Grand Canyon Synod

News

World Refugee Day: Walking Alongside Our Neighbors in Hope

World Refugee Day: Walking Alongside Our Neighbors in Hope

As the world observes World Refugee Day on June 20, Lutheran Disaster Response invites Lutherans to renew their commitment to refugees and migrants through learning, advocacy, and generosity. With global displacement at record levels, this reflection highlights our shared calling to accompany neighbors seeking safety, dignity, and hope.

Grounded in faith and solidarity, the article offers practical ways to respond through ELCA resources, advocacy opportunities, and support for Lutheran Disaster Response ministries serving displaced communities around the world. Read the full reflection from Lutheran Disaster Response.

ELCABrian FlatgardJune 19, 2026Immigration and Refugees, Lutheran Disaster ResponseComment

Bags of Hope, Poll Chaplains, and Sacred Land Advocacy

Bags of Hope, Poll Chaplains, and Sacred Land Advocacy

The latest Arizona Faith Network newsletter features upcoming Bags of Hope heat-relief events, Election Protection volunteer opportunities, interfaith dialogue and prayer gatherings, a summer healing book study, and advocacy efforts related to Oak Flat and sacred land protection.

Readers are encouraged to explore the full newsletter for registration links, volunteer opportunities, event details, and additional resources from AFN and its partners across Arizona.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardJune 18, 2026Ecumenical and Inter-Religious Relations, Arizona Faith Network, Church and SocietyComment

For What Shall We Pray?

For What Shall We Pray?

For peace and reconciliation among the nations, especially in Iran, Lebanon, Gaza, Mali, South Sudan, Ukraine, and Venezuela…
For medical professionals, researchers, and all navigating the Ebola outbreak in central Africa…
For a spirit of camaraderie and community during major global sporting events…
For awareness, advocacy, and an end to human trafficking…
For the G7 summit, global politics, and the interconnectedness of people and nations..
For the families of those killed in airplane crashes in Texas, California, and Missouri…
For all impacted by the 6.7 magnitude earthquake in Indonesia…
For those affected by storms and severe weather…
For those evacuated and those fighting wildfires in eastern Washington…
For justice, compassion, and human rights for immigrants, refugees, those who are detained, and all who travel…
For fathers, caregivers, and those for whom parental relationships are strained…

ELCA, Prayers, SpotlightBrian FlatgardJune 18, 2026ELCA Worship, For What Shall We PrayComment

From Cuba to the Ballot Box: Opportunities to Serve and Advocate

From Cuba to the Ballot Box: Opportunities to Serve and Advocate

The newest LAMA newsletter features an ELCA Action Alert on Cuba, Election Protection volunteer trainings, immigration detention discussions, hunger ministry collaboration, and new resources on faithful public witness. Readers will also find opportunities for advocacy, service, and community engagement across Arizona.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardJune 18, 2026Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA), Advocacy, Church and SocietyComment

Office of the Bishop Updates

Office of the Bishop Updates

The Office of the Bishop continues its post-Assembly ministry this week through congregational visits, pastoral care, leadership development, stewardship planning, and ongoing support for congregations across the synod. Staff will also focus on communications, upcoming events, financial administration, and collaborative ministry opportunities while preparing resources and plans for the months ahead.

News, Bishop Hutterer, Grand Canyon Synod, SpotlightBrian FlatgardJune 18, 2026Office of the BishopComment

Ordination Celebrations

Ordination Celebrations

Today we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:

Rev. Mark Rossman, Living Water, Scottsdale, who celebrates 38 years on June 18.
Rev. Paul Hansen, who celebrates 37 years on June 18.
Rev. Glen Stadler, who celebrates 48 years on June 18.
Rev. Raymond Christenson, who celebrates 58 years on June 18.

Grand Canyon Synod, News, SpotlightBrian FlatgardJune 18, 2026Ordination AnniversariesComment

Celebrating Faithful Leaders: Growing in Faith/Diakonia Graduation

Celebrating Faithful Leaders: Growing in Faith/Diakonia Graduation

Join the Growing in Faith/Diakonia community on Saturday, June 27 at St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church in Phoenix as five graduates are celebrated for their commitment to faith formation and service. Through learning, discernment, and spiritual growth, these graduates reflect how God continues to equip leaders for ministry across the synod. View as PDF here.

Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardJune 17, 2026DiakoniaComment

Plant Yourself in Good Soil: Growing in Faith Begins This August

Plant Yourself in Good Soil: Growing in Faith Begins This August

Registration is now open for the Growing in Faith/Diakonia Foundation Year, beginning August 25 with Christianity in the Lutheran Key. Join others from across the synod for online learning, spiritual growth, and deeper engagement with faith in everyday life. View PDF here.

Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardJune 17, 2026DiakoniaComment

What Gifts Has God Given You? Explore Them This July

What Gifts Has God Given You? Explore Them This July

Wondering what gifts God has placed within you? The Growing in Faith/Diakonia Program’s Exploring Your Spiritual Gifts Retreat this July offers a welcoming space for discernment, reflection, and discovery. Join online over three Saturdays and explore how God may be calling you to serve. View invite as PDF here.

Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardJune 17, 2026DiakoniaComment

Take the Next Faithful Step with Growing in Faith/Diakonia

Take the Next Faithful Step with Growing in Faith/Diakonia

Could God be calling you to serve in new ways? Growing in Faith/Diakonia invites lay leaders, discerners, and curious learners into a two-year journey of spiritual growth and service. Join an upcoming Zoom information session and explore where God may be leading next.

Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardJune 17, 2026DiakoniaComment

Prayers Requested for Pastor Nanette Christofferson

Prayers Requested for Pastor Nanette Christofferson

Please keep Pastor Nanette Christofferson of Love of Christ Lutheran Church in Mesa in your prayers as she undergoes surgery this week and begins her recovery.

Grand Canyon Synod, PrayersBrian FlatgardJune 17, 2026Love of Christ Mesa Comment

Mosaic | Hire Directly or Use a Provider: Ask These 4 Questions Before Deciding

Mosaic | Hire Directly or Use a Provider: Ask These 4 Questions Before Deciding

When families are seeking services for a loved one with a disability, they typically have a choice to make: hire support staff directly or use a provider like Mosaic. It’s a tough decision that requires careful consideration. Here are four questions families should ask when determining the path that’s right for them.

The post Hire Directly or Use a Provider: Ask These 4 Questions Before Deciding appeared first on Mosaic.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardJune 17, 2026Mosaic, Disability MinistriesComment

Remembering the Emanuel Nine Eleven Years Later

Remembering the Emanuel Nine Eleven Years Later

On the 11th anniversary of the murder of the Emanuel Nine at Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, former South Carolina Bishop Herman Yoos reflects on grief, forgiveness, repentance, and the ongoing work of confronting racism and white supremacy. His personal essay recalls how the tragedy reshaped his ministry and understanding of racial justice.

Read this powerful reflection and explore ELCA resources for commemorating the Emanuel Nine and continuing the work of reconciliation.

ELCABrian FlatgardJune 17, 2026Emanuel 9, Racial Justice MinistriesComment

As Hurricane Season Begins, Communities Are Called to Prepare

As Hurricane Season Begins, Communities Are Called to Prepare

As hurricane season begins, Lutheran Disaster Response reminds congregations and households that preparedness is both practical and faithful. From emergency planning and supply kits to congregational resiliency efforts, taking action now can help communities care for one another when disasters strike.

Explore preparedness resources, including a congregational preparedness guide, and learn how Lutheran Disaster Response supports communities before and after disasters. Read more at ELCA.org.

ELCABrian FlatgardJune 17, 2026Lutheran Disaster ResponseComment

South Carolina Synod Elects Wade Thomas Roof III as Bishop

South Carolina Synod Elects Wade Thomas Roof III as Bishop

The Rev. Wade Thomas Roof III was elected bishop of the South Carolina Synod on June 13 during the synod assembly in West Columbia, S.C. Roof, currently pastor of Mount Tabor Lutheran Church, will begin his six-year term on Sept. 1, succeeding Bishop Virginia Aebischer. Read more about the election, Roof’s ministry background, and the South Carolina Synod in the full ELCA news story.

ELCABrian FlatgardJune 17, 2026Comment

Northeastern Ohio Synod Reelects Bishop Laura Barbins

Northeastern Ohio Synod Reelects Bishop Laura Barbins

The Rev. Laura Barbins was reelected June 6 to serve a second six-year term as bishop of the Northeastern Ohio Synod. Barbins has led the synod since 2020 and previously served in parish ministry and theological education. Read the full story for election details and a look at Bishop Barbins’ ministry and leadership.

ELCABrian FlatgardJune 17, 2026Comment

Bishop Tessa Moon Leiseth Reelected in Eastern North Dakota

Bishop Tessa Moon Leiseth Reelected in Eastern North Dakota

The Rev. Tessa Moon Leiseth was reelected June 7 to serve a second six-year term as bishop of the Eastern North Dakota Synod. Moon Leiseth has served as bishop since 2020 and brings experience in parish ministry, campus ministry, and global mission. Learn more about the election results and Bishop Moon Leiseth’s ministry journey.

ELCABrian FlatgardJune 17, 2026Comment

Jennifer Dee Elected Bishop of the Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod

Jennifer Dee Elected Bishop of the Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod

The Rev. Jennifer Dee was elected June 6 to serve a six-year term as bishop of the Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod. Dee currently serves as lead pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Robesonia and will be installed Oct. 31. Read more about the election, Dee’s ministry experience, and the transition in synod leadership.

ELCABrian FlatgardJune 17, 2026Comment

Ordination Celebrations

Ordination Celebrations

Today we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:

Rev. Daniel Megorden, who celebrates 47 years on June 17.
Rev. Richard Bosse, who celebrates 70 years on June 17.
Rev. Daniel Storvick, who celebrates 53 years on June 17.

Grand Canyon Synod, News, SpotlightBrian FlatgardJune 17, 2026Ordination AnniversariesComment

Assembly 2026 Photo Galleries Now Available

Assembly 2026 Photo Galleries Now Available

Scores of photos from the 2026 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly are now available, including galleries from worship, business sessions, the Variety Show, candid moments, and Bishop Hutterer’s annual selfie. Most images were provided by Pastor Doug Dill. Browse the galleries and explore the full collection of Assembly wrap-up stories and ministry reports.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardJune 17, 20262026 Synod AssemblyComment