Grand Canyon Synod

News

Esperanza Lutheran in Phoenix Seeks Part-Time Music Director to Lead Chancel Choir

Esperanza Lutheran in Phoenix Seeks Part-Time Music Director to Lead Chancel Choir

Esperanza Lutheran Church in Ahwatukee is seeking a part-time Director of Chancel Choir (Promesa de Esperanza) to lead the congregation’s choir ministry and help enrich worship through music. The position includes choir direction, worship planning, cantatas, and seasonal services, with compensation ranging from $12,000–$18,000 annually.

Applicants should have a heart for worship, experience in choral leadership, and familiarity with Lutheran and liturgical traditions. Learn more and apply through Esperanza Lutheran Church.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardJune 15, 2026Help Wanted, Esperanza Phoenix, Fiesta ConferenceComment

Lutheran World Federation newsletter

Lutheran World Federation newsletter

News, Global Church, SpotlightBrian FlatgardJune 15, 2026Lutheran World FederationComment

Lutheran Church of the Foothills Seeks Part-Time Music Ministry Leader

Lutheran Church of the Foothills Seeks Part-Time Music Ministry Leader

Lutheran Church of the Foothills in Tucson is seeking a Part-Time Music Ministry Leader to support worship, choir leadership, and congregational music ministry. The flexible position is envisioned at approximately 20 hours per week, with compensation around $30,000 annually, and applicants with strengths in organ, piano, or choir direction are encouraged to apply. Applications will be reviewed as received until the position is filled.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardJune 15, 2026Kino Conference, Lutheran Church of the Foothills TucsonComment

Desert Cross Lutheran Seeks Worship Leader for Growing Gilbert Campus

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 FlatgardJune 15, 2026Desert Cross TempeComment

Save the Date: Executive Skills for Church Leaders Returns in 2027

Save the Date: Executive Skills for Church Leaders Returns in 2027

Executive Skills for Church Leaders returns January 4–8, 2027, at Spirit in the Desert in Carefree, Arizona. This leadership development experience equips rostered ministers and lay leaders with practical skills for today’s ministry context. Join the interest list now to receive early updates and registration access: bit.ly/ExecSkills27.

Grand Canyon Synod, Region 2, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardJune 15, 2026Thriving Leadership Formation ProgramComment

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.

Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardJune 15, 2026Christian Nationalism, Diakonia Comment

Marking 250 Years: New ELCA Worship Resources for the U.S. Semiquincentennial

Marking 250 Years: New ELCA Worship Resources for the U.S. Semiquincentennial

The ELCA Worship Office has released new worship resources for the U.S. semiquincentennial in July 2026, offering liturgical texts, preaching helps, music guidance, and civic vocation resources for congregations marking the nation’s 250th anniversary. Designed to both celebrate and lament the nation’s history, the materials center worship around Christ’s call to justice, humility, mercy, and beloved community.

Resources are available now in PDF, DOC, and through SundaysandSeasons.com.

ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardJune 15, 2026Semiquincentennial, ELCA WorshipComment

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.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardJune 15, 2026Comment

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.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardJune 15, 2026Comment

Ordination Celebrations

Ordination Celebrations

Today we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:

Rev. Timothy Swanson, who celebrates 53 years on June 15.
Rev. Dennis Morreim, who celebrates 57 years on June 15.

Grand Canyon Synod, News, SpotlightBrian FlatgardJune 15, 2026Ordination AnniversariesComment

Office of the Bishop Closed in Observance of Juneteenth

Office of the Bishop Closed in Observance of Juneteenth

The Office of the Bishop will be closed Friday, June 19, for Juneteenth. We give thanks for liberation and recommit to the ongoing work of racial justice and freedom.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardJune 15, 2026Office of the BishopComment

Ordination Celebrations

Ordination Celebrations

Today we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:

Rev. Charles Wilfong, who celebrates 62 years on June 14.
Rev. Dana Reardon, Shepherd of the Hills, Flagstaff, who celebrates 28 years on June 14.
Rev. Tom Shelly, who celebrates 45 years on June 14.
Rev. Ronald Tellefson, who celebrates 62 years on June 14.

Grand Canyon Synod, News, SpotlightBrian FlatgardJune 14, 2026Ordination AnniversariesComment

Ordination Celebrations

Ordination Celebrations

Today we celebrate the ordination anniversary of Rev. Harold Aasland, who celebrates 72 years on June 13.

Grand Canyon Synod, News, SpotlightBrian FlatgardJune 13, 2026Ordination AnniversariesComment

Pivot #181: How to Create Community in Church When Culture Works Against It

Pivot #181: How to Create Community in Church When Culture Works Against It

In the latest Pivot podcast, hosts Dwight Zscheile and Alicia Granholm reflect on a full season of conversations.

Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardJune 12, 2026Pivot Podcast, Luther SeminaryComment

Ordination Celebrations

Ordination Celebrations

Today we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:

Rev. Jacqueline Pagel, Office of the Bishop, Phoenix, who celebrates 16 years on June 12.
Rev. Bernard Carl, who celebrates 49 years on June 12.
Rev. Scott Klimke, American, Sun City, who celebrates 22 years on June 12.

Grand Canyon Synod, News, SpotlightBrian FlatgardJune 12, 2026Ordination AnniversariesComment

Worship, Music, and Renewal: June Opportunities for Church Leaders

Worship, Music, and Renewal: June Opportunities for Church Leaders

ELCA Worship has gathered a new round of resources, conferences, and learning opportunities for worship leaders, musicians, and planners across the church. Highlights include the Hymn Society Annual Conference (July 19–22), Lutheran Summer Music at St. Olaf College (June 21–July 19), the Association of Lutheran Church Musicians conference, and resources from Music that Makes Community focused on congregational song, justice, and worship renewal.

Whether you plan worship, lead music, or care deeply about the church’s song, explore these summer opportunities for learning, renewal, and connection. Read the full roundup from ELCA Worship.

ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardJune 11, 2026ELCA WorshipComment

New ELCA Disability Ministries Resource Centers Gifts, Belonging, and Faith Formation

New ELCA Disability Ministries Resource Centers Gifts, Belonging, and Faith Formation

ELCA Disability Ministries is preparing a new resource to help congregations better support youth with disabilities through an Individualized Faith Formation Plan (IFFP). Inspired by educational IEPs but rooted in giftedness rather than diagnosis, the process helps church leaders, youth, and families identify strengths, needed supports, and opportunities for leadership in the life of the congregation. Read more from ELCA Disability Ministries.

ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardJune 11, 2026Disability Ministries, ELCA Disability MinistriesComment

Erik Christensen Elected Bishop of the Metropolitan Chicago Synod

Erik Christensen Elected Bishop of the Metropolitan Chicago Synod

The Rev. Erik Christensen was elected June 6 to serve a six-year term as bishop of the Metropolitan Chicago Synod of the ELCA. Christensen, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Evanston and a longtime leader in congregational and seminary ministry, will be installed Sept. 19. Read the full story on ELCA.org.

ELCABrian FlatgardJune 11, 2026Comment

Bishop Anne Edison-Albright Reelected in East Central Synod of Wisconsin

Bishop Anne Edison-Albright Reelected in East Central Synod of Wisconsin

The Rev. Anne Edison-Albright has been reelected to a second six-year term as bishop of the East Central Synod of Wisconsin after a June 5 vote during the synod assembly in Oshkosh. Edison-Albright, first elected in 2020, brings experience in parish ministry, college ministry, chaplaincy, and global service.

Read more from the ELCA News Service about the election, Bishop Edison-Albright’s ministry background, and the work of the synod. Read the full story on ELCA.org.

ELCABrian FlatgardJune 11, 2026Comment

Books, Hope, and Partnership: New Photos from Martin Luther School in Senegal

Books, Hope, and Partnership: New Photos from Martin Luther School in Senegal

New photos and a heartfelt message from Pastor Latyr Diouf of the Lutheran Church in Senegal show the impact of the Grand Canyon Synod’s partnership with Martin Luther School in Fatick. Thanks to synod support for books and school supplies, the school served 144 students this year, with growth expected next year.

The update highlights how our shared ministry continues to make a difference—equipping students for learning while strengthening relationships with Lutheran siblings across the globe.

Global Church, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardJune 10, 2026Lutheran Church of Senegal, Global Engagement TeamComment