Hunger Leaders Network meets 6pm last Tuesday of every month

Calling all hunger champions: join this network of the Grand Canyon Synod! Meet to hear updates on national and local Hunger and Food Insecurity efforts and initiatives, to learn from one another, and to share with the group what's happening in our congregations. Anyone interested in alleviating hunger is welcome. Prepare to be encouraged and supported! Tuesday, 6/30/2026, 6-7pm MST.

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Ordination Celebrations

Today we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:

  • Rev. Roger Thompson, who celebrates 45 years on June 21.

  • Rev. Joseph Carucci, who celebrates 65 years on June 21.

  • Rev. Terry Pletkovich, who celebrates 45 years on June 21.

  • Rev. John Sersland, who celebrates 45 years on June 21.

  • Rev. Nancy Milleville, who celebrates 46 years on June 21.

  • Rev. Michael Girlinghouse, LCM Canterbury, Flagstaff, who celebrates 39 years on June 21.

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Lutheran World Federation newsletter
August Recess Offers a Unique Opportunity for Advocacy

The ELCA’s advocacy team is encouraging Lutherans to begin planning now for August Recess, when members of Congress return home to meet with constituents. Congregational visits, town halls, and personal conversations can help elevate faith-based concerns and strengthen long-term relationships with elected leaders. Learn how to schedule meetings, prepare your message, and make your voice heard through ELCA advocacy resources.

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Brian FlatgardComment
Why Wendell Berry Still Matters for People of Faith

Theologian Norman Wirzba reflects on how writer and farmer Wendell Berry reshaped his understanding of faith, Creation, and humanity’s relationship to the land. Drawing on Scripture, Berry’s agrarian vision reminds Christians that caring for people is inseparable from caring for soil, water, food, and the communities that sustain life.

This thoughtful reflection explores a deeply Lutheran understanding of God’s presence in Creation and Christ’s work of reconciliation for all things. Read the original essay from Blessed Tomorrow.

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Water Is Sacred: New Resources and Opportunities from Blessed Tomorrow

Water is at the center of the July Blessed Tomorrow newsletter, which features a new film series on protecting waterways, an upcoming ecumenical clergy retreat, resources from Lutherans Restoring Creation, and stories of faith-based climate action. Explore practical tools and opportunities to connect creation care with your congregation’s ministry.

Read the full newsletter for resources, events, and inspiration to help your community care for God’s creation and the sacred waters that sustain life.

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Good Green News: Climate Justice, Clean Energy, and Faithful Action

The latest Good Green News from Lutherans Restoring Creation includes an upcoming webinar on renewable energy and Lutheran ethics, an update on climate justice resolutions across ELCA synods, a new Faith + Climate Film Series, advocacy opportunities, and upcoming educational events. Read the full newsletter for registration links, resources, and ways your congregation can engage in faithful creation care and climate justice ministry.

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Watch Lutheran Summer Music 2026 Live This July

Join us online through Live from LSM and enjoy more than 30 free concerts, recitals, and worship services streamed live from Lutheran Summer Music at St. Olaf College.

Highlights include a special guest performance by Cantus, Bach's St. Matthew Passion, the Bach Cantata Eucharist, the Festival of Hymns, and joyful performances by the Festival Band, Choir, and Orchestra. View the full schedule and watch live at LSMacademy.org/calendar 

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Promise Magazine from Mosaic: Stories of Growth, Connection, Grit

We created Promise Magazine to share the human stories of our organization, and the summer 2026 issue does just that. Read about our history and the incredible ways people have persevered through tough times. You’ll also meet an individual served by Mosaic for 50 years; learn how a mother is navigating her son’s transition of care and find advice from a parent whose child has autism. We also highlight a milestone anniversary for Mosaic President and CEO Linda Timmons.

The post Promise Magazine: Stories of Growth, Connection, Grit appeared first on Mosaic.

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Mosaic: Donor Gifts Help Mindy Enjoy Bath Time Again

Daily baths are more than just a routine for Mindy; they are a source of comfort. But when it became difficult to get in and out of the tub, delight turned to fear. Thanks to donor gifts, Mindy is enjoying her daily baths again, and her Home Provider Arlene is honoring the memory of her husband, Jon.

The post Donor Gifts Help Mindy Enjoy Bath Time Again appeared first on Mosaic.

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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.

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Juneteenth and the Freedom We Know in Christ

In this Juneteenth reflection, historian and Lutheran scholar Dr. Denise Rector explores the history of emancipation and the enduring significance of freedom. Drawing on both historical truth and Lutheran theology, she reflects on how the delayed announcement of freedom to enslaved people in Texas echoes the importance of proclaiming truth and justice today.

Rooted in the promise of justification by grace through faith, the article reminds Christians that freedom in Christ is real—and calls us to love our neighbors, speak truth, and serve a world God loves. Read Dr. Rector’s full reflection on Juneteenth.

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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.

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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.

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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…

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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.

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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.

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