More Than Attending: Five Ways to Participate in the 2026 Synod Assembly

As the 2026 Synod Assembly (June 11–13) approaches, congregations and ministry partners across the Grand Canyon Synod are invited to participate in multiple ways—whether attending or not. Opportunities include submitting ministry stories (due May 8), contributing recipes for Rooted at the Table (due May 1), proposing Variety Show acts (due April 27), leading workshops (due April 6), and joining the synod-wide offering supporting the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land.

Rooted in the theme “Rooted in God’s Story,” these opportunities invite the whole synod to share gifts, tell stories of faith, and participate in God’s work—locally and globally.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardApril 8, 20262026 Synod AssemblyComment

Start Summer Strong: SYAT Collective Focuses on Camp Preparation April 16

Join the first SYAT Collective gathering on Thursday, April 16 at 6:30 PM to prepare for summer camp. This Zoom session will cover registration, what to expect, how to prepare students and families, and insights from leaders across the Grand Canyon Synod.

Whether you’re new or experienced, this practical session will help you feel confident heading into camp season. Register now and start the summer strong.

Introducing The SYAT Collective: A New Space for Next Generation Ministry Leaders

The Grand Canyon Synod’s Synod Youth Advisory Team (SYAT) is launching The SYAT Collective, a new monthly Zoom gathering for those serving in next generation ministry. Open to staff and volunteers working with children, youth, and young adults, the Collective offers practical training, shared wisdom, and meaningful connection.

Meeting monthly on Thursdays at alternating times, each session will focus on real ministry topics like camp preparation, event planning, and supporting young people through life’s challenges. Join this new space to learn, ask questions, and connect—because we are better when we lead together.

In Memoriam: Pastor William "Bill" Dowling

Pastor Bill Dowling died March 31, 2026. A service of thanksgiving for his life will be held Friday, April 17 at 2:00 p.m. at Lord of Life Lutheran Church, with a reception to follow and a livestream available.

Those wishing to send condolences may contact the synod office for details. Please keep Pastor Dowling’s family and all who mourn in your prayers, trusting in the promise of resurrection in Christ.

In Memoriam, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardApril 7, 2026Lord of Life Sun City West, Cactus ConferenceComment

Thank You, Region 2: 400+ Join Lenten Challenge to Serve Christ in Our Neighbor

More than 400 participants across ELCA Region 2 joined this year’s 40-40-40 Lenten Challenge, reflecting on Matthew 25 and responding through prayer, devotion, and generosity. The online giving portal for ELCA World Hunger remains open through May 31, offering continued opportunity for individuals and congregations to participate.

Gifts of any size make a meaningful difference. Donate online or give by check using Appeal Code R2LENT2026 as this shared Lenten witness continues beyond the season.

ELCA, Region 2, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardApril 7, 20262026 Lenten Challenge, 2026 Lent and EasterComment

Portico: I Spy Something Blooming …

Spring is a great time to get active, try something new, and build habits that support your well-being. Breathing fresh air, looking for signs of growth, and praying for our planet is a great way to give thanks for creation. Want to go the extra mile? ELCA-Primary health benefit members can explore Burnalong classes designed to help your wellness goals bloom. Check out the April calendar.

Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardApril 7, 2026PorticoComment

Quantum Health – Better Search. Better Care

Starting April 1, ELCA Health Plan members may notice a refreshed experience on the Quantum Health Care Coordinators website and app — including an enhanced provider search designed to make finding high-quality care easier. Contact a Care Coordinator forhelp navigating care, resolving claims and billing issues, and confirming your provider or clinic are in-network.

Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardApril 7, 2026PorticoComment

2025 FSA Claims Submission Reminder

Tying up receipts and loose ends? ELCA Health Plan members have until April 30 to submit 2025 claims for reimbursement from your health and/or dependent care flexible spending accounts (FSA). Submit 2025 claims to Further (and 2026 claims to HealthEquity). Not sure what qualifies as an eligible health care expense? This guide can help.

Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardApril 7, 2026PorticoComment

Clergy Called to Courage: Join April 14 Conversation on Immigration & Faith

Clergy and ministry leaders are invited to a timely online gathering on Tuesday, April 14 (11:00 AM–12:30 PM) hosted by BJC and Christians Against Christian Nationalism. This Clergy Quarterly Touchpoint will focus on urgent issues at the intersection of immigration and religious freedom, offering conversation, leadership insight, and a call to action.

Designed to equip pastors for faithful leadership in a critical moment, the gathering will explore responses to immigration enforcement, support for mixed-status families, and ways to lead with clarity and courage. Register now and share with fellow leaders.

Ordination celebrations

This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:

Rev. Lowell Nelson, who celebrates 15 years on April 10.
Rev. Charles Newman, King of Glory, Tempe, who celebrates 21 years on April 15.

Grand Canyon Synod, News, SpotlightBrian FlatgardApril 7, 2026Ordination AnniversariesComment

Leadership Lab 2026: A Week of Faith, Vision, and Leadership Formation for Youth and Adults

Registration is now open for Leadership Lab 2026, a week-long youth and leadership formation experience taking place June 22–27 at Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois. Participants explore leadership for church and community through hands-on learning, worship, and shared faith experiences grounded in the promise of Joel 2:28: “your young shall see visions.”

The registration cost is $420 per person, with lodging, meals, and a T-shirt included. Discounts are available for returning participants, first-time congregations, and groups bringing multiple students. Registration increases by $50 after April 15, so congregations are encouraged to register early.

Listening Together: Beginning RIC Discernment in the Grand Canyon Synod

The Grand Canyon Synod has begun introducing a question at the 2026 Spring Gatherings: whether to enter a process to become a Reconciling in Christ (RIC) Synod. This is not a vote, but the beginning of a listening and discernment process that could lead to a year of education and conversation ahead of a potential 2027 Assembly vote.

All are invited to share questions, concerns, and hopes to help shape this process. Learn more and participate at gcsynod.org/ric.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardApril 6, 2026Reconciling in Christ (RIC)Comment

"Belonging: Five Keys to Unlocking Your Potential as a Disciple" with Rev. Dr. Karoline Lewis

Rev. Dr. Karoline Lewis will lead Belonging: Five Keys to Unlocking Your Potential as a Disciple on Saturday, April 11 (1:00–4:00 PM) at Living Water Lutheran Church in Scottsdale. Centered on Jesus’ encounter with the Samaritan woman (John 4), this free event invites participants to explore discipleship “from wonder to witness.” Registration is required by April 6 at lwlcaz.org/nevcevent/. Reception to follow. Watch a welcoming video from Karoline Lewis here.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardApril 6, 2026Living Water Scottsdale, Northeast Valley ConferenceComment

Campformation 2026 Returns to Prescott for a Week of Faith, Adventure, and Community

Campformation 2026 will take place June 29–July 3 at Camp Pinerock in Prescott, Arizona, welcoming youth entering grades 6–10 for a week of faith formation, outdoor adventure, and community. Congregations from across our synod gather each summer for this long-standing Lutheran outdoor ministry tradition.

With more than 60 years of history, Campformation combines worship, small-group faith exploration, and activities like zip lining, hiking, swimming, and ropes courses. Learn more and register at lutherancampformation.com.

Still Time to Gather: Las Vegas Spring Gathering Set for April 11

The final 2026 Spring Gathering will be held Saturday, April 11 at 10:00 a.m. at Good Samaritan Lutheran Church in Las Vegas. All are invited—rostered ministers, lay leaders, and members—from across the synod. No registration is required.

Centered on the theme Rooted in God’s Story, this gathering offers a chance to reconnect, reflect, and be renewed in our shared calling. If you haven’t yet participated this season, this is your opportunity to join the synod in person.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardApril 6, 20262026 Spring GatheringsComment

Simple Ways to Serve: Join LSS-SW in Caring for Our Neighbors

Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest invites congregations to deepen their impact through simple, actionable opportunities: becoming a Connector, supporting essential needs through an Amazon Wishlist, or organizing a Thrivent Action Team with up to $250 in funding. These efforts directly support refugees, families, and older adults across Arizona.

Grounded in the call to serve our neighbors, these opportunities offer meaningful ways for congregations to live out their faith—strengthening communities and extending care where it is needed most.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardApril 3, 2026Lutheran Social Services of the SouthwestComment

Pivot #171: Your Labor Is Not in Vain

In this Easter reflection, Dr. Jennifer Pietz, Assistant Professor of New Testament at Luther Seminary, draws on 1 Corinthians 15.

Sacred Spaces Reimagined: 2026 Faith & Form Award Winners Announced

The 2026 Faith & Form International Awards recognize 12 projects worldwide for excellence in religious architecture, restoration, and sacred design. From the honored restoration of the Mesa Arizona Temple to innovative new and renewed worship spaces across the globe, these projects highlight how sacred environments continue to support faith, community, and formation.

Submissions for the 2027 awards open August 3–October 9, 2026. These award-winning spaces offer inspiration for congregations seeking to steward their buildings as living places of worship, rooted in tradition and shaped for the future.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardApril 3, 2026Partners for Sacred SpacesComment

Mosaic: Accept the Person in Front of You Instead of Thinking They Need a Cure

Focusing only on the causes and a cure for autism too often takes the focus away from the needs of autistic people today. Autism Acceptance Month encourages each of us to assess how we think and act about autistic people.

The post Accept the Person in Front of You Instead of Thinking They Need a Cure appeared first on Mosaic.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardApril 3, 2026Mosaic, Disability MinistriesComment

Holy Week Prayer and Public Witness: This Week from LAMA

This week’s LAMA newsletter invites us into Holy Week with a call to rest, pray, and renew our commitment to advocacy. Upcoming opportunities include hunger advocacy calls, environmental collaboration, poll chaplain training, and a national conversation on faith and democracy.

Explore new stories, action alerts, and events happening across the synod and beyond. Read the full newsletter and share it with your networks to stay engaged in this vital work.

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