Celebrating 100 Years of Martin Luther Home: A Legacy of Faith and Service

In 1925, a group of faithful Lutherans in Nebraska opened Martin Luther Home to provide education, training, and community for children with disabilities—a bold vision for its time. Over the years, the home expanded to serve adults, grow ministries across ten states, and eventually unite with Bethphage to form Mosaic. This year marks its 100th Anniversary, with a celebration and museum opening on October 5 in Beatrice, Nebraska.

Mosaic continues to live out its founding call to love and serve others. To learn more about this history and the upcoming celebration, click here.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardAugust 22, 2025Mosaic, Disability MinistriesComment

August Mission Support Memo: Churchwide Assembly Shows What Mission Support Looks Like

Our August 2025 Mission Support Memo provides a picture into the 2025 Churchwide Assembly where almost a thousand ELCA Lutherans made their way to toasty Phoenix, Ariz., to gather July 28 to Aug. 2. Hear about what a joyous, thoughtful and busy week it was for the voting members who considered resolutions, memorials and social statements and also elected a new presiding bishop and secretary to lead our church for the next six years.

Assembly also included a NEW ELCA Mission Support video available for all to learn what mission support does and to share with others. Each memo ends with words of gratitude and this month we express how extremely grateful we are for all the people who made Churchwide Assembly run successfully. You can even get the memo in pdf too!

News, ELCABrian FlatgardAugust 22, 20252025 Churchwide Assembly, Mission Support, ELCA Mission Support Team, StewardshipComment

Lutheran World Federation newsletter

News, Global Church, SpotlightBrian FlatgardAugust 22, 2025Lutheran World FederationComment

Faith Leaders to Civic Leaders: Reject Fear-Based Governance

Ten D.C.-area faith leaders, including ELCA Bishop Leila Ortiz, have issued a statement rejecting fear-based approaches to public safety. The letter calls on civic leaders to embrace dignity, collaboration, and compassion instead of militarization and scapegoating. True safety, the leaders stress, is achieved through justice, community care, and investment in people. Click here to read the full letter.

ELCA Network Rejects Stigma in Federal Policy on Homelessness

The ELCA Homeless and Justice Network strongly opposes a recent executive order conflating homelessness with crime and disorder. Rooted in stigma and lacking evidence, the order misrepresents the realities of unhoused people. Guided by Isaiah’s call to “loose the bonds of injustice,” the ELCA instead urges policies rooted in compassion, dignity, and affordable housing. Click here to read the full statement and explore ways to take action.

Grand Canyon Synod Grants Open Sept. 8 — Apply by Oct. 31

The Grand Canyon Synod grant cycle opens Sept. 8 and closes Oct. 31, 2025 (midnight) for projects that advance our GCS Strategic Plan. Up to $15,000 per award (about $175,000 total available). Priority for innovative, collaborative proposals. Applicants should attend the September webinar (registration posted soon) and must submit the application (Word/PDF, proper file name), a Statement of Financial Position, and (for congregations) last year’s/current Mission Support. Decisions by Jan. 24, 2026; funding begins Feb. 2026. Apply: gcsynod.org/grants. Contact office@gcsynod.org / 602-957-3223.

Grand Canyon Synod, Leader Resources, NewsBrian FlatgardAugust 21, 2025Grants, GCS Grants ProgramComment

Young Adults Are Gathering Across the ELCA: Creating communities of faith, fellowship, and radical welcome

Young adult ministry is surging across the ELCA. After attending the Justice & Joy conference in St. Louis (July 24–27, 2025), Bryan Gamelin—co-leader of Gather Valley of the Sun—returned with new partnerships, practical tools, and a renewed commitment to radical welcome and young-adult leadership. Fall programming for Gather in our synod is underway.

Congregations: want to connect or host a gathering? Contact Bryan Gamelin (bryangamelin@yahoo.com) to explore next steps.

From Book Studies to Voter Protection: Join AFN This Season

The latest Arizona Faith Network newsletter is full of opportunities for engagement: interfaith book studies, voter protection training, guided meditation, peacemaking workshops, and a voter registration fair. AFN also invites support for heat relief centers and calls on faith communities to protect Arizona’s sacred lands. Read the full newsletter and subscribe at arizonafaithnetwork.org/newsletter.

Mission Support Grants Transform Lives Across Our Synod

In 2025, the Grand Canyon Synod awarded $108,900 in grants to 19 ministries, funded through your mission support. From Talking Circles in Phoenix to a revived Summer Day Camp in Sedona and regional MLK worship services in Las Vegas and Tempe, your gifts are transforming lives across our synod. Looking ahead, $175,000 in grant funding is available for 2026. Read more in the post or view as a letter in PDF.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardAugust 21, 2025Mission Support Impact, StewardshipComment

Office of the Bishop Updates

The Office of the Bishop attends the Installation and Ordination of Solomon Kuch at Emmanuel Sudanese Lutheran, Aug 24, 2025, 1:00 PM. We also share photos from our time volunteering at West Valley Lutheran Thrift Store in Sun City, followed by a delicious lunch and staff meeting at Shepherd of the Desert in Sun City.

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

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, 8/26/2025, 6-7pm MST.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardAugust 18, 2025hunger, Grand Canyon Synod Hunger Leaders NetworkComment

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

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