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.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardJune 9, 2026Comment

Trinity Cathedral to Host Free Screening of Sanctuary in Downtown Phoenix

Join Trinity Cathedral in downtown Phoenix on Friday, June 12, for a free Pride Month screening of the documentary Sanctuary, exploring LGBTQIA+ experiences within faith communities. Dinner begins at 6 p.m., the film starts at 6:45 p.m., and a Q&A follows.

Hosted during Pride Month, this free event invites people of faith into conversation about belonging, welcome, and hope. RSVP encouraged.

Arizona Nonprofit Security Grant Program Now Accepting Applications

The FY2027 State of Arizona Nonprofit Security Grant Program is now accepting applications from eligible nonprofits, including faith-based organizations at risk of hate crimes or attacks because of their beliefs, mission, or identity. Applications are due Friday, June 12, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.

Eligible organizations are encouraged to review application materials at azdohs.gov/az-nsgp and attend one of two information webinars on May 7 or May 12.

Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardJune 9, 2026Security, grantsComment

Ordination Celebrations

Today we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:

Rev. Don Lorfing, Good Samaritan, Las Vegas, Good Sam at The Lakes, Las Vegas, who celebrates 30 years on June 9.
Rev. John Serkland, who celebrates 63 years on June 9.
Rev. Philip Gustafson, who celebrates 47 years on June 9.
Rev. John Hackler, Lord of Life, Sun City West, who celebrates 41 years on June 9.
Rev. Lisa Hackler, American, Sun City, who celebrates 41 years on June 9.

Office of the Bishop Closed June 15 Following Synod Assembly

Please note that the Office of the Bishop will be closed Monday, June 15, 2026, following Synod Assembly to allow staff time for rest after the gathering. The office will also be closed Friday, June 19, in observance of Juneteenth.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardJune 8, 20262026 Synod Assembly, Office of the BishopComment

Lend a Hand at Assembly: Join a Volunteer Team in June

Volunteers are needed to help prepare and reset spaces for the 2026 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly. Opportunities include a Decorating Team on Wednesday, June 10 (11:00 AM–1:00 PM) and a Tear Down Team on Saturday, June 13 (12:00–1:00 PM). To volunteer, contact Kathye Hamm at khamm@gcsynod.org.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardJune 8, 20262026 Synod AssemblyComment

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 FlatgardJune 8, 20262026 Synod AssemblyComment

Watch the 2026 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly Live on Facebook

Join the 2026 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly online! Tune in live on June 12, 2026, via the Love of Christ Lutheran Church’s Facebook Page. This livestreaming opportunity ensures all our members, from across Arizona, southern Nevada, St. George, Utah, and the Navajo Nation, can partake in our assembly’s key moments. Don’t miss out on this chance to stay connected and involved in our community’s important decisions and celebrations. Watch here.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardJune 8, 20262026 Synod Assembly Comments

Stay Informed During the Assembly: Our Homepage Transforms into Your Essential Guide

For the upcoming Assembly week, the Grand Canyon Synod homepage will transform into a comprehensive digital hub. Just visit gcsynod.org and you’re there! This enhanced homepage will feature quick access links and real-time updates to keep you informed throughout the event. Accessible on any device, our goal is to make your Assembly experience as seamless and engaging as possible. Stay connected with us and check back regularly for the latest news!

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardJune 8, 20262026 Synod AssemblyComment

What You Need to Know for the 2026 Synod Assembly

The 2026 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly is almost here! Find everything you need to prepare for June 11–13 in Mesa, including schedule highlights, voting information, workshops, livestreaming, the service project, special guest Rev. Tim Brown, and how our homepage will serve as your Assembly information hub throughout the week.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardJune 8, 20262026 Synod AssemblyComment

Explore the Wider Church: ELCA Synod Assembly Video Playlist Available

The ELCA has released a playlist of short videos for synods and congregations to use during synod assemblies and beyond. Explore stories of ministry, justice, disaster response, Navajo mission, youth ministry, Mission Support, and more—and see how God is at work through our wider church. View the playlist here.

Grand Canyon Synod, ELCABrian FlatgardJune 8, 20262026 Assembly StoriesComment

Ordination Celebrations

Today we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:

Rev. Donald Liles, who celebrates 40 years on June 8.
Rev. Bennett Henrikson, who celebrates 57 years on June 8.
Rev. Melinda Gapen, Noble Hospice, Mesa, who celebrates 12 years on June 8.

Grand Canyon Synod, News, SpotlightBrian FlatgardJune 8, 2026Ordination AnniversariesComment

Ordination Celebrations

Today we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:

Rev. Stoney Bowen-Weiszmann, Banner Del E Webb Medical Center, Sun City West, who celebrates 18 years on June 7.
Rev. Tim Eighmy, Community, Bullhead City, who celebrates 34 years on June 7.
Rev. John Lundering, who celebrates 67 years on June 7.
Rev. David Miller, who celebrates 56 years on June 7.
Rev. Donald Legacie, who celebrates 39 years on June 7.
Rev. Ronald Hedwall, who celebrates 62 years on June 7.
Rev. Jarrod Iversen, Central, Arizona City, who celebrates 1 year on June 7.
Rev. Debra Hippen Schultz, who celebrates 39 years on June 7.

Grand Canyon Synod, News, SpotlightBrian FlatgardJune 7, 2026Ordination AnniversariesComment

Mosaic: Adults With Disabilities Should Have a Voice in Their Care

Nearly a year after Congress approved Medicaid funding cuts, questions remain about whether Medicaid should pay for home- and community-based services. In Mosaic’s latest blog, President and CEO Linda Timmons shares why that investment matters: Long-term care is too expensive for most families to afford on their own, and people with disabilities, like anyone else, deserve a say in what their lives look like.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardJune 6, 2026Mosaic, Disability MinistriesComment

Pivot #180: Rethinking the Christian Prayer Life

In the latest Pivot podcast, Wesley Ellis makes a case that will reframe the way you think about prayer.

Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardJune 6, 2026Pivot Podcast, Luther SeminaryComment

Ordination Celebrations

Today we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:

Rev. Arlyn Saathoff, who celebrates 61 years on June 6.
Rev. Vern Barlow, who celebrates 61 years on June 6.
Rev. Daniel Carlson, who celebrates 44 years on June 6.

Grand Canyon Synod, News, SpotlightBrian FlatgardJune 6, 2026Ordination AnniversariesComment

Ordination Celebrations

Today we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:

Rev. Stephen Beyer, who celebrates 45 years on June 5.
Rev. Jason Adams, Good Samaritan, Las Vegas, Good Sam at The Lakes, Las Vegas, who celebrates 12 years on June 5.
Rev. Ryan Marsh, Crossroads, San Tan Valley, who celebrates 10 years on June 5.

Rules of Procedure Now Available for 2026 Synod Assembly

The Rules of Procedure for the 2026 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly are available online. Voting members and attendees are encouraged to review the document ahead of the June 11–13 assembly in Mesa, including important details about resolutions, debate limits, electronic voting, and assembly participation.

The rules outline how the assembly will conduct business while emphasizing respectful Christian community grounded in Galatians 5 and the shared work of discernment, governance, and ministry together.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardJune 4, 20262026 Synod AssemblyComment

Responding to Arizona’s Heat: Join Faith-Based Relief Efforts This Summer

Arizona Faith Network’s 2026 Extreme Heat Relief Program is now serving communities across the state, providing cooling spaces, water, supplies, and compassionate care during dangerous summer temperatures. Congregations and individuals can support this ministry through donations, volunteering, supply drives, sharing resources, and using a congregational toolkit to help protect vulnerable neighbors this summer.

Arizona Faith Network: Heat Relief, Democracy & Summer Action Opportunities

Arizona Faith Network’s latest newsletter includes opportunities for advocacy, service, and interfaith engagement across Arizona this summer. Highlights include heat relief efforts, election protection volunteer opportunities, environmental justice conversations, meditation and dialogue gatherings, and ways to support vulnerable neighbors during extreme heat.

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