The Organ Lives: A Renaissance in Church Music

Despite perceptions that organ music is fading, organists and educators report a strong resurgence of interest in the instrument. Young musicians are pursuing advanced studies, congregations continue to request organists, and new generations are captivated by the instrument’s depth, variety, and spiritual power. Leaders emphasize that investing in church music programs—and recognizing music as vocation and calling—keeps congregations vibrant. The ancient organ continues to inspire worshippers and musicians alike. Click here to read more.

ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardAugust 20, 2025Living LutheranComment

Seedbeds of Faith: How the ELCA is Preparing Leaders for Today’s Needs

The ELCA is reshaping how future leaders are prepared for ministry, blending traditional seminary education with localized training, mentoring, and online learning. With nearly 60% of congregations averaging fewer than 50 in worship attendance, new models such as Theological Education for Emerging Ministries (TEEM) and Synod-Authorized Ministers (SAMs) are vital to serving smaller and diverse communities. Programs like Fund for Leaders are also expanding to support these emerging leaders. Together, these changes reflect a reclaiming of the Lutheran vision of the whole people of God in ministry. Click here to read more.

ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardAugust 20, 2025Living LutheranComment

Prayers and Support for Pastor Brian Weinberger’s Recovery

Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Mesa shares that Pastor Brian Weinberger has made strides in recovery from hip and knee surgeries, though a recent setback has affected his healing. His wife, Bekkah, expresses deep gratitude for the prayers and support from across the synod. A Pastor Brian Recovery Fund has been established to support the family; contributions may be sent to Bethlehem Lutheran Church. Please continue to keep Pastor Brian, Bekkah, their children, and the congregation in prayer.

Grand Canyon Synod, News, PrayersBrian FlatgardAugust 19, 2025Bethlehem Mesa, Rio Salado ConferenceComment

From the Grand Canyon Synod to Wittenberg, Germany: A young adult’s travels into the global church

NAU student and campus ministry leader Sarah Lee represented the Grand Canyon Synod at the International Seminar for Laypersons in Church Leadership in Wittenberg, Germany, and Geneva, Switzerland. From walking in Luther’s footsteps to advocating for LGBTQIA+ inclusion and meeting global Lutheran leaders, Sarah’s journey was a transformative experience in faith and leadership. She returns with renewed vision for campus ministry and gratitude for the synod’s investment in young adult leaders.

When Disasters Become the Norm: Facing the “Danger Season” with Faith

Every summer, more and more communities across the U.S. face wildfires, storms, floods, and dangerous heat. Scientists now call May through October the “danger season”—a time when once-rare disasters have become routine. In his recent reflection, Rev. Derrick Weston warns that our hearts risk hardening to this new normal, much like Pharaoh in the Exodus story, leaving the most vulnerable to suffer. Instead, Christians are called to renewal of mind and heart, resisting complacency and standing with those on the frontlines of climate disruption. Read Rev. Weston’s full article on Blessed Tomorrow—click here.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardAugust 19, 2025Blessed Tomorrow, Climate ChangeComment

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

Less than two 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 19, 20252025 Bishop's Fall GatheringComment

Ordination celebrations: August 22-28, 2025

Today we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:

Rev. Loren Swanson, who celebrates 54 years on August 22.
Rev. Gary Garvey, who celebrates 43 years on August 22.
Rev. Carlyle Smith, who celebrates 61 years on August 23.
Rev. Naomi Barcanic, who celebrates 28 years on August 24.
Rev. Julie Gerrish, Christ, Sedona, who celebrates 1 years on August 24.
Rev. Nathan Bowman, Hospice of the West, who celebrates 40 years on August 25.
Rev. Sandra Jones, Bethany, Scottsdale, who celebrates 18 years on August 25.
Rev. John Maroni, Shepherd of the Desert, Sun City, who celebrates 20 years on August 27.
Rev. Michael Sager, Desert Hills, Green Valley, who celebrates 31 years on August 28.
Rev. Hildegardo González Gómez, who celebrates 26 years on August 28.

Grand Canyon Synod, News, SpotlightBrian FlatgardAugust 19, 2025Ordination AnniversariesComment

POSITION FILLED: Administrative Assistant Position Open at All Saints, Phoenix

All Saints Lutheran Church in Phoenix is hiring a part-time Administrative Assistant (21–24 hrs/week) to support its ministry by welcoming visitors, coordinating volunteers, and managing office tasks. Applications and job descriptions are available online or through the church office. Visit allsaintsphoenix.org/job-openings or contact Courtney Krueger at 602-866-9191.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardAugust 18, 2025All Saints Phoenix, Capital Conference, Help WantedComment

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 18, 2025The Center of Addiction & FaithComment

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 18, 2025PorticoComment

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.

Enhance Your Spiritual Journey: Diakonia’s New Courses Start 8/25/25

Diakonia’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.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardAugust 18, 2025Diakonia, Lay LeadershipoComment

Installation and Ordination of Solomon Kuch at Emmanuel Sudanese Lutheran Church in Glendale

Solomon 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.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardAugust 18, 2025Ordinations and InstallationsComment

Capture the Spirit: National Photo Contest Celebrates Sacred Spaces

Photographers are invited to enter the national “Third Place: Sacred Places Serving Their Neighborhoods” photo contest, highlighting historic houses of worship as vibrant community hubs. Open to amateurs and professionals, the contest runs August 15–October 15 with categories in The Arts, Education and Service, Open Space, and Community Events. Prizes up to $500 are available. Enter here.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardAugust 15, 2025Partners for Sacred SpacesComment

Lutheran World Federation newsletter

News, Global Church, SpotlightBrian FlatgardAugust 15, 2025Lutheran World FederationComment

Classic Notes: Piano & Voice Recital to Benefit Navajo Mission – Aug. 24 at Mount of Olives in Phoenix

Enjoy Classic Notes on Aug. 24 at 3:00 PM at Mount of Olives Lutheran Church in Phoenix, featuring ASU graduate students in piano and voice. A light dessert reception follows, with a freewill offering supporting the Navajo Evangelical Lutheran Mission. Jazz Vespers with Beth Lederman and Alice Tatum follows Sept. 14.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardAugust 15, 2025Mount of Olives Phoenix, Capital ConferenceComment

Mosaic: Donor Advised Funds are an Easy Way to Give

A donor advised fund allows you to receive a charitable tax deduction now and later choose which charities to direct the funds. The post Donor Advised Funds are an Easy Way to Give appeared first on Mosaic.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardAugust 15, 2025Mosaic, Disability MinistriesComment

August Good Green News: Events, Action, and Inspiration for Creation Care

From upcoming conversations on Micah 6:8 to a January 2026 retreat at Lutheridge, the latest Good Green News is full of ways to connect faith and environmental action. Highlights include the Christian Climate Training on September 27, Greenfaith’s Sun Day advocacy for renewable energy, and resources for the Season of Creation beginning September 1. Find event details, registration links, and opportunities to shape the future of Lutherans Restoring Creation in the full newsletter: Read more here.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardAugust 15, 2025Lutherans Restoring Creation, Climate ChangeComment

Bishop Eaton Urges U.S. Leaders to Act Swiftly for Peace in Gaza

ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton has sent a letter to President Donald Trump and members of Congress expressing support for Jewish-American and Israeli communities affected by the Oct. 7 attacks, while voicing profound horror over the ongoing catastrophe in Gaza. Citing famine, mass displacement, and civilian deaths, Eaton urges U.S. leaders to leverage their influence to halt the war, ensure unrestricted humanitarian aid, and pursue a just peace for all in the Holy Land. To read Bishop Eaton’s full letter, click here.

“For the love of God, the sake of our shared humanity and the future of our Palestinian siblings of all faiths, your swift action may be the best and perhaps only way to stop the war and plant seeds of peace in the Holy Land.” — Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardAugust 15, 2025Bishop Eaton Letters, Israel and Palestine, Church and SocietyComment

Speak Up for WIC: Urge Congress to Fully Fund Nutrition Support

The U.S. Senate has passed bipartisan legislation providing $8.2 billion for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)—a $500 million increase to meet rising need and protect the cash value benefit for fresh produce. Now the U.S. House must act. Use the FRAC Action Network to contact your representatives and urge them to support this funding so every eligible family can participate. WIC offers healthy foods, nutrition education, and support from pregnancy through a child’s fifth birthday, reflecting Isaiah’s call to “feed the hungry, and help those in trouble.” Read more on the LAMA site.

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