Posts in Grand Canyon Synod
Help Shape the Future: Join a Conversation on the 2027–2028 Mission Plan
Help Shape the Future: Join a Conversation on the 2027–2028 Mission Plan

The Grand Canyon Synod will present its Proposed 2027–2028 Mission Plan in two Zoom sessions on May 30 (9 AM) and June 2 (5 PM, Arizona/Nevada time). Participants will receive an early overview, ask questions, and help shape the future direction of synod ministry. View the Proposed Mission Plan for 2027–2028 here as a PDF. A recording will be provided for those unable to attend live.

Voting members will also have the opportunity to practice voting ahead of assembly. All are encouraged to participate and engage in this shared work of discernment.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian Flatgard2026 Synod AssemblyComment
Ordination Celebrations
Ordination Celebrations

Today we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:

  • Rev. Carol Breimeier, who celebrates 26 years on June 2.

  • Rev. Roland Harder, who celebrates 60 years on June 2.

  • Rev. Ellis Eskritt, who celebrates 61 years on June 2.

  • Rev. Gary Benson, who celebrates 52 years on June 2.

  • Rev. James Lundeen, who celebrates 61 years on June 2.

  • Rev. Lloyd Wallace, who celebrates 63 years on June 2.

  • Rev. Fred Nelson, who celebrates 26 years on June 2.

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Grand Canyon Synod, News, SpotlightBrian FlatgardOrdination AnniversariesComment
A Season of Sabbath: Brian Flatgard Sabbatical June 27–August 9
A Season of Sabbath: Brian Flatgard Sabbatical June 27–August 9

Brian Flatgard, Director of Communications, will take a sabbatical from June 27–August 9, 2026, spending most of the time in Japan with family, friends, and periods of exploration and renewal. Weekly newsletters, blog posts, and Facebook updates will continue during this time, though at a lighter pace.

Please submit any news, events, or announcements for summer communications by June 15 whenever possible. The synod has continuity and crisis communication plans in place, and regular communication with rostered leaders through the Office of the Bishop will continue as needed.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardOffice of the BishopComment
Supporting Leaders by Supporting Rest: Rev. Jacqui Pagel’s Sabbatical Begins June 14
Supporting Leaders by Supporting Rest: Rev. Jacqui Pagel’s Sabbatical Begins June 14

Rev. Jacqueline Pagel, Associate to the Bishop for Candidacy and Faith Formation, will take a sabbatical from June 14–September 14, 2026, for a season of travel, family time, and renewal. The Office of the Bishop has plans, designated staff, and clear processes in place to ensure candidacy, leadership development, and faith formation ministries continue smoothly during her absence.

As a synod, we give thanks for the gift of sabbath and for leaders who return refreshed for ministry. We look forward to welcoming Pastor Jacqui back this fall, renewed and ready to continue building up leaders for the church.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardOffice of the BishopComment
Faith, Fellowship, and Food: Join June 14 Jazz Vespers at Mount of Olives
Faith, Fellowship, and Food: Join June 14 Jazz Vespers at Mount of Olives

Join Mount of Olives Lutheran Church on June 14 at 5:30 PM for Jazz Vespers featuring Beth Lederman, Diana Lee, and Steven Powell. As the congregation serves nearly 300 families weekly through its food closet, this “Music for Food” ministry continues to respond to growing hunger across Arizona.

Come for worship, live jazz, and fellowship—and support neighbors in need through this ongoing ministry.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardCapital Conference, Hunger, Mount of Olives PhoenixComment
Heat Relief Ministry Returns This Summer at Grace and First UCC in Phoenix
Heat Relief Ministry Returns This Summer at Grace and First UCC in Phoenix

Grace Lutheran Church and First United Church of Christ are partnering once again to provide Heat Relief ministry from June 1–August 24, offering cooling space, water, snacks, and hospitality for vulnerable neighbors during the hottest months of the year. Congregations are invited to support the effort through donations of water, snacks, pet food, cooling supplies, and frozen burritos. Read a letter from Pastor David Sivecz here.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardHeat Relief, Hunger, Grace Phoenix, Capital Conference, Ecumenical and Inter-Religious Relations Comment
Installation of Pastor Jeff Hackler at Christ Evangelical Church in Goodyear
Installation of Pastor Jeff Hackler at Christ Evangelical Church in Goodyear

Rev. Jeff Hackler will be installed Sunday, 7/12/2026, during the 9am worship service at Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church (918 S Litchfield Rd, Goodyear, AZ. 85338). Rev. Cherlyne Beck, Grand Canyon Synod Transition Coach will preside and install. Pastor Lisa Hackler, Pastor Jeff’s wife, will preach.

All are welcome and will be seated as part of the congregation. No procession or robes required for clergy. Reception immediately following the service, no RSVP required.

The installation service is available at either the church YouTube channel or christgoodyear.org.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardOrdinations and InstallationsComment
Reconnect, Sing, and Support Campformation at June 9 Fundraiser
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.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardCampformation, Grace Phoenix, Outdoor MinistryComment