Grand Canyon Synod

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Rooted in God’s Story: The Grand Canyon Synod’s 2025–2026 Impact

Rooted in God’s Story: The Grand Canyon Synod’s 2025–2026 Impact

The Grand Canyon Synod’s 2025–2026 Impact Report highlights a year of faithful ministry across Arizona, southern Nevada, St. George, Utah, and the Navajo Nation. From ordinations and ministry grants to hunger work, refugee support, congregational accompaniment, and leadership development, the report shows how mission support helps us communicate Jesus, connect people, and create possibilities together.

Explore the numbers, stories, and shared impact of ministry across the synod as we continue living rooted in God’s story.

Grand Canyon Synod, Bishop HuttererBrian FlatgardJune 22, 2026Office of the BishopComment

Installation of Rev. Annemarie Burke at Beautiful Savior in Tucson

Installation of Rev. Annemarie Burke at Beautiful Savior in Tucson

Rev. Annemarie Burke will be installed Sunday, 8/16/2029 at the 9 am service at Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church (7570 North Thornydale Road, Tucson, AZ 85741).

Please check the calendar listing or beautifulsavior.net for this event for up-to-date info and details.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardJune 22, 2026Ordinations and InstallationsComment

Safeguarding Our Worshiping Communities: Join a Conversation on Best Practices

Safeguarding Our Worshiping Communities: Join a Conversation on Best Practices

Join ELCA’s Kendra Stea, Director, Misconduct Prevention, on Tuesday, August 18 at 10:00 a.m. Arizona/PDT for a Zoom conversation on safeguarding worshiping communities. This 90-minute session will explore mandated reporting, misconduct response, healthy boundaries, congregational policies, and best practices for navigating difficult situations with care and accountability.

Registration is required. Bring your questions and learn practical tools to help your congregation foster safer, healthier ministry settings. Register here.

ELCA, Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardJune 22, 2026Child ProtectionComment

Free Tech for Ministry? Your Congregation May Already Qualify

Free Tech for Ministry? Your Congregation May Already Qualify

ELCA congregations and ministries may already qualify for free or deeply discounted technology through platforms like Goodstack, Google for Nonprofits, and TechSoup. Learn how to access tools like Canva Pro, Google Workspace, Zoom, Microsoft 365, email marketing discounts, and even grant opportunities—while stretching your ministry budget and strengthening communication.

Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardJune 22, 2026Comment

Mastering Money: Stewardship Webinar on Budgeting, Planning, and Generous Living

Mastering Money: Stewardship Webinar on Budgeting, Planning, and Generous Living

The Grand Canyon Synod Stewardship Team invites you to “Mastering Money: Budgeting, Planning, and Living Generously” on July 15, 2026, from 6:30–8:00 PM (AZ/NV). Presenter Duane Gilson of Spirit of Hope Lutheran Church, Mesa, will share practical and faith-centered insights on budgeting, planning, and generous living. Register today for this free webinar.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardJune 22, 2026Stewardship, GCS Stewardship TeamComment

Hunger Leaders Network meets 6pm last Tuesday of every month

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.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardJune 22, 2026hunger, Grand Canyon Synod Hunger Leaders NetworkComment

Ordination Celebrations

Ordination Celebrations

Today we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:

Rev. Sarah Upham-Birdsall, who celebrates 24 years on June 22.
Rev. Matthew Dobyns, ELCA, Chicago, who celebrates 18 years on June 22.
Rev. Gary Hess, who celebrates 49 years on June 22.
Rev. Duane Peterson, who celebrates 68 years on June 22.
Rev. Andrew Schlecht, Maricopa, Maricopa, who celebrates 18 years on June 22.

Grand Canyon Synod, News, SpotlightBrian FlatgardJune 22, 2026Ordination AnniversariesComment

Ordination Celebrations

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.

Grand Canyon Synod, News, SpotlightBrian FlatgardJune 21, 2026Ordination AnniversariesComment

Ordination Celebrations

Ordination Celebrations

Today we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:

Rev. John Kautz, who celebrates 55 years on June 20.
Rev. Paul Nelson, who celebrates 44 years on June 20.

Grand Canyon Synod, News, SpotlightBrian FlatgardJune 20, 2026Ordination AnniversariesComment

Lutheran World Federation newsletter

Lutheran World Federation newsletter

News, Global Church, SpotlightBrian FlatgardJune 19, 2026Lutheran World FederationComment

August Recess Offers a Unique Opportunity for Advocacy

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.

Brian FlatgardJune 19, 2026Comment

Why Wendell Berry Still Matters for People of Faith

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.

Brian FlatgardJune 19, 2026Blessed Tomorrow, Climate ChangeComment

Water Is Sacred: New Resources and Opportunities from Blessed Tomorrow

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.

Brian FlatgardJune 19, 2026Blessed Tomorrow, Climate ChangeComment

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

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.

ELCABrian FlatgardJune 19, 2026Good Green News, Lutherans Restoring Creation, Climate ChangeComment

Watch Lutheran Summer Music 2026 Live This July

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

Brian FlatgardJune 19, 2026Lutheran Summer Music, St. Olaf CollegeComment

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

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.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardJune 19, 2026Mosaic, Disability MinistriesComment

Mosaic: Donor Gifts Help Mindy Enjoy Bath Time Again

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.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardJune 19, 2026Mosaic, Disability MinistriesComment

Stepping Up to Supervision: Practical Tools for Faithful Ministry Leadership

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 FlatgardJune 19, 2026faith+lead, Luther SeminaryComment

Ordination Celebrations

Ordination Celebrations

Today we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:

Rev. John Groh, who celebrates 60 years on June 19.
Rev. Norbert Schroeder, who celebrates 66 years on June 19.

Grand Canyon Synod, News, SpotlightBrian FlatgardJune 19, 2026Ordination AnniversariesComment

Juneteenth and the Freedom We Know in Christ

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.

ELCABrian FlatgardJune 19, 2026Juneteenth, Racial Justice Ministries, ELCA Racial Justice MinistriesComment