Help Students Start Strong: Support the LSS Back-to-School Drive by July 21
Help Students Start Strong: Support the LSS Back-to-School Drive by July 21

The annual Back-to-School Drive from Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest is underway! Help students across Arizona and southern Nevada—especially refugee youth, foster youth, children with disabilities, and families in need—start the school year with the supplies they need. Donate items, host a drive, or make a financial gift by July 21. Supplies can be dropped off in Phoenix or Tucson, or ordered via the Amazon Wishlist.

Click here to learn more and view the full list of urgently needed supplies: lss-sw.org/backtoschool

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardLutheran Social Services of the SouthwestComment
From Soil to Spirit: Exploring Jeff Chu’s Memoir in Spirited Book Club
From Soil to Spirit: Exploring Jeff Chu’s Memoir in Spirited Book Club

Join the Spirited Book Club this July to explore Good Soil: The Education of an Accidental Farmhand by Jeff Chu, a memoir that weaves together faith, identity, food, and the lessons of the land. In two thoughtful sessions—July 10 and 24 from 12:00–1:00 pm (AZ/PDT)—participants will reflect on Chu’s journey from Manhattan magazine editor to seminary farmhand, where spiritual formation meets ecological practice.

Facilitated by Sheri Brown, this virtual gathering invites readers into a moving story of transformation, rooted in theology, community, and grace. Good Soil is a compelling read for anyone yearning for meaning, connection, and hope in today’s world. Click here to learn more and join the discussion.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardSpirit in the Desert Retreat Center, Spirited Book ClubComment
Join the Growing Network of Creation Care Ministries 
Join the Growing Network of Creation Care Ministries 

The Grand Canyon Synod is already represented on the national Lutherans Restoring Creation map—and your ministry can be too. Whether through gardens, green teams, outdoor worship, or advocacy, congregations across our synod are invited to share their creation care efforts and connect with others doing this vital work across the ELCA. The Stewardship team invites you to add your ministry at www.LutheransRestoringCreation.org and help highlight how we care for creation in Arizona, Nevada, and Utah.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardClimate Change, Stewardship, Lutherans Restoring Creation, GCS Stewardship TeamComment
Northeast Valley Consortium (NEVC) Kicks Off Second Annual Heat Respite Project
Northeast Valley Consortium (NEVC) Kicks Off Second Annual Heat Respite Project

Ascension Lutheran, Scottsdale (top photos) and New Journey, Fountain Hills (lower photos) launched the second year of NEVC provision of lunches, water pallets, and electrolyte powder to Arizona Faith Network (AFN) cooling centers. Christ the Lord in Carefree, plus Living Water and New Covenant Lutheran Churches in Scottsdale join in the summer calendar of lunch packs.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardNortheast Valley Conference, Northeast Valley Consoritum, Heat ReliefComment
For What Shall We Pray?
For What Shall We Pray?

  • For an end to war, violence, and genocide across the world, especially in Ukraine, Gaza, Iran, Israel, Haiti, Sudan, Myanmar, Yemen, India, and Pakistan…

  • For those affected by Tropical Storm Chantal in South Carolina, North Carolina, and Virginia, and the threat of flooding…

  • For those grieving loss of life in the aftermath of severe flooding in Texas, and for the work of first responders and relief agencies…

  • For all victims of gun violence, including those affected by recent shootings in Albany (NY), Philadelphia, and Chicago over the holiday weekend…

  • For those who are uninsured and who do not have access to healthcare, and those who are at risk of losing health insurance…

  • For our neighbors and community members who depend on food assistance programs and other social services whose future funding is uncertain…

  • For the safety of families and individuals who travel this summer…

  • For all who are in the final stages of planning for the ELCA Churchwide Assembly beginning later this month…

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ELCA, Prayers, SpotlightBrian FlatgardELCA Worship, For What Shall We PrayComment
August Is Advocacy Season: Meet Your Lawmakers and Make an Impact
August Is Advocacy Season: Meet Your Lawmakers and Make an Impact

August is a key moment for advocacy, as members of Congress return to their districts during recess. Whether in-person or virtual, it’s a prime time to lift your voice as a person of faith. Learn how to schedule a meeting or attend a town hall, and get tips from an ELCA Advocacy intern on how to prepare, show up, and follow up. This is how we bring our Lutheran values into public life. Click here to read the full article with practical steps, theological grounding, and helpful tools.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardLutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA), AdvocacyComment
Rev. Christine Stoxen: Hunger Is Closer Than You Think
Rev. Christine Stoxen: Hunger Is Closer Than You Think

Rev. Christine Stoxen of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Chandler urges us to act on behalf of hungry neighbors across Arizona in the context of the One Big, Beautiful Bill Act. With food insecurity rising—especially among children, seniors, and rural residents—Stoxen calls on Christians to advocate for SNAP benefits and support local food pantries. Faith without action is dead, she reminds us. Click here to read her full op-ed published in The Chandler Arizonan.

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Grand Canyon Synod, LettersBrian FlatgardHunger, Fiesta Conference, Holy Trinity Chandler, In the NewsComment
Help Students Start Strong: Support the LSS Back-to-School Drive by July 21
Help Students Start Strong: Support the LSS Back-to-School Drive by July 21

The annual Back-to-School Drive from Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest is underway! Help students across Arizona and southern Nevada—especially refugee youth, foster youth, children with disabilities, and families in need—start the school year with the supplies they need. Donate items, host a drive, or make a financial gift by July 21. Supplies can be dropped off in Phoenix or Tucson, or ordered via the Amazon Wishlist.

Click here to learn more and view the full list of urgently needed supplies: lss-sw.org/backtoschool

Read More
Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardLutheran Social Services of the SouthwestComment
Shine a Light for Justice: Evening Vigil During Churchwide Assembly
Shine a Light for Justice: Evening Vigil During Churchwide Assembly

Join us for a candlelight prayer vigil on Wednesday, July 30 at 9:00 pm at Peace Park in Phoenix, following the ELCA Churchwide Assembly. This 30-minute gathering will include music, prayer, and reflections from ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton and other leaders, with a focus on preserving the human dignity of migrants, asylees, and refugees. Open to the public—all are welcome.

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ELCA, Grand Canyon Synod, PrayersBrian Flatgard2025 Churchwide Assembly, Immigration and Refugees, Camp ALOMAComment
Final Push for Churchwide Assembly Volunteers—See Where We Still Need You
Final Push for Churchwide Assembly Volunteers—See Where We Still Need You

The Grand Canyon Synod is making a final push to fill open volunteer roles for the 2025 ELCA Churchwide Assembly in Phoenix, July 28–August 2. We need nearly 100 volunteers to assist with tech, hospitality, support, and more. Learn how you can help welcome the wider church and be part of this historic event. Sign up today and join the team that makes it all happen.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian Flatgard2025 Churchwide Assembly, Help WantedComment
Empowering Women with Love and Hygiene: LSSN’s Bold New Program
Empowering Women with Love and Hygiene: LSSN’s Bold New Program

Lutheran Social Services of Nevada has launched She Cares, a new initiative providing purses filled with essential hygiene items to women in need, along with ongoing monthly refills through a dignity-centered care model. Supported by local congregations and generous business partners, She Cares offers more than supplies — it offers restored confidence, peer support, and compassion. Learn how congregations like Holy Spirit, New Song, and Good Samaritan are involved, and join us in celebrating this meaningful ministry in our synod.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardLutheran Social Services of Nevada, High Country ConferenceComment
Meditation, Book Studies, and Bag Packing: AFN’s July Lineup
Meditation, Book Studies, and Bag Packing: AFN’s July Lineup

From heat relief efforts to interfaith meditation, Arizona Faith Network is calling on communities to serve and grow together this July. Pack Bags of Hope, join clergy gatherings, learn about the Bahá’í faith, or participate in a prophetic book study. Learn more and find ways to get involved at arizonafaithnetwork.org/newsletter.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardArizona Faith Network, Climate Change, Ecumenical and Inter-Religious RelationsComment