 13 in Huntersville, NC, with livestreaming available. Please keep Laura and her family in your prayers. Read his full obituary.

Grand Canyon Synod, In Memoriam, News, PrayersBrian FlatgardAugust 26, 2025Alleluia Phoenix, Cactus Conference, Lutheran Thrift ShopComment

Ordination celebrations: August 29 – September 4, 2025

Today we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:

Rev. Paul Ninnemann, who celebrates 49 years on August 29.
Rev. Carol George, Resurrection, Oro Valley, who celebrates 26 years on August 29.
Deacon Barbara Sikkink, who celebrates 33 years on August 30.
Rev. Renee Geiger, who celebrates 37 years on September 1.
Rev. John Schaumburg, who celebrates 53 years on September 2.
Rev. Kirk Anderson, who celebrates 53 years on September 3.
Deacon Cathy Mannel, who celebrates 26 years on September 4.
Rev. Gregory Mannel, who celebrates 47 years on September 4.

Grand Canyon Synod, News, SpotlightBrian FlatgardAugust 26, 2025Ordination AnniversariesComment

Blessed Tomorrow’s September Newsletter Highlights Climate Hope

Blessed Tomorrow’s September 2025 newsletter highlights upcoming opportunities for faith-rooted climate action, including a September 27 ecumenical training, new resources on extreme heat, Season of Creation worship ideas, and national mobilizations. Explore partner updates, simple living reflections, and Rev. Carol Devine’s invitation to live faithfully in uncertain times. Read the full newsletter.

Final Week to Register: Bishop’s Fall Gathering at the Franciscan Renewal Center

This is the final week to register for the Bishop’s Fall Gathering, September 29–October 1, 2025, at the Franciscan Renewal Center in Scottsdale. The theme is Life Together: Lament, Love and Christian Hope in a Time Such as This. Featured speakers include Rev. Dr. Kristin Johnston Largen and Rev. Dr. S. Helen Chukka of Wartburg Theological Seminary. Registration closes Friday, September 5. Scholarships are available.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardAugust 25, 20252025 Bishop's Fall GatheringComment

Beth Lederman and Alice Tatum in Concert to Benefit Food Pantry at Mount of Olives in Phoenix

Enjoy Jazz Vespers on Sept. 14 at 5:30 PM at Mount of Olives Lutheran Church in Phoenix, featuring Beth Lederman and Alice Tatum. A freewill offering will benefit the Olive Branch Community of Hope Food Pantry, feeding more than 150 families weekly.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardAugust 25, 2025Mount of Olives Phoenix, Capital ConferenceComment

2025 ELCA Hunger Education Grants Now Open: Apply by Sept. 15

The 2025 cycle for ELCA World Hunger Education and Networking Grants is now open, with applications accepted from August 4 through September 15. These grants—typically between $500 and $1,000—support educational and networking projects that help ELCA congregations, synods, and partners deepen understanding and engagement around the root causes of hunger and poverty. Projects can include workshops, climate justice education, youth service learning, or synod-wide awareness events.

Eligible applicants must be 501(c)3 organizations or work with a fiscal agent like a synod office. To apply, pre-register at ELCA GrantMaker (approval may take up to 10 business days). Click here for full grant details and application links.

ELCA, Grand Canyon Synod, News, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardAugust 25, 2025Grants, Hunger, ELCA World Hunger Domestic Hunger GrantsComment

Register Now: ELEA Leadership Gathering Unites Lutheran Educators Nationwide

Lutheran school leaders are invited to the ELEA Leadership Conference 2025, “Inspiring Leaders, Strengthening Faith,” held November 5–7 in Cleveland, Ohio. This national gathering offers three days of professional development, spiritual renewal, and community for educators shaping the future of Lutheran schools. Register now and join the movement to nurture the next generation of faithful leaders.

Celebrating 100 Years of Martin Luther Home: A Legacy of Faith and Service

In 1925, a group of faithful Lutherans in Nebraska opened Martin Luther Home to provide education, training, and community for children with disabilities—a bold vision for its time. Over the years, the home expanded to serve adults, grow ministries across ten states, and eventually unite with Bethphage to form Mosaic. This year marks its 100th Anniversary, with a celebration and museum opening on October 5 in Beatrice, Nebraska.

Mosaic continues to live out its founding call to love and serve others. To learn more about this history and the upcoming celebration, click here.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardAugust 22, 2025Mosaic, Disability MinistriesComment

Making Disciples: Why Catechesis Matters More Than Ever

In this episode of the Pivot podcast, Dr. Alex Fogleman, author of "Making Disciples: Catechesis in History, Theology, and Practice," explores how the early church's approach to catechesis can revolutionize modern discipleship formation.

Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardAugust 22, 2025Pivot Podcast, faith+lead, Luther SeminaryComment

Faith Leaders to Civic Leaders: Reject Fear-Based Governance

Ten D.C.-area faith leaders, including ELCA Bishop Leila Ortiz, have issued a statement rejecting fear-based approaches to public safety. The letter calls on civic leaders to embrace dignity, collaboration, and compassion instead of militarization and scapegoating. True safety, the leaders stress, is achieved through justice, community care, and investment in people. Click here to read the full letter.

ELCA Network Rejects Stigma in Federal Policy on Homelessness

The ELCA Homeless and Justice Network strongly opposes a recent executive order conflating homelessness with crime and disorder. Rooted in stigma and lacking evidence, the order misrepresents the realities of unhoused people. Guided by Isaiah’s call to “loose the bonds of injustice,” the ELCA instead urges policies rooted in compassion, dignity, and affordable housing. Click here to read the full statement and explore ways to take action.

Grand Canyon Synod Grants Open Sept. 8 — Apply by Oct. 31

The Grand Canyon Synod grant cycle opens Sept. 8 and closes Oct. 31, 2025 (midnight) for projects that advance our GCS Strategic Plan. Up to $15,000 per award (about $175,000 total available). Priority for innovative, collaborative proposals. Applicants should attend the September webinar (registration posted soon) and must submit the application (Word/PDF, proper file name), a Statement of Financial Position, and (for congregations) last year’s/current Mission Support. Decisions by Jan. 24, 2026; funding begins Feb. 2026. Apply: gcsynod.org/grants. Contact office@gcsynod.org / 602-957-3223.

Grand Canyon Synod, Leader Resources, NewsBrian FlatgardAugust 21, 2025Grants, GCS Grants ProgramComment

Young Adults Are Gathering Across the ELCA: Creating communities of faith, fellowship, and radical welcome

Young adult ministry is surging across the ELCA. After attending the Justice & Joy conference in St. Louis (July 24–27, 2025), Bryan Gamelin—co-leader of Gather Valley of the Sun—returned with new partnerships, practical tools, and a renewed commitment to radical welcome and young-adult leadership. Fall programming for Gather in our synod is underway.

Congregations: want to connect or host a gathering? Contact Bryan Gamelin (bryangamelin@yahoo.com) to explore next steps.

Pray Without Ceasing: Weekly Liturgy and Intercessions from Metro D.C. Synod

Pray Without Ceasing continues this week with a liturgy for August 21–27, drawn from Metro D.C. Bishop Leila Ortiz’s call to prayer and fasting. The prayers lift up the vulnerable, our communities, leaders, and the church in this urgent time. Congregations and individuals are invited to use the liturgy and join weekly Thursday Zoom calls to connect with others across the ELCA. Learn more and join the movement.

ELCA, Grand Canyon Synod, Leader Resources, PrayersBrian FlatgardAugust 21, 2025Pray Without CeasingComment

From Book Studies to Voter Protection: Join AFN This Season

The latest Arizona Faith Network newsletter is full of opportunities for engagement: interfaith book studies, voter protection training, guided meditation, peacemaking workshops, and a voter registration fair. AFN also invites support for heat relief centers and calls on faith communities to protect Arizona’s sacred lands. Read the full newsletter and subscribe at arizonafaithnetwork.org/newsletter.

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.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardAugust 21, 2025Mission Support Impact, StewardshipComment

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