LSS-SW Welcomes Bobby Ghisolfo as New President and CEO

Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest has named Bobby Ghisolfo as its new President and CEO, beginning July 13. Ghisolfo brings more than 25 years of nonprofit and executive leadership experience and will overlap with outgoing CEO Connie Phillips through July as part of a thoughtful transition after her 11 years of faithful service.

In his introduction, Ghisolfo emphasized Christ-centered leadership, compassion, and collaboration as central to LSS-SW’s mission. A celebration honoring the transition is being planned, with details to come.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardMay 22, 2026Lutheran Social Services of the SouthwestComment

Reconnect, Sing, and Support Campformation at June 9 Fundraiser

Join CONNECTIONS for a special Campformation fundraiser on Tuesday, June 9, from 6:00–7:30 p.m. at Grace Lutheran Church in Phoenix. Reconnect with former campers and staff, sing favorite camp songs, enjoy dinner, and learn how Campformation nurtures faith and lifelong friendships.

A free-will offering will support camp scholarships and housing costs, helping make Campformation accessible to more young people. All are welcome—whether camp is already part of your story or you are curious to learn more.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardMay 22, 2026Campformation, Grace Phoenix, Outdoor MinistryComment

Lutheran World Federation newsletter

News, Global Church, SpotlightBrian FlatgardMay 22, 2026Lutheran World FederationComment

Faithful Climate Action: Highlights from the June Blessed Tomorrow Newsletter

The June Blessed Tomorrow newsletter offers new creation care resources for congregations, including a new multi-faith film series, climate leadership opportunities, advocacy actions, and practical tools for supporting families and communities in a changing climate. Explore stories of faithful action, new research, and ways your congregation can deepen its care for God’s creation. Read the newsletter in full.

Brian FlatgardMay 22, 2026Blessed Tomorrow, Climate ChangeComment

Watch the 2026 National Faith + Climate Forum and Renew Your Commitment to Creation Care

More than 1,250 people from all 50 states, Washington, DC, Puerto Rico, and 26 countries gathered online and in houses of worship for the 2026 National Faith + Climate Forum, representing 33 faith traditions and 703 congregations. Now, the full recording is available for congregations and leaders seeking to deepen their commitment to faithful climate action and care for creation.

Explore the recording, participant guide, and practical resources to continue conversations and ministry in your congregation—from climate leadership training to faith-based creation care initiatives. Read more and watch the recording.

Brian FlatgardMay 22, 2026Blessed Tomorrow, ecoAmerica, Climate ChangeComment

PLTS Invites Leaders to Explore Faith and Racial Justice This Fall

PLTS is continuing its Racial Justice and Faith Certificate this fall with two six-week online courses: Artistic Practice for Leaders (September–October) and Intersectionality & Social Justice (November–December). Open to clergy, lay leaders, and all interested learners, the program explores faithful responses to racial injustice through an accessible online format.

New PLTS Certificate in Church Leadership Launches This Fall

Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary is launching a new Certificate in Church Leadership in Fall 2026 for lay leaders, those pursuing SAM status, and current SAMs. Flexible 8-week online courses allow participants to enroll in individual classes or complete a 3-course or 6-course certificate focused on practical ministry leadership and Lutheran foundations.

Stepping Up to Supervision: Practical Tools for Faithful Ministry Leadership

Faith+Lead’s Stepping Up to Supervision cohort (Aug. 18–Sept. 1, 2026) equips pastors, ministry staff, and lay leaders with practical and theological tools for supervising staff faithfully. Through three live Zoom workshops and a year of access to resources, participants will explore how to balance grace, accountability, and effective leadership in ministry settings.

Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardMay 22, 2026faith+lead, Luther SeminaryComment

Pivot #178: The Meaning of Pentecost: Fire, Tongues, and the Spirit That Sends Us Out

In the latest Pivot podcast, Lois Malcolm argues that the miracle of Pentecost is not primarily about what the disciples felt. It's about where they went.

Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardMay 22, 2026Pivot Podcast, Luther SeminaryComment

Mosaic: Prepare for Transition to Adult Services Long Before Age 21

Young people who transition to adult services at 21 and their family members often come to Mosaic with many questions. While helping guide them, a critical question Mosaic asks drives the next steps. Learn what that question is here.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardMay 22, 2026Mosaic, Disability MinistriesComment

Living Water Lutheran Church Hosts Book Drive to Share the Gift of Reading

Living Water Lutheran Church in Scottsdale is collecting new and gently used books from April 6 through June 30, 2026. Donations for readers of all ages—including children’s books, early readers, youth and adult books, cookbooks, and recipe magazines—may be dropped off at 9201 E. Happy Valley Road, Monday–Thursday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The drive aims to expand access to reading materials across the Phoenix area and help place books into homes where they are needed most. Donations must be in good condition, with no rips, tears, or markings.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardMay 21, 2026Living Water Scottsdale, Northeast Valley ConferenceComment

Installation of Rev. Patsy Koeneke at Epiphany of Christ in Apache Junction

Rev. Patsy Koeneke will be installed Sunday, 6/7/2025, at 9:30 am at Epiphany of Christ Lutheran (1050 W. Superstition Blvd., Apache Junction, AZ 85120). Bishop Hutterer will preach and preside. The service will be live-streamed on Facebook and on YouTube. Everyone is welcome to stay for fellowship after the service.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardMay 21, 2026Ordinations and InstallationsComment

Bishop Curry: “Hate Will Not Divide Us” Following San Diego Islamic Center Shooting

Following the deadly shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego, ELCA Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry has issued a pastoral response condemning Islamophobia, grieving with Muslim neighbors and calling Lutherans to visible solidarity, relationship-building, advocacy and courage in the face of hatred. Grounded in Lutheran teaching and resurrection hope, Bishop Curry reminds the church that “hate will not have the final word.”

What Arizona Lutherans Need to Know This Week from LAMA

This week’s LAMA newsletter includes an Arizona election action alert, anti-hunger and immigration-related events, cooling center resources, advocacy updates, and opportunities for congregations to engage faithfully in public life. Explore highlights from Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona and read the full newsletter for ways to stay informed and advocate for neighbors across our communities.

Heat Relief, Healing, Democracy, and Dialogue: This Week from AFN

Arizona Faith Network’s latest newsletter includes updates on cooling center funding, interfaith dialogue, democracy and voting efforts, community safety, healing practices, creation care, and opportunities to support vulnerable neighbors during Arizona’s extreme heat season. Explore this week’s highlights and read the full newsletter to learn how faith communities are engaging the common good across Arizona.

Office of the Bishop Updates

Next week, the Office of the Bishop will continue preparations for Synod Assembly through planning, meetings, and behind-the-scenes coordination, while also supporting candidacy, mission planning, worship partnerships, communications, finance, and upcoming synod events. Bishop Deborah Hutterer and staff will remain engaged in conversations, presentations, and administrative work to support congregations and ministries across the synod.

News, Bishop Hutterer, Grand Canyon Synod, SpotlightBrian FlatgardMay 21, 2026Office of the BishopComment

Chicken Fajitas and the Theology of Welcome

Solveig Muus shares her famous chicken fajitas recipe—a meal deeply connected to hospitality, friendship, and the joy of gathering people around the table.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardMay 20, 2026Rooted at the Table, Recipes, 2026 RecipesComment

Desert Cross Lutheran Seeks Worship Leader for Growing Gilbert Campus

Desert Cross Lutheran Church in Gilbert is seeking a part-time Worship Leader to help lead Christ-centered Sunday worship and mentor youth and emerging musicians. The role includes vocal and instrumental leadership, volunteer coordination, and helping shape worship rooted in Lutheran tradition at the congregation’s growing Gilbert campus. View job description here.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardMay 20, 2026Help Wanted, Desert Cross TempeComment

Bishop Hutterer: Rooted in God’s Story, Gathered by the Spirit

As Synod Assembly approaches, Bishop Hutterer reflects on Pentecost, our shared calling, and the importance of gathering as church—rooted in God’s story and open to the Spirit’s leading.

Assembly Accommodations Still Available for 2026 Synod Gathering in Mesa

Lodging is available for those planning to attend the 2026 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly, June 11–13 at Love of Christ Lutheran Church in Mesa. Several nearby hotel options offer a variety of styles and price points for voting members, visitors, and guests.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardMay 20, 20262026 Synod AssemblyComment

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