Office of the Bishop Updates

Next week, synod staff will gather for an in-person staff meeting while continuing key leadership, ministry, and administrative work across the synod. Highlights include Deborah K. Hutterer and staff participating in the Ordination of Carly Chamberlain at Faith Lutheran, Phoenix, Apr 18, 2026, 10:30 AM, advancing assembly and audit preparations, collaborating with churchwide and conference leaders, and supporting congregations through preaching, stewardship conversations, and ongoing communications. We also share photos from the Region 2 First Call Accompaniment gathering at Franciscan Renewal Center.

News, Bishop Hutterer, Grand Canyon Synod, SpotlightBrian FlatgardApril 14, 2026Office of the BishopComment

Rooted at the Table: The Stories Behind the Recipes

Recipes carry more than ingredients—they carry stories of faith, family, and community. The Grand Canyon Synod’s Rooted at the Table project invites you to share not only a recipe, but the story behind it.

Submit your recipe by May 1, 2026, and help build a collection that reflects the lived experiences and memories that shape our life together.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardApril 14, 20262026 Synod Assembly, Rooted at the TableComment

Nurturing Faith, Strengthening Community: ELEA’s 2026 Report

In the Grand Canyon Synod, where ministry takes many forms across diverse communities, ELEA’s work reminds us that faith formation is a shared calling. Whether through schools, early learning centers, or congregational life, we are all part of nurturing faith in the next generation.

As we gather for Synod Assembly, this report invites us to consider how we can continue to connect, develop, and inspire — rooted in God’s story and sent into the world.

Ordination celebrations

This week we celebrate the ordination anniversary of Deacon Mary Jayne Baker, who celebrates 14 years on April 22.

Grand Canyon Synod, News, SpotlightBrian FlatgardApril 13, 2026Ordination AnniversariesComment

A Legacy of Learning: The Grace and Grand Canyon Scholarship Fund Enters Its Fourth Year

The Grace and Grand Canyon Synod Scholarship Fund is now in its fourth year, having awarded $16,000 to students across the synod since its launch in 2023. Open to ELCA members pursuing higher education or certification programs, the fund supports both academic goals and faith formation, with recipients highlighting its impact on belonging, purpose, and community connection.

Applications are open to eligible students, and contributions can be made through the Arizona Community Foundation. To learn more, apply, or support the fund, visit azfoundation.org or contact Grace Lutheran Church directly.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardApril 13, 2026Youth and Young Adult, Grace PhoenixComment

Holding Pastor Brian Weinberger in Prayer in This Season of Recovery

Pastor Brian Weinberger of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Mesa continues his recovery following recent surgeries, which overall have gone well. He shares gratitude for the prayers surrounding him and is healing with minimal pain as he returns home. The synod invites continued prayers for Pastor Brian, his family, and the Bethlehem community as his recovery continues in the hope of the Easter season.

Grand Canyon Synod, News, PrayersBrian FlatgardApril 13, 2026Bethlehem Mesa, Rio Salado ConferenceComment

Free Piano Offered to a Congregation—Pickup in Phoenix

A Sohmer console piano in excellent condition is available at no cost to a congregation in the Grand Canyon Synod. Located near 39th Ave. and Northern in Phoenix, the piano is ready for pickup and could support worship and music ministry.

Interested congregations should contact Richard Haaland directly at richahaa@yahoo.com or 602-300-4605.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardApril 13, 2026ClassifiedsComment

Ordination of Carly Chamberlain

Carly Chamberlain will be ordained to Word and Service at Faith-La Fe Lutheran Church (801 E Camelback Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85014), Saturday, April 18 at 10:30 am. She will be installed at Mount of Olives Lutheran Church at a later date. Rostered ministers are invited to robe and process, color of the day is red. Pastor Jonathan Linman will preach, Bishop Hutterer will preside.

A reception will follow immediately in the parish hall. The service will be live streamed on the Faith Lutheran Facebook page.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardApril 13, 2026Ordinations and InstallationsComment

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 13, 2026Lord of Life Sun City West, Cactus ConferenceComment

Stronger Together: How Portico Supports the ELCA’s Shared Ministry

Portico Benefit Services shares its annual report highlighting the impact of the ELCA’s shared benefits ministry. Serving more than 52,000 members, Portico provides healthcare, retirement, and financial support that strengthens those called to serve across the church.

Explore the report and video to see how a connected community increases access to care, builds resilience, and supports the well-being of those carrying out God’s mission every day.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardApril 12, 20262026 Assembly Stories, PorticoComment

Resurrection Lutheran Church and the ELCA Foundation Model Sustainable Ministry

In this video report for our 2026 assembly, 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.

Nominate Inspiring Leaders in Lutheran Education—Deadline Extended

Nominations are now open—and the deadline extended—for the Evangelical Lutheran Education Association’s annual awards recognizing outstanding leaders in ELCA schools and early childhood ministries. Awards include the Distinguished Educational Leader of the Year and the Distinguished Rostered Leader of the Year.

Take time to lift up those who have shaped your ministry, supported your community, and inspired students and families. Submit nominations and learn more.

Stand with Refugee Families: Watch the Webinar + Take Action Today

Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest has shared a recording of its recent refugee services webinar, highlighting how federal policy changes are affecting families in Arizona and outlining ongoing work to support those already here. While new arrivals have paused, efforts continue in housing stability, employment support, ESL programs, and youth services.

Watch the webinar and take action by advocating, volunteering, or giving. In a time of uncertainty, this is an opportunity for our synod’s congregations and leaders to live out our call to accompany our neighbors with compassion and hope.

Pivot #172: Christian Community in a Culture of Individualism

In the latest Pivot podcast, why is Christian community so hard to cultivate right now? Dwight Zscheile continues his conversation with Dr. Jennifer Wojciechowski.

Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardApril 10, 2026Pivot Podcast, Luther SeminaryComment

Mosaic: Plan for Your Child with a Disability’s Financial Security When You’re Gone

With a special needs trust, you can remember your loved one with a disability in your estate to secure their financial future and protect their ability to continue receiving the Medicaid-funded services they rely on.

The post Plan for Your Child with a Disability’s Financial Security When You’re Gone appeared first on Mosaic.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardApril 10, 2026Mosaic, Disability MinistriesComment

Office of the Bishop Updates

Next week, synod staff will be engaged in the Colorado River Conference Spring Gathering in Las Vegas, alongside preaching, First Call Accompaniment, youth leadership, and key meetings with congregations and leaders. Additional work includes anniversary celebrations, stewardship planning, assembly and communications prep, audit and finance tasks, and ongoing administrative responsibilities.

News, Bishop Hutterer, Grand Canyon Synod, SpotlightBrian FlatgardApril 9, 2026Office of the BishopComment

The Great Lutheran Potluck: What’s Always on Your Table?

Every congregation has that one dish—the recipe that shows up at every potluck, from Jell-O salads to funeral potatoes and church basement favorites. The Grand Canyon Synod’s Rooted at the Table project invites you to share the recipe that defines your community.

Submit your potluck classic by May 1, 2026. All recipes will be published online, with a curated selection included in the Synod Assembly cookbook.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardApril 8, 20262026 Synod Assembly, Rooted at the TableComment

April Opportunities with AFN: Advocacy, Healing, and Interfaith Connection

Arizona Faith Network is offering a full slate of April opportunities—from poll chaplain training and immigration advocacy gatherings to interfaith dialogue and community health events. With both online and in-person options, these events equip faith communities to engage in justice, care, and public witness across Arizona.

Take Action Now: LAMA Urges Advocacy on Voting Rights and Upcoming Events

LAMA’s latest newsletter highlights an urgent ELCA Action Alert opposing the SAVE America Act, along with upcoming events on immigration, voting rights, and public witness. Additional updates include legislative news, advocacy opportunities, and ways to stay engaged across Arizona.

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

Grand Canyon Synod

News

Connect

Communicate

create