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

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Global Church, Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardSynod Youth Advisory Team (SYAT), Youth and Young AdultComment
Finding God’s Presence in Life’s Transitions
Finding God’s Presence in Life’s Transitions

Transitions—whether the Sunday night shift into a busy week, or the August shift into a new school and church program year—can stir up anxiety and resistance. In her latest Bold Café article, Dr. Crystal L. Hall reminds us that God’s presence meets us in these threshold moments. By practicing simple, grounding rituals—like sharing gratitude, singing together, or pausing for prayer—we return to our bodies, our relationships, and to God’s steady embrace. Read the full reflection and discussion questions at Bold Café: click here.

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Grand Canyon Synod, LettersBrian FlatgardCafé, Women of the ELCA (WELCA)Comment
Finding God in Small Rituals of Beginning and Ending
Finding God in Small Rituals of Beginning and Ending

Life is full of transitions—new school years, work weeks, and daily thresholds that can bring both anxiety and possibility. In her Faith Reflections piece, Dr. Crystal L. Hall explores how Jesus’ sending of the Twelve in Luke 9 models vulnerability, hospitality, and rituals that help us embrace change with God’s presence. She reminds us that even simple acts, like blessing a backpack or sharing highs and lows, can mark sacred transitions and ground us in faith. Read Dr. Hall’s full reflection on Bold Cafe: click here.

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Grand Canyon Synod, LettersBrian FlatgardCafé, Women of the ELCA (WELCA)Comment
When Disasters Become the Norm: Facing the “Danger Season” with Faith
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.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardBlessed Tomorrow, Climate ChangeComment
2 Weeks Remaining: Register Now for the Bishop’s Fall Gathering
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.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian Flatgard2025 Bishop's Fall GatheringComment
Ordination celebrations: August 22-28, 2025
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.

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Grand Canyon Synod, News, SpotlightBrian FlatgardOrdination AnniversariesComment
POSITION FILLED: Administrative Assistant Position Open at All Saints, Phoenix
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.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardAll Saints Phoenix, Capital Conference, Help WantedComment
Problem Gambling and the Church’s Call to Care – August 26 Webinar
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.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardThe Center of Addiction & FaithComment
Register Now: Upcoming Zoom Sessions for 2026 ELCA-Primary Health Plan Updates
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.

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Grand Canyon Synod, News, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardPorticoComment
Refugia and Renewal: A Book Club Journey into Climate, Faith, and Hope
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.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardClimate Change, Spirited Book Club, Spirit in the Desert Retreat CenterComment
Installation and Ordination of Solomon Kuch at Emmanuel Sudanese Lutheran Church in Glendale
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.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardOrdinations and InstallationsComment
Capture the Spirit: National Photo Contest Celebrates Sacred Spaces
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.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardPartners for Sacred SpacesComment
New FREE Arrangement from Lutheran Summer Music by Anne Krentz Organ
New FREE Arrangement from Lutheran Summer Music by Anne Krentz Organ

Download a new free arrangement from Lutheran Summer Music 2025 by Anne Krentz Organ: Beach Spring for solo instrument with keyboard accompaniment. Based on the well-known shape-note hymn tune, this versatile work is this year’s installment in the LSM Hymn Tune Project and can be performed either in full or as individual movements. Listen and download for free at LSMacademy.org/lsmpress.

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Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardLutheran Summer MusicComment
Classic Notes: Piano & Voice Recital to Benefit Navajo Mission – Aug. 24 at Mount of Olives in Phoenix
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.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardMount of Olives Phoenix, Capital ConferenceComment
August Good Green News: Events, Action, and Inspiration for Creation Care
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.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardLutherans Restoring Creation, Climate ChangeComment
Bishop Eaton Urges U.S. Leaders to Act Swiftly for Peace in Gaza
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

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardBishop Eaton Letters, Israel and Palestine, Church and SocietyComment