See What God Is Doing Across Our Synod: Assembly Reports Now Available
See What God Is Doing Across Our Synod: Assembly Reports Now Available

As part of our 2026 Synod Assembly wrap-up, explore a growing collection of mission and ministry reports, videos, and stories from across the Grand Canyon Synod and the wider ELCA. From advocacy and generosity to leadership development, global partnerships, and congregational innovation, these reports highlight how God is at work through our shared ministry.

Visit our mission and ministry story page to view the full collection and discover stories of faith, service, and hope from across our synod.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian Flatgard2026 Synod AssemblyComment
Together We Gave: 2026 Synod Assembly Offering Supports Ministry in the Holy Land
Together We Gave: 2026 Synod Assembly Offering Supports Ministry in the Holy Land

The 2026 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly raised $3,702.84 to support the ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land (ELCJHL), strengthening Lutheran ministry, education, and peacebuilding in the places where the Christian story first took root.

If you forgot to give during assembly, there is still time to participate through the synod’s Assembly Giving page.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian Flatgard2026 Synod AssemblyComment
2026 Synod Assembly: Rooted in God’s Story, Sent in Hope
2026 Synod Assembly: Rooted in God’s Story, Sent in Hope

More than 300 Lutherans gathered June 12–13 in Mesa for the 2026 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly under the theme “Rooted in God’s Story.” Worship, elections, discernment, leadership reports, workshops, and service shaped the gathering, including adoption of the 2027–2028 Mission Plan and the reception of Peace in the Desert into the synod.

Participants also celebrated new leaders, packed food for neighbors experiencing hunger, and were sent back to congregations grounded in worship, community, and shared mission.

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ELCABrian Flatgard2026 Synod AssemblyComment
With Deep Gratitude: Thank You for a Spirit-Filled 2026 Synod Assembly
With Deep Gratitude: Thank You for a Spirit-Filled 2026 Synod Assembly

The 2026 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly was made possible by hundreds of faithful hands. From volunteers, planners, and worship leaders to host congregation members, exhibitors, technical teams, childcare sponsors, and voting members, we offer deep gratitude to all who helped bring this year’s gathering to life.

Read our full thank-you and celebration of the many people whose hospitality, leadership, generosity, and faithful service helped root this year’s assembly in God’s story.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian Flatgard2026 Synod AssemblyComment
2026 Synod Assembly Bishop Curry video: A Connected Church
2026 Synod Assembly Bishop Curry video: A Connected Church

In the ELCA's 2026 Synod Assembly video (with Spanish captions) from Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry, he shares three stories from across the ELCA, including a story about a feeding program from South Carolina, a journey to the Holy Land for Bishop Imad Haddad's installation at the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land, and a pastor's calling by his congregation in Washington State.

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Bishop Curry, ELCA, Grand Canyon SynodBrian Flatgard2026 Synod Assembly, Bishop Curry LettersComment
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.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardHelp Wanted, Esperanza Phoenix, Fiesta ConferenceComment
Lutheran World Federation newsletter
Lutheran World Federation newsletter
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News, Global Church, SpotlightBrian FlatgardLutheran 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.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardKino 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.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardDesert 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.

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Grand Canyon Synod, Region 2, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardThriving 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.

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Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardChristian 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.

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ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardSemiquincentennial, 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.

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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