Posts in Grand Canyon Synod
Synod Assembly Registration Closes May 18—No Extensions
Synod Assembly Registration Closes May 18—No Extensions

Registration is open for the 2026 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly (June 11–13 in Mesa, AZ), with a firm deadline of May 18—no late registrations will be accepted. Voting member registration is now $160. Congregations are encouraged to send full delegations, including youth, young adults, and diverse voices.

Through the Bishop’s Leadership Fund, one young voting member per congregation may attend free using code YOUTH2026. This year’s theme, “Rooted in God’s Story,” invites the whole church into shared discernment and leadership.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian Flatgard2026 Synod AssemblyComment
Loving Someone Through Recovery: Free Webinar with Caroline Beidler on May 27
Loving Someone Through Recovery: Free Webinar with Caroline Beidler on May 27

The Center of Addiction & Faith will host a free Zoom webinar, “How to Love Someone in Recovery,” on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, from 12:00–1:00 p.m. CT featuring author and recovery advocate Caroline Beidler. The conversation will explore practical ways to support loved ones navigating addiction recovery with compassion and hope.

Participants will hear insights from Beidler’s new book, When You Love Someone in Recovery, and learn from her experience as a speaker, writer, and managing editor at Recovery.com. Registration is free and the webinar will be recorded for later viewing.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardAddiction, The Center of Addiction & FaithComment
Diakonia Continuing Education Courses Open for Summer Registration
Diakonia Continuing Education Courses Open for Summer Registration

Registration is now open for this summer’s online Diakonia continuing education courses, with offerings on baptismal living, First Testament prophets, the Gospel of John and introductory New Testament Greek. Open to current students, graduates, instructors and anyone interested in deeper theological learning, the courses will meet online in five-week formats.

Organizational meetings begin in June, with final schedules determined collaboratively after registration. Learn more and register at Diakonia Education.

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Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardDiakoniaComment
Rev. Wanda Frenchman and Patterson Yazzie Among First TEIL Graduates at PLTS
Rev. Wanda Frenchman and Patterson Yazzie Among First TEIL Graduates at PLTS

Rev. Wanda K. Frenchman and Patterson Yazzie are among the first graduates of the Theological Education for Indigenous Leaders (TEIL) program at Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary. The commencement service will be held Saturday, May 23 in Berkeley, California, with a livestream available.

Their graduation marks an important milestone for Indigenous ministries in the ELCA and highlights the growing leadership of Indigenous voices within the church.

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ELCA, Grand Canyon Synod, Region 2Brian FlatgardNative American Urban Ministry Phoenix, American Indian and Alaska Native, Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary, ELCA Indigenous Ministries and Tribal Relations, Navajo Evangelical Lutheran MissionComment
“America Is Something You Make”: BJC Invites Stories of Faith and Community
“America Is Something You Make”: BJC Invites Stories of Faith and Community

As America approaches its 250th anniversary, Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty is inviting people to share stories of faith, community, and civic engagement through its new “Founders Wall” project. Participants can submit written reflections, photos, audio, or short videos describing how they are helping build stronger neighborhoods, congregations, schools, and communities. Share your story here.

The project emphasizes the idea that “every generation is the founding generation” and invites people of faith to reflect on vocation, public witness, and care for neighbor. Read more and learn how to participate through the BJC campaign website.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardBJC (Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty), Christian Nationalism, Christians Against Christian Nationalism, Church and SocietyComment
Keeping Vigil for the Spirit: Faith Lutheran in Phoenix to Host Rare Pentecost Liturgy
Keeping Vigil for the Spirit: Faith Lutheran in Phoenix to Host Rare Pentecost Liturgy

Faith-La Fe Evangelical Lutheran Church in Phoenix will host a rare Vigil of Pentecost worship service on Saturday, May 23 at 10:30 a.m. Featuring scripture, global Pentecost music, candle lighting, and prayerful reflection, the service invites worshipers to prepare for Pentecost in hope and anticipation of the Holy Spirit.

The liturgy will take place at 801 E. Camelback Road in Phoenix and is open to all.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardPentecost, Faith Phoenix, Capital ConferenceComment
Office of the Bishop Updates
Office of the Bishop Updates

Bishop Deborah K. Hutterer accompanies visits with Iglesia Mexicana Luterana, AMEXTRA, and Young Adults in Global Mission partners while continuing meetings and preparations for the upcoming Synod Assembly.

Synod staff will continue supporting candidacy and faith formation work, preparing Assembly communications and storytelling projects, assisting congregations and ministry partners, managing administrative and financial responsibilities, and coordinating upcoming meetings and events across the Grand Canyon Synod.

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News, Bishop Hutterer, Grand Canyon Synod, SpotlightBrian FlatgardOffice of the BishopComment
Shared Generosity, Shared Mission: Annual Report Highlights Growth and Impact
Shared Generosity, Shared Mission: Annual Report Highlights Growth and Impact

The FY2025–2026 Annual Report from Rev. Dan Potaznick, Director of Generosity & Strategic Development, highlights a year of storytelling, stewardship, donor engagement, and mission support across the Grand Canyon Synod. From celebrating seven ordinations and launching the synod’s first-ever Giving Tuesday campaign to granting $363,100 through the Mission & Ministry Fund, the report reflects how shared generosity continues to strengthen ministries across Arizona, Nevada, Utah, and the Navajo Nation.

The report also highlights new storytelling initiatives, congregation visits, leadership coaching, and expanded tools for mission support engagement, all rooted in the synod’s shared calling to communicate Jesus, connect people, and create possibilities.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian Flatgard2026 Assembly Stories, Stewardship, m, Mission SupportComment
Arizona Faith Network Highlights Interfaith Dialogue, Advocacy, and Heat Relief Efforts
Arizona Faith Network Highlights Interfaith Dialogue, Advocacy, and Heat Relief Efforts

Arizona Faith Network’s newest newsletter features interfaith dialogue opportunities, prophetic witness media training, immigration advocacy updates, security webinars, and recruitment for its 2026 Heat Relief Program. Upcoming events include visits to the Mesa Arizona Temple Visitors’ Center, online justice trainings, and creation care gatherings across Arizona.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardEcumenical and Inter-Religious Relations, Arizona Faith Network, Church and SocietyComment
LAMA Newsletter Highlights Advocacy for Indigenous Communities, Hunger Relief, and Civic Engagement
LAMA Newsletter Highlights Advocacy for Indigenous Communities, Hunger Relief, and Civic Engagement

LAMA’s newest newsletter highlights the ELCA’s observance of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Awareness Day, upcoming advocacy and hunger ministry events, Arizona budget updates, voting rights engagement, and new nonprofit security grant information.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardLutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA), Advocacy, Church and SocietyComment
Reserve Your 2026 Assembly Hotel Soon: Westgate Discount Ends May 8
Reserve Your 2026 Assembly Hotel Soon: Westgate Discount Ends May 8

The May 8 deadline is here for discounted lodging at Westgate Painted Mountain Golf Resort for the 2026 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly in Mesa. Limited rooms remain available at special group rates, and several nearby hotel options are also listed for attendees planning their stay.

Assembly participants are encouraged to book early as availability may become limited closer to the June 11–13 gathering.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian Flatgard2026 Synod AssemblyComment
Mother’s Day Across Borders: A Call to Share Hope with Detained Families
Mother’s Day Across Borders: A Call to Share Hope with Detained Families

This Mother’s Day (beginning May 7, 2026), Lutherans across the Grand Canyon Synod are invited to join a cross-border effort delivering yellow flowers to detention centers and migrant shelters as a sign of compassion and solidarity. Participants can donate flowers or serve as Volunteer Site Leaders, helping coordinate local actions that lift up the dignity of those separated from their families.

Organized by partners including International Friendship Park and Border Church, this campaign reflects our Lutheran call to love our neighbor and seek justice. Learn how your congregation can take part in this meaningful witness of hope and shared humanity. View a PDF flyer here.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardImmigration and Refugees, Church and SocietyComment
Ready When It Matters: Creating a Congregational Emergency Plan
Ready When It Matters: Creating a Congregational Emergency Plan

Creating or updating a simple emergency plan is a key step in congregational preparedness. This article outlines three essential elements—evacuation, shelter, and communication—and encourages congregations to develop a clear, usable plan that can guide response in a crisis.

Part of the Grand Canyon Synod’s 2026 security series, this reflection offers practical next steps to help congregations respond calmly and effectively when it matters most.

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Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardSecurityComment
Reserve Your Ministry Partner Table for the 2026 Synod Assembly by May 18
Reserve Your Ministry Partner Table for the 2026 Synod Assembly by May 18

Registration is now open for Ministry Partner Tables at the 2026 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly. Exhibitor space ($80, includes non-voting visitor access) is available to ELCA-related and approved ministries, with registration due by May 18, 2026. Learn more and register today to share your ministry’s story with voting members and leaders from across our synod.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian Flatgard2026 Synod AssemblyComment
Telling the Story We Belong To: A Year in Synod Communications
Telling the Story We Belong To: A Year in Synod Communications

Communications in the Grand Canyon Synod is about more than sharing information—it’s about telling the story of God’s work among us. In this year’s report, Brian Flatgard reflects on how a steady rhythm of communication builds connection, trust, and clarity across the synod, and how those systems support the church in both everyday ministry and critical moments.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian Flatgard2026 Assembly StoriesComment
A Resource for Every Congregation: ELEA Video + Nurturing Faith Series
A Resource for Every Congregation: ELEA Video + Nurturing Faith Series

ELEA invites congregations and synods to share a short, two-minute video introducing its work across the ELCA. The video highlights the Nurturing Faith Study Series—a resource designed for all congregations—and offers a simple way to connect with tools and support for faith formation. Watch and share to learn more.

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Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesBrian Flatgard2026 Assembly Stories, Evangelical Lutheran Education Association (ELEA), Youth and Young AdultComment
Support ASU Students This Summer: Pitchfork Pantry Seeks Congregational Help
Support ASU Students This Summer: Pitchfork Pantry Seeks Congregational Help

Grace Lutheran Church in Phoenix is inviting congregations to support the Pitchfork Pantry, which will remain open this summer to serve students at Arizona State University’s Downtown Campus—including international students who rely on it for food and hygiene supplies. Donations of essential items can be dropped off during Tuesday CONNECTIONS gatherings or at the church throughout the week.

This Fresh Expressions ministry, supported by collaboration with CORA Downtown, reflects a growing effort to meet real needs among students through relationship and care. Congregations across the synod are encouraged to participate through food drives, donations, or sharing this opportunity.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardGrace Phoenix, Capital Conference, Youth and Young AdultComment