When a child sees someone with a disability, they are naturally curious and may have questions. With students heading back to school this fall, we connected with Author and Speaker Tasha Schuh to discuss how parents can talk to their children about interacting with people with disabilities.
The post Back-to-School: 3 Tips for Talking to Children about People with Disabilities appeared first on Mosaic.
Read MoreThe recording and resources from the Grand Canyon Synod Stewardship Team’s “Mastering Money: Budgeting, Planning, and Living Generously” webinar are now available. Watch Duane Gilson explore budgeting, financial planning, and generosity as practices of faithful stewardship, and find recommended tools for managing money, receiving financial guidance, and growing generosity.
Read MoreSee Campformation 2026 through a new video shared by Pastor David Sivecz of Grace Lutheran Church in Phoenix. From worship and friendship to outdoor adventures and faith formation, get a glimpse of a Grand Canyon Synod ministry that has been helping young people grow in faith and community for more than 60 years.
Read MoreTwo connected resources invite Grand Canyon Synod leaders to study and respond to Christian nationalism. Read the July 2026 issue of Currents in Theology and Mission, “Declaring Independence from Christian Nationalism,” then explore the separate Reclaiming the Heritage project and its “Democracy at Risk” declaration, which people of faith are invited to read and sign.
The Rev. Conrad Braaten, a Grand Canyon Synod pastor currently serving as Interim Pastor at Spirit of Joy Lutheran Church in Clarkdale, helped develop the declaration and encourages synod leaders to engage these resources for theological study, discernment and faithful action.
Read MoreThe latest Arizona Faith Network newsletter features registration for the October 20 AFN Annual Gathering, “From Conflict to Community,” plus upcoming opportunities focused on digital security, elder abuse, election protection, peacemaking and interfaith service.
Read the full AFN newsletter for event details, registration information and more opportunities to connect with Arizona’s interfaith community.
Read MoreThe August 11 LAMA newsletter invites congregations to add advocacy to “God’s work. Our hands.” Sunday on September 13 and features upcoming events, new ELCA advocacy resources, opportunities to comment on the church’s homelessness social message, and ways to engage faithfully in public life. Read the full LAMA newsletter and find ways to get involved.
Read MoreThe Office of the Bishop is engaged across the synod and beyond this week through worship, pastoral leadership, ministry site review, innovation planning, generosity work, staff service at West Valley Lutheran Thrift Store, and preparations for upcoming events. Synod staff also continue the essential communications, administrative, financial, and stakeholder support that sustain our shared ministry.
Read MoreThe Generosity Project has a new online home! For several years, the Grand Canyon Synod Stewardship Team helped host this cross-generational ELCA stewardship resource. We celebrate its next chapter and give special thanks to Grand Canyon Synod member and longtime project champion Linda Staats for her passion and leadership.
Explore The Generosity Project and discover resources for cultivating generosity, discipleship, and faith from generation to generation.
Read MoreSpirit in the Desert Executive Director Rika Beckley reflects on her first month of leadership and the faith, hospitality and community sustaining the Carefree retreat center. The latest newsletter also features Wednesday Respite, an Aug. 14-15 Open House & Pop-Up Sale, daily and weekly prayer opportunities, fall retreats, the ThanksLiving Music Fest and ways to support Spirit’s ministry. Read the full Spirit in the Desert newsletter and explore upcoming opportunities.
Read MoreWomen of the ELCA welcomed 1,000 registered participants to the “I Am Worthy” Triennial Gathering, July 16-19 in Des Moines, following the Thirteenth Triennial Convention. Explore highlights and photos from the gathering—and look ahead to the 2029 Triennial Gathering in Louisville, Kentucky, with pre-registration savings available through September 1.
Read MoreDesert Hills Lutheran Church in Green Valley, Arizona is excited to begin the search for our next Director of Worship. This key leadership position will work closely with our pastors, staff, musicians, and volunteers to help shape meaningful worship experiences that inspire faith, build community, and glorify God. View PDF job description here.
Read MoreIn the latest Pivot podcast, Dwight Zscheile and Alicia Granholm talk with Joey Sherrard about what changed when he started reading Augustine as a pastor for pastors.
Read MoreBack-to-school time for parents who have a child with a disability doesn’t need to cause anxiety. Here are a few suggested activities that will help prepare your child, you, and your child’s teacher to start the year set up for success. The post Set up for Success: School Preparations for a Child with a Disability appeared first on Mosaic.
Read MoreThis week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
The Rev. Cheryl Fox, who celebrates 17 years on August 15.
Rev. Mark Powell, who celebrates 46 years on August 17.
Rev. Deborah Hutterer, Office of the Bishop, Phoenix, who celebrates 22 years on August 18.
Rev. Brent Maxwell, who celebrates 19 years on August 19.
Rev. Kurt Fangmeier, Sierra Evangelical, Sierra Vista, who celebrates 25 years on August 19.
Rev. Marilyn Ascarza, who celebrates 36 years on August 19.
Rev. Scott Hackler, Spirit of Grace, Surprise, who celebrates 37 years on August 20.
Michael Purcell, who celebrates 48 years on August 20.
The SYAT Collective continues its free continuing education series for youth ministry leaders with two upcoming Zoom events: intergenerational ministry (August 20), and creative fundraising strategies (September 17). Congregational leaders, volunteers, and ministry staff are invited to learn practical tools for strengthening ministry with children, youth, and young adults.
Read MoreRev. Annemarie Burke will be installed Sunday, 8/16/2026 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.
Read MoreJoin ELCA Director of Misconduct Prevention Kendra Stea on Tuesday, August 18, at 10 a.m. Arizona/PDT for practical guidance on mandatory reporting, involving the bishop, sex offenders in congregations, behavior agreements, Safe Church policies, and resources for protecting children and vulnerable adults.
Read MoreRegistration 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.
Read MoreAs summer transitions toward fall, Grand Canyon Synod staff are focused on planning, ministry support, stewardship development, and financial oversight. This week also marks the return of Communications Director Brian Flatgard from sabbatical, bringing renewed energy and gratitude as the synod prepares for the season ahead.
Read MoreThis week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
Rev. Janet Richardson, who celebrates 37 years on August 6.
Rev. Richard Peterson, who celebrates 33 years on August 8.
Rev. John Hoelter, who celebrates 59 years on August 9.
Rev. Wyatt Linde, Resurrection, Oro Valley, who celebrates 3 years on August 9.
Rev. Joseph Dillon, who celebrates 50 years on August 10.
Rev. Paul Campbell, who celebrates 47 years on August 12.
