Posts in Grand Canyon Synod
AFN Invites You to Dialogue, Advocacy, and Sacred Encounters
AFN Invites You to Dialogue, Advocacy, and Sacred Encounters

Arizona Faith Network’s latest newsletter highlights upcoming opportunities for interfaith learning, dialogue, and advocacy across Arizona—including a four-week Interfaith Book Group beginning March 11, Interfaith Day at the Capitol on March 25, sacred site visits, and ongoing meditation gatherings.

These events invite people of faith to deepen relationships across traditions and engage in public witness for the common good. Read the full AFN newsletter for complete details and registration links.

Read More
Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardEcumenical and Inter-Religious Relations, Arizona Faith NetworkComment
Office of the Bishop Updates
Office of the Bishop Updates

The Office of the Bishop staff will gather for an in-person staff meeting while continuing key synod work, including participation in the High Country Conference Spring Gathering in Flagstaff, preaching and congregational visits, and meetings focused on congregational vitality and faith formation. Staff will also advance preparations for Synod Assembly, manage communications and upcoming events, and support the synod’s annual audit and financial close.

Read More
News, Bishop Hutterer, Grand Canyon Synod, SpotlightBrian FlatgardOffice of the BishopComment
Faith Lutheran’s Organ Restoration Effort Featured on Local News
Faith Lutheran’s Organ Restoration Effort Featured on Local News

A Phoenix congregation in the Grand Canyon Synod is gaining local attention as Faith Lutheran Church launches a campaign to restore its historic M. P. Möller pipe organ. The more-than-3,000-pipe instrument—built in 1962 and installed at the church in 2005—now requires $150,000 in restoration after years of wear and Arizona’s harsh climate.

The effort recently made local news on ABC15, which visited the church to share the story and highlight a kickoff concert featuring former music directors. Watch the news segment to see how this congregation is working to ensure its organ—and its voice in worship—can sing again.

Read More
Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardIn the News, Faith Phoenix, Capital ConferenceComment
Journey to Egypt with Bishop Hutterer: Faith, History, and the Nile – January 27–February 5, 2027
Journey to Egypt with Bishop Hutterer: Faith, History, and the Nile – January 27–February 5, 2027

The Grand Canyon Synod invites you to travel with Bishop Deborah Hutterer to Egypt, January 27–February 5, 2027, for a ten-day pilgrimage exploring the Pyramids, the Nile, and historic Coptic churches tied to the Holy Family. Hosted by Elias Tours, this active journey includes 5-star accommodations, a Nile cruise, daily meals, and expert guides. Cost is $3,890 (land only) with a $300 deposit required; registration is now open. Discern whether this faith-filled adventure is right for you and secure your space today.

Read More
Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardComment
Grades 1–6 Invited: Join the Camp ALOMA Elementary Retreat March 20–22
Grades 1–6 Invited: Join the Camp ALOMA Elementary Retreat March 20–22

Camp ALOMA is hosting its Elementary Retreat for children in grades 1–6 from Friday, March 20 (5:30 p.m.) to Sunday, March 22 (2:00 p.m.). The $100 weekend retreat offers a preview of summer camp with games, food, Bible study, and fellowship in a welcoming Christian camp community.

Families are encouraged to invite friends and register today at campaloma.com.

Read More
Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardCamp ALOMA, Outdoor Ministry, Help WantedComment
Camp ALOMA Seeks Summer Staff: May 20–July 20 (Housing & Meals Included, Flexible Weeks)
Camp ALOMA Seeks Summer Staff: May 20–July 20 (Housing & Meals Included, Flexible Weeks)

Camp ALOMA in Prescott is hiring Summer 2026 counselors (18+) for May 20–July 20, with flexible scheduling options. Training begins May 20, with camp running seven weeks starting May 31.

Staff receive pay, meals, and lodging while gaining leadership experience, growing in faith, and building lasting relationships. Learn more at campaloma.com or contact Leah, Camp Director, at office@campaloma.com or 928-778-1690.

Read More
Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardCamp ALOMA, Outdoor Ministry, Help WantedComment
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.

Read More
Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardFiesta Conference, Mountain View PhoenixComment
Now Hiring: Collaborative Musician at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, Tucson
Now Hiring: Collaborative Musician at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, Tucson

Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church (ELCA), 1200 N. Campbell Ave., Tucson, is seeking a part-time Collaborative Musician (keyboardist) to help lead joyful, meaningful worship. Responsibilities include Sunday worship leadership, choir accompaniment, and collaboration on liturgy. Applications are due March 31, with a flexible start date (no later than June 1). Learn more at lutherantucson.org or apply at Oslc@lutherantucson.org.

Read More
Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardOur Saviour's Tucson, Kino ConferenceComment
Better Together: Exploring Partnership for the Church’s Future
Better Together: Exploring Partnership for the Church’s Future

Pastor David Pavesic invites pastors and congregational leaders into Better Together, a four-session online book study exploring partnership, shared ministry, and the church’s future. It’s not too late to join—and slides from the first session are now available to help participants catch up.

Offered Tuesdays at 11:00 a.m. and Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. (Arizona time), this study looks honestly at congregational realities while imagining faithful, mission-centered collaboration. Register now and join the conversation about how we will be church—together.

Read More
Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardMergersComment
Mosaic: Language Shapes Attitudes Around Disabilities
Mosaic: Language Shapes Attitudes Around Disabilities

While people with disabilities, their family members, and advocates all agree our culture needs to change the attitudes that see disability as a negative thing, but they don’t always agree on how to talk about it. Learn why some advocate people-first language and others advocate identity-first language.

The post Language Shapes Attitudes Around Disabilities appeared first on Mosaic.

Read More
Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardMosaic, Disability MinistriesComment
Ordination celebrations
Ordination celebrations

This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:

  • Rev. Timothy Hansen, New Journey, Fountain Hills, who celebrates 39 years on March 8.

  • Rev. Stephen Talmage, Love of Christ, Mesa, who celebrates 41 years on March 10.

  • Rev. Patsy Koeneke, Epiphany of Christ, Apache Junction, who celebrates 19 years on March 11.

  • Rev. Bruce Ayers, who celebrates 64 years on March 11.

  • Rev. Steven Crittenden, who celebrates 17 years on March 12.

Read More
Grand Canyon Synod, News, SpotlightBrian FlatgardOrdination AnniversariesComment
What’s Happening at Arizona Faith Network: March Events, Trainings, and Interfaith Opportunities
What’s Happening at Arizona Faith Network: March Events, Trainings, and Interfaith Opportunities

The latest Arizona Faith Network newsletter highlights upcoming opportunities for interfaith dialogue, advocacy, and community engagement across Arizona. Events include legislative training, an interfaith book study, Interfaith Day at the Capitol, sacred site visits, and other gatherings that bring people of faith together for learning and action.

Read More
Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardEcumenical and Inter-Religious Relations, Arizona Faith NetworkComment
185 Lutherans Gather at Arizona Capitol for 2026 Lutheran Day at the Legislature
185 Lutherans Gather at Arizona Capitol for 2026 Lutheran Day at the Legislature

On February 23, 2026, 185 advocates from 28 Arizona legislative districts gathered at the Arizona State Capitol for Lutheran Day at the Legislature, joining together as people of faith to advocate for their neighbors. The day included prayer and devotion led by Bishop Deborah Hutterer, remarks from lawmakers and community leaders, and meetings with legislators during the busy opening of Crossover Week. Participants built relationships, discussed key policy issues, and witnessed the impact of faithful public engagement.

The event also included opening prayers in both the House and Senate chambers, remarks from advocacy partners, and coordination by volunteers from across the state. Read more and view photos from the day.

Read More
Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardLutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA), AdvocacyComment
LAMA Update: Action Alert on War Powers Resolution and Key Arizona Advocacy Events
LAMA Update: Action Alert on War Powers Resolution and Key Arizona Advocacy Events

The latest Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA) newsletter highlights a new ELCA Action Alert urging Congress to vote YES on the War Powers Resolution, along with upcoming advocacy events, justice initiatives, and policy updates affecting Arizona communities.

The update also includes a recap of 2026 Lutheran Day at the Legislature, changes to SNAP eligibility guidelines, hunger advocacy resources, and worship materials for times of war. Read the full newsletter to learn how you and your congregation can engage in faithful advocacy.

Read More
Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardLutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA), AdvocacyComment
Starting the Conversation: Bringing Congregational Security to the Council Table
Starting the Conversation: Bringing Congregational Security to the Council Table

The next step in the Grand Canyon Synod’s 2026 Congregational Security & Preparedness series begins with a simple action: start the conversation. Congregation councils can take an important first step by placing security and preparedness on a meeting agenda and discussing how their church cares for the safety of staff, volunteers, and worshipers.

This article offers guidance on how councils can begin that conversation and points congregations to the synod’s Congregational Security & Preparedness Resources page as a starting place for practical tools and next steps.

Read More
Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardSecurityComment
Jazz Vespers Returns March 8 at Mount of Olives: Music that Feeds Both Body and Spirit
Jazz Vespers Returns March 8 at Mount of Olives: Music that Feeds Both Body and Spirit

Mount of Olives Lutheran Church in Phoenix invites the community to Jazz Vespers on Sunday, March 8 from 5:30–6:30 p.m., featuring Beth Lederman and William “Gooch” on saxophone and vocals. Admission is free, with a freewill offering supporting the Olive Branch Community of Hope Food Pantry, which now helps over 250 families each week.

Part of the congregation’s Music for Food ministry, Jazz Vespers blends soulful jazz with prayer and service—an evening where music becomes a way to support neighbors in need and live out Christ’s call to feed the hungry.

Read More
Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardMount of Olives Phoenix, Capital ConferenceComment