Grand Canyon Synod

News

From Scarcity to Sanctuary: When Church Property Becomes Ministry

From Scarcity to Sanctuary: When Church Property Becomes Ministry

With declining membership and limited finances, Trinity Lutheran Church of Manhattan didn’t have abundant resources—but it did have space and a willingness to take a leap of faith. Twenty years ago, the congregation began sheltering LGBTQIA+ young adults experiencing homelessness. Today, Trinity Place remains open every night, offering shelter, community and a path toward greater stability.

In Living Lutheran, the story becomes an invitation for congregations to consider how underused buildings and land might serve their neighbors. The article also introduces the ELCA Church Property Resource Hub, which helps congregations explore faithful and creative possibilities for their property. ⁠Read “From Scarcity to Sanctuary” in Living Lutheran.

ELCABrian FlatgardAugust 11, 2026Living Lutheran, LGBTQIA+Comment

A Big Deal: How Lutherans Helped Shape the Pennsylvania Lottery

A Big Deal: How Lutherans Helped Shape the Pennsylvania Lottery

What do Lutheran pastors, community organizing and the Pennsylvania Lottery have in common? In Living Lutheran, retired ELCA pastor P. Richard Grove recalls how Lutheran leaders helped organize older adults around affordable public transportation in the early 1970s—and how that advocacy contributed to a system that has since provided billions of dollars in benefits for Pennsylvania’s older adults.

Part of Living Lutheran’s America 250 series, the firsthand account offers a fascinating glimpse into Lutheran engagement in civic life and the lasting consequences of community organizing. ⁠Read “A Big Deal” in Living Lutheran.

ELCABrian FlatgardAugust 11, 2026Living LutheranComment

Mission Investment Fund Annual Report Highlights Faithful Partnership and Impact

Mission Investment Fund Annual Report Highlights Faithful Partnership and Impact

The Mission Investment Fund’s 2025 Annual Report shares how congregations, individuals and ministry partners are putting financial resources to work in service of the church and their communities. In 2025, MIF reported $615 million in active loans supporting 700 ELCA ministries and $551.5 million in investments from individuals, congregations and organizations.

Beyond the numbers, the report shares stories of ministries expanding essential services, establishing permanent homes and aligning financial stewardship with service, justice and care for the neighbor. ⁠Explore the 2025 MIF Annual Report.

ELCABrian FlatgardAugust 11, 2026ELCA Mission Investment FundComment

July Mission Support Memo: Building community from InsideOut

July Mission Support Memo: Building community from InsideOut

Our July 2026 Mission Support Memo highlights a story created by our Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod, about a community-centered ministry in West Lawn, Pa., called InsideOut.

Also, reconnect or connect with ELCA's The Generosity Project through a new webpage available in partnership with Kindling Faith. Finally, take the time to read a farewell from a beloved colleague, Victoria Flood.

ELCABrian FlatgardAugust 11, 2026Mission Support, ELCA Mission Support TeamComment

Supporting the Church’s Song: Resources and Events for Fall 2026

Supporting the Church’s Song: Resources and Events for Fall 2026

ELCA Worship’s August roundup offers several opportunities for church musicians and worship leaders: more than 40 Lutheran Summer Music performances available on demand, fall webinars from the Association of Lutheran Church Musicians, October’s Vi Messerli Memorial Lectures in Church Music, and a formation opportunity for early-career church musicians through the Church Music Institute.

Several opportunities have fall deadlines or registration dates, making this a useful roundup to share with your congregation’s musicians and worship leaders. ⁠Explore all partner resources and events.

ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardAugust 11, 2026ELCA worshipComment

Resources for Worship Planning, Accessibility and the Church Year

Resources for Worship Planning, Accessibility and the Church Year

ELCA Worship highlights several resources from Augsburg Fortress for congregations and worship leaders, including the 2027 Sundays and Seasons calendar featuring the art of Kelly Latimore, a children’s introduction to the church year, ELW Occasional Services for the Assembly, and a large-print edition of Evangelical Lutheran Worship designed to make worship more accessible. ⁠Explore the August worship resources.

ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardAugust 11, 2026ELCA worshipComment

Administration Matters: Practical Tools for Safer Church Finances

Administration Matters: Practical Tools for Safer Church Finances

The July issue of ELCA Administration Matters offers practical guidance for congregational leaders on three significant financial risks: secure ACH approval practices, church embezzlement and fraudulent donor scams. The issue also highlights Portico Benefit Services’ 2025 Community Impact Report. ⁠Explore the July Administration Matters resources.

Leader Resources, ELCABrian FlatgardAugust 11, 2026Comment

Remembering Bishop Patricia Davenport, ELCA Trailblazer

Remembering Bishop Patricia Davenport, ELCA Trailblazer

The ELCA mourns the death of the Rev. Patricia Ann Curtis Davenport, 70, the first African American woman elected a bishop in the ELCA. Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry remembers Davenport for urging the church, especially in difficult moments, to “pause, pray and listen for the Holy Spirit” so that we might respond rather than react. ⁠Read the ELCA remembrance.

ELCA, In MemoriamBrian FlatgardAugust 11, 2026Comment

Bishop Curry: Choosing Reconciliation Over Division

Bishop Curry: Choosing Reconciliation Over Division

ELCA Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry reflects on religious diversity, Christian faith and the church’s calling to a “ministry of reconciliation.” Drawing on the ELCA’s interreligious commitments, Curry encourages Lutherans to build relationships across religious differences while resisting efforts to identify the nation or government with a single faith. ⁠Read Presiding Bishop Curry’s full message.

Bishop Curry, ELCABrian FlatgardAugust 11, 2026Bishop Curry Letters, Church and SocietyComment

Ordination Celebrations

Ordination Celebrations

This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:

The Rev. Cheryl Fox, who celebrates 17 years on August 15.
Rev. Mark Powell, who celebrates 46 years on August 17.
Rev. Deborah Hutterer, Office of the Bishop, Phoenix, who celebrates 22 years on August 18.
Rev. Brent Maxwell, who celebrates 19 years on August 19.
Rev. Kurt Fangmeier, Sierra Evangelical, Sierra Vista, who celebrates 25 years on August 19.
Rev. Marilyn Ascarza, who celebrates 36 years on August 19.
Rev. Scott Hackler, Spirit of Grace, Surprise, who celebrates 37 years on August 20.
Michael Purcell, who celebrates 48 years on August 20.

Grand Canyon Synod, News, SpotlightBrian FlatgardAugust 11, 2026Ordination AnniversariesComment

Save the Dates: Upcoming Youth Ministry Learning Opportunities

Save the Dates: Upcoming Youth Ministry Learning Opportunities

The SYAT Collective continues its free continuing education series for youth ministry leaders with two upcoming Zoom events: intergenerational ministry (August 20), and creative fundraising strategies (September 17). Congregational leaders, volunteers, and ministry staff are invited to learn practical tools for strengthening ministry with children, youth, and young adults.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardAugust 10, 2026Synod Youth Advisory Team (SYAT), Youth and Young AdultComment

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, 8/16/2026 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 FlatgardAugust 10, 2026Ordinations and Installations Comment

Safeguarding Our Worshiping Communities: Practical Guidance for Congregational Leaders

Safeguarding Our Worshiping Communities: Practical Guidance for Congregational Leaders

Join ELCA Director of Misconduct Prevention Kendra Stea on Tuesday, August 18, at 10 a.m. Arizona/PDT for practical guidance on mandatory reporting, involving the bishop, sex offenders in congregations, behavior agreements, Safe Church policies, and resources for protecting children and vulnerable adults.

ELCA, Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardAugust 10, 2026Child ProtectionComment

Plant Yourself in Good Soil: Growing in Faith Begins August 25

Plant Yourself in Good Soil: Growing in Faith Begins August 25

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 FlatgardAugust 10, 2026DiakoniaComment

Office of the Bishop Updates

Office of the Bishop Updates

As summer transitions toward fall, Grand Canyon Synod staff are focused on planning, ministry support, stewardship development, and financial oversight. This week also marks the return of Communications Director Brian Flatgard from sabbatical, bringing renewed energy and gratitude as the synod prepares for the season ahead.

News, Bishop Hutterer, Grand Canyon Synod, SpotlightBrian FlatgardAugust 6, 2026Office of the BishopComment

Ordination Celebrations

Ordination Celebrations

This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:

Rev. Janet Richardson, who celebrates 37 years on August 6.
Rev. Richard Peterson, who celebrates 33 years on August 8.
Rev. John Hoelter, who celebrates 59 years on August 9.
Rev. Wyatt Linde, Resurrection, Oro Valley, who celebrates 3 years on August 9.
Rev. Joseph Dillon, who celebrates 50 years on August 10.
Rev. Paul Campbell, who celebrates 47 years on August 12.

Grand Canyon Synod, News, SpotlightBrian FlatgardAugust 6, 2026Ordination AnniversariesComment

Ordination Celebrations

Ordination Celebrations

Today we celebrate the ordination anniversary of Rev. Kevin Anderson, Spirit of Hope, Mesa, who celebrates 1 year on August 4.

Grand Canyon Synod, News, SpotlightBrian FlatgardAugust 4, 2026Ordination AnniversariesComment

Ordination Celebrations

Ordination Celebrations

Today we celebrate the ordination anniversary of Rev. Thomas McFarland, who celebrates 40 years on August 3.

Grand Canyon Synod, News, SpotlightBrian FlatgardAugust 3, 2026Ordination AnniversariesComment

Ordination Celebrations

Ordination Celebrations

Today we celebrate the ordination anniversary of Rev. Sharon Brown, who celebrates 13 years on August 2.

Grand Canyon Synod, News, SpotlightBrian FlatgardAugust 2, 2026Ordination AnniversariesComment

Ordination Celebrations

Ordination Celebrations

Today we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:

Rev. Rebecca Boardman, who celebrates 22 years on July 31.
Rev. James Schubert, who celebrates 36 years on July 31.

Grand Canyon Synod, News, SpotlightBrian FlatgardJuly 31, 2026Ordination AnniversariesComment