LSS-SW Welcomes Bobby Ghisolfo as New President and CEO

Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest has named Bobby Ghisolfo as its new President and CEO, beginning July 13. Ghisolfo brings more than 25 years of nonprofit and executive leadership experience and will overlap with outgoing CEO Connie Phillips through July as part of a thoughtful transition after her 11 years of faithful service.

In his introduction, Ghisolfo emphasized Christ-centered leadership, compassion, and collaboration as central to LSS-SW’s mission. A celebration honoring the transition is being planned, with details to come.

PLTS Invites Leaders to Explore Faith and Racial Justice This Fall

PLTS is continuing its Racial Justice and Faith Certificate this fall with two six-week online courses: Artistic Practice for Leaders (September–October) and Intersectionality & Social Justice (November–December). Open to clergy, lay leaders, and all interested learners, the program explores faithful responses to racial injustice through an accessible online format.

New PLTS Certificate in Church Leadership Launches This Fall

Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary is launching a new Certificate in Church Leadership in Fall 2026 for lay leaders, those pursuing SAM status, and current SAMs. Flexible 8-week online courses allow participants to enroll in individual classes or complete a 3-course or 6-course certificate focused on practical ministry leadership and Lutheran foundations.

Stepping Up to Supervision: Practical Tools for Faithful Ministry Leadership

Faith+Lead’s Stepping Up to Supervision cohort (Aug. 18–Sept. 1, 2026) equips pastors, ministry staff, and lay leaders with practical and theological tools for supervising staff faithfully. Through three live Zoom workshops and a year of access to resources, participants will explore how to balance grace, accountability, and effective leadership in ministry settings.

Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardMay 22, 2026faith+lead, Luther SeminaryComment

Pivot #178: The Meaning of Pentecost: Fire, Tongues, and the Spirit That Sends Us Out

In the latest Pivot podcast, Lois Malcolm argues that the miracle of Pentecost is not primarily about what the disciples felt. It's about where they went.

Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardMay 22, 2026Pivot Podcast, Luther SeminaryComment

Mosaic: Prepare for Transition to Adult Services Long Before Age 21

Young people who transition to adult services at 21 and their family members often come to Mosaic with many questions. While helping guide them, a critical question Mosaic asks drives the next steps. Learn what that question is here.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardMay 22, 2026Mosaic, Disability MinistriesComment

Living Water Lutheran Church Hosts Book Drive to Share the Gift of Reading

Living Water Lutheran Church in Scottsdale is collecting new and gently used books from April 6 through June 30, 2026. Donations for readers of all ages—including children’s books, early readers, youth and adult books, cookbooks, and recipe magazines—may be dropped off at 9201 E. Happy Valley Road, Monday–Thursday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The drive aims to expand access to reading materials across the Phoenix area and help place books into homes where they are needed most. Donations must be in good condition, with no rips, tears, or markings.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardMay 21, 2026Living Water Scottsdale, Northeast Valley ConferenceComment

Installation of Rev. Patsy Koeneke at Epiphany of Christ in Apache Junction

Rev. Patsy Koeneke will be installed Sunday, 6/7/2025, at 9:30 am at Epiphany of Christ Lutheran (1050 W. Superstition Blvd., Apache Junction, AZ 85120). Bishop Hutterer will preach and preside. The service will be live-streamed on Facebook and on YouTube. Everyone is welcome to stay for fellowship after the service.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardMay 21, 2026Ordinations and InstallationsComment

What Arizona Lutherans Need to Know This Week from LAMA

This week’s LAMA newsletter includes an Arizona election action alert, anti-hunger and immigration-related events, cooling center resources, advocacy updates, and opportunities for congregations to engage faithfully in public life. Explore highlights from Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona and read the full newsletter for ways to stay informed and advocate for neighbors across our communities.

Heat Relief, Healing, Democracy, and Dialogue: This Week from AFN

Arizona Faith Network’s latest newsletter includes updates on cooling center funding, interfaith dialogue, democracy and voting efforts, community safety, healing practices, creation care, and opportunities to support vulnerable neighbors during Arizona’s extreme heat season. Explore this week’s highlights and read the full newsletter to learn how faith communities are engaging the common good across Arizona.

Office of the Bishop Updates

Next week, the Office of the Bishop will continue preparations for Synod Assembly through planning, meetings, and behind-the-scenes coordination, while also supporting candidacy, mission planning, worship partnerships, communications, finance, and upcoming synod events. Bishop Deborah Hutterer and staff will remain engaged in conversations, presentations, and administrative work to support congregations and ministries across the synod.

News, Bishop Hutterer, Grand Canyon Synod, SpotlightBrian FlatgardMay 21, 2026Office of the BishopComment

Chicken Fajitas and the Theology of Welcome

Solveig Muus shares her famous chicken fajitas recipe—a meal deeply connected to hospitality, friendship, and the joy of gathering people around the table.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardMay 20, 2026Rooted at the Table, Recipes, 2026 RecipesComment

Desert Cross Lutheran Seeks Worship Leader for Growing Gilbert Campus

Desert Cross Lutheran Church in Gilbert is seeking a part-time Worship Leader to help lead Christ-centered Sunday worship and mentor youth and emerging musicians. The role includes vocal and instrumental leadership, volunteer coordination, and helping shape worship rooted in Lutheran tradition at the congregation’s growing Gilbert campus. View job description here.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardMay 20, 2026Help Wanted, Desert Cross TempeComment

Bishop Hutterer: Rooted in God’s Story, Gathered by the Spirit

As Synod Assembly approaches, Bishop Hutterer reflects on Pentecost, our shared calling, and the importance of gathering as church—rooted in God’s story and open to the Spirit’s leading.

Assembly Accommodations Still Available for 2026 Synod Gathering in Mesa

Lodging is available for those planning to attend the 2026 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly, June 11–13 at Love of Christ Lutheran Church in Mesa. Several nearby hotel options offer a variety of styles and price points for voting members, visitors, and guests.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardMay 20, 20262026 Synod AssemblyComment

Thursday Afternoon Connections Offer Space to Meet, Ask, and Connect with Synod Staff at Assembly

As Synod Assembly begins on Thursday, June 11, participants are invited to Thursday Afternoon Connections (2:00–5:00 PM)—an informal opportunity during registration to meet synod staff, ask questions, and connect around ministry, advocacy, communications, generosity, candidacy, and congregational vitality.

Members of the synod staff, including Rev. David Pavesic, Director for Evangelical Mission, will be available for conversation throughout the afternoon. Locations will be announced closer to Assembly.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardMay 20, 20262026 Synod Assembly, Office of the BishopComment

2026 Synod Assembly Offering to Support the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land

The 2026 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly offering will support the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land (ELCJHL), a small but resilient Lutheran church serving congregations and schools in Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Ramallah, and beyond. Congregations across the synod are invited to participate by collecting designated gifts before Assembly or contributing through the synod office.

The ELCJHL continues its witness of faith, education, and reconciliation in the region where Christianity began. Through this year’s Assembly offering, our synod will stand in solidarity with our global Lutheran partners, supporting ministries rooted in hope and steadfast faith in the Holy Land.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardMay 20, 20262026 Synod AssemblyComment

In Memoriam: Rev. Richard John Mauthe

The Grand Canyon Synod gives thanks for the life and ministry of Rev. Richard John Mauthe, beloved pastor, teacher, and longtime Diakonia instructor, who died May 14 at age 77. Known to many in our synod for teaching Old and New Testament courses, Rev. Mauthe faithfully formed leaders and shared a lifelong love of scripture and Lutheran theology.

A memorial service will be held June 14 at 11 a.m. at Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church in Tucson, with a second service July 11 in Pennsylvania.

In Memoriam, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardMay 19, 2026Diakonia Comments

Beyond VBS: Supporting Young Families Year-Round with SYAT

VBS may be just around the corner, but how can congregations support young families throughout the year? Join the SYAT Collective on Thursday, June 4 at 6:30 p.m. Arizona MST for a Zoom conversation with pastor and author Kimberly Knowle-Zeller exploring practical, faith-filled ways to nurture young families beyond summer programming. Registration is now open.

SYAT’s Summer Kickoff: Building Safe Spaces for Faith to Grow

Summer ministry season is beginning across the Grand Canyon Synod, and SYAT is helping congregations prepare for safe, meaningful faith formation. From VBS and mission trips to Campformation, Leadership Lab, and the Western States Youth Gathering, young people will soon be growing in faith and community. Learn about Safe Gatherings screenings, SYAT’s monthly learning opportunities, and updated 2026 VBS resources.

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