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

Beyond the Tithe: How Churches Can Help People Navigate Faith and Money Faithfully

In this episode of the Pivot podcast, Grace Pomroy shares insights about how congregations can move beyond traditional stewardship campaigns to engage people's entire financial lives.

Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardAugust 15, 2025Pivot Podcast, faith+lead, Luther SeminaryComment

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.

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

For What Shall We Pray?

For an end to war and conflict, especially in Gaza, Thailand, Cambodia, Colombia, South Sudan, Myanmar, Ukraine, and Ethiopia…
For victims of gun violence, especially in Atlanta, GA and Austin, TX…
For those without secure housing and those criminalized for being homeless…
For flash flooding in Wisconsin, evacuations in Alaska, and all facing storms and flooding…
For nurses and healthcare workers, especially those serving on the frontlines of war and conflict…
For safety for journalists who bring stories and awareness to the tragedy of war…
For all marriages, relationships, and family groupings that reflect mutual love and trust…

ELCA, Prayers, SpotlightBrian FlatgardAugust 13, 2025ELCA Worship, For What Shall We PrayComment

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

Grow in Faith and Leadership This Fall with Thriving Leadership Formation

New fall programming from Thriving Leadership Formation invites you into deeper connection and growth—with free and low-cost online offerings for church leaders, ministry teams, and spiritual seekers. From weekly Lectio Divina and monthly spiritual practice gatherings to a new Enneagram panel series and team-building workshops, there’s something for everyone this season. Read the full newsletter →

Region 2, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardAugust 13, 2025Thriving Leadership Formation ProgramComment

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

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