Posts in Grand Canyon Synod
Global Refuge Pastor-in-Residence Eric Shafer to Speak in Carefree
Global Refuge Pastor-in-Residence Eric Shafer to Speak in Carefree

Join the Rev. Eric C. Shafer, pastor-in-residence at Global Refuge, for a free forum on refugee resettlement and Lutheran accompaniment from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, October 3, followed by a reception at Christ the Lord Lutheran Church in Carefree. RSVP by Friday, October 2, to admin@ctlcarefree.org.

Pastor Shafer will also preach at the congregation’s 9 a.m. worship service Sunday, October 4. Learn how congregations can put faith and welcome into action alongside refugees, immigrants and asylum seekers.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardChrist the Lord Carefree, Global Refuge, Immigration and RefugeesComment
Medical Advocacy for IDD: How to Handle Dismissed Health Concerns
Medical Advocacy for IDD: How to Handle Dismissed Health Concerns

Everyone deserves health care that recognizes the person, not the disability. Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and other diverse needs may find themselves in situations where medical professionals dismiss, question, or downplay their health concerns, attributing symptoms to their disability. Mosaic’s Health Services Coordinator shares how to keep the lines of communication open and advocate for yourself or a person you support.

The post Medical Advocacy for IDD: How to Handle Dismissed Health Concerns appeared first on Mosaic.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardMosaic, Disability MinistriesComment
Office of the Bishop Updates
Office of the Bishop Updates

This week, the Office of the Bishop will support candidates for ministry, connect with congregations and youth leaders, and participate in church leadership, advocacy, and generosity gatherings. Staff will also lead a pastoral retirement service, coordinate grants and upcoming events, strengthen synod communications and website access, and complete monthly financial reporting. We also share photos from the Synod Council gathering.

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News, Bishop Hutterer, Grand Canyon Synod, SpotlightBrian FlatgardOffice of the BishopComment
AFN: Help Keep Arizona’s Elections Peaceful and Welcoming
AFN: Help Keep Arizona’s Elections Peaceful and Welcoming

Arizona Faith Network’s newsletter highlights election protection training September 28 and October 15, the October 20 Annual Gathering, and nonpartisan voter education events. Discover opportunities for interfaith learning, prayer, and service—including community celebrations in Phoenix, Tucson, and Flagstaff. Read the full newsletter for details and registration links.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardEcumenical and Inter-Religious Relations, Arizona Faith Network, Church and SocietyComment
LAMA: Prepare to Vote—and Help Your Congregation Prepare, Too
LAMA: Prepare to Vote—and Help Your Congregation Prepare, Too

Take the Faithful AZ Voter Pledge, speak up against hunger, and join synod hunger leaders September 29, 6–7 p.m. LAMA’s latest issue also offers election resources, volunteer trainings, refugee health coverage concerns, and an October 3 Global Refuge event in Carefree. Read the full newsletter and find ways to participate.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardLutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA), Advocacy, Church and SocietyComment
Join a Special September 29 Hunger Leaders Meeting
Join a Special September 29 Hunger Leaders Meeting

Join LAMA and LEAN on September 29 at 6 p.m. Arizona time via Zoom for “Mercy and Compassion Merging for Hunger Justice.” Bishops Deborah Hutterer and Jeff Johnson join food-bank and ministry leaders to explore faith, hunger, and action. All are welcome; no registration required. Join the meeting.

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Bishop Hutterer, Grand Canyon Synod, Region 2Brian FlatgardLutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA), Lutheran Engagement and Advocacy in Nevada (LEAN), Hunger, Grand Canyon Synod Hunger Leaders Network, Sierra Pacific SynodComment
Ordination of Wendy Schulz at Peace Lutheran in Peoria
Ordination of Wendy Schulz at Peace Lutheran in Peoria

Wendy Schulz will be ordained to Word and Service at Peace Lutheran Church (18265 North 89th Ave., Peoria, AZ 85382), on Saturday, October 3, 2026 at 10 am, with a reception following. Bishop Hutterer will preside. Rostered ministers and seminarians are invited to process and robe. The color of the day is red. The ordination will be live-streamed by Peace Lutheran and available on their YouTube channel.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardOrdinations and Installations, Peace PeoriaComment
Listen In: LSS-SW Launches Partners in Action Podcast
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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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardLutheran Social Services of the SouthwestComment
Listen to Arizona Boarding School Stories on September 30
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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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardEcumenical and Inter-Religious Relations, Episcopal Diocese of Arizona, American Indian and Alaska NativeComment
Faith-La Fe’s Annual Rummage Sale Returns September 26 in Phoenix
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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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardClassifieds, Faith Phoenix, Capital ConferenceComment
Called to Care: Personal Experience Shapes DSP’s Professional Career
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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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardMosaic, Disability MinistriesComment
Mosaic: Meaningful relationships are the top reason people are Shared Living Home Providers
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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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardMosaic, Disability MinistriesComment