Posts in Grand Canyon Synod
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 Flatgard Comment
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 FlatgardComment
Trinity Cathedral to Host Free Screening of Sanctuary in Downtown Phoenix
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.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardLGBTQIA+, Ecumenical and Inter-Religious Relations, Episcopal Diocese of ArizonaComment
Arizona Nonprofit Security Grant Program Now Accepting Applications
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.

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Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardSecurity, grantsComment
Ordination Celebrations
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.

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Grand Canyon Synod, News, SpotlightBrian FlatgardOrdination Anniversaries Comment
2026 Synod Assembly Offering to Support the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land
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.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian Flatgard2026 Synod AssemblyComment
Watch the 2026 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly Live on Facebook
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.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian Flatgard2026 Synod Assembly Comments
Stay Informed During the Assembly: Our Homepage Transforms into Your Essential Guide
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!

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian Flatgard2026 Synod AssemblyComment
Ordination Celebrations
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.

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Grand Canyon Synod, News, SpotlightBrian FlatgardOrdination AnniversariesComment
Mosaic: Adults With Disabilities Should Have a Voice in Their Care
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.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardMosaic, Disability MinistriesComment
Rules of Procedure Now Available for 2026 Synod Assembly
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.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian Flatgard2026 Synod AssemblyComment
Responding to Arizona’s Heat: Join Faith-Based Relief Efforts This Summer
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.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardHeat Relief, Arizona Faith Network, Ecumenical and Inter-Religious Relations, Church and SocietyComment