Posts in Grand Canyon Synod
Matthew 25 in Action: Take the 2026 Lenten Challenge with ELCA World Hunger
Matthew 25 in Action: Take the 2026 Lenten Challenge with ELCA World Hunger

The 2026 Lenten Challenge invites individuals and congregations across the Grand Canyon Synod to join four other ELCA Region 2 synods in raising $100,000 for ELCA World Hunger during Lent. Participants commit to three of four spiritual practices—devotions, learning, action, and donation—using a Matthew 25–centered toolkit.

Everyone is welcome to participate, with a shared goal of engaging at least one person from 50 congregations per synod. Sign up, invite others, and live out Jesus’ call to serve “the least of these” this Lent.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian Flatgard2026 Lenten Challenge, 2026 Lent and EasterComment
Take Action for Dreamers: Highlights from the Latest LAMA Advocacy Update
Take Action for Dreamers: Highlights from the Latest LAMA Advocacy Update

Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona’s latest newsletter highlights an urgent ELCA Action Alert supporting a pathway to citizenship for Dreamers, along with upcoming advocacy opportunities including the LAMA Liaison Roundtable (March 16) and Interfaith Day at the Capitol (March 25).

The update also includes legislative resources, hunger advocacy opportunities, and ELCA statements on peace and justice. Read the full LAMA newsletter to learn more and take action.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardLutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA), Advocacy, Church and SocietyComment
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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardMergersComment
Help Us Tell God’s Story Across the Grand Canyon Synod
Help Us Tell God’s Story Across the Grand Canyon Synod

God is at work across the Grand Canyon Synod—and we want to help tell that story. From events and service projects to ministry opportunities and milestones, your congregation’s news strengthens our shared life together. Rooted in God’s story and guided by the truth that we are one body with many members (1 Corinthians 12), we invite you to submit your updates at gcsynod.org/share and help us celebrate what God is doing among us.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardComment
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.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardMosaic, Disability MinistriesComment
Leadership in Difficult Times: Registration Now Open for Faith+Lead Certificate Cohort
Leadership in Difficult Times: Registration Now Open for Faith+Lead Certificate Cohort

Registration is now open for Leadership in Difficult Times, a guided certificate cohort from Faith+Lead running April 28–July 28, 2026. This live, four-session experience equips leaders with practical skills and spiritual grounding to lead faithfully amid division and uncertainty. Open to rostered and lay leaders alike, the cohort meets monthly on Zoom and offers scholarships. Learn more and enroll at faithlead.org.

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Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesBrian Flatgardfaith+lead, Lay LeadershipoComment
Rooted in God’s Story: Submit Your Ministry Story for Synod Assembly 2026
Rooted in God’s Story: Submit Your Ministry Story for Synod Assembly 2026

As the 2026 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly approaches, congregations and ministries across the synod are invited to share stories of how God is at work in their communities. Submissions—including written reflections, photos, short videos, or audio—should be sent to Brian Flatgard by Friday, May 8, 2026. Learn how to share your story here.

Gathering under the theme “Rooted in God’s Story” (Psalm 78:4), the synod will highlight around 50 ministry stories through the assembly, blog, newsletter, and social media. This is an opportunity to celebrate the many ways God is working across Arizona, southern Nevada, St. George, Utah, and the Navajo Nation.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian Flatgard2026 Synod AssemblyComment
Planning for Synod Assembly? Here Are Nearby Hotel Options in Mesa and Gilbert
Planning for Synod Assembly? Here Are Nearby Hotel Options in Mesa and Gilbert

Attending the 2026 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly and planning your stay in the Mesa area? While there is no official assembly hotel, several nearby options offer convenient and comfortable lodging, including Westgate Painted Mountain, La Quinta Inn & Suites, Holiday Inn Express, Best Western Superstition Springs, and Hampton Inn & Suites.

Assembly participants are encouraged to choose the hotel that best fits their needs and book early to secure their preferred accommodations.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian Flatgard2026 Synod AssemblyComment