Office of the Bishop Updates
Office of the Bishop Updates

Bishop Deborah K. Hutterer accompanies visits with Iglesia Mexicana Luterana, AMEXTRA, and Young Adults in Global Mission partners while continuing meetings and preparations for the upcoming Synod Assembly.

Synod staff will continue supporting candidacy and faith formation work, preparing Assembly communications and storytelling projects, assisting congregations and ministry partners, managing administrative and financial responsibilities, and coordinating upcoming meetings and events across the Grand Canyon Synod.

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News, Bishop Hutterer, Grand Canyon Synod, SpotlightBrian FlatgardOffice of the BishopComment
Shared Generosity, Shared Mission: Annual Report Highlights Growth and Impact
Shared Generosity, Shared Mission: Annual Report Highlights Growth and Impact

The FY2025–2026 Annual Report from Rev. Dan Potaznick, Director of Generosity & Strategic Development, highlights a year of storytelling, stewardship, donor engagement, and mission support across the Grand Canyon Synod. From celebrating seven ordinations and launching the synod’s first-ever Giving Tuesday campaign to granting $363,100 through the Mission & Ministry Fund, the report reflects how shared generosity continues to strengthen ministries across Arizona, Nevada, Utah, and the Navajo Nation.

The report also highlights new storytelling initiatives, congregation visits, leadership coaching, and expanded tools for mission support engagement, all rooted in the synod’s shared calling to communicate Jesus, connect people, and create possibilities.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian Flatgard2026 Assembly Stories, Stewardship, m, Mission SupportComment
Arizona Faith Network Highlights Interfaith Dialogue, Advocacy, and Heat Relief Efforts
Arizona Faith Network Highlights Interfaith Dialogue, Advocacy, and Heat Relief Efforts

Arizona Faith Network’s newest newsletter features interfaith dialogue opportunities, prophetic witness media training, immigration advocacy updates, security webinars, and recruitment for its 2026 Heat Relief Program. Upcoming events include visits to the Mesa Arizona Temple Visitors’ Center, online justice trainings, and creation care gatherings across Arizona.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardEcumenical and Inter-Religious Relations, Arizona Faith Network, Church and SocietyComment
LAMA Newsletter Highlights Advocacy for Indigenous Communities, Hunger Relief, and Civic Engagement
LAMA Newsletter Highlights Advocacy for Indigenous Communities, Hunger Relief, and Civic Engagement

LAMA’s newest newsletter highlights the ELCA’s observance of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Awareness Day, upcoming advocacy and hunger ministry events, Arizona budget updates, voting rights engagement, and new nonprofit security grant information.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardLutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA), Advocacy, Church and SocietyComment
Reserve Your 2026 Assembly Hotel Soon: Westgate Discount Ends May 8
Reserve Your 2026 Assembly Hotel Soon: Westgate Discount Ends May 8

The May 8 deadline is here for discounted lodging at Westgate Painted Mountain Golf Resort for the 2026 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly in Mesa. Limited rooms remain available at special group rates, and several nearby hotel options are also listed for attendees planning their stay.

Assembly participants are encouraged to book early as availability may become limited closer to the June 11–13 gathering.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian Flatgard2026 Synod AssemblyComment
Lutheran Men in Mission Shares Spring 2026 Opportunities and Resources
Lutheran Men in Mission Shares Spring 2026 Opportunities and Resources

Lutheran Men in Mission has released its Spring 2026 Ambassador-Gram newsletter, featuring upcoming online studies, a new discipleship course, estate planning resources, ministry tools, retreats, and the June 2 annual meeting. The newsletter also introduces LMM’s new simplified web address, LMM.MEN, and highlights resources available for congregations and men’s ministry leaders.

Read the full newsletter for registration links, study opportunities, retreat information, and new ministry resources designed to help build men for Christ across the church.

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ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardLutheran Men in MissionComment
Mother’s Day Across Borders: A Call to Share Hope with Detained Families
Mother’s Day Across Borders: A Call to Share Hope with Detained Families

This Mother’s Day (beginning May 7, 2026), Lutherans across the Grand Canyon Synod are invited to join a cross-border effort delivering yellow flowers to detention centers and migrant shelters as a sign of compassion and solidarity. Participants can donate flowers or serve as Volunteer Site Leaders, helping coordinate local actions that lift up the dignity of those separated from their families.

Organized by partners including International Friendship Park and Border Church, this campaign reflects our Lutheran call to love our neighbor and seek justice. Learn how your congregation can take part in this meaningful witness of hope and shared humanity. View a PDF flyer here.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardImmigration and Refugees, Church and SocietyComment
Ready When It Matters: Creating a Congregational Emergency Plan
Ready When It Matters: Creating a Congregational Emergency Plan

Creating or updating a simple emergency plan is a key step in congregational preparedness. This article outlines three essential elements—evacuation, shelter, and communication—and encourages congregations to develop a clear, usable plan that can guide response in a crisis.

Part of the Grand Canyon Synod’s 2026 security series, this reflection offers practical next steps to help congregations respond calmly and effectively when it matters most.

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Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardSecurityComment
Reserve Your Ministry Partner Table for the 2026 Synod Assembly by May 18
Reserve Your Ministry Partner Table for the 2026 Synod Assembly by May 18

Registration is now open for Ministry Partner Tables at the 2026 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly. Exhibitor space ($80, includes non-voting visitor access) is available to ELCA-related and approved ministries, with registration due by May 18, 2026. Learn more and register today to share your ministry’s story with voting members and leaders from across our synod.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian Flatgard2026 Synod AssemblyComment
Telling the Story We Belong To: A Year in Synod Communications
Telling the Story We Belong To: A Year in Synod Communications

Communications in the Grand Canyon Synod is about more than sharing information—it’s about telling the story of God’s work among us. In this year’s report, Brian Flatgard reflects on how a steady rhythm of communication builds connection, trust, and clarity across the synod, and how those systems support the church in both everyday ministry and critical moments.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian Flatgard2026 Assembly StoriesComment
A Resource for Every Congregation: ELEA Video + Nurturing Faith Series
A Resource for Every Congregation: ELEA Video + Nurturing Faith Series

ELEA invites congregations and synods to share a short, two-minute video introducing its work across the ELCA. The video highlights the Nurturing Faith Study Series—a resource designed for all congregations—and offers a simple way to connect with tools and support for faith formation. Watch and share to learn more.

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Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesBrian Flatgard2026 Assembly Stories, Evangelical Lutheran Education Association (ELEA), Youth and Young AdultComment
Support ASU Students This Summer: Pitchfork Pantry Seeks Congregational Help
Support ASU Students This Summer: Pitchfork Pantry Seeks Congregational Help

Grace Lutheran Church in Phoenix is inviting congregations to support the Pitchfork Pantry, which will remain open this summer to serve students at Arizona State University’s Downtown Campus—including international students who rely on it for food and hygiene supplies. Donations of essential items can be dropped off during Tuesday CONNECTIONS gatherings or at the church throughout the week.

This Fresh Expressions ministry, supported by collaboration with CORA Downtown, reflects a growing effort to meet real needs among students through relationship and care. Congregations across the synod are encouraged to participate through food drives, donations, or sharing this opportunity.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardGrace Phoenix, Capital Conference, Youth and Young AdultComment
Breaking the Silence: New Lutheran Ministry Responds to Abuse in Our Communities
Breaking the Silence: New Lutheran Ministry Responds to Abuse in Our Communities

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, and the ELCA is highlighting Unnamed No More, a Lutheran Safe Church ministry supported by a WELCA Katie’s Fund grant. This growing ministry equips congregations to respond to abuse with trauma-informed, faith-based tools—helping churches move from silence to faithful action.

With new ELCA emphasis on child protection and ongoing challenges in congregations, Unnamed No More offers workshops, resources, and support to create safer, more accountable communities. Learn more and explore how your congregation can engage.

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ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardWomen of the ELCA (WELCA)Comment
Civic Engagement as Discipleship: A Lutheran Call to Vote and Advocate
Civic Engagement as Discipleship: A Lutheran Call to Vote and Advocate

The ELCA’s latest advocacy blog explores how civic engagement—including voting—is a vital expression of Lutheran discipleship, grounded in our call to serve the neighbor and seek the common good. The piece highlights both the theological foundations for participation in public life and ongoing challenges to equitable access, including voter suppression and recent legal developments affecting voting rights.

As the church continues its nonpartisan public witness, Lutherans are encouraged to engage faithfully—through voting, advocacy, and supporting fair access for all—while remaining rooted in prayer and a commitment to justice. Read more and access the full article here.

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ELCABrian FlatgardChurch and Society, Elections and Voting Rights, Advocacy, ELCA AdvocacyComment