Posts in Grand Canyon Synod
Listen In: LSS-SW Launches Partners in Action Podcast

Hear the people and stories behind Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest’s work in its new Partners in Action Podcast. In the first episode, “Passing the Torch,” President and CEO Bobby Ghisolfo joins former CEO Connie Phillips to discuss leadership, legacy, and serving Arizona’s neighbors. Listen and follow for future conversations.

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Listen to Arizona Boarding School Stories on September 30

Hear survivors’ stories and explore Arizona’s Indian boarding school history through Listening & Healing Pilgrimage, screening September 30 in Sedona, 4–6 p.m.; Scottsdale, 5:30–7:30 p.m.; and Tucson, 7–9 p.m. Tickets are $10–$12, with free admission for Native American attendees. Find ticket links and free-admission instructions in the full post, and join this invitation to listen, learn, and reflect on the church’s responsibility in truth-telling and reconciliation.

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Faith-La Fe’s Annual Rummage Sale Returns September 26 in Phoenix

Shop for treasures and support Faith-La Fe’s ministry at its annual rummage sale Saturday, September 26, 2026, 7 a.m.–4 p.m., at 801 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix. This bilingual, multicultural congregation welcomes everyone. Donations and volunteers are welcome, too; contact (602) 265-3394 or info@faithalive.com to help or arrange a large-item drop-off.

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Journey to Egypt with Bishop Hutterer: Faith, History, and the Nile – January 27–February 5, 2027

The Grand Canyon Synod invites you to travel with Bishop Deborah Hutterer to Egypt, January 27–February 5, 2027, for a ten-day pilgrimage exploring the Pyramids, the Nile, and historic Coptic churches tied to the Holy Family. Hosted by Elias Tours, this active journey includes 5-star accommodations, a Nile cruise, daily meals, and expert guides. Cost is $3,890 (land only) with a $300 deposit required; registration is now open. Discern whether this faith-filled adventure is right for you and secure your space today.

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Called to Care: Personal Experience Shapes DSP’s Professional Career

Siobhan Gonzales is a shining example of someone who was “Called to Care.” Long before she earned her Direct Support Professional title, she grew up helping care for her autistic brother, an experience that gave her an understanding of what families want: someone they can truly trust.

Today, she brings that perspective to her work supporting two individuals with their daily routines and goals.

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Mosaic: Meaningful relationships are the top reason people are Shared Living Home Providers

The reasons people become a Shared Living Home Provider vary from wanting flexible work to earning income at home. But the reason they stay Home Providers is often the same: meaningful relationships. Learn more about that in our latest blog post.
Today, she brings that perspective to her work supporting two individuals with their daily routines and goals.

The post Meaningful relationships are the top reason people are Shared Living Home Providers appeared first on Mosaic.

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Pivot #192: Early Christian Theology: What Augustine, Irenaeus, and Justin Martyr Still Teach the Church Today

In the latest Pivot podcast, Warren Smith, professor of historical theology at Duke Divinity School, joins Dwight and Terri to talk about his new book, Early Christian Theology: A History, and what the first several centuries of Christian thought have to say to church leaders today.

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Installation of Rev. David Peterson at Gloria de Cristo Lutheran in Yuma

Rev. David Peterson will be installed on Sunday, 10/11/2026 at 9:30 am at Gloria de Cristo Lutheran Church (11273 E 40th St, Yuma, AZ 85367). Rev. Pat Reed will preach and preside. Clergy are invited to vest and process. The color of the day is green.

There will be a reception in Fellowship Hall following the service. No RSVP's necessary. The service will be live-streamed and can be found on the church’s website and Facebook and YouTube.

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Match Your Money to Your Mission With Portico Social Purpose Funds

Portico Social Purpose Funds offer ELCA Retirement Plan members a way to consider investments through the lens of Lutheran social teaching, screening for practices that conflict with church values while supporting positive social impact.

Explore your options, review the fund descriptions and consider whether your retirement selections match your mission.

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Portico Town Hall: What 2027 Health Benefit Increases Mean

A no-cost Portico Town Hall on Tuesday, September 22, will address the 15% base-rate increase planned for Portico health benefits in 2027. The session begins at 6:00 p.m. in Arizona and Nevada and 7:00 p.m. in Utah.

Rostered ministers, council members, treasurers and other congregational leaders are encouraged to learn what the increase may mean for their planning and to ask questions. Register in advance.

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New Guide Helps Congregations Plan for Election-Related Disruption

Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona has released an eight-page guide to help congregations prepare for potential election-related disruption, from misinformation and intimidation to division and uncertainty. Grounded in Lutheran commitments to truth-telling, peace and care for neighbors, the resource includes discussion scenarios and a practical readiness checklist.

Congregations are encouraged to identify a response team, trusted information sources, a spokesperson and key emergency contacts now. Read the full article and download the guide.

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AFN Invites Faith Communities to Protect Every Vote

Arizona Faith Network is recruiting Poll Chaplains and Peacekeepers for the November election, with online trainings September 28 and October 15. The latest newsletter also includes the October 20 Annual Gathering, nonpartisan voter education, community celebrations, interfaith events, and ways to support peaceful civic participation. Read the full AFN newsletter.

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LAMA: Faithful Citizenship Starts with a Vote

LAMA’s latest update invites Lutherans to register or confirm their voter status, take the Faithful Arizona Voter Pledge, and join upcoming election-protection, advocacy, and hunger-justice gatherings. It also includes congregational election resources, ballot guidance, and actions for neighbors in need. Read the full LAMA newsletter.

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Office of the Bishop Updates

This week, the Office of the Bishop will gather for the Synod Council Retreat and then Bishop Hutterer attends the Conference of Bishops Fall Gathering in Chicago. Staff will also support installations, retirements, candidacy and first-call ministry, congregational vitality and generosity, upcoming events, communications, security, and month-end financial work.

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Bishop Hutterer: Vote with Confidence

Bishop Deborah Hutterer invites the people of the Grand Canyon Synod to approach the November 3 election with prayer, confidence, and care for their neighbors. She offers key voting deadlines, reassurance about voting by mail, and a call to seek and share trustworthy information as an expression of faithful civic engagement.

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