Posts in News
Possibilities in Partnership: Exploring New Ways to Be Church Together
Possibilities in Partnership: Exploring New Ways to Be Church Together

Many congregations are facing rising costs, leadership shortages, and increasing pressures—but the gospel continues to call us forward together. Join the Grand Canyon Synod for “Possibilities in Partnership,” a synod-wide Zoom conversation on January 15, 2026, at 6:00 pm MST, 5:00 PM PST, exploring new ways congregations can collaborate and share ministry.

Led by Rev. David Pavesic, this gathering invites rostered ministers and lay leaders into reflection, conversation, and discernment around what it means to be church together in this season. Advance registration is required.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardCongregational VitalityComment
Office of the Bishop Updates
Office of the Bishop Updates

The Office of the Bishop will be closed January 1, New Year’s Day. As we close 2025, we give thanks for the ways we have been church together: through shared ministry, mutual trust, faithful leadership, and God’s ongoing work among us. We are grateful for the dedication of our congregations, rostered ministers, and synod staff, and we look ahead to 2026 with continued trust in the Spirit’s guidance for what is unfolding next.

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News, Bishop Hutterer, Grand Canyon Synod, SpotlightBrian FlatgardOffice of the BishopComment
Called to lead with grace and hospitality: Executive Director opening at Spirit in the Desert
Called to lead with grace and hospitality: Executive Director opening at Spirit in the Desert

Spirit in the Desert (SITD) Retreat Center in Carefree, Arizona, is seeking a new Executive Director to lead its Lutheran-rooted mission of grace-filled hospitality, renewal, and spiritual growth. The role includes strategic and hands-on leadership across operations, staff supervision, financial sustainability, donor relations, and community partnerships. 

Applications received by January 15, 2026 will be assured of full consideration. Submit a letter of interest, resume, and five professional references (PDF format) to Melissa Maxwell-Doherty at melissa.maxwelldoherty@gmail.com. Nominations are also welcome.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardSpirit in the Desert Retreat CenterComment
Hunger Leaders Network meets 6pm last Tuesday of every month
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, 12/30/2025, 6-7pm MST.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian Flatgardhunger, Grand Canyon Synod Hunger Leaders NetworkComment
Called to lead with grace and hospitality: Executive Director opening at Spirit in the Desert
Called to lead with grace and hospitality: Executive Director opening at Spirit in the Desert

Spirit in the Desert (SITD) Retreat Center in Carefree, Arizona, is seeking a new Executive Director to lead its Lutheran-rooted mission of grace-filled hospitality, renewal, and spiritual growth. The role includes strategic and hands-on leadership across operations, staff supervision, financial sustainability, donor relations, and community partnerships. 

Applications received by January 15, 2026 will be assured of full consideration. Submit a letter of interest, resume, and five professional references (PDF format) to Melissa Maxwell-Doherty at melissa.maxwelldoherty@gmail.com. Nominations are also welcome.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardHelp Wanted, Spirit in the Desert Retreat CenterComment
Multiply Your Impact: Direct Thrivent Choice Dollars to Ministry That Matters
Multiply Your Impact: Direct Thrivent Choice Dollars to Ministry That Matters

Thrivent members can make a big difference through Thrivent Choice Dollars and Thrivent Action Teams—two benefits that support ministry at no extra cost. Direct your 2025 Choice Dollars by March 31, 2026 to your congregation or the Grand Canyon Synod, and apply anytime for a $250 Action Team grant to fund a service or outreach project. Learn more at Thrivent.com/thriventchoice and Thrivent.com/actionteam.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardThrivent, StewardshipComment
2025 LSM Musical Advent Calendar available
2025 LSM Musical Advent Calendar available

Experience the fifth annual Musical Advent Calendar from Lutheran Summer Music, November 30–December 24—daily musical meditations to inspire reflection throughout the Advent season. Follow along on Facebook, Instagram, or YouTube, with all videos archived at LSMacademy.org/acal.  Sign up to receive each day’s video directly to your inbox by completing this form.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardLutheran Summer MusicComment
One Body, Many Gifts: Strengthen Our Synod by Sharing Your Updates
One Body, Many Gifts: Strengthen Our Synod by Sharing Your Updates

Your ministry matters! Help us share the good news of faith in action across the Grand Canyon Synod. Whether your congregation is hosting an event, looking for volunteers, or seeking to fill a ministry position, we want to hear from you. Submitting is easy—just visit gcsynod.org/share to send us your updates. Let’s strengthen our synod by sharing the ways God is working in our communities!

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardOffice of the BishopComment
Strengthen Your Leadership at Scottsdale’s 2026 Leading Well Gathering
Strengthen Your Leadership at Scottsdale’s 2026 Leading Well Gathering

Renew your leadership and spirit at Leading Well: A Learning Retreat, January 6–9, 2026, at the Franciscan Renewal Center in Scottsdale. Designed for all who serve in faith-based ministry, this ecumenical event blends sabbath rest, collegial support, and practical learning. Participants will leave refreshed, connected, and equipped with a tailored Leadership Formation Plan. Learn more and register: surfacetosoul.org/2026-lwr

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardFranciscan Renewal CenterComment
Practical Tools for Thriving Church Leadership – January 2026 in Carefree, AZ
Practical Tools for Thriving Church Leadership – January 2026 in Carefree, AZ

Join pastors, deacons, bishops, and faith leaders for Executive Skills for Church Leaders, a weeklong continuing education retreat at Spirit in the Desert, Carefree, AZ, January 5–9, 2026. Daily sessions cover hybrid ministry, AI tools, congregational vitality, and communication strategies, led by expert facilitators. Registration includes lodging, meals, and programming. Register now »

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Grand Canyon Synod, Leader Resources, NewsBrian FlatgardSpirit in the Desert Retreat Center, Thriving Leadership Formation ProgramComment
Lutheran World Federation newsletter
Lutheran World Federation newsletter
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News, Global Church, SpotlightBrian FlatgardLutheran World FederationComment
Jazz Meets the Nativity: New Spirit Lutheran in Tucson Hosts “Bending Towards the Light”
Jazz Meets the Nativity: New Spirit Lutheran in Tucson Hosts “Bending Towards the Light”

New Spirit Lutheran Church in Tucson once again hosts Arizona’s exclusive production of Bending Towards the Light: A Jazz Nativity on December 13 at 7 p.m. and December 14 at 5 p.m. This joyful retelling of the Nativity—written by Anne Phillips and inspired by “The Jazz Pastor” John Garcia Gensel—blends the Christmas story with the expressive beauty of jazz. Tickets and details at jazznativity.org/tucson.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardNew Spirit Tucson, Kino ConferenceComment