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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.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardJune 22, 2026Ordinations and InstallationsComment

Rooted in God’s Story: The Grand Canyon Synod’s 2025–2026 Impact

Rooted in God’s Story: The Grand Canyon Synod’s 2025–2026 Impact

The Grand Canyon Synod’s 2025–2026 Impact Report highlights a year of faithful ministry across Arizona, southern Nevada, St. George, Utah, and the Navajo Nation. From ordinations and ministry grants to hunger work, refugee support, congregational accompaniment, and leadership development, the report shows how mission support helps us communicate Jesus, connect people, and create possibilities together.

Explore the numbers, stories, and shared impact of ministry across the synod as we continue living rooted in God’s story.

Grand Canyon Synod, Bishop HuttererBrian FlatgardJune 22, 2026Office of the BishopComment

Installation of Rev. Annemarie Burke at Beautiful Savior in Tucson

Installation of Rev. Annemarie Burke at Beautiful Savior in Tucson

Rev. Annemarie Burke will be installed Sunday, 8/16/2029 at the 9 am service at Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church (7570 North Thornydale Road, Tucson, AZ 85741).

Please check the calendar listing or beautifulsavior.net for this event for up-to-date info and details.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardJune 22, 2026Ordinations and InstallationsComment

Safeguarding Our Worshiping Communities: Join a Conversation on Best Practices

Safeguarding Our Worshiping Communities: Join a Conversation on Best Practices

Join ELCA’s Kendra Stea, Director, Misconduct Prevention, on Tuesday, August 18 at 10:00 a.m. Arizona/PDT for a Zoom conversation on safeguarding worshiping communities. This 90-minute session will explore mandated reporting, misconduct response, healthy boundaries, congregational policies, and best practices for navigating difficult situations with care and accountability.

Registration is required. Bring your questions and learn practical tools to help your congregation foster safer, healthier ministry settings. Register here.

ELCA, Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardJune 22, 2026Child ProtectionComment

Free Tech for Ministry? Your Congregation May Already Qualify

Free Tech for Ministry? Your Congregation May Already Qualify

ELCA congregations and ministries may already qualify for free or deeply discounted technology through platforms like Goodstack, Google for Nonprofits, and TechSoup. Learn how to access tools like Canva Pro, Google Workspace, Zoom, Microsoft 365, email marketing discounts, and even grant opportunities—while stretching your ministry budget and strengthening communication.

Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardJune 22, 2026Comment

Mastering Money: Stewardship Webinar on Budgeting, Planning, and Generous Living

Mastering Money: Stewardship Webinar on Budgeting, Planning, and Generous Living

The Grand Canyon Synod Stewardship Team invites you to “Mastering Money: Budgeting, Planning, and Living Generously” on July 15, 2026, from 6:30–8:00 PM (AZ/NV). Presenter Duane Gilson of Spirit of Hope Lutheran Church, Mesa, will share practical and faith-centered insights on budgeting, planning, and generous living. Register today for this free webinar.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardJune 22, 2026Stewardship, GCS Stewardship TeamComment

Hunger Leaders Network meets 6pm last Tuesday of every month

Hunger Leaders Network meets 6pm last Tuesday of every month

Calling all hunger champions: join this network of the Grand Canyon Synod! Meet to hear updates on national and local Hunger and Food Insecurity efforts and initiatives, to learn from one another, and to share with the group what's happening in our congregations. Anyone interested in alleviating hunger is welcome. Prepare to be encouraged and supported! Tuesday, 6/30/2026, 6-7pm MST.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardJune 22, 2026hunger, Grand Canyon Synod Hunger Leaders NetworkComment

Ordination Celebrations

Ordination Celebrations

Today we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:

Rev. Sarah Upham-Birdsall, who celebrates 24 years on June 22.
Rev. Matthew Dobyns, ELCA, Chicago, who celebrates 18 years on June 22.
Rev. Gary Hess, who celebrates 49 years on June 22.
Rev. Duane Peterson, who celebrates 68 years on June 22.
Rev. Andrew Schlecht, Maricopa, Maricopa, who celebrates 18 years on June 22.

Grand Canyon Synod, News, SpotlightBrian FlatgardJune 22, 2026Ordination AnniversariesComment

Ordination Celebrations

Ordination Celebrations

Today we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:

Rev. Roger Thompson, who celebrates 45 years on June 21.
Rev. Joseph Carucci, who celebrates 65 years on June 21.
Rev. Terry Pletkovich, who celebrates 45 years on June 21.
Rev. John Sersland, who celebrates 45 years on June 21.
Rev. Nancy Milleville, who celebrates 46 years on June 21.
Rev. Michael Girlinghouse, LCM Canterbury, Flagstaff, who celebrates 39 years on June 21.

Grand Canyon Synod, News, SpotlightBrian FlatgardJune 21, 2026Ordination AnniversariesComment

Ordination Celebrations

Ordination Celebrations

Today we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:

Rev. John Kautz, who celebrates 55 years on June 20.
Rev. Paul Nelson, who celebrates 44 years on June 20.

Grand Canyon Synod, News, SpotlightBrian FlatgardJune 20, 2026Ordination AnniversariesComment

Promise Magazine from Mosaic: Stories of Growth, Connection, Grit

Promise Magazine from Mosaic: Stories of Growth, Connection, Grit

We created Promise Magazine to share the human stories of our organization, and the summer 2026 issue does just that. Read about our history and the incredible ways people have persevered through tough times. You’ll also meet an individual served by Mosaic for 50 years; learn how a mother is navigating her son’s transition of care and find advice from a parent whose child has autism. We also highlight a milestone anniversary for Mosaic President and CEO Linda Timmons.

The post Promise Magazine: Stories of Growth, Connection, Grit appeared first on Mosaic.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardJune 19, 2026Mosaic, Disability MinistriesComment

Mosaic: Donor Gifts Help Mindy Enjoy Bath Time Again

Mosaic: Donor Gifts Help Mindy Enjoy Bath Time Again

Daily baths are more than just a routine for Mindy; they are a source of comfort. But when it became difficult to get in and out of the tub, delight turned to fear. Thanks to donor gifts, Mindy is enjoying her daily baths again, and her Home Provider Arlene is honoring the memory of her husband, Jon.

The post Donor Gifts Help Mindy Enjoy Bath Time Again appeared first on Mosaic.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardJune 19, 2026Mosaic, Disability MinistriesComment

Stepping Up to Supervision: Practical Tools for Faithful Ministry Leadership

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 FlatgardJune 19, 2026faith+lead, Luther SeminaryComment

Ordination Celebrations

Ordination Celebrations

Today we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:

Rev. John Groh, who celebrates 60 years on June 19.
Rev. Norbert Schroeder, who celebrates 66 years on June 19.

Grand Canyon Synod, News, SpotlightBrian FlatgardJune 19, 2026Ordination AnniversariesComment

Bags of Hope, Poll Chaplains, and Sacred Land Advocacy

Bags of Hope, Poll Chaplains, and Sacred Land Advocacy

The latest Arizona Faith Network newsletter features upcoming Bags of Hope heat-relief events, Election Protection volunteer opportunities, interfaith dialogue and prayer gatherings, a summer healing book study, and advocacy efforts related to Oak Flat and sacred land protection.

Readers are encouraged to explore the full newsletter for registration links, volunteer opportunities, event details, and additional resources from AFN and its partners across Arizona.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardJune 18, 2026Ecumenical and Inter-Religious Relations, Arizona Faith Network, Church and SocietyComment

From Cuba to the Ballot Box: Opportunities to Serve and Advocate

From Cuba to the Ballot Box: Opportunities to Serve and Advocate

The newest LAMA newsletter features an ELCA Action Alert on Cuba, Election Protection volunteer trainings, immigration detention discussions, hunger ministry collaboration, and new resources on faithful public witness. Readers will also find opportunities for advocacy, service, and community engagement across Arizona.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardJune 18, 2026Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA), Advocacy, Church and SocietyComment

Office of the Bishop Updates

Office of the Bishop Updates

The Office of the Bishop continues its post-Assembly ministry this week through congregational visits, pastoral care, leadership development, stewardship planning, and ongoing support for congregations across the synod. Staff will also focus on communications, upcoming events, financial administration, and collaborative ministry opportunities while preparing resources and plans for the months ahead.

News, Bishop Hutterer, Grand Canyon Synod, SpotlightBrian FlatgardJune 18, 2026Office of the BishopComment

Ordination Celebrations

Ordination Celebrations

Today we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:

Rev. Mark Rossman, Living Water, Scottsdale, who celebrates 38 years on June 18.
Rev. Paul Hansen, who celebrates 37 years on June 18.
Rev. Glen Stadler, who celebrates 48 years on June 18.
Rev. Raymond Christenson, who celebrates 58 years on June 18.

Grand Canyon Synod, News, SpotlightBrian FlatgardJune 18, 2026Ordination AnniversariesComment

Celebrating Faithful Leaders: Growing in Faith/Diakonia Graduation

Celebrating Faithful Leaders: Growing in Faith/Diakonia Graduation

Join the Growing in Faith/Diakonia community on Saturday, June 27 at St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church in Phoenix as five graduates are celebrated for their commitment to faith formation and service. Through learning, discernment, and spiritual growth, these graduates reflect how God continues to equip leaders for ministry across the synod. View as PDF here.

Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardJune 17, 2026DiakoniaComment

Plant Yourself in Good Soil: Growing in Faith Begins This August

Plant Yourself in Good Soil: Growing in Faith Begins This August

Registration is now open for the Growing in Faith/Diakonia Foundation Year, beginning August 25 with Christianity in the Lutheran Key. Join others from across the synod for online learning, spiritual growth, and deeper engagement with faith in everyday life. View PDF here.

Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardJune 17, 2026DiakoniaComment