Reconnect, Sing, and Support Campformation at June 9 Fundraiser

Join CONNECTIONS for a special Campformation fundraiser on Tuesday, June 9, from 6:00–7:30 p.m. at Grace Lutheran Church in Phoenix. Reconnect with former campers and staff, sing favorite camp songs, enjoy dinner, and learn how Campformation nurtures faith and lifelong friendships.

A free-will offering will support camp scholarships and housing costs, helping make Campformation accessible to more young people. All are welcome—whether camp is already part of your story or you are curious to learn more.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardJune 1, 2026Campformation, Grace Phoenix, Outdoor MinistryComment

Grow, Play, and Pray: 2026 VBS and Summer Camp Opportunities

Ready for summer? Lutheran congregations across the Grand Canyon Synod are offering Vacation Bible Schools and children’s camps filled with faith, fun, and fellowship. Explore the growing list of programs, and help us share your church’s summer offerings by emailing Deacon Laura Book at lbook@gcsynod.org.

Ordination Celebrations

Today we celebrate the ordination anniversary of Rev. Lawrence Conway, who celebrates 46 years on May 31.

Grand Canyon Synod, News, SpotlightBrian FlatgardMay 31, 2026Ordination AnniversariesComment

Lutheran Campus Ministry at University of Arizona 2026 Annual Report

Lutheran Campus Ministry at University of Arizona shares their 2026 Annual Report as an online slideshow. Click here to view the slideshow and be sure to click the slides to move forward.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardMay 30, 20262026 Assembly Stories, LCM U of AComment

Christ Lutheran Church in Sedona Day Camp: 2026 Annual Report

Christ Lutheran Church in Sedona shares a video about their Day Camp as part of their annual report for the 2026 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly. Watch here.

Ordination Celebrations

Today we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:

Rev. Randall Olson, Honor Health, Scottsdale, who celebrates 50 years on May 30.
Rev. Dennis R. Nelson, who celebrates 55 years on May 30.
Rev. Kenneth Miller, Grace, Kingman, who celebrates 22 years on May 30.

Grand Canyon Synod, News, SpotlightBrian FlatgardMay 30, 2026Ordination AnniversariesComment

Speaking Out, Showing Up: Lutheran Advocacy in Nevada

From Lutheran Lobby Day in Carson City to advocacy on housing, climate, and care for vulnerable communities, LEAN’s 2025 annual report highlights how Lutherans and partners across Nevada are putting faith into action for the sake of their neighbors.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardMay 29, 20262026 Assembly StoriesComment

Moving Into the Future Together: A Report from Our Director for Evangelical Mission

In his annual report, Rev. David Pavesic reflects on a year and a half of ministry as Director for Evangelical Mission, highlighting congregational collaboration, vitality efforts, new ministry developments, and opportunities to be “church together” across our large and diverse synod.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardMay 29, 20262026 Assembly StoriesComment

Is MYLE or the tAble Right for Your Group? Watch the 2027 Gathering Webinar

Planning for the 2027 ELCA Youth Gathering is already underway. A recent webinar from Gathering leadership helps congregations discern whether MYLE (Multicultural Youth Leadership Event) or the tAble may be the right fit for young people in their group, offering guidance, context, and practical next steps.

Whether you missed the live webinar or want to revisit the conversation, the recording offers helpful insight for leaders preparing youth for a meaningful and welcoming Gathering experience. Watch the webinar.

Pivot #179: Finding Our Way Back to One Another

In the latest Pivot podcast, why is Christian community so hard? Jeff Galley & Phil Smith have answers.

Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardMay 29, 2026Pivot Podcast, Luther SeminaryComment

DSPs Belong Where They Can Grow, Make A Difference: At Mosaic

For many Direct Support Professionals, the opportunity to touch someone else’s life is what calls them to the job. But many wonder if they can grow professionally while making a meaningful difference. At Mosaic, they can.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardMay 29, 2026Mosaic, Disability MinistriesComment

Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary 2026 Annual Report

Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary shares their video 2026 Annual Report. Watch here.

Ordination Celebrations

Today we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:

Rev. Norene Smith, who celebrates 43 years on May 29.
Rev. Leroy Rehrer, who celebrates 49 years on May 29.
Rev. Ronald Glusenkamp, who celebrates 45 years on May 29.

Grand Canyon Synod, News, SpotlightBrian FlatgardMay 29, 2026Ordination AnniversariesComment

Security, Democracy, Creation Care, and Healing: What’s Happening at AFN

The latest Arizona Faith Network newsletter features security and preparedness training, interfaith dialogue, justice and voting initiatives, creation care opportunities, Sacred Peaks advocacy, heat relief volunteering, and family food assistance resources. Read the full newsletter for events, registration links, and ways to get involved.

Faith, Hunger, Immigration, and Public Witness: This Week from LAMA

The latest LAMA newsletter includes advocacy opportunities, immigration and racial justice events, hunger action alerts, election-year guidance for congregations, heat relief resources, and upcoming grant opportunities. Read the full update to discover practical ways to put faith into action across Arizona.

Office of the Bishop Updates

As Synod Assembly approaches, synod staff are preparing for key meetings, mission plan conversations, congregational partnerships, candidacy and youth ministry work, financial stewardship, and the ongoing communication and administration that support ministry across the Grand Canyon Synod.

News, Bishop Hutterer, Grand Canyon Synod, SpotlightBrian FlatgardMay 28, 2026Office of the BishopComment

Ordination Celebrations

Today we celebrate the ordination anniversary of Rev. Benjamin Bergren, Community, Las Vegas, who celebrates 28 years on May 28.

Grand Canyon Synod, News, SpotlightBrian FlatgardMay 28, 2026Ordination AnniversariesComment

Norwegian Cookies and Christmas Traditions

Michelle Reaban shares a treasured Kringla recipe passed down through years of care packages and Christmas baking traditions.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardMay 27, 2026Rooted at the Table, Recipes, 2026 RecipesComment

Reference and Counsel Report Now Available for Synod Assembly Review

The 2026 Synod Assembly Reference and Counsel Committee report is now available for review, including Resolution 26.01 related to a possible year of discernment regarding Reconciling in Christ (RIC). If adopted, the resolution would begin a year of listening and education—not an immediate decision—with congregational autonomy remaining intact. Learn more and participate at gcsynod.org/ric.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardMay 27, 20262026 Synod Assembly, Reconciling in Christ (RIC)Comment

Forming Leaders, Strengthening Communities: A Year in Candidacy and Faith Formation

From candidacy and first-call accompaniment to youth leadership, campus ministry, and Synodical Authorized Ministry, Rev. Jacqui Pagel’s annual report highlights a year of equipping leaders and strengthening ministry across the Grand Canyon Synod. Five new pastors were ordained, youth initiatives expanded, and congregations continued to be supported in faithful leadership development.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardMay 27, 20262026 Assembly Stories, CandidacyComment

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