Posts in Grand Canyon Synod
Tempe, Sun City, Phoenix: Join the First Spring Gatherings
Tempe, Sun City, Phoenix: Join the First Spring Gatherings

Spring Gatherings begin next week in the Phoenix area under the theme Rooted in God’s Story, with events on February 21 (Tempe) and February 24 (Sun City and Phoenix). All rostered ministers, lay leaders, and members are invited to attend any location. Additional gatherings follow in Chandler (March 8), Flagstaff (March 14), Tucson (March 28), and Las Vegas (April 11). Join us as we reconnect, reflect, and strengthen our shared ministry across the Grand Canyon Synod.

All are welcome to attend any gathering. Mark your calendar now as we launch this spring season together.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian Flatgard2026 Spring GatheringsComment
Better Together: A Synod Book Study on Partnership, Mission, and the Church’s Future
Better Together: A Synod Book Study on Partnership, Mission, and the Church’s Future

Pastor David Pavesic invites pastors and congregational leaders into a four-session online book study based on Better Together: Making Church Mergers Work. Building on the recent Possibilities in Partnership presentation, this study explores how mission can be strengthened through collaboration and shared ministry. Offered in both morning and evening Zoom sessions, the study creates space for honest conversation, faithful discernment, and hope-filled imagination—because while we may not be able to do this work alone, we are better together. Morning sessions start 2/17, evening sessions begin 2/19.

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Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardMergersComment
Thinking Faithfully About AI: PLTS Hosts a Disputatio for Our Time
Thinking Faithfully About AI: PLTS Hosts a Disputatio for Our Time

Artificial intelligence is reshaping daily life—and raising urgent ethical and theological questions. On Wednesday, February 25, 2026 (8:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m. PST), Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary will host a Disputatio on Artificial Intelligence, online and in Berkeley, inviting leaders into faithful, rigorous inquiry grounded in Lutheran tradition.

The day includes worship, lunch, expert-led conversations, and the Elizabeth and Harvey Mohrenweiser Lecture on ethical decision-making at the intersection of faith, science, and medicine. Learn more and register at admissions.callutheran.edu/register/AIDisputatio.

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Grand Canyon Synod, Leader Resources, Region 2Brian FlatgardPacific Lutheran Theological Seminary, Artificial IntelligenceComment
Discerning a Call? Explore Seminary Through PLTS’s “Signs Along the Way” Weekend
Discerning a Call? Explore Seminary Through PLTS’s “Signs Along the Way” Weekend

Are you discerning whether seminary might be right for you? Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary invites you to Signs Along the Way, a visit and discernment weekend March 13–15 in Berkeley, California, designed for those exploring online seminary education.

Participants will meet PLTS faculty, connect with others in discernment, and learn more about the MDiv, MA in Spirituality and Social Change, and Lutheran Year programs. Lodging and meals are provided, with travel assistance available. Learn more and sign up at plts.edu/signs.

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Grand Canyon Synod, Leader Resources, Region 2Brian FlatgardPacific Lutheran Theological SeminaryComment
Building a More Caring World: Stephen Ministries’ 50th Anniversary Event Comes to All Saints Lutheran in Phoenix
Building a More Caring World: Stephen Ministries’ 50th Anniversary Event Comes to All Saints Lutheran in Phoenix

All Saints Lutheran Church in Phoenix will host a regional Stephen Ministries 50th Anniversary Celebration and Learning Event on Saturday, February 21, from 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. Part of a nationwide tour, the event features teaching on grief, empathy, caregiving, congregational care, and responding to the mental health crisis, with speakers including founder Dr. Kenneth C. Haugk.

Open to the public and cross-denominational, the event costs $15 per person (optional lunch $12). Registration is required and space is limited. Learn more and register at stephenministries.org/celebratePHX.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardAll Saints Phoenix, Capital Conference, Stephen MinistriesComment
Mountain View Lutheran Church Seeks Part-Time Accountant in Phoenix
Mountain View Lutheran Church Seeks Part-Time Accountant in Phoenix

Mountain View Lutheran Church in Phoenix is seeking a part-time Accountant to manage bookkeeping, financial reporting, and budget preparation in support of its ministry. Qualified candidates with experience in fund-based accounting and proficiency in QuickBooks are encouraged to apply. Learn more and apply at mvlutheran.org/jobs.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardFiesta Conference, Help Wanted, Mountain View PhoenixComment
$143,000+ in Synod Grants Launched: Thank You for Making This Possible
$143,000+ in Synod Grants Launched: Thank You for Making This Possible

The Grand Canyon Synod has awarded over $143,000 in grant funding to 27 congregations and ministry partners across Arizona, southern Nevada, St. George, and the Navajo Nation. Funded through bequests, congregational gifts, thrift shop proceeds, and unrestricted mission support, these grants fuel outreach, food ministries, youth formation, advocacy, worship improvements, and more. Thank you for making this circle of generosity possible.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardGrants, GCS Grants ProgramComment
February Portico Updates: Mental Health, Retirement Planning & Tax Resources
February Portico Updates: Mental Health, Retirement Planning & Tax Resources

Portico’s February updates include expanded mental health support for members with ELCA-Primary health benefits, important reminders about reporting compensation changes within 60 days, and new Retirement Readiness workshops in partnership with Fidelity. Complimentary clergy and congregational tax guides are also available to help you navigate tax season with confidence.

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Leader Resources, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardPorticoComment
Office of the Bishop Updates
Office of the Bishop Updates

Bishop Hutterer will preach at Desert Hills (Green Valley) and American Lutheran (Sun City) for Ash Wednesday and participate in the Region 2 SAM Summit. Synod staff will continue preparing for Spring Gatherings, advancing candidacy and congregational vitality work, exploring AI in ministry, and managing financial and operational responsibilities.

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News, Bishop Hutterer, Grand Canyon Synod, SpotlightBrian FlatgardOffice of the BishopComment
From Hunger to Voting Rights: LAMA’s February Updates
From Hunger to Voting Rights: LAMA’s February Updates

LAMA’s February update highlights urgent action on food insecurity legislation, preparation for Lutheran Day at the Legislature (Feb. 23), Environmental Day at the Capitol, and national ELCA action alerts. Lutherans across Arizona are invited to activate their faith in love through advocacy, prayer, and public witness. Read the full LAMA newsletter for action links and registration details.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardLutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA), Advocacy, Church and SocietyComment
Arizona Faith Network: Prophetic Witness, Creation Care & Interfaith Engagement
Arizona Faith Network: Prophetic Witness, Creation Care & Interfaith Engagement

Arizona Faith Network invites clergy and lay leaders to engage in the Prophetic Witness Campaign (Phoenix training Feb. 19), Environmental Day at the Capitol (Feb. 11), and a wide range of interfaith and advocacy events throughout February and March. From immigration justice to climate action to spiritual grounding, AFN offers meaningful ways to live out our faith in the public square. Read the full AFN newsletter for RSVP links and details.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardEcumenical and Inter-Religious Relations, Arizona Faith NetworkComment
Theme Deep Dive | 2027 ELCA Youth Gathering video
Theme Deep Dive | 2027 ELCA Youth Gathering video

Dive into the 2027 Gathering’s theme, Imagine More! Based on Ephesians 3:20 (Inclusive), the Gathering will be a space for young people to Imagine More - love, welcome, joy, courage, and grace. To learn more about the 2027 ELCA Youth Gathering, the Multicultural Youth Leadership Event (MYLE), the tAble, or the Young Adult Gathering, please visit elca.org/Gathering.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian Flatgard2027 ELCA Youth Gathering, Youth and Young AdultComment
Security as Stewardship: A Practical ELCA Resource for Churches
Security as Stewardship: A Practical ELCA Resource for Churches

The ELCA resource Protecting Employees – Security Procedures in the Workplace offers congregations a clear, church-specific starting point for thinking about safety and preparedness. Grounded in care rather than fear, it encourages proactive planning that reduces risk and supports staff, volunteers, and worshipers.

This article highlights the document’s key guidance for leadership, volunteers, and building safety as part of the Grand Canyon Synod’s year-long series on congregational security and preparedness.

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Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardSecurityComment
Walking Together Through Lent and Easter: New Resources and Invitations for 2026
Walking Together Through Lent and Easter: New Resources and Invitations for 2026

Lent and Easter 2026 resources are now live on our site, featuring reflections, worship tools, and opportunities for faithful action across the Grand Canyon Synod. Highlights include the Region 2 Lenten Challenge supporting ELCA World Hunger, upcoming Lenten events, and new worship resources for the season.

Congregations and leaders are invited to explore, participate, and share their own stories and events at gcsynod.org/share as we journey together from ashes to resurrection hope.

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Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesBrian Flatgard2026 Lent and EasterComment
Spring Gatherings Kick Off in Phoenix: Join Us Across the Grand Canyon Synod
Spring Gatherings Kick Off in Phoenix: Join Us Across the Grand Canyon Synod

The Grand Canyon Synod’s Spring Gatherings begin in the Phoenix area this February and continue across the synod in Flagstaff, Tucson, and Las Vegas. Under the theme Rooted in God’s Story, rostered ministers, lay leaders, and congregational members are invited to gather for connection, reflection, and shared learning.

All are welcome to attend any gathering. Mark your calendar now as we launch this spring season together.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian Flatgard2026 Spring GatheringsComment
Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry to Join February Hunger Leaders Call
Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry to Join February Hunger Leaders Call

Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry will join the Grand Canyon Synod Hunger Leaders Network for their next monthly call on Tuesday, February 24, from 6:00–7:00 pm (AZ time). The virtual gathering will include a short devotion, an update from Bishop Curry, a local hunger ministry spotlight, and shared resources and grant updates from across the synod.

If you’ve been meaning to connect with others working to address hunger and food insecurity, this is a great time to jump in. No registration is required—just bring your curiosity and commitment. Read more on the LAMA web site, and click this link to join the Zoom call.

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Bishop Curry, ELCA, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardArizona Hunger Policy Workgroup, Hunger, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA)Comment
Annual Congregation Report Due March 1: What Every ELCA Community Needs to Know
Annual Congregation Report Due March 1: What Every ELCA Community Needs to Know

The Annual Congregation Report is due March 1 for all ELCA congregations, new starts, and synod-authorized worshiping communities. This report provides essential data about people, finances, and resources and ensures your congregation is included in synod and churchwide planning and reporting.

Congregations should submit the report online at elca.org/congregationreport using the ID and password mailed in mid-January. Instructions, Form A, and support resources are available at elca.org/reportinstructions. If you are not receiving ELCA emails, be sure to update your contact information to stay informed.

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ELCA, Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardComment
Rooted in God’s Story: Mission Support Intent Forms Due March 1, 2026
Rooted in God’s Story: Mission Support Intent Forms Due March 1, 2026

Mission Support Statements of Intent for 2026–2027 are due March 1, 2026. Congregations are asked to submit their completed form to office@gcsynod.org to support faithful planning and shared ministry across the Grand Canyon Synod, the wider ELCA, and the world.

Rooted in the 2026 synod theme, Rooted in God’s Story, Mission Support is a theological practice grounded in abundance, partnership, and hope. Resources—including the Mission Support Letter, fillable form, and Bishop Hutterer’s Thank You Video—are available now.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardMission Support, StewardshipComment