SNAP Cuts Could Overwhelm Arizona’s Food Banks

Arizona, birthplace of the global food bank movement, now faces a crisis as federal cuts to SNAP could strip food assistance from tens of thousands. Leaders at St. Mary’s and United Food Bank warn the expected surge in demand will exceed their capacity—SNAP covers nearly a billion meals annually in Arizona, far beyond what food banks can supply. Without state action to cover hundreds of millions in new costs, fewer resources will serve more people, threatening a slow erosion of the safety net. This moment recalls the 1983 warning: food banks are one link in fighting hunger, but they cannot replace federal programs. Read more on the LAMA site.

From Meditation to Voter Protection: AFN’s Upcoming Opportunities

The latest Arizona Faith Network newsletter is packed with August and September opportunities to connect across faiths, learn together, and serve our community—from Interfaith Awareness Week and “Faith & Science from an Islamic Perspective” to voter protection training, book studies, and heat relief efforts. Read the full newsletter for event details, partner updates, and ways to get involved: arizonafaithnetwork.org/newsletter.

3 Weeks Remaining: Register Now for the Bishop’s Fall Gathering

Less than three weeks remain to register for the Bishop’s Fall Gathering, Sept. 29–Oct. 1 at the Franciscan Renewal Center in Scottsdale. Rostered ministers and SAMs of the Grand Canyon Synod are invited to join Bishop Deborah Hutterer and Wartburg Seminary leaders Rev. Dr. Kristin Johnston Largen and Rev. Dr. S. Helen Chukka for worship, learning, and fellowship centered on the theme Life Together: Lament, Love, and Christian Hope in a Time Such as This. Onsite and commuter options are available; registration closes Friday, Sept. 5.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardAugust 14, 20252025 Bishop's Fall GatheringComment

Update on Pastor Brian Weinberger: Recovery Progress and Support Fund

Pastor Brian Weinberger of Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Mesa, continues to make steady progress in his recovery, uplifting others with his humor and hope. The Bethlehem council has established a Pastor Brian Recovery Fund to support the family during this time. Contributions can be sent to Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 2745 N 32nd Street, Mesa, AZ 85213, with “Pastor Brian Recovery Fund” in the memo line. Unused funds will go toward the church’s sabbatical fund. Please continue to keep Pastor Brian, his family, and the Bethlehem congregation in your prayers.

Grand Canyon Synod, News, PrayersBrian FlatgardAugust 14, 2025Bethlehem Mesa, Rio Salado ConferenceComment

Celebrating Service: How Volunteers, Churches, and Partners are Fueling LSSN’s Mission

In August, Lutheran Social Services of Nevada celebrated the many hands and hearts behind its mission. Volunteers Pete and JoAnn helped achieve a record 18,000-pound food distribution day, while congregations like Christ the Servant, First Good Shepherd, and St. Andrew Lutheran Churches supported Peanut Butter Wars and ongoing community needs. Business partners—including Junk Masterz, GISI, and Power Promotions—expanded our reach, and Team Wellness earned top honors in the Peanut Butter Wars business division. We also honored Pantry Manager Michelle Cookson as Employee of the Month for her tireless leadership. Together, these efforts embody Christ’s call to serve.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardAugust 14, 2025Colorado River Conference, Lutheran Social Services of NevadaComment

Office of the Bishop Updates

This week the Office of the Bishop volunteers at the West Valley Lutheran Thrift Store, followed by a lunch and staff meeting.

News, Bishop Hutterer, Grand Canyon Synod, SpotlightBrian FlatgardAugust 14, 2025Office of the BishopComment

Witnessing Sumud: ELCA Reflections from the Holy Land

On June 5, ELCA leaders and partners shared Reflections from the Holy Land in a Sumud webinar now available on YouTube. Exploring the meaning of sumud—steadfast resilience—they offered stories from Palestinian communities and reflected on our Lutheran call to accompany, advocate, and remain present in places of deep suffering. Watch the recording and join in prayer, learning, and action.

ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardAugust 13, 2025Sumud, Israel and Palestine, Church and SocietyComment

Campformation: 60+ Years of Faith, Friendship, and Fun in the Great Outdoors

For over 60 years, Campformation has nurtured faith, friendships, and leadership among youth in grades 6–12. This summer, campers Hunter, Annie, and Stella shared how worship, community, and adventure shaped their faith journeys. Past campers often return as leaders, continuing the cycle of ministry. Read their stories and learn how to share your own memories of Campformation.

Not Just Camp: Leadership Lab Transforms Lives and Builds Christ-Centered Leadership

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.

Your Support Brings Water Security to Senegal

A 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.

Ordination of Kylee Bestenlehner at Christ the Servant Lutheran Church in Henderson

Kylee 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.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardAugust 13, 2025Ordinations and InstallationsComment

Ordination celebrations: August 15-21, 2025

Today 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.

Grand Canyon Synod, News, SpotlightBrian FlatgardAugust 13, 2025Ordination AnniversariesComment

Problem Gambling and the Church’s Call to Care – August 26 Webinar

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.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardAugust 13, 2025The Center of Addiction & FaithComment

Meet Bishop-Elect Scott Dalen: Leading with Care and Collaboration

Elected 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.

ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardAugust 13, 2025Living LutheranComment

Opening the Doors Wider: Welcoming Neurodivergent People into Our Congregations

In 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.

ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardAugust 12, 2025Living LutheranComment

Be Where Your Feet Are: Embracing the Gift of Today

In 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.

ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardAugust 12, 2025Living LutheranComment

Augsburg Fortress Names New President and CEO

Augsburg 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.

ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardAugust 12, 2025Augsburg Fortress, ELCA WorshipComment

Free August Events from ELCA Coaching: Support, Skills, and Sacred Connection

Explore 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.

ELCA, News, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardAugust 12, 2025Coaching, ELCA CoachingComment

Refugia and Renewal: A Book Club Journey into Climate, Faith, and Hope

Join 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.

Register Now: Upcoming Zoom Sessions for 2026 ELCA-Primary Health Plan Updates

Major 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.

Grand Canyon Synod, News, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardAugust 12, 2025PorticoComment