Rules of Procedure Now Available for 2026 Synod Assembly
Rules of Procedure Now Available for 2026 Synod Assembly

The Rules of Procedure for the 2026 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly are now available online. Voting members and attendees are encouraged to review the document ahead of the June 11–13 assembly in Mesa, including important details about resolutions, debate limits, electronic voting, and assembly participation.

The rules outline how the assembly will conduct business while emphasizing respectful Christian community grounded in Galatians 5 and the shared work of discernment, governance, and ministry together.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian Flatgard2026 Synod AssemblyComment
Two More Seats at the Table: Youth and Diverse Voices Needed for 2026 Assembly
Two More Seats at the Table: Youth and Diverse Voices Needed for 2026 Assembly

Congregations are now preparing voting members for the 2026 Synod Assembly (June 11–13 in Mesa). In addition to standard representation, each congregation may elect two additional members: one youth or young adult and one person of color or primary language other than English, helping reflect the diversity of God’s people.

Thanks to the Bishop’s Leadership Fund, congregations can also send one youth or young adult for free using code YOUTH2026. Now is the time to identify leaders, broaden participation, and ensure your congregation’s voice is part of the synod’s shared work.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian Flatgard2026 Synod AssemblyComment
Synod Assembly Registration Closes May 18—No Extensions
Synod Assembly Registration Closes May 18—No Extensions

Registration is open for the 2026 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly (June 11–13 in Mesa, AZ), with a firm deadline of May 18—no late registrations will be accepted. Voting member registration is now $160. Congregations are encouraged to send full delegations, including youth, young adults, and diverse voices.

Through the Bishop’s Leadership Fund, one young voting member per congregation may attend free using code YOUTH2026. This year’s theme, “Rooted in God’s Story,” invites the whole church into shared discernment and leadership.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian Flatgard2026 Synod AssemblyComment
Loving Someone Through Recovery: Free Webinar with Caroline Beidler on May 27
Loving Someone Through Recovery: Free Webinar with Caroline Beidler on May 27

The Center of Addiction & Faith will host a free Zoom webinar, “How to Love Someone in Recovery,” on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, from 12:00–1:00 p.m. CT featuring author and recovery advocate Caroline Beidler. The conversation will explore practical ways to support loved ones navigating addiction recovery with compassion and hope.

Participants will hear insights from Beidler’s new book, When You Love Someone in Recovery, and learn from her experience as a speaker, writer, and managing editor at Recovery.com. Registration is free and the webinar will be recorded for later viewing.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardAddiction, The Center of Addiction & FaithComment
Diakonia Continuing Education Courses Open for Summer Registration
Diakonia Continuing Education Courses Open for Summer Registration

Registration is now open for this summer’s online Diakonia continuing education courses, with offerings on baptismal living, First Testament prophets, the Gospel of John and introductory New Testament Greek. Open to current students, graduates, instructors and anyone interested in deeper theological learning, the courses will meet online in five-week formats.

Organizational meetings begin in June, with final schedules determined collaboratively after registration. Learn more and register at Diakonia Education.

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Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardDiakoniaComment
A Different Way: Growing in Faith Program to Host Christian Nationalism Symposium This November
A Different Way: Growing in Faith Program to Host Christian Nationalism Symposium This November

Save the date for the Grand Canyon Synod Growing in Faith Program’s upcoming symposium, “A Different Way: Jesus and the Call Beyond Nationalism — Hope, Courage and Community for Such a Time as This,” on Nov. 14, 2026, at American Lutheran Church in Sun City, Arizona, with virtual participation also available.

Featuring Bishop Shelley Bryan Wee of the Northwest Washington Synod, the event will explore faithful Lutheran responses to Christian nationalism through the lenses of hope, courage, discipleship and neighbor love. More details and registration information are coming soon.

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Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardChristian Nationalism, Diakonia Comment
Faith+Lead Summer Resources Equip Leaders for a Changing Ministry Landscape
Faith+Lead Summer Resources Equip Leaders for a Changing Ministry Landscape

Faith+Lead’s latest Monthly Roundup highlights summer ministry resources including courses on communication skills, faith formation, compensation negotiation, lay ministry training, and supervision. Free theology journals, ministry articles, and downloadable leadership resources are also included to support congregations and leaders navigating a changing ministry landscape.

Read the full roundup and explore all the opportunities and resources available for this season of ministry.

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Leader ResourcesBrian Flatgardfaith+lead, Luther SeminaryComment
Rev. Wanda Frenchman and Patterson Yazzie Among First TEIL Graduates at PLTS
Rev. Wanda Frenchman and Patterson Yazzie Among First TEIL Graduates at PLTS

Rev. Wanda K. Frenchman and Patterson Yazzie are among the first graduates of the Theological Education for Indigenous Leaders (TEIL) program at Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary. The commencement service will be held Saturday, May 23 in Berkeley, California, with a livestream available.

Their graduation marks an important milestone for Indigenous ministries in the ELCA and highlights the growing leadership of Indigenous voices within the church.

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ELCA, Grand Canyon Synod, Region 2Brian FlatgardNative American Urban Ministry Phoenix, American Indian and Alaska Native, Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary, ELCA Indigenous Ministries and Tribal Relations, Navajo Evangelical Lutheran MissionComment
Journey to Egypt with Bishop Hutterer: Faith, History, and the Nile – January 27–February 5, 2027
Journey to Egypt with Bishop Hutterer: Faith, History, and the Nile – January 27–February 5, 2027

The Grand Canyon Synod invites you to travel with Bishop Deborah Hutterer to Egypt, January 27–February 5, 2027, for a ten-day pilgrimage exploring the Pyramids, the Nile, and historic Coptic churches tied to the Holy Family. Hosted by Elias Tours, this active journey includes 5-star accommodations, a Nile cruise, daily meals, and expert guides. Cost is $3,890 (land only) with a $300 deposit required; registration is now open. Discern whether this faith-filled adventure is right for you and secure your space today.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardComment
Help Us Tell God’s Story Across the Grand Canyon Synod
Help Us Tell God’s Story Across the Grand Canyon Synod

God is at work across the Grand Canyon Synod—and we want to help tell that story. From events and service projects to ministry opportunities and milestones, your congregation’s news strengthens our shared life together. Rooted in God’s story and guided by the truth that we are one body with many members (1 Corinthians 12), we invite you to submit your updates at gcsynod.org/share and help us celebrate what God is doing among us.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardComment
Heat Relief Ministry Returns This Summer at Grace and First UCC in Phoenix
Heat Relief Ministry Returns This Summer at Grace and First UCC in Phoenix

Grace Lutheran Church and First United Church of Christ are partnering once again to provide Heat Relief ministry from June 1–August 24, offering cooling space, water, snacks, and hospitality for vulnerable neighbors during the hottest months of the year. Congregations are invited to support the effort through donations of water, snacks, pet food, cooling supplies, and frozen burritos. Read a letter from Pastor David Sivecz here.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardHeat Relief, Hunger, Grace Phoenix, Capital Conference, Ecumenical and Inter-Religious RelationsComment
ELCA World Hunger Opens 2027 Domestic Hunger Grant Applications
ELCA World Hunger Opens 2027 Domestic Hunger Grant Applications

ELCA World Hunger is now accepting Letters of Inquiry for 2027 Domestic Hunger Grants through July 1, 2026. Grants of up to $10,000 per year for three years are available for ministries and organizations addressing food insecurity, housing, clean water, job access, human rights, and policy change in their communities.

Congregations and ministry leaders are encouraged to explore the opportunity and review eligibility, timelines, and application materials through the ELCA World Hunger program. Read more and apply here.

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ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardGrants, ELCA World Hunger, ELCA World Hunger Domestic Hunger GrantsComment
“America Is Something You Make”: BJC Invites Stories of Faith and Community
“America Is Something You Make”: BJC Invites Stories of Faith and Community

As America approaches its 250th anniversary, Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty is inviting people to share stories of faith, community, and civic engagement through its new “Founders Wall” project. Participants can submit written reflections, photos, audio, or short videos describing how they are helping build stronger neighborhoods, congregations, schools, and communities. Share your story here.

The project emphasizes the idea that “every generation is the founding generation” and invites people of faith to reflect on vocation, public witness, and care for neighbor. Read more and learn how to participate through the BJC campaign website.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardBJC (Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty), Christian Nationalism, Christians Against Christian Nationalism, Church and SocietyComment
New Worship Planning Resources for Year B 2027 Now Available
New Worship Planning Resources for Year B 2027 Now Available

ELCA Worship is highlighting new May 2026 resources from Augsburg Fortress designed to support worship leaders, musicians, preachers, and congregational planners across the church. Newly released Year B 2027 materials include updated editions of Sundays and Seasons, preaching resources, worship planning calendars, and subscription options to simplify annual planning for congregations and ministry teams.

The update also includes information about free Augsburg Fortress Music Clinics celebrating the ministry’s 70th anniversary, with events scheduled this summer in South Carolina, Minnesota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Illinois. Readers can explore the complete list of resources, details, and registration information through the original ELCA Worship article: Read more at the ELCA Worship blog.

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ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardELCA WorshipComment
Keeping Vigil for the Spirit: Faith Lutheran in Phoenix to Host Rare Pentecost Liturgy
Keeping Vigil for the Spirit: Faith Lutheran in Phoenix to Host Rare Pentecost Liturgy

Faith-La Fe Evangelical Lutheran Church in Phoenix will host a rare Vigil of Pentecost worship service on Saturday, May 23 at 10:30 a.m. Featuring scripture, global Pentecost music, candle lighting, and prayerful reflection, the service invites worshipers to prepare for Pentecost in hope and anticipation of the Holy Spirit.

The liturgy will take place at 801 E. Camelback Road in Phoenix and is open to all.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardPentecost, Faith Phoenix, Capital ConferenceComment