Ordination celebrations: September 12-18, 2025

Today we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:

Rev. Jill Doherty, New Promise, St. George, who celebrates 27 years on September 13.
Rev. David Brandfass, Christ, Sedona, who celebrates 30 years on September 13.
Rev. Daniel Volkmann, All Saints, Phoenix, who celebrates 1 years on September 13.
Rev. Kylee Bestenlehner, Peace, Peoria, who celebrates 0 years on September 13.
Rev. Richard Mauthe, who celebrates 39 years on September 14.
Rev. Carl Mangold, who celebrates 50 years on September 14.
Rev. Craig Geiger, who celebrates 53 years on September 17.

Grand Canyon Synod, News, SpotlightBrian FlatgardSeptember 10, 2025Ordination AnniversariesComment

Churchwide Assembly Confesses and Repents Patriarchy and Sexism

At the 2025 Churchwide Assembly in Phoenix, worship included a confession and repentance for the sins of patriarchy and sexism, fulfilling commitments from the ELCA’s 2019 social statement Faith, Sexism, and Justice: A Call to Action. The liturgy emphasized confession as honesty before God and repentance as Spirit-led transformation toward justice and equity. Congregations are encouraged to use the confession and to share the resource Forgive Us and Transform Us for the Life of the World, available in English and Spanish. Click here to read more at ELCA.org.

ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardSeptember 10, 20252025 Churchwide Assembly, ELCA WorshipComment

Disability and Mental Health: No Conversation Without Us

John Christensen, lifelong ELCA Lutheran and staff member at the World Council of Churches, reflects on the deep connection between disability and mental health advocacy. With more than 16% of the global population living with disabilities and nearly 1 billion experiencing mental health challenges, the church has a vital role in offering safe spaces of love and truth. Christensen challenges the church to reject perfectionism, embrace vulnerability, and see God in every neighbor. Click here to read more at ELCA.org.

ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardSeptember 10, 2025Disability Ministries, ELCA Disability MinistriesComment

Accessibility, Worship, and Leadership at the 2025 Churchwide Assembly

At the 2025 ELCA Churchwide Assembly in Phoenix, Lutherans gathered for worship, elections, and the business of the church. Worship services highlighted accessibility and leadership by people with disabilities, while elections brought historic results with Bishop Yehiel Curry elected Presiding Bishop and Pastor CeeCee Mills elected Secretary—the first time all top ELCA offices are held by diverse leaders. Resolutions also addressed equity for youth gatherings and protection for children and vulnerable adults. Still, accessibility challenges remain. Rev. Mack Patrick calls us to move from mere inclusion to true belonging. Read more click here.

ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardSeptember 10, 2025Disability Ministries, ELCA Disability Ministries, 2025 Churchwide AssemblyComment

Faith Lens: Longer Tables for the Lost and Found

Jesus’ parables of the lost sheep and lost coin reveal God’s relentless pursuit and extravagant welcome of those left out. From a mile-long table in Denver to the meals Jesus shared in Luke’s Gospel, we are reminded that God’s table is wide, open, and joyful. Who might be missing from your table—and how can you extend an invitation?

ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardSeptember 10, 2025Faith LensComment

GCS Grants Are Open: Learn How to Apply at Our Sept. 17 Webinar

Grants Webinar—Sept. 17, 4:30 pm. Learn how to apply for up to $15,000 in Grand Canyon Synod grants; about $175,000 is available this fall. Priority goes to collaborative projects aligned with our Strategic Plan. Application window: Sept. 8–Oct. 31, 2025. Register for the webinar: Zoom registration. Full details and application at the Grants page.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardSeptember 10, 2025GCS Grants ProgramComment

Mandatory Boundary Training for Rostered Leaders: Complete by October 8

All rostered leaders in the Grand Canyon Synod are required to complete boundary awareness training in 2025. The synod has partnered with Faith+Lead to offer an online course at a reduced cost of $29, plus a mandatory Zoom review session with Pr. Jacqui Pagel. The course must be completed by October 8, 2025, and certificates submitted to the synod office by October 13, 2025.

Grand Canyon Synod, Leader Resources, NewsBrian FlatgardSeptember 8, 2025Comment

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 FlatgardSeptember 8, 2025Grants, Hunger, ELCA World Hunger Domestic Hunger GrantsComment

Palestinian Christian Leader to Speak in Phoenix: Sept. 14 Event at St. Francis Xavier

Dr. Philip Farah, Palestinian-American economist and founding member of the Palestinian Christian Alliance for Peace, will speak at St. Francis Xavier Church in Phoenix on Sunday, Sept. 14 from 6:00–7:30 p.m. Farah will share his personal story and insights on how Americans can support a just peace in Palestine and Israel. RSVP required. Refreshments served.

September 20 is Leadership Day 2025 at King of Glory in Tempe

Join us for Leadership Day 2025 on Saturday, September 20, 9 a.m.–2 p.m. at King of Glory Lutheran Church, Tempe. Featuring ELCA guest speaker Rev. Anna-Kari Johnson, the day will include teaching sessions on disciple making, small group conversations, and practical tools for ministry leaders. Come for renewal, encouragement, and fellowship. Register here.

Grand Canyon Synod, Leader Resources, NewsBrian FlatgardSeptember 8, 2025King of Glory Tempe, Fiesta ConferenceComment

Register by September 15 for "Bearing Worthy Fruit," A Retreat for Rostered Ministers with Rev. Karoline Lewis

Rostered and synodically authorized ministers are invited to “Bearing Worthy Fruit,” a fall retreat led by Rev. Karoline Lewis, October 13–15 at the Franciscan Renewal Center in Scottsdale. Together, participants will explore gender justice, embodied leadership, and preaching rooted in God’s transformation. Registration is open and act fast, as space is limited to 25 participants.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardSeptember 8, 2025Comment

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 FlatgardSeptember 8, 2025Mount of Olives Phoenix, Capital ConferenceComment

Free Concert: Foxes, Wine & Wheat Premieres Michael Torke’s Psalms and Canticles

Experience the American premiere of Michael Torke’s Psalms and Canticles in the interfaith concert Foxes, Wine & Wheat. Join us September 12 at Paradise Valley UMC or September 13 at Holy Trinity Lutheran, Chandler. Admission is free (donations welcome). Featuring soprano Lariche Lamar and conductor Charles Zoll, with livestream available on YouTube.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardSeptember 8, 2025Holy Trinity Chandler, GCS Grants Program, Fiesta ConferenceComment

Now Hiring: Administrative Assistant at Santa Cruz Lutheran in Tucson (Copy)

Santa Cruz Lutheran Church in Tucson is hiring a part-time Administrative Assistant (22 hrs/week, $15/hr) with flexible hours and partial remote work. Duties include worship bulletins, newsletters, communications, and office support. Training available in September. Contact Carol Radler at 520-294-8721 and send resumes to clrchoirlady@aol.com and tucson.az.sclc@outlook.com.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardSeptember 8, 2025Help Wanted, Santa Cruz Tucson, Kino ConferenceComment

Lutheran World Federation newsletter

News, Global Church, SpotlightBrian FlatgardSeptember 5, 2025Lutheran World FederationComment

Developing a Future-Focused Church, Part I

In this episode of the Pivot podcast, discover the three research-backed checkpoints that distinguish future-focused churches.

Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardSeptember 5, 2025Pivot Podcast, faith+lead, Luther SeminaryComment

Palestinian Christian Leader to Speak in Phoenix: Sept. 14 Event at St. Francis Xavier

Dr. Philip Farah, Palestinian-American economist and founding member of the Palestinian Christian Alliance for Peace, will speak at St. Francis Xavier Church in Phoenix on Sunday, Sept. 14 from 6:00–7:30 p.m. Farah will share his personal story and insights on how Americans can support a just peace in Palestine and Israel. RSVP required. Refreshments served.

Tell Congress: Housing Is a Moral Issue

Congress is considering the bipartisan ROAD to Housing Act—a comprehensive response to America’s housing crisis supported by ELCA advocates nationwide. This bill simplifies rental assistance, expands affordable housing, and strengthens disaster relief and rural housing. As people of faith called to care for the most vulnerable, we are urged to contact lawmakers and support this moral legislation grounded in Lutheran social teaching Click here to read the full action alert and contact your elected officials.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardSeptember 4, 2025Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA), Fair Housing, HomelessnessComment

From Abundance to Action: Take Steps to End Hunger This September

September is Hunger Action Month—a time to raise awareness and take meaningful action as food insecurity continues to rise across Arizona. Over 650,000 Arizonans rely on food banks monthly, while our state remains a leading producer of fruits and vegetables. This contradiction calls for advocacy and generosity. Learn five simple ways to take part: wear orange on Friday, Sept. 5, support AzFBN’s work, explore donation opportunities, and share the Arizona Hunger Action Month calendar. Click here to read the full article from Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona.

Explore AFN Events, Book Groups, and Voter Advocacy Opportunities This September

This week’s AFN newsletter features new opportunities to grow in faith and action—book studies, poll monitor training, voter registration events, climate justice workshops, and more. Discover how you can join interfaith efforts to protect sacred lands, deepen your spiritual life, and engage in justice work across Arizona. Click here to read the full newsletter and subscribe.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardSeptember 4, 2025Arizona Faith Network, Ecumenical and Inter-Religious RelationsComment

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