Southern Arizona Clergy Unite Against Christian Nationalism

Four Lutheran clergy in Tucson have sparked an ecumenical movement, responding to harmful policies and the rise of Christian nationalism. Their statement, For God So Loved the World: A Christian Witness Against Harm, has now been signed by over 100 clergy and shared widely across congregations. The group is also hosting “Pray Without Ceasing” services every other Monday, modeled after Leipzig’s 1989 Prayers for Peace. Their witness reminds us of the church’s prophetic call to resist harm and lift up justice. Click here to read the full story and statement.

September is Hunger Action Month: Join the Fight Against Hunger

September is Hunger Action Month, a time to rally together to fight food insecurity. One in eight Arizonans struggles with hunger—even though our state produces 12% of the nation’s fruits and vegetables. In 2024, food bank visits rose to 650,000 each month. This September, you can act by supporting food banks, joining peer fundraisers, downloading the “Hungry Friend” app, or simply wearing orange on September 5 to raise awareness. Every action matters in working toward a hunger-free Arizona. Click here to learn more and find the full Hunger Action Month calendar.

Strengthen Spirit & Democracy: AFN’s August–September Events

Stay connected with the Arizona Faith Network! This week’s AFN newsletter highlights upcoming interfaith events, including a Tears of Things book study, election poll monitor training, Monday meditation, the Habits of a Peacemaker series, and the National Voter Registration Day Fair. You’ll also find ways to support heat relief efforts, join the call to protect Arizona’s sacred lands, and connect with partner events in Tucson and Chandler. Read the full newsletter and subscribe at arizonafaithnetwork.org/newsletter.

Finding Joy in the Long Days: Desert Cross Lutheran's Holiday Breakfast Playdates

At Desert Cross Lutheran Church, holiday mornings have become ministry moments. What began as simple breakfast playdates in the park for young families has grown into an intergenerational tradition of fellowship, outreach, and joy. These gatherings remind us that church happens not only in sanctuaries but wherever God’s people meet in community.

Seeds of Faith: How ELCA Schools Are Shaping Tomorrow's Church

The Grand Canyon Synod has joined the Evangelical Lutheran Education Association (ELEA), strengthening Christian education across Arizona. With 20 schools and learning centers serving 1,800 students, Lutheran preschools like Children of Hope and New Covenant are planting seeds of faith and building bridges between church and community. Learn more about ELEA schools at elcaschools.org.

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 »

Living Our Baptismal Call in Public Life

The ELCA’s 1991 social statement The Church in Society: A Lutheran Perspective continues to guide how we live our baptismal promises in today’s complex world. Grounded in the gospel and Lutheran theology, the statement calls us to serve neighbors, advocate for justice, and respond with courage and compassion to society’s needs. Read Craig L. Nessan’s reflection in Living Lutheran—click here.

ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardAugust 26, 2025Living Lutheran, Church and SocietyComment

Show Up More, Say Less: Forming Faith in Children

Faith formation, like learning baseball, often requires giving children room to practice on their own. In her reflection, Erin Strybis encourages parents to “show up more, say less” and create opportunities for kids to encounter God’s presence in everyday life—whether through prayer under the stars, music on a road trip, or volunteering as a family. Explore practical, Spirit-led ways to nurture faith at home—click here.

ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardAugust 26, 2025Living LutheranComment

Bishop-Elect Kristen Papson: Building Trust for the Church’s Future

Kristen Papson, recently elected bishop of the Northwestern Pennsylvania Synod, emphasizes the importance of trust, pastoral care, and creating safe spaces for conversation in guiding the church forward. Beginning her new call September 1 and with installation set for October 19, Papson reflects on leadership shaped by listening, humility, and collaboration. Read more from Living Lutheran about her vision for the synod’s future—click here.

ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardAugust 26, 2025Living LutheranComment

In Memoriam: Remembering Jim Krueger

We mourn the death of James (Jim) William Krueger Jr., husband of Laura Krueger, president of the Grand Canyon Women of the ELCA. Jim, a lifelong Lutheran and dedicated volunteer, passed away on August 19, 2025, at age 73. His funeral service will be held September 13 in Huntersville, NC, with livestreaming available. Please keep Laura and her family in your prayers. Read his full obituary.

Grand Canyon Synod, In Memoriam, News, PrayersBrian FlatgardAugust 26, 2025Alleluia Phoenix, Cactus Conference, Lutheran Thrift ShopComment

Free ELCA Coaching Events in September: Training for Leaders Like You

ELCA Coaching invites you to take part in a series of free opportunities this September, including Creating Beloved Community gatherings, decolonization workshops, and supportive spaces for leaders. All events are subsidized by the ELCA and offered at no cost to participants. In addition, applications are open for the final Segment 1 Basic Skills Coach Training of 2025 (beginning September 25), with an Everyday Life Coaching training starting October 14. Learn more and register at elcacoaching.org/events.

ELCA, Leader Resources, NewsBrian FlatgardAugust 26, 2025Coaching, ELCA CoachingComment

Ordination celebrations: August 29 – September 4, 2025

Today we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:

Rev. Paul Ninnemann, who celebrates 49 years on August 29.
Rev. Carol George, Resurrection, Oro Valley, who celebrates 26 years on August 29.
Deacon Barbara Sikkink, who celebrates 33 years on August 30.
Rev. Renee Geiger, who celebrates 37 years on September 1.
Rev. John Schaumburg, who celebrates 53 years on September 2.
Rev. Kirk Anderson, who celebrates 53 years on September 3.
Deacon Cathy Mannel, who celebrates 26 years on September 4.
Rev. Gregory Mannel, who celebrates 47 years on September 4.

Grand Canyon Synod, News, SpotlightBrian FlatgardAugust 26, 2025Ordination AnniversariesComment

Blessed Tomorrow’s September Newsletter Highlights Climate Hope

Blessed Tomorrow’s September 2025 newsletter highlights upcoming opportunities for faith-rooted climate action, including a September 27 ecumenical training, new resources on extreme heat, Season of Creation worship ideas, and national mobilizations. Explore partner updates, simple living reflections, and Rev. Carol Devine’s invitation to live faithfully in uncertain times. Read the full newsletter.

Final Week to Register: Bishop’s Fall Gathering at the Franciscan Renewal Center

This is the final week to register for the Bishop’s Fall Gathering, September 29–October 1, 2025, at the Franciscan Renewal Center in Scottsdale. The theme is Life Together: Lament, Love and Christian Hope in a Time Such as This. Featured speakers include Rev. Dr. Kristin Johnston Largen and Rev. Dr. S. Helen Chukka of Wartburg Theological Seminary. Registration closes Friday, September 5. Scholarships are available.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardAugust 25, 20252025 Bishop's Fall GatheringComment

Remembering Hiroshima and Nagasaki: 80 Years of Witness and Peace

On August 6, faith leaders, survivors, and advocates gathered at San Francisco’s Japanese Tea Garden to mark the 80th anniversary of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki atomic bombings. The Blessing Service for Peace, co-hosted with interfaith partners and the Consulate General of Japan, included music, reflections from Hibakusha (survivors), and a call to live peace daily as “a behavior.” Attendees honored the resilience of survivors, the legacy of Japanese internment, and the hope embodied by ginkgo saplings descended from trees that withstood the bombings. To read Pastor Courtney Geibert’s full reflection on this service and its call to action for peace, click here.

Region 2, NewsBrian FlatgardAugust 25, 2025Sierra Pacific SynodComment

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!

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardAugust 25, 2025Office of the BishopComment

Not Just a Conference: TENx10 Summit is A Convergence for Youth Discipleship

Join over 500 leaders from across denominations at the TENx10 Summit in Atlanta, October 8–10, 2025. This unique gathering invites passionate changemakers to reimagine how the Church forms faith in young people. Earlybird registration ends August 26. Learn more at tenx10summit.org.

Beth Lederman and Alice Tatum in Concert to Benefit Food Pantry at Mount of Olives in Phoenix

Enjoy Jazz Vespers on Sept. 14 at 5:30 PM at Mount of Olives Lutheran Church in Phoenix, featuring Beth Lederman and Alice Tatum. A freewill offering will benefit the Olive Branch Community of Hope Food Pantry, feeding more than 150 families weekly.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardAugust 25, 2025Mount of Olives Phoenix, Capital ConferenceComment

2025 ELCA Hunger Education Grants Now Open: Apply by Sept. 15

The 2025 cycle for ELCA World Hunger Education and Networking Grants is now open, with applications accepted from August 4 through September 15. These grants—typically between $500 and $1,000—support educational and networking projects that help ELCA congregations, synods, and partners deepen understanding and engagement around the root causes of hunger and poverty. Projects can include workshops, climate justice education, youth service learning, or synod-wide awareness events.

Eligible applicants must be 501(c)3 organizations or work with a fiscal agent like a synod office. To apply, pre-register at ELCA GrantMaker (approval may take up to 10 business days). Click here for full grant details and application links.

ELCA, Grand Canyon Synod, News, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardAugust 25, 2025Grants, Hunger, ELCA World Hunger Domestic Hunger GrantsComment

Register Now: ELEA Leadership Gathering Unites Lutheran Educators Nationwide

Lutheran school leaders are invited to the ELEA Leadership Conference 2025, “Inspiring Leaders, Strengthening Faith,” held November 5–7 in Cleveland, Ohio. This national gathering offers three days of professional development, spiritual renewal, and community for educators shaping the future of Lutheran schools. Register now and join the movement to nurture the next generation of faithful leaders.

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