Office of the Bishop Updates
Office of the Bishop Updates

Next week, synod staff will gather for an in-person staff meeting while continuing key leadership, ministry, and administrative work across the synod. Highlights include Deborah K. Hutterer and staff participating in the Ordination of Carly Chamberlain at Faith Lutheran, Phoenix, Apr 18, 2026, 10:30 AM, advancing assembly and audit preparations, collaborating with churchwide and conference leaders, and supporting congregations through preaching, stewardship conversations, and ongoing communications. We also share photos from the Region 2 First Call Accompaniment gathering at Franciscan Renewal Center.

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News, Bishop Hutterer, Grand Canyon Synod, SpotlightBrian FlatgardOffice of the BishopComment
Rooted at the Table: The Stories Behind the Recipes
Rooted at the Table: The Stories Behind the Recipes

Recipes carry more than ingredients—they carry stories of faith, family, and community. The Grand Canyon Synod’s Rooted at the Table project invites you to share not only a recipe, but the story behind it.

Submit your recipe by May 1, 2026, and help build a collection that reflects the lived experiences and memories that shape our life together.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian Flatgard2026 Synod Assembly, Rooted at the TableComment
Seeing Our Neighbors Clearly: A Call During Arab American Heritage Month
Seeing Our Neighbors Clearly: A Call During Arab American Heritage Month

In observance of Arab American Heritage Month, Dr. Ryan LaHurd reflects on the often-overlooked reality of anti-Arab prejudice in the United States and the importance of naming, recognizing, and confronting it. Drawing on personal experience and social research, he highlights how misunderstanding and distance can lead to dehumanization—and how even simple acts of connection can begin to change that. Read more in the full ELCA.org article.

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ELCABrian FlatgardELCA Racial Justice Ministries, Racial JusticeComment
Nurturing Faith, Strengthening Community: ELEA’s 2026 Report
Nurturing Faith, Strengthening Community: ELEA’s 2026 Report

In the Grand Canyon Synod, where ministry takes many forms across diverse communities, ELEA’s work reminds us that faith formation is a shared calling. Whether through schools, early learning centers, or congregational life, we are all part of nurturing faith in the next generation.

As we gather for Synod Assembly, this report invites us to consider how we can continue to connect, develop, and inspire — rooted in God’s story and sent into the world.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian Flatgard2026 Assembly Stories, Evangelical Lutheran Education Association (ELEA)Comment
A Legacy of Learning: The Grace and Grand Canyon Scholarship Fund Enters Its Fourth Year
A Legacy of Learning: The Grace and Grand Canyon Scholarship Fund Enters Its Fourth Year

The Grace and Grand Canyon Synod Scholarship Fund is now in its fourth year, having awarded $16,000 to students across the synod since its launch in 2023. Open to ELCA members pursuing higher education or certification programs, the fund supports both academic goals and faith formation, with recipients highlighting its impact on belonging, purpose, and community connection.

Applications are open to eligible students, and contributions can be made through the Arizona Community Foundation. To learn more, apply, or support the fund, visit azfoundation.org or contact Grace Lutheran Church directly.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardYouth and Young Adult, Grace PhoenixComment
Holding Pastor Brian Weinberger in Prayer in This Season of Recovery
Holding Pastor Brian Weinberger in Prayer in This Season of Recovery

Pastor Brian Weinberger of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Mesa continues his recovery following recent surgeries, which overall have gone well. He shares gratitude for the prayers surrounding him and is healing with minimal pain as he returns home. The synod invites continued prayers for Pastor Brian, his family, and the Bethlehem community as his recovery continues in the hope of the Easter season.

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Grand Canyon Synod, News, PrayersBrian FlatgardBethlehem Mesa, Rio Salado ConferenceComment
Ordination of Carly Chamberlain
Ordination of Carly Chamberlain

Carly Chamberlain will be ordained to Word and Service at Faith-La Fe Lutheran Church (801 E Camelback Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85014), Saturday, April 18 at 10:30 am. She will be installed at Mount of Olives Lutheran Church at a later date. Rostered ministers are invited to robe and process, color of the day is red. Pastor Jonathan Linman will preach, Bishop Hutterer will preside.

A reception will follow immediately in the parish hall. The service will be live streamed on the Faith Lutheran Facebook page.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardOrdinations and InstallationsComment
In Memoriam: Pastor William "Bill" Dowling
In Memoriam: Pastor William "Bill" Dowling

Pastor Bill Dowling died March 31, 2026. A service of thanksgiving for his life will be held Friday, April 17 at 2:00 p.m. at Lord of Life Lutheran Church, with a reception to follow and a livestream available.

Those wishing to send condolences may contact the synod office for details. Please keep Pastor Dowling’s family and all who mourn in your prayers, trusting in the promise of resurrection in Christ.

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In Memoriam, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardLord of Life Sun City West, Cactus ConferenceComment
Stronger Together: How Portico Supports the ELCA’s Shared Ministry
Stronger Together: How Portico Supports the ELCA’s Shared Ministry

Portico Benefit Services shares its annual report highlighting the impact of the ELCA’s shared benefits ministry. Serving more than 52,000 members, Portico provides healthcare, retirement, and financial support that strengthens those called to serve across the church.

Explore the report and video to see how a connected community increases access to care, builds resilience, and supports the well-being of those carrying out God’s mission every day.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian Flatgard2026 Assembly Stories, PorticoComment
Resurrection Lutheran Church and the ELCA Foundation Model Sustainable Ministry
Resurrection Lutheran Church and the ELCA Foundation Model Sustainable Ministry

In this video report for our 2026 assembly, see how the ELCA Foundation is partnering with Resurrection Lutheran Church in Oro Valley and the Grand Canyon Synod to nurture a spirit of generosity that will last for generations. Watch the video Grounded in Grace, Growing in Generosity, featuring Pastor Tim Nybroten, Rev. Dan Potaznick, and ELCA Foundation planner Lisa Marie Higginbotham, and learn how faithful giving strengthens the future of the church.

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ELCA, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardGCS Stewardship Team, Stewardship, ELCA Foundation, 2026 Assembly StoriesComment
Nominate Inspiring Leaders in Lutheran Education—Deadline Extended
Nominate Inspiring Leaders in Lutheran Education—Deadline Extended

Nominations are now open—and the deadline extended—for the Evangelical Lutheran Education Association’s annual awards recognizing outstanding leaders in ELCA schools and early childhood ministries. Awards include the Distinguished Educational Leader of the Year and the Distinguished Rostered Leader of the Year.

Take time to lift up those who have shaped your ministry, supported your community, and inspired students and families. Submit nominations and learn more.

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ELCA, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardEvangelical Lutheran Education Association (ELEA), Evangelical Lutheran Education AssociationComment
Stand with Refugee Families: Watch the Webinar + Take Action Today
Stand with Refugee Families: Watch the Webinar + Take Action Today

Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest has shared a recording of its recent refugee services webinar, highlighting how federal policy changes are affecting families in Arizona and outlining ongoing work to support those already here. While new arrivals have paused, efforts continue in housing stability, employment support, ESL programs, and youth services.

Watch the webinar and take action by advocating, volunteering, or giving. In a time of uncertainty, this is an opportunity for our synod’s congregations and leaders to live out our call to accompany our neighbors with compassion and hope.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardImmigration and Refugees, Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest, Church and SocietyComment
Mosaic: Plan for Your Child with a Disability’s Financial Security When You’re Gone
Mosaic: Plan for Your Child with a Disability’s Financial Security When You’re Gone

With a special needs trust, you can remember your loved one with a disability in your estate to secure their financial future and protect their ability to continue receiving the Medicaid-funded services they rely on.

The post Plan for Your Child with a Disability’s Financial Security When You’re Gone appeared first on Mosaic.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardMosaic, Disability MinistriesComment