Posts in Grand Canyon Synod
Learn, Connect, and Celebrate with Arizona Faith Network this Fall
Learn, Connect, and Celebrate with Arizona Faith Network this Fall

Celebrate bridge-builders at the Arizona Faith Network 2025 Annual Gathering: United We Rise, happening Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at the Baháʼí Faith Community Center in Scottsdale. This year’s event honors Billie K. Fidlin with AFN’s first-ever Legacy Award. Register to attend in-person or online, and explore AFN’s full lineup of fall events and interfaith opportunities — from meditation and justice trainings to faith education and environmental action — at arizonafaithnetwork.org/newsletter.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardArizona Faith Network, Ecumenical and Inter-Religious RelationsComment
Ordination celebrations: October 17-23, 2025
Ordination celebrations: October 17-23, 2025

This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:

  • Rev. Douglas Dill, Mountain View, Phoenix, who celebrates 10 years on October 17.

  • Rev. Julia Sprenkle, American, Sun City, who celebrates 15 years on October 17.

  • Rev. Paul Gregory, Hospice Family Care, Mesa, who celebrates 39 years on October 19.

  • Rev. Susanne Havlic, who celebrates 29 years on October 20.

  • Rev. David Swan, who celebrates 52 years on October 21.

  • Rev. Mitchell Eickmann, who celebrates 41 years on October 22.

  • Rev. Linda Brown, who celebrates 14 years on October 22.

  • Rev. Glenn Schrader, Our Saviour’s, Tucson, who celebrates 2 years on October 22.

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Grand Canyon Synod, News, SpotlightBrian FlatgardOrdination AnniversariesComment
Lead with the Spirit: Faith+Lead’s Coaching for Spirit-Led Leadership Begins January 26
Lead with the Spirit: Faith+Lead’s Coaching for Spirit-Led Leadership Begins January 26

Faith+Lead’s Coaching for Spirit-Led Leadership course begins January 26, 2026, guiding pastors, deacons, and lay leaders to lead with trust, curiosity, and collaboration. This nine-week online cohort, taught by the Rev. Dr. Dawn Alitz, helps participants listen deeply, ask powerful questions, and empower others to discern their callings. Cost is $375 with scholarships available. Enroll now →

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Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesBrian Flatgardfaith+lead, Luther SeminaryComment
SYAT Retreat at Camp Pinerock Charts Next Steps for Youth & Family Ministry
SYAT Retreat at Camp Pinerock Charts Next Steps for Youth & Family Ministry

The Synod Youth Advisory Team (SYAT) met Oct 10–11 at Camp Pinerock, Prescott to review first-year goals, plan budgets and collaboration, welcome Pr. Amy Janssen (Tucson), and pray together for the work ahead. In the coming weeks and months, SYAT expects to announce scholarships and new resources for children’s, youth, and young adult ministry and will reach out to every congregation to learn more about local needs.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardYouth and Young Adult, Synod Youth Advisory Team (SYAT)Comment
Finding Faith in the Great Turning: Spirited Book Club Reads Active Hope
Finding Faith in the Great Turning: Spirited Book Club Reads Active Hope

Join the Spirited Book Club at Spirit in the Desert on Thursday, October 23 (3:00–4:00 p.m. AZ/PDT) for a discussion of Active Hope by Joanna Macy and Chris Johnstone. The book invites readers to face global challenges with courage and creativity, offering a framework for resilience rooted in faith, gratitude, and community action. Facilitated by Sheri Brown, this conversation explores how Christians can live out “active hope” amid uncertainty. Register here: spiritinthedesert.org/events/spirited-book-club-active-hope.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardSpirit in the Desert Retreat Center, Spirited Book ClubComment
Oct. 23: Equip Your Congregation to Respond to Addiction
Oct. 23: Equip Your Congregation to Respond to Addiction

Join the Oct. 23 one-day Virtual Addiction & Faith Conference, “Awakening the Church to Address Addiction,” hosted by the Center of Addiction & Faith. Open to clergy, laypeople, and all impacted by addiction, this $50 event equips congregations to become safe, recovery-friendly communities. Register now and share the flyer to spread the word across our synod.

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Grand Canyon Synod, Leader Resources, NewsBrian FlatgardThe Center of Addiction & FaithComment
Shurden Lectures Ask: Is Mercy Being Criminalized?
Shurden Lectures Ask: Is Mercy Being Criminalized?

This week’s BJC newsletter highlights advocacy against Texas’s new Bible-infused school curriculum, previews the October 21–23 Shurden Lectures on sanctuary and migrant justice, and covers an upcoming Supreme Court case on religious freedom in prisons. Readers will also meet Rabbi David Segal, BJC’s new Policy Counsel, and find the latest Report from the Capital addressing how threats to religious freedom are becoming reality. Read the full issue for details and ways to engage.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardBJC (Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty), Christian Nationalism, Church and SocietyComment
Generosity That Grows: Resurrection Lutheran Church and the ELCA Foundation Model Sustainable Ministry
Generosity That Grows: Resurrection Lutheran Church and the ELCA Foundation Model Sustainable Ministry

See how the ELCA Foundation is partnering with Resurrection Lutheran Church in Oro Valley and the Grand Canyon Synod to nurture a spirit of generosity that will last for generations. Watch the video Grounded in Grace, Growing in Generosity, featuring Pastor Tim Nybroten, Rev. Dan Potaznick, and ELCA Foundation planner Lisa Marie Higginbotham, and learn how faithful giving strengthens the future of the church.

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ELCA, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardGCS Stewardship Team, Stewardship, ELCA FoundationComment
Oktoberfest Spirit Fuels Lutheran Social Services of Nevada’s Mission
Oktoberfest Spirit Fuels Lutheran Social Services of Nevada’s Mission

As food pantry lines grow longer in Las Vegas, Lutheran Social Services of Nevada continues to meet the rising need through partnership, generosity, and faith in action. Their recent Oktoberfest celebration raised more than $30,000 and launched the new 1985 Society honoring 40 years of ministry. Upcoming efforts include the Warm Wishes Project (Oct. 22) and the expanding She Cares hygiene initiative. Learn how you can help at LSSNV.org.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardLutheran Social Services of Nevada, Colorado River ConferenceComment
Walking Through History: Our Saviour’s Tucson Marks 80 Years of Ministry
Walking Through History: Our Saviour’s Tucson Marks 80 Years of Ministry

Celebrate 80 years of ministry with Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Tucson during a History Walk on Saturday, October 25, at 10:00 a.m. Walk through key spaces on campus as congregation members reenact moments from the church’s story, followed by a celebratory luncheon. Free and open to the public. For details or luncheon RSVPs, contact 520-327-6521 or oslc@lutherantucson.org.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardOur Saviour's Tucson, Kino ConferenceComment
Register Now: Celebrate Bridge Builders at the 2025 Arizona Faith Network Annual Gathering
Register Now: Celebrate Bridge Builders at the 2025 Arizona Faith Network Annual Gathering

Celebrate faith leaders who build bridges across Arizona at the 2025 AFN Annual Gathering – “United We Rise”, on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at the Baháʼí Faith Community Center in Scottsdale. Honoring Dr. Warren H. Stewart, Sr., this year’s event will unite faith communities for a morning of storytelling and celebration. Plus, explore AFN’s fall lineup of virtual and in-person gatherings and subscribe to the AFN newsletter for weekly updates: arizonafaithnetwork.org/newsletter.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardArizona Faith Network, Ecumenical and Inter-Religious RelationsComment
Ordination celebrations: October 10-16, 2025
Ordination celebrations: October 10-16, 2025

This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:

  • Rev. Thomas Morrison, who celebrates 47 years on October 10.

  • Rev. John Biggs, Saved By Grace, Pahrump, who celebrates 12 years on October 13.

  • Rev. Steven Kruse, New Covenant, Scottsdale, who celebrates 40 years on October 13.

  • Deacon Gloria Owens, who celebrates 38 years on October 13.

  • Rev. Daniel Hoeger, All Saints, Phoenix, who celebrates 36 years on October 15.

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Grand Canyon Synod, News, SpotlightBrian FlatgardOrdination AnniversariesComment
Bishop Hutterer: Stepping into Sabbath
Bishop Hutterer: Stepping into Sabbath

Bishop Deborah Hutterer shares her gratitude for the people and ministries of the Grand Canyon Synod as she prepares for a sabbatical in November and continuing through January 2026. During this time of prayer and renewal, Rev. Mike Girlinghouse will serve as Acting Bishop, working closely with synod staff to ensure continuity. Bishop Hutterer invites prayers for renewal and guidance as our synod enters this season of reflection and preparation for the work ahead.

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Bishop Hutterer, Letters, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardBishop Hutterer LettersComment
When Contractors Disappear: Lessons from Recent Congregational Projects
When Contractors Disappear: Lessons from Recent Congregational Projects

Several congregations in our synod have recently lost funds to contractors who took payment upfront and disappeared before completing work. To help others avoid similar losses, we share practical steps for contracting wisely—such as limiting deposits, verifying licenses, and ensuring written agreements. Learn how to protect your congregation’s resources and practice faithful stewardship when hiring contractors.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardComment
Finding Faith in the Great Turning: Spirited Book Club Reads Active Hope
Finding Faith in the Great Turning: Spirited Book Club Reads Active Hope

Join the Spirited Book Club at Spirit in the Desert on Thursday, October 23 (3:00–4:00 p.m. AZ/PDT) for a discussion of Active Hope by Joanna Macy and Chris Johnstone. The book invites readers to face global challenges with courage and creativity, offering a framework for resilience rooted in faith, gratitude, and community action. Facilitated by Sheri Brown, this conversation explores how Christians can live out “active hope” amid uncertainty. Register here: spiritinthedesert.org/events/spirited-book-club-active-hope.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardSpirit in the Desert Retreat Center, Spirited Book ClubComment