A Warning from Grace Lutheran in Kingman: Protecting Churches from Check Fraud
A Warning from Grace Lutheran in Kingman: Protecting Churches from Check Fraud

Grace Lutheran Church in Kingman discovered that several mailed contribution checks had been stolen and fraudulently cashed after members reviewed midyear giving statements. Police, postal authorities, and bank fraud departments are involved.

Grace’s experience reminds us that churches can be targets of check theft and other fraud. Congregations are encouraged to issue contribution statements during the year, reconcile records regularly, strengthen financial controls, and ask donors to report missing gifts promptly.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardGrace Kingman, Colorado River ConferenceComment
Mosaic: Supporting Individuals with IDD When Emotions Run High
Mosaic: Supporting Individuals with IDD When Emotions Run High

When emotions run high, simple moments can quickly become overwhelming, making what a caregiver does next important. Mosaic Direct Support Professional Brandon Pace says de-escalation starts with remaining calm. He shares that and other tips in this blog.

The post Supporting Individuals with IDD When Emotions Run High appeared first on Mosaic.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardMosaic, Disability MinistriesComment
Lutheran World Federation newsletter
Lutheran World Federation newsletter
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News, Global Church, SpotlightBrian FlatgardLutheran World FederationComment
Ordination Celebrations
Ordination Celebrations

This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:

  • Rev. Jeffrey Solheim, ELCA, Chicago, who celebrates 27 years on September 5.

  • Rev. Barbara Duhlstine-Robarge, who celebrates 35 years on September 6.

  • Rev. William Phillips, Christ, Las Vegas, who celebrates 41 years on September 8.

  • Rev. Corazon Aguilar, who celebrates 31 years on September 9.

  • Deacon Connie Rose-Kamprath, Esperanza, Phoenix, who celebrates 34 years on September 10.

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Grand Canyon Synod, News, SpotlightBrian FlatgardOrdination AnniversariesComment
From Conflict to Community: News and Opportunities from AFN
From Conflict to Community: News and Opportunities from AFN

Arizona Faith Network’s latest newsletter features registration for the October 20 Annual Gathering, opportunities to serve as an Election Protection Poll Chaplain or Peacekeeper, and September meetings addressing housing, voting rights, creation care and community well-being.

Read the AFN newsletter and subscribe for complete event details, registration links and more ways to join Arizona’s interfaith community in building justice, dignity and courageous unity.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardEcumenical and Inter-Religious Relations, Arizona Faith Network, Church and SocietyComment
Hunger Action Month and Faithful Civic Engagement: LAMA’s September Update
Hunger Action Month and Faithful Civic Engagement: LAMA’s September Update

LAMA’s September 1 newsletter invites Arizona Lutherans to act during Hunger Action Month and offers resources for faithful, nonpartisan civic engagement. Explore LAMA’s 2026 Voter Guide, election and advocacy events, voter-registration information, “God’s work. Our hands.” resources and the September 25 Grand Canyon Synod Grants deadline.

Read the full LAMA newsletter and find your next opportunity to serve, advocate and seek the well-being of your neighbors.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardLutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA), Advocacy, Church and SocietyComment
Office of the Bishop Updates
Office of the Bishop Updates

Next week, the Office of the Bishop will support congregations and leaders across the synod through Bishop Hutterer’s visits and meetings, fall and 2027 ministry planning, congregational leadership development, grants, communications, finance, and preparations for upcoming events. We also share photos from our staff retreat at Spirit in the Desert.

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News, Bishop Hutterer, Grand Canyon Synod, SpotlightBrian FlatgardOffice of the BishopComment
New Spirit Lutheran in Tucson Seeks Minister of Worship & Music
New Spirit Lutheran in Tucson Seeks Minister of Worship & Music

New Spirit Lutheran Church in Tucson is seeking a part-time Minister of Worship & Music to lead and develop its worship ministry. The position averages approximately 15 hours per week and pays $19,500–$23,400 annually. This lay ministry position does not require ordination or ELCA rostered-minister status.

Candidates should bring musical leadership along with a passion for teaching, collaboration and developing others’ gifts for worship. Applications are being reviewed as they are received.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardHelp Wanted, New Spirit Tucson, Kino ConferenceComment
Connections at Grace Lutheran in Phoenix Offers a September of Community, Music, and Welcome
Connections at Grace Lutheran in Phoenix Offers a September of Community, Music, and Welcome

Grace Lutheran Church in Phoenix invites the community to Connections every Monday from 6–8 p.m. at Hope Hall, 1124 N. 3rd St. September gatherings include Movie Soundtracks Live, Social Justice, a free Latin Night celebrating Mexico’s Independence, Karaoke Night, and Jazz Night. Come connect with neighbors through music, culture, conversation, and community.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardGrace Phoenix, Capital ConferenceComment
August Mission Support Memo: Mortgage Miracle
August Mission Support Memo: Mortgage Miracle

Our August 2026 Mission Support Memo spotlights a story by First Lutheran Church in St. Peter, Minn. of our Southwestern Minnesota Synod strategically using The Generosity Project to build a culture of intergenerational giving and gratitude that eventually allowed them to retire their mortgage - they call it a "Mortgage Miracle".  Speaking of stewardship, learn about how your congregation can participate in the Fall “Cultivating Generous Congregations” cohort at a great deal. Finally, hear about how the Congregation and Synod Support Team is adapting to new staffing and structure. 

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ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardMission Support, ELCA Mission Support TeamComment
Three Days to Learn, Connect, and Be Renewed
Three Days to Learn, Connect, and Be Renewed

The 2026 Bishop’s Fall Gathering, October 12–14 in Scottsdale, offers pastors, deacons, and Synod Authorized Ministers space to step away from the demands of ministry for worship, learning, meaningful conversation, and connection with colleagues. Join featured presenter Rev. Dr. Carmelo Santos and leaders from across the Grand Canyon Synod as we gather Rooted in God’s Story.

Registration is open through Friday, September 18.

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Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesBrian Flatgard2026 Bishop's Fall GatheringComment
Could Your Ministry Idea Qualify for a Grand Canyon Synod Grant?
Could Your Ministry Idea Qualify for a Grand Canyon Synod Grant?

Could a Grand Canyon Synod Grant help bring your ministry idea to life? Approximately $175,000 is available for 2027 grants, with awards of up to $15,000 for eligible projects aligned with the synod’s Strategic Plan. Learn what can be funded, review the webinar and application materials, and start preparing now for the September 25 deadline at gcsynod.org/grants.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardGrants, GCS Grants ProgramComment
2025 Synod Assembly Speaker David Scherer Invites Faith Leaders to Racial Justice Cohort
2025 Synod Assembly Speaker David Scherer Invites Faith Leaders to Racial Justice Cohort

Continue the conversation with 2025 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly guest David Scherer of JUSTmove. David is offering an eight-week online Culture, Power, Race (CPR) Learning Cohort for faith leaders, meeting Tuesdays, September 8–October 27, 10–11:30 a.m. Arizona/Pacific time. Participants will gain practical, biblically grounded tools for navigating race, culture and power while leading meaningful change in their congregations and communities.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardRacial JusticeComment