This 4-part video course from ELCA World Hunger introduces the role of a “Hunger Leader”—a person who builds bridges between need and abundance in our communities. Open to everyone, this module offers inspiration and practical steps to step deeper into anti-poverty ministry rooted in Jesus’ call to love and serve. Click here to take the course.
Read MoreIn moments of political violence or misinformation, faith leaders play a vital role in calming tensions and promoting safety. This guide from the Safe Communities Coalition (of which GCS is a member) offers best practices for communication that de-escalates harm, respects victims, and strengthens democratic norms. Click here to read the full guide.
Read MoreFaith leaders across Arizona are invited to sign a public letter denouncing political violence and affirming peaceful civic engagement. The Arizona Faith Network will publish signatures alongside the statement on the International Day of Peace, Sept. 21. All clergy and faith leaders are encouraged to sign. Click here to read and sign the statement.
Read MoreRev. Christine Stoxen of Holy Trinity Lutheran in Chandler calls for humane immigration reform and oversight of Arizona’s ICE detention centers, where inhumane conditions continue to be documented. Rooted in Scripture and ELCA social teaching, she urges people of faith to advocate for justice, care for the imprisoned, and welcome the stranger in our midst. Click here to read more.
Read MoreAutumn Byars, member of University Lutheran in Tempe and former LAMA Hunger Advocacy Fellow, reflects on joining Creation Justice Ministries’ Witness for Creation press conference and worship at the Desert Botanical Garden. Held during the Season of Creation, this interfaith gathering lifted up urgent issues such as water justice, sacred lands, and support for the unhoused amid intensifying Arizona heat. It was a powerful call to care for creation—and one another—as an act of faith. Click here to read more.
Read MoreAs the Jewish High Holidays approach, the Grand Canyon Synod offers a heartfelt greeting to our Jewish neighbors. We honor this sacred time of reflection, renewal, and peace, and extend our wishes for a sweet and meaningful year ahead. L’shanah tovah.
Read MoreExplore events and resources from Arizona Faith Network this September: the final session of The Tears of Thingsbook study, weekly Monday meditations, October trainings on elder abuse and LDS 101, plus powerful faith-based calls to action on peace, sacred land protection, and climate advocacy. Read the full newsletter and subscribe at arizonafaithnetwork.org/newsletter.
Read MoreThe Office of the Bishop hosts the Synod Council Retreat, prepares for the Bishop’s Fall Gathering, and attends Leadership Day 2025 at King of Glory in Tempe. We also share photos from the Ordination of Kylee Bestenlehner at Christ the Servant Lutheran Church in Henderson.
Read MoreAll Saints Lutheran Church in Phoenix is currently seeking a part-time Property Manager to help support its mission of service and hospitality. Learn more and apply at AllSaintsPhoenix.org/job-openings.
Read MorePastor Brian Weinberger is home and continuing his recovery with the support of his family and congregation. His wife shares that having him back has been “wonderful for our entire family,” even as their days are now filled with ongoing appointments and long-term recovery needs. We give thanks for the prayers, encouragement, and financial gifts that have surrounded the Weinbergers and Bethlehem Lutheran Church, and we invite continued prayer for Pastor Brian’s healing and strength.
Read MoreThe Grand Canyon Synod enters the new year with strong leadership, clear plans, and a shared theme of being Rooted in Story. At our recent staff retreat, we prepared both for the year ahead and for Bishop Hutterer’s upcoming sabbatical. During that time, Rev. Mike Girlinghouse will serve as Acting Bishop, while our new synod council begins its work.
Together, we are pacing ourselves for a season of stability, renewal, and shared leadership as we move faithfully toward 2026.
Read MoreThis fall, Rev. Mike Girlinghouse will serve as Acting Bishop while Bishop Hutterer is on sabbatical. A former bishop of the Arkansas-Oklahoma Synod (2011–2023) and now Chaplain at LCM Canterbury at NAU in Flagstaff, Pastor Mike brings decades of leadership experience and will meet weekly with our Office of the Bishop staff.
We are grateful for his steady presence and pastoral care during this sabbatical season, and we invite your prayers for him, Bishop Hutterer, and our synod’s continued ministry.
Read MoreThis fall, Bishop Deborah Hutterer will begin her first sabbatical, traveling to Malta with her husband Alan and continuing through January 2026. Sabbaticals are a best practice in the church, offering time for renewal, prayer, and grounding in God’s Word.
Our synod is well prepared for this season with strong leadership, stable systems, and Rev. Mike Girlinghouse on call for emergencies. Please keep Bishop Hutterer in prayer as she prepares for this sabbatical journey of rest, renewal, and hope.
Read MoreOur theme for 2026 is Rooted in God’s Story. This theme will guide our Spring Gatherings, the 2026 Synod Assembly, and the 2026 Bishop’s Fall Gathering, inviting us to tell and live the story of God’s love with clarity and hope.
Read MoreMeet the people serving on our Consultation Committee and Committee on Discipline—teams that help the synod listen well, reconcile where possible, and practice accountability that protects the Gospel’s witness.
Read MoreWe give thanks for leaders completing their service—Hannah Manazares, Taylor Welch, Roger Bailey, Janis Richert, and especially Vice President Barbara Carl, whose steady, strategic leadership guided us through seasons of change.
Read MoreMeet the 2025–2026 Synod Council—including new Vice President Mark Myers and new members Ron Fraass, Dr. Richard Green, and Bruce Rianda—as they gather for their opening retreat and begin the work entrusted to them by our Synod Assembly.
Read MoreMission support at work in Sedona: A Grand Canyon Synod grant helped Christ Lutheran Church (CLC) relaunch Summer Day Camp for K–5 campers with LRCC counselors, community partners, and Bible stories that “planted” faith—literally and spiritually. This ministry was made possible by your mission support and the Synod Grants Program.
Thinking about a new ministry? The 2025 Grants application window is open Sept 8–Oct 31 (up to $15,000). Find details/applications at gcsynod.org/grants.
Read MoreJoin the Spirited Book Club on Thursday, September 25 at 3:00 pm AZ (PDT) for a discussion of The Serviceberry by Robin Wall Kimmerer. This short but powerful book invites readers to reimagine community and economy through Indigenous wisdom, reciprocity, and gratitude. Facilitated by Sheri Brown and aligned with the Season of Creation, the conversation will explore how gift economies can help cultivate peace with creation. Click here to register.
Read MoreJoin the Latine Ministry Competency Workshop, October 2–4, 2025, led by Rev. Dr. Rubén Durán and a team of practitioners. This online gathering will equip leaders for cross-cultural ministry, offering practical tools to strengthen relationships with the Latine community. Cost: $250 individual / $600 congregation. Register here. Download the full flier here.
Participe en el Taller de Competencia en el Ministerio Latine, del 2 al 4 de octubre de 2025, dirigido por el Rev. Dr. Rubén Durán y un equipo de líderes. Este encuentro en línea ofrece herramientas prácticas para el ministerio intercultural y para fortalecer relaciones con la comunidad latine. Costo: $250 individual / $600 congregación. Regístrese aquí.
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