Thursday Afternoon Connections Offer Space to Meet, Ask, and Connect with Synod Staff at Assembly
Thursday Afternoon Connections Offer Space to Meet, Ask, and Connect with Synod Staff at Assembly

As Synod Assembly begins on Thursday, June 11, participants are invited to Thursday Afternoon Connections (2:00–5:00 PM)—an informal opportunity during registration to meet synod staff, ask questions, and connect around ministry, advocacy, communications, generosity, candidacy, and congregational vitality.

Members of the synod staff, including Rev. David Pavesic, Director for Evangelical Mission, will be available for conversation throughout the afternoon. Locations will be announced closer to Assembly.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian Flatgard2026 Synod Assembly, Office of the BishopComment
Choose Your Path: Workshops Announced for the 2026 Synod Assembly
Choose Your Path: Workshops Announced for the 2026 Synod Assembly

Workshops for the 2026 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly are now set. On Friday, June 12, participants can choose from two sessions featuring topics like AI in ministry, youth voices, congregational safety, conflict resolution, and more—led by presenters from across the synod.

Review the full workshop lineup, including presenters and room locations, and plan your afternoon of learning at Love of Christ Lutheran Church in Mesa.

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Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesBrian Flatgard2026 Synod AssemblyComment
800 Pounds of Hope: Help Feed Families at Synod Assembly
800 Pounds of Hope: Help Feed Families at Synod Assembly

Join the 2026 Synod Assembly service project on Thursday, June 11 (2:00–5:00 pm) as we pack 800 pounds of rice and 800 pounds of beans for the West Valley Community Food Pantry and First Place Community Center Food Bank. This hands-on project invites all participants to serve together, with the food blessed during closing worship.

You can also support the effort financially—$5 provides food for 5 families. Give online via Tithe.ly, by Zelle, or by check. Together, we share daily bread and live out our call to serve our neighbors.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian Flatgard2026 Synod Assembly, hungerComment
Help Shape the Future: Join a Conversation on the 2027–2028 Mission Plan
Help Shape the Future: Join a Conversation on the 2027–2028 Mission Plan

The Grand Canyon Synod will present its Proposed 2027–2028 Mission Plan in two Zoom sessions on May 30 (9 AM) and June 2 (5 PM, Arizona/Nevada time). Participants will receive an early overview, ask questions, and help shape the future direction of synod ministry. A PDF will be available soon, and a recording will be provided for those unable to attend live.

Voting members will also have the opportunity to practice voting ahead of assembly. All are encouraged to participate and engage in this shared work of discernment.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian Flatgard2026 Synod AssemblyComment
2026 Synod Assembly Offering to Support the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land
2026 Synod Assembly Offering to Support the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land

The 2026 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly offering will support the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land (ELCJHL), a small but resilient Lutheran church serving congregations and schools in Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Ramallah, and beyond. Congregations across the synod are invited to participate by collecting designated gifts before Assembly or contributing through the synod office.

The ELCJHL continues its witness of faith, education, and reconciliation in the region where Christianity began. Through this year’s Assembly offering, our synod will stand in solidarity with our global Lutheran partners, supporting ministries rooted in hope and steadfast faith in the Holy Land.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian Flatgard2026 Synod AssemblyComment
Plan Your Time: Full Schedule Released for 2026 Synod Assembly
Plan Your Time: Full Schedule Released for 2026 Synod Assembly

The timeline and full agenda for the 2026 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly (June 11–13 at Love of Christ Lutheran Church in Mesa) are now available. Highlights include opening worship with Bishop Hutterer, keynote leadership from Rev. Tim Brown, workshops, assembly business, and a Friday evening variety show.

Participants are encouraged to review the full schedule in advance and plan for key moments including voting, workshops, and worship. View the complete agenda and begin preparing for our time together as a synod rooted in God’s story.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian Flatgard2026 Synod AssemblyComment
In Memoriam: Rev. Richard John Mauthe
In Memoriam: Rev. Richard John Mauthe

The Grand Canyon Synod gives thanks for the life and ministry of Rev. Richard John Mauthe, beloved pastor, teacher, and longtime Diakonia instructor, who died May 14 at age 77. Known to many in our synod for teaching Old and New Testament courses, Rev. Mauthe faithfully formed leaders and shared a lifelong love of scripture and Lutheran theology.

A memorial service will be held June 14 at 11 a.m. at Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church in Tucson, with a second service July 11 in Pennsylvania.

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In Memoriam, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardDiakoniaComment
Beyond VBS: Supporting Young Families Year-Round with SYAT
Beyond VBS: Supporting Young Families Year-Round with SYAT

VBS may be just around the corner, but how can congregations support young families throughout the year? Join the SYAT Collective on Thursday, June 4 at 6:30 p.m. Arizona MST for a Zoom conversation with pastor and author Kimberly Knowle-Zeller exploring practical, faith-filled ways to nurture young families beyond summer programming. Registration is now open.

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Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardYouth and Young Adult, Vacation Bible School, Synod Youth Advisory Team (SYAT), SYAT CollectiveComment
SYAT’s Summer Kickoff: Building Safe Spaces for Faith to Grow
SYAT’s Summer Kickoff: Building Safe Spaces for Faith to Grow

Summer ministry season is beginning across the Grand Canyon Synod, and SYAT is helping congregations prepare for safe, meaningful faith formation. From VBS and mission trips to Campformation, Leadership Lab, and the Western States Youth Gathering, young people will soon be growing in faith and community. Learn about Safe Gatherings screenings, SYAT’s monthly learning opportunities, and updated 2026 VBS resources.

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Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardYouth and Young Adult, Vacation Bible School, Synod Youth Advisory Team (SYAT), SYAT CollectiveComment
Now Hiring: Office Administrator Role Supports Ministry in Scottsdale Congregation
Now Hiring: Office Administrator Role Supports Ministry in Scottsdale Congregation

North Scottsdale United Methodist Church is seeking a full-time Office Administrator in Scottsdale, AZ, with a starting salary of $55,000 plus benefits. Applications are being accepted through Indeed. The role oversees communications, office operations, database management, and administrative coordination that support the congregation’s ministry and daily life.

Ideal candidates will bring strong organizational and communication skills, experience with office and database systems, and a commitment to supporting the church’s mission—serving in a key behind-the-scenes role that helps connect people and sustain ministry.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardComment
Now Hiring: Children’s and Family Ministry Coordinator at King of Glory, Tempe
Now Hiring: Children’s and Family Ministry Coordinator at King of Glory, Tempe

King of Glory Lutheran Church in Tempe is seeking a part-time Children’s and Family Ministry Coordinator to nurture faith formation from nursery through fifth grade. This flexible, 15-hour-per-week position focuses on relationship-building, volunteer coordination, and family-centered ministry. Resumes should be sent to info@kogaz.org. View job description in PDF.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardKing of Glory Tempe, Fiesta ConferenceComment
Installation of Pastor Jeff Hackler at Christ Evangelical Church in Goodyear
Installation of Pastor Jeff Hackler at Christ Evangelical Church in Goodyear

Rev. Jeff Hackler will be installed Sunday, 7/12/2026, during the 9am worship service at Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church (918 S Litchfield Rd, Goodyear, AZ. 85338). Rev. Cherlyne Beck, Grand Canyon Synod Transition Coach will preside and install. Pastor Lisa Hackler, Pastor Jeff’s wife, will preach.

All are welcome and will be seated as part of the congregation. No procession or robes required for clergy. Reception immediately following the service, no RSVP required.

The installation service is available at either the church YouTube channel or christgoodyear.org.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardOrdinations and InstallationsComment
Facing Our History: Join the ELCA’s Truth-Telling Work on Indian Boarding Schools
Facing Our History: Join the ELCA’s Truth-Telling Work on Indian Boarding Schools

The ELCA’s Truth-Seeking and Truth-Telling Initiative is expanding nationwide in 2026, inviting clergy and lay leaders to research and confront Lutheran involvement in Indian boarding schools. This growing effort focuses on uncovering historical records, educating the church, and supporting truth-telling and healing for Native communities impacted by this legacy.

Participants can contribute through research, education, and quarterly gatherings. All are welcome to get involved. Learn more and sign up at tstti.org.

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ELCA, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardELCA Indigenous Ministries and Tribal RelationsComment
Registration Open: Western States Youth Gathering 2026 Returns to Southern California
Registration Open: Western States Youth Gathering 2026 Returns to Southern California

Registration is now open for the 2026 Western States Youth Gathering, happening June 28–July 1, 2026, at California Lutheran University in Southern California. Youth graduating 8th–12th grade and their adult leaders are invited to gather for worship, service, learning, and connection in this faith-forming regional event.

Held the summer before the ELCA Youth Gathering, WSYG 2026 offers a meaningful opportunity for congregations to invest in youth ministry and prepare young people for a larger churchwide experience. Registration includes housing, meals, and programming. Learn more and register at westernstatesyg.org.

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ELCA, Region 2, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardYouth and Young Adult, California Lutheran UniversityComment
Be Still and Be Renewed: Registration Opens for NAES/ELEA 2026 Conference
Be Still and Be Renewed: Registration Opens for NAES/ELEA 2026 Conference

Registration is now open for the NAES/ELEA Biennial Conference 2026, happening November 18–20 in Los Angeles. Centered on Psalm 46:10, this national gathering offers keynote speaker Dr. Lisa Miller, worship with Presiding Bishop Sean W. Rowe, 60+ workshops, and service opportunities—all designed to renew and equip faith-based education leaders.

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ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardEvangelical Lutheran Education Association (ELEA)Comment
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