Posts in Grand Canyon Synod
Global Refuge: The Refugee Convention Still Matters
Global Refuge: The Refugee Convention Still Matters

As the 1951 Refugee Convention marks its 75th anniversary, Global Refuge reflects on the United States’ historic role in protecting people forced to flee—and warns that recent policy changes are weakening those commitments amid record global displacement.

For Lutherans, the anniversary invites both reflection and action rooted in our call to welcome the stranger and accompany our neighbors. Global Refuge outlines the history, the challenges facing refugee protection today, and ways advocates can urge Congress to recommit to a strong U.S. refugee resettlement system. Read the full reflection and take action.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardGlobal Refuge, Immigration and RefugeesComment
AFN: Digital Security, Election Protection and Building Community Across Differences
AFN: Digital Security, Election Protection and Building Community Across Differences

The latest Arizona Faith Network newsletter includes opportunities for congregations and leaders to strengthen digital security, learn about preventing elder abuse, volunteer as nonpartisan Poll Chaplains and Peacekeepers, and register for AFN’s October 20 Annual Gathering. Also inside: heat-relief needs in Tucson, upcoming community events and more ways to put faith into action across Arizona. Read the full AFN newsletter

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardEcumenical and Inter-Religious Relations, Arizona Faith Network, Church and SocietyComment
Office of the Bishop Updates
Office of the Bishop Updates

The Office of the Bishop will gather for a staff retreat at Spirit in the Desert while continuing to support congregations and leaders across the synod. The week also includes the Ordination and Installation of Guy Ilunga at Trinity Lutheran in Phoenix (August 29, 2026, 10:00 AM), ministry at Central Lutheran in Arizona City, ongoing grants and communications work, and preparation for upcoming events and financial reporting.

We also share photos from Bishop Hutterer’s worship with Church of Our Saviour in Lakeside, Myrna Wells-Ulland’s birthday at Spirit in the Desert, the Office of the Bishop’s visit to West Valley Lutheran Thrift Store, and a visit by author Bill Kalaf and former Vice President Paul Gryniewicz (2017-2021).

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News, Bishop Hutterer, Grand Canyon Synod, SpotlightBrian FlatgardOffice of the BishopComment
2027 Synod Grant Webinar Recording and Resources Now Available
2027 Synod Grant Webinar Recording and Resources Now Available

The 2027 Grand Canyon Synod Grant webinar recording and presentation slides are now available at gcsynod.org/grants, along with the application and complete guidelines. Approximately $175,000 is available, with grants of up to $15,000 supporting eligible ministries and projects across the synod.

Watch the webinar, review the resources, and begin your application now. Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. Friday, September 25, 2026, and late submissions will not be accepted.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardGrants, GCS Grants ProgramComment
Phoenix VA Invites Faith Leaders to Forum on Serving Veterans
Phoenix VA Invites Faith Leaders to Forum on Serving Veterans

The Phoenix VA Health Care System invites pastors, deacons, and other faith leaders to a Faith Leader Forum on Friday, Sept. 11, at 11 a.m. at the Carl T. Hayden VA Medical Center in Phoenix. Participants will learn how to help veterans in their congregations connect with VA health care services and benefits. RSVP by Sept. 1 to Chaplain Joel Larson at joel.larson2@va.gov.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardVeteransComment
LAMA: Put Advocacy Into Action This “God’s Work. Our Hands.” Sunday
LAMA: Put Advocacy Into Action This “God’s Work. Our Hands.” Sunday

The latest LAMA newsletter invites congregations to add faithful advocacy to their September 13 “God’s work. Our hands.” Sunday activities. Also inside: upcoming digital security, elder abuse, election engagement, hunger and creation-care events; new advocacy articles; and a reminder that Grand Canyon Synod Grant applications are due September 25. Read the full LAMA newsletter

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardLutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA), Advocacy, Church and SocietyComment
Ordination Celebrations
Ordination Celebrations

This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:

  • Rev. Michael Sager, Desert Hills, Green Valley, who celebrates 32 years on August 28.

  • Rev. Paul Ninnemann, who celebrates 50 years on August 29.

  • Rev. Carol George, Resurrection, Oro Valley, who celebrates 27 years on August 29.

  • Deacon Barbara Sikkink, who celebrates 34 years on August 30.

  • Rev. Renee Geiger, who celebrates 38 years on September 1.

  • Rev. John Schaumburg, who celebrates 54 years on September 2.

  • Rev. Kirk Anderson, who celebrates 54 years on September 3.

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Grand Canyon Synod, News, SpotlightBrian FlatgardOrdination AnniversariesComment
Registration Now Open for the 2026 Bishop’s Fall Gathering
Registration Now Open for the 2026 Bishop’s Fall Gathering

Registration is now open for the 2026 Bishop’s Fall Gathering, October 12–14 at the Franciscan Renewal Center in Scottsdale. Register by Friday, September 18. Pastors, deacons, and Synod Authorized Ministers are invited for three days of worship, learning, renewal, and connection, featuring theologian, pastor, and author Rev. Dr. Carmelo Santos, PhD.

Rooted in God’s Story, this year’s gathering will explore faithful leadership, healing, identity, human flourishing, and emerging questions facing ministry today.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian Flatgard2026 Bishop's Fall GatheringComment
Serve Our Neighbors with Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest
Serve Our Neighbors with Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest

Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest has new opportunities to serve in Phoenix, Glendale, Peoria, Scottsdale and Tucson, including refugee youth mentoring, English tutoring, childcare, food distribution, and sewing and jewelry instruction. Metro Phoenix volunteers building relationships with refugee neighbors may also apply for new micro-grants to support shared activities and deepen connection.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardHelp Wanted, Lutheran Social Services of the SouthwestComment
Desert Hills Lutheran Church in Green Valley Seeks Director of Worship
Desert Hills Lutheran Church in Green Valley Seeks Director of Worship

Desert 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.

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Grand Canyon SynodSolveig MuusHelp Wanted, Desert Hills Green Valley, Kino ConferenceComment
Save the Date: Executive Skills for Church Leaders Returns in 2027
Save the Date: Executive Skills for Church Leaders Returns in 2027

Executive Skills for Church Leaders returns January 4–8, 2027, at Spirit in the Desert in Carefree, Arizona. This leadership development experience equips rostered ministers and lay leaders with practical skills for today’s ministry context. Join the interest list now to receive early updates and registration access: bit.ly/ExecSkills27.

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Grand Canyon Synod, Region 2, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardThriving Leadership Formation ProgramComment
The Perfect Match: 4 Things Mosaic Does When Pairing People with IDD and Home Providers
The Perfect Match: 4 Things Mosaic Does When Pairing People with IDD and Home Providers

Mosaic at Home is the organization’s most popular 24/7 residential service, and it’s successful at helping people with disabilities live the life they choose. Learn about the matching process, which plays a key role in achieving success.

The post The Perfect Match: 4 Things Mosaic Does When Pairing People with IDD and Home Providers appeared first on Mosaic.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardMosaic, Disability MinistriesComment
From Digital Security to Peaceful Elections: This Week from AFN
From Digital Security to Peaceful Elections: This Week from AFN

The latest Arizona Faith Network newsletter offers opportunities to learn, serve and build community across differences. Explore upcoming digital security and elder abuse workshops, volunteer as a Poll Chaplain or Peacekeeper, register for the Oct. 20 AFN Annual Gathering, and discover more interfaith events and ways to get involved across Arizona.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardEcumenical and Inter-Religious Relations, Arizona Faith Network, Church and SocietyComment
LAMA News: Take Action for Temporary Protected Status Holders
LAMA News: Take Action for Temporary Protected Status Holders

The latest LAMA newsletter calls Arizona Lutherans to advocate for neighbors with Temporary Protected Status and offers new opportunities for faithful public witness. Find the TPS action alert, upcoming Hunger Leaders Network and digital security events, “God’s work. Our hands.” advocacy ideas, election resources and more.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardLutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA), Advocacy, Church and SocietyComment
Office of the Bishop Updates
Office of the Bishop Updates

The Office of the Bishop will be active across the synod next week, preaching and worshiping with congregations, meeting with ministry and synod leaders, preparing for upcoming events and the staff retreat, and continuing stewardship, grants, communications, finance, and administrative work. We also share photos from the Installation of Rev. Annemarie Burke at Beautiful Savior in Tucson.

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News, Bishop Hutterer, Grand Canyon Synod, SpotlightBrian FlatgardOffice of the BishopComment