This summer, seven congregations from the Grand Canyon Synod made the long journey from Arizona and Nevada to Rock Island, Illinois, for a week that would shape hearts, minds, and futures. Leadership Lab—hosted on the campus of Augustana College—is more than a summer program. It’s a living laboratory where faith meets leadership, tradition embraces innovation, and young voices discover their calling.
Read MoreA new water tank now serves the Dodji site of the Fedannde Jolof program in Senegal, thanks to the support of the Grand Canyon Synod. Installed by Senegalese Lutheran Development Services, the tank provides a secure water source for community agricultural activities. Leaders and residents alike express deep gratitude for this gift, which will help sustain livelihoods and offer hope for the future.
Read MoreKylee Bestenlehner will be ordained at Christ the Servant Lutheran Church (2 S Pecos Rd, Henderson, NV 89074) on Saturday, 9/13/2025, at 2pm. Bishop Hutterer will preside. Rev. Dr. Brooke Petersen of the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago will preach.
Clergy and seminarians are invited to vest and process. The color of the day is red. Click here to RSVP. The service will be streamed over Zoom, link will be shared after you RSVP.
Read MoreToday we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:
The Rev. Cheryl Fox, who celebrates 16 years on August 15.
Rev. Mark Powell, who celebrates 45 years on August 17.
Bishop Deborah Hutterer, Office of the Bishop, Phoenix, who celebrates 21 years on August 18.
Rev. Brent Maxwell, who celebrates 18 years on August 19.
Rev. Kurt Fangmeier, Sierra Evangelical, Sierra Vista, who celebrates 24 years on August 19.
Rev. Marilyn Ascarza, who celebrates 35 years on August 19.
Rev. Scott Hackler, Spirit of Grace, Surprise, who celebrates 36 years on August 20.
Michael Purcell, who celebrates 47 years on August 20.
Rev. Barbara Rapp, who celebrates 32 years on August 21.
Rev. Martha Neff Stum, who celebrates 15 years on August 21.
Problem gambling impacts up to 10 million Americans, with online betting and gaming fueling its rise. On Tuesday, August 26, 2025, from 2–3 pm MST/PDT, the Center of Addiction & Faith will host a free webinar, Problem Gambling: Becoming a Part of the Solution, featuring Susan Sheridan Tucker of the Minnesota Alliance on Problem Gambling. Hosted by Rev. Dr. Ed Treat, the session will explore the scope of the issue, its public health intersections, and practical steps for prevention and recovery—equipping faith communities to respond with compassion and action. Register here.
Read MoreElected bishop of the Western Iowa Synod, Scott Dalen brings a vision rooted in connection, presence, and the belief that God works through our “imperfectly good” lives. As he prepares to take office Sept. 1, Dalen shares hopes for collaboration among congregations, a commitment to realistic ministry within constraints, and a reminder that the church’s future depends on all of us working together. Read more in Living Lutheran.
Read MoreIn her August Growing Together reflection, ELCA pastor Kimberly Knowle-Zeller invites us to pause our rush toward what’s next and savor the gift of now. Drawing on Matthew 6:34, she shares practical ways to practice presence—whether it’s catching fireflies, watching sunsets, or going screen-free for a day. In a world eager to fast-forward, she reminds us that right now is the best place to be. Click here to read the full article at Living Lutheran.
Read MoreIn her August Growing Together reflection, ELCA pastor Kimberly Knowle-Zeller invites us to pause our rush toward what’s next and savor the gift of now. Drawing on Matthew 6:34, she shares practical ways to practice presence—whether it’s catching fireflies, watching sunsets, or going screen-free for a day. In a world eager to fast-forward, she reminds us that right now is the best place to be. Click here to read the full article at Living Lutheran.
Read MoreAugsburg Fortress Publishers has announced that Andrew DeYoung will become its next President and CEO on Sept. 1, 2026, following the retirement of Tim Blevins after more than 20 years of service. DeYoung, currently Publisher of Augsburg Fortress’ book division (including Fortress Press, Broadleaf Books, and Beaming Books), is recognized for his leadership, publishing expertise, and commitment to the church’s mission. The Board of Trustees and Presiding Bishop approved the appointment after a nationwide search, with leaders confident in DeYoung’s ability to guide the publishing house into a new era. Click here for the full announcement.
Read MoreExplore a variety of free ELCA Coaching events this August, including gatherings on healing, truth-telling, and faith practice. Upcoming highlights include “Creating Beloved Community” sessions each Wednesday and “Decolonizing Worship” on August 29. Registration is also open for coaching trainings beginning in August and September. Learn more and register at elcacoaching.org/events.
Read MoreJoin the Spirited Book Club this August as we read Refugia Faith by Debra Rienstra, a profound exploration of Christian spirituality in a climate-altered world. We’ll meet online Thursdays, August 14 and 28, from 12:00–1:00 pm AZ time, with discussion led by Sheri Brown. Come discover how faith can help create hidden shelters of healing and hope—for the earth, for the church, and for each other.
Read MoreMajor changes are coming to all ELCA-Primary Health Plan options in 2026. Rostered ministers, lay staff, and congregational leaders are invited to two live Zoom sessions on Wednesday, August 27, and Thursday, August 28, to learn about the updates and how to prepare for Annual Enrollment. Sessions are not recorded, so advance registration is required. Times and registration links are included.
Read MoreHelp the students of our companion synod in Fatick, Senegal, by donating $25 to provide a full set of schoolbooks. The Grand Canyon Synod’s Global Engagement Team invites your support by August 20. Every gift equips a child for success. Contact Cheryl Jones at 480-620-8126 to learn more.
Read MoreThe Synod Youth Advisory Team invites all congregations to complete a brief survey about youth, children, and family ministry in your context. Help us build a synod-wide picture of what’s happening with young people—from Pre-K to post-high school—and share contact information so we can connect, support, and grow together. Take the Survey Now: Grand Canyon Youth Ministry Survey.
Read MoreOur new Youth and Family Ministry page is live! Discover resources for faith formation, summer programs, Safe Church policies, and national initiatives like TENx10. Meet our Synod Youth Advisory Team and explore how we equip young people and families to grow in faith and leadership. Visit gcsynod.org/youth-family to get started.
Read MoreSolomon Kuch will be ordained and installed at Emmanuel Sudanese Lutheran Church (7205 N 51st Ave., Glendale, AZ 85301) on Sunday, August 24, 2025 at 1 pm. Bishop Deborah Hutterer will preach and preside. Rostered ministers are invited to process. The color of the day is red.
The service will be live-streamed on the Emannuel Sudanese Facebook page.
Read MoreJoin the Love Our Neighbors Online Cohort launching this fall from LEAD. Designed for teams of congregational leaders curious about neighborhood ministry, this five-session series will explore holy listening, Scripture, and community-rooted action. Registration closes August 15. Sessions begin September 4. Learn more at leadconnects.org.
Read MoreDiakonia’s new 2025-2026 Foundation Year courses begin on August 25, 2025. This program, a long-standing ELCA ministry, offers flexible learning tracks to deepen your faith. Enroll now at www.diakonia.education and explore both online and hybrid communities in the Grand Canyon Synod.
Read MorePastor Brian Weinberger was seriously injured in a car accident on Tuesday and is currently hospitalized, undergoing multiple surgeries. Please keep Pastor Brian, his wife Bekkah, their children, and the people of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Mesa in your prayers. We invite you to read a prayer and join the synod in lifting them up in love and support.
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