Ordination Celebrations

This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:

Rev. Michael Sager, Desert Hills, Green Valley, who celebrates 32 years on August 28.
Rev. Paul Ninnemann, who celebrates 50 years on August 29.
Rev. Carol George, Resurrection, Oro Valley, who celebrates 27 years on August 29.
Deacon Barbara Sikkink, who celebrates 34 years on August 30.
Rev. Renee Geiger, who celebrates 38 years on September 1.
Rev. John Schaumburg, who celebrates 54 years on September 2.
Rev. Kirk Anderson, who celebrates 54 years on September 3.

Grand Canyon Synod, News, SpotlightBrian FlatgardAugust 26, 2026Ordination AnniversariesComment

Registration Now Open for the 2026 Bishop’s Fall Gathering

Registration is now open for the 2026 Bishop’s Fall Gathering, October 12–14 at the Franciscan Renewal Center in Scottsdale. Register by Friday, September 18. Pastors, deacons, and Synod Authorized Ministers are invited for three days of worship, learning, renewal, and connection, featuring theologian, pastor, and author Rev. Dr. Carmelo Santos, PhD.

Rooted in God’s Story, this year’s gathering will explore faithful leadership, healing, identity, human flourishing, and emerging questions facing ministry today.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardAugust 25, 20262026 Bishop's Fall GatheringComment

Serve Our Neighbors with Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest

Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest has new opportunities to serve in Phoenix, Glendale, Peoria, Scottsdale and Tucson, including refugee youth mentoring, English tutoring, childcare, food distribution, and sewing and jewelry instruction. Metro Phoenix volunteers building relationships with refugee neighbors may also apply for new micro-grants to support shared activities and deepen connection.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardAugust 25, 2026Help Wanted, Lutheran Social Services of the SouthwestComment

Across Synod Lines: Theresa Thornburgh and Amy Birchard Support Rocky Mountain Synod

Grand Canyon Synod staff members Theresa Thornburgh and Amy Birchard are sharing their administrative and financial expertise with the Rocky Mountain Synod during a season of staff transition. The new partnership offers a tangible example of synods working together and sharing gifts in service to the wider church.

Grand Canyon Synod, Region 2Brian FlatgardAugust 25, 2026Rocky Mountain SynodComment

Before You Reply: Watch for Emails Impersonating Synod Leaders

The Grand Canyon Synod has received new reports of fraudulent emails impersonating Bishop Deborah Hutterer, this time using a fake Gmail address. These messages are not from Bishop Hutterer. Learn how to recognize impersonation attempts, verify suspicious communications, and protect yourself and your congregation as AI makes online scams increasingly convincing.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardAugust 25, 2026Comment

Bishop Curry Invites the ELCA to “God’s work. Our hands.” Sunday

“God’s work. Our hands.” Sunday is Sept. 13, 2026. Watch ELCA Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry’s invitation and begin planning how your congregation can join Lutherans across the church in serving neighbors and putting our faith into action.

ELCABrian FlatgardAugust 25, 2026God's Work Our Hands SundayComment

What Is SERVE? Watch the 2027 ELCA Youth Gathering Webinar

Planning for the 2027 ELCA Youth Gathering? Watch the new webinar introducing SERVE, an all-day experience combining hands-on service in the Twin Cities with reflection, Lutheran accompaniment and planning for continued service back home. SERVE space is limited, and priority Gathering registration opens Oct. 21.

ELCABrian FlatgardAugust 25, 20262027 ELCA Youth Gathering, Youth and Young AdultComment

Stolen Stories Episode 3 Explores the Intifadas and Oslo Accords

Episode 3 of ELCA Sumud’s five-part “Stolen Stories” series explores the Intifadas and Oslo Accords through Palestinian Christian voices. Hear pastors, bishops, and scholars offer historical and theological context while sharing the lived experiences of Palestinians in their own words.

Desert Hills Lutheran Church in Green Valley Seeks Director of Worship

Desert Hills Lutheran Church in Green Valley, Arizona is excited to begin the search for our next Director of Worship. This key leadership position will work closely with our pastors, staff, musicians, and volunteers to help shape meaningful worship experiences that inspire faith, build community, and glorify God. View PDF job description here.

Grand Canyon SynodSolveig MuusAugust 25, 2026Help Wanted, Desert Hills Green Valley, Kino ConferenceComment

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.

Grand Canyon Synod, Region 2, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardAugust 24, 2026Thriving Leadership Formation ProgramComment

Ordination and Installation of Guy Ilunga at Trinity Lutheran in Phoenix

Guy Ilunga will be ordained and installed Saturday, 8/29/2026, 10 am, at Trinity Lutheran (9424 N 7th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85021). Bishop Hutterer will preach and preside. Color of the day is red. Rostered ministers are invited to process, robes are optional.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardAugust 24, 2026Ordinations and InstallationsComment

Lutheran World Federation newsletter

News, Global Church, SpotlightBrian FlatgardAugust 21, 2026Lutheran World FederationComment

Share the Sacred: Enter the 2026 “250 Years of Religious Diversity” Photo Contest

Amateur and professional photographers are invited to celebrate the role of sacred places in American life through the 2026 “250 Years of Religious Diversity” Photo Contest. Submit photos of spiritual moments, community, the arts, architecture, and open space by Oct. 6, with prizes of up to $500.

Brian FlatgardAugust 21, 2026Partners for Sacred SpacesComment

Religious Freedom for All: August News and Resources from BJC

BJC’s August newsletter explores the continuing work of religious freedom for all, honoring Holly Hollman’s 25 years of leadership, introducing the 2026 BJC Fellows and Founders Wall, and responding to a federal report challenging the historic principle of church-state separation.

Blessed Tomorrow: Climate Ambassador Training, Season of Creation Resources and More

Blessed Tomorrow’s September newsletter features a free Climate Ambassador Training on Sept. 26, Season of Creation resources, climate advocacy opportunities, stories from faith communities and new tools for congregational action. Explore the full newsletter for registration links and ways to put care for creation into practice.

Brian FlatgardAugust 21, 2026Climate Change, Blessed TomorrowComment

ELEA Seeks Part-Time Membership Director

The Evangelical Lutheran Education Association (ELEA / ELCA Schools & Learning Centers) is seeking a part-time, fully remote Membership Director to help support approximately 1,200 Lutheran schools and early learning centers nationwide. The position is approximately 20–25 hours per week with a flexible schedule and is open until filled.

Candidates with administrative or membership-development experience, particularly within an ELCA congregation, synod or organization, are encouraged to apply.

ELCABrian FlatgardAugust 21, 2026Evangelical Lutheran Education Association (ELEA), Help WantedComment

The Perfect Match: 4 Things Mosaic Does When Pairing People with IDD and Home Providers

Mosaic at Home is the organization’s most popular 24/7 residential service, and it’s successful at helping people with disabilities live the life they choose. Learn about the matching process, which plays a key role in achieving success.

The post The Perfect Match: 4 Things Mosaic Does When Pairing People with IDD and Home Providers appeared first on Mosaic.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardAugust 21, 2026Mosaic, Disability MinistriesComment

Pivot #188: Faith and Work: How Worship Can Close the Sunday-to-Monday Gap

Most churches, without ever meaning to, teach people that faith and work belong to two separate worlds. Katie Roelofs joins Pivot to make the case that it doesn't have to be that way.

Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardAugust 21, 2026Pivot Podcast, Luther SeminaryComment

Bishop Curry Calls Lutherans to Be “Trusted Messengers” This Election Season

ELCA Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry calls Lutherans to be “faithful, informed and engaged” this election season—and to serve as trusted messengers in a time when misinformation can undermine trust and participation. Grounding civic engagement in our baptismal calling, love of neighbor and the commandment not to bear false witness, Bishop Curry encourages congregations and individuals to seek accurate information, participate thoughtfully and help strengthen their communities.

His Aug. 19 message also highlights new ELCA election resources, including the ELCA Election Engagement Toolkitand a Sept. 3 toolkit launch webinar. Read Bishop Curry’s full message and explore the resources →

Bishop Curry, ELCABrian FlatgardAugust 21, 2026Bishop Curry Letters, Elections and Voting Rights, Church and SocietyComment

From Digital Security to Peaceful Elections: This Week from AFN

The latest Arizona Faith Network newsletter offers opportunities to learn, serve and build community across differences. Explore upcoming digital security and elder abuse workshops, volunteer as a Poll Chaplain or Peacekeeper, register for the Oct. 20 AFN Annual Gathering, and discover more interfaith events and ways to get involved across Arizona.

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