Posts in Grand Canyon Synod
Ordination Celebrations

This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:

  • Rev. Barbara Rapp, who celebrates 33 years on August 21.

  • Rev. Martha Neff Stum, who celebrates 16 years on August 21.

  • Rev. Cherlyne Beck, Office of the Bishop, Phoenix, who celebrates 43 years on August 21.

  • Rev. Loren Swanson, who celebrates 55 years on August 22.

  • Rev. Gary Garvey, who celebrates 44 years on August 22.

  • Rev. Carlyle Smith, who celebrates 62 years on August 23.

  • Rev. Naomi Barcanic, who celebrates 29 years on August 24.

  • Rev. Julie Gerrish, Christ, Sedona, who celebrates 2 years on August 24.

  • Rev. Solomon Kuch, Emmanuel Sudanese, Glendale, who celebrates 1 year on August 24.

  • Rev. Nathan Bowman, Hospice of the West, who celebrates 41 years on August 25.

  • Rev. John Maroni, Shepherd of the Desert, Sun City, who celebrates 21 years on August 27.

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Planning to Apply for a 2027 Synod Grant? Join the August 25 Webinar

Considering a 2027 Grand Canyon Synod Grant? Start with the Grant Application Webinar and Q&A on Tuesday, August 25, at 4:30 p.m. Arizona/Pacific time. Approximately $175,000 is available this grant cycle, with eligible projects able to request up to $15,000. Visit gcsynod.org/grants for more info.

The application window opens August 24 and closes September 25. Congregations and ministries with ideas to Communicate Jesus, Connect People or Create Possibilities are encouraged to review the new grant information and register for next week’s webinar.

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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, 8/25/2026, 6-7pm MST.

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Installation of Rev. Jenn Luong at Our Saviour’s Lutheran in Tucson

Rev. Jenn Luong, called to serve University of Arizona Lutheran Campus Ministry, will be installed Sunday, 10/4/2026 at 4 pm at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church (1200 North Campbell Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85719). Bishop Hutterer will preach and preside. Rostered ministers are invited to process. Color of the day is green. There will be a reception and meal to follow.

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Installation of Rev. Jose Valenzuela at University Lutheran in Tempe

Rev. Jose Valenzuela, called to serve University Lutheran and ASU Lutheran Campus Ministry, will be installed Sunday, 9/20/2026, during 10 am worship at University Lutheran Church (340 E. 15th Street, Tempe, AZ 85281).

Bishop Hutterer will preside through Communion. Reception will be an Einstein Bagels bar with coffee and orange juice. No RSVPs are necessary, color of the day is rainbow. Live-stream and post-video link will be on the front page ulctempe.org.

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Save the Date for the 2026 Bishop’s Fall Gathering

Save the date for the 2026 Bishop’s Fall Gathering, October 12–14 at the Franciscan Renewal Center in Scottsdale. This year’s Rooted in God’s Story gathering will feature Rev. Dr. Carmelo Santos, theologian and author of A Liberation Theology of the Brain, alongside worship, synod conversations, ministry stories, and time for renewal and connection.

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Faith+Lead August Roundup: New Tools for Learning, Leadership, and Ministry

Faith+Lead’s August roundup offers new opportunities for rostered ministers, lay leaders, and congregations to learn and grow, including courses on purpose and money, a new Christian communities incubator, Susan Beaumont’s supervision training beginning August 18, and the fall School for Lay Ministry cohort.

The roundup also includes free resources for The Bible in a Year and the Narrative Lectionary’s upcoming Year of Matthew. Read the August 2026 Faith+Lead Monthly Roundup.

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Mosaic | Back-to-School: 3 Tips for Talking to Children about People with Disabilities

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.

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Mastering Money: Watch the Recording and Explore the Resources

The 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.

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Watch: Campformation 2026 Brings Faith to Life

See 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.

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Two Resources for Responding to Christian Nationalism: Read, Reflect and Engage

Two 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.

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AFN News: Annual Gathering Registration Opens, Plus Upcoming Events

The 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.

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LAMA Update: Put Advocacy Into “God’s Work. Our Hands.” Sunday

The 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.

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Office of the Bishop Updates

The 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.

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The Generosity Project Finds a New Home

The 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.

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On a Wing and a Prayer: Hope and Hospitality at Spirit in the Desert

Spirit 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.

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Women of the ELCA Celebrate “I Am Worthy” Gathering and Look Ahead to 2029

Women 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.

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