Rev. Mike Girlinghouse to Serve as Acting Bishop During Sabbatical
Rev. Mike Girlinghouse to Serve as Acting Bishop During Sabbatical

This fall, Rev. Mike Girlinghouse will serve as Acting Bishop while Bishop Hutterer is on sabbatical. A former bishop of the Arkansas-Oklahoma Synod (2011–2023) and now Chaplain at LCM Canterbury at NAU in Flagstaff, Pastor Mike brings decades of leadership experience and will meet weekly with our Office of the Bishop staff.

We are grateful for his steady presence and pastoral care during this sabbatical season, and we invite your prayers for him, Bishop Hutterer, and our synod’s continued ministry.

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Bishop Hutterer, Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardComment
Preparing for Renewal: Bishop Hutterer’s Upcoming Sabbatical
Preparing for Renewal: Bishop Hutterer’s Upcoming Sabbatical

This fall, Bishop Deborah Hutterer will begin her first sabbatical, traveling to Malta with her husband Alan and continuing through January 2026. Sabbaticals are a best practice in the church, offering time for renewal, prayer, and grounding in God’s Word.

Our synod is well prepared for this season with strong leadership, stable systems, and Rev. Mike Girlinghouse on call for emergencies. Please keep Bishop Hutterer in prayer as she prepares for this sabbatical journey of rest, renewal, and hope.

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Bishop Hutterer, Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardComment
Summer Day Camp Returns to Christ Lutheran Church, Sedona 
Summer Day Camp Returns to Christ Lutheran Church, Sedona 

Mission support at work in Sedona: A Grand Canyon Synod grant helped Christ Lutheran Church (CLC) relaunch Summer Day Camp for K–5 campers with LRCC counselors, community partners, and Bible stories that “planted” faith—literally and spiritually. This ministry was made possible by your mission support and the Synod Grants Program.

Thinking about a new ministry? The 2025 Grants application window is open Sept 8–Oct 31 (up to $15,000). Find details/applications at gcsynod.org/grants.

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Grand Canyon Synod, News, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardGrants, GCS Grants Program, Native American Urban Ministry Phoenix, Capital ConferenceComment
Join the Spirited Book Club: Discover The Serviceberry and the Power of Reciprocity
Join the Spirited Book Club: Discover The Serviceberry and the Power of Reciprocity

Join the Spirited Book Club on Thursday, September 25 at 3:00 pm AZ (PDT) for a discussion of The Serviceberry by Robin Wall Kimmerer. This short but powerful book invites readers to reimagine community and economy through Indigenous wisdom, reciprocity, and gratitude. Facilitated by Sheri Brown and aligned with the Season of Creation, the conversation will explore how gift economies can help cultivate peace with creation. Click here to register.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardSpirited Book Club, Spirit in the Desert Retreat CenterComment
Walking Together with the Latine Community · Caminando Juntos con la Comunidad Latine
Walking Together with the Latine Community · Caminando Juntos con la Comunidad Latine

Join the Latine Ministry Competency Workshop, October 2–4, 2025, led by Rev. Dr. Rubén Durán and a team of practitioners. This online gathering will equip leaders for cross-cultural ministry, offering practical tools to strengthen relationships with the Latine community. Cost: $250 individual / $600 congregation. Register here. Download the full flier here.

Participe en el Taller de Competencia en el Ministerio Latine, del 2 al 4 de octubre de 2025, dirigido por el Rev. Dr. Rubén Durán y un equipo de líderes. Este encuentro en línea ofrece herramientas prácticas para el ministerio intercultural y para fortalecer relaciones con la comunidad latine. Costo: $250 individual / $600 congregación. Regístrese aquí.

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Grand Canyon Synod, Leader Resources, NewsBrian FlatgardWartburg Seminary, Latino, EspañolComment
One Home One Future Marks 2 Years of Faith in Climate Action
One Home One Future Marks 2 Years of Faith in Climate Action

One Home One Future, a growing coalition of 49 denominations and faith organizations, is celebrating two years of visible climate action rooted in faith. Since its launch in 2023, more than 1,000 congregations and individuals—representing nearly 350,000 people—have joined together to care for creation through education, community events, advocacy, and resources that are free to all participants.

This movement invites congregations of every tradition to step into visible, hopeful climate action that strengthens communities and reflects our call as Christians to steward God’s creation. To learn more and join this campaign, click here.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardBlessed Tomorrow, One Home One Future, Climate ChangeComment
September Mission Support Memo: Where Faith Meets Justice
September Mission Support Memo: Where Faith Meets Justice

The September 2025 Mission Support Memo shares Mary’s journey as a Young Adult in Global Mission in Mexico City, where she moved from accompaniment to advocacy, guided by values of mutuality, inclusivity, and empowerment. Her story highlights how YAGM shapes young adults to serve, learn, and work for justice.

This month’s memo also introduces the new ELCA Church Property Resource Hub, created to help synod and congregational leaders navigate opportunities and challenges with land and buildings in service of the church’s mission. We invite you to read, share, and engage with this resource.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardMission Support, ELCA Mission Support Team, Young Adults in Global MissionComment
Eucharist Across a Wall: Border Church’s Ministry of Presence
Eucharist Across a Wall: Border Church’s Ministry of Presence

At the U.S.-Mexico border, the Border Church brings people together for worship on both sides of the wall. Rooted in prayer, accompaniment, and a ministry of presence, the congregation serves migrants and asylum-seekers while witnessing to Christ’s call for peace and justice. Despite barriers and fear, this community testifies to unity in Christ and hope for a world without walls. Click here to read the full story at Living Lutheran.

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ELCA, News, Region 2Brian FlatgardImmigration and Refugees, Living LutheranComment
Farmland Gift Becomes Lifelong Ministry to Fight Hunger
Farmland Gift Becomes Lifelong Ministry to Fight Hunger

An Ohio congregation has transformed a farmland bequest into an ongoing ministry that feeds both local and global communities. Since 2001, St. Mark Lutheran in Van Wert has dedicated all proceeds from its 100 acres to hunger ministries, raising tens of thousands each year to support food banks, shelters, ELCA World Hunger, and more. Rooted in the stewardship of Lutheran farmers, this model continues to multiply gifts for those in need. Click here to read the full story at Living Lutheran.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardLiving Lutheran, HungerComment
Arizona Nonprofit Security Grant: Up to $100,000 Available—Deadline Oct. 15
Arizona Nonprofit Security Grant: Up to $100,000 Available—Deadline Oct. 15

Arizona’s Nonprofit Security Grant Program (AZ-NSGP) is open for FY2025/2026, providing up to $100,000 total per applicant to fund target hardening and security enhancements for at-risk nonprofits. Eligibility requires meeting FEMA NSGP nonprofit standards plus either (a) no federal award in 2024–2022 or (b) inability to front costs for the federal program. Application deadline: Wed., Oct. 15, 2025, 5:00 p.m. Submit to hs@azdohs.gov. Info & forms: azdohs.gov/az-nsgp. Webinars: Wed., Sept. 17, 1:00 p.m. and Thu., Sept. 18, 1:30 p.m.

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Grand Canyon Synod, Leader Resources, NewsBrian FlatgardGrantsComment
September 20 is Leadership Day 2025 at King of Glory in Tempe
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.

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Grand Canyon Synod, Leader Resources, NewsBrian FlatgardKing of Glory Tempe, Fiesta ConferenceComment
Free Webinar: Understanding Youth Addiction Trends and Recovery Challenges
Free Webinar: Understanding Youth Addiction Trends and Recovery Challenges

Join a free one-hour webinar on Wednesday, Sept. 24 at 12 p.m. CT titled “Addiction & Youth: Trends & Challenges” featuring Michael Durchslag, Director of P.E.A.S.E. Academy. Learn how early intervention can change lives and explore current trends in youth substance use and recovery. Hosted by the Center of Addiction & Faith in honor of National Recovery Month. Register here.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardAddiction, The Center of Addiction & FaithComment