We’re excited to welcome families back to the Food Bank’s 2025 Summer Meals program! Throughout the summer break, children ages 2–18 can enjoy free breakfast, lunch, or snacks at dozens of sites throughout our community. There are no registration or income requirements, just nutritious meals to help the kids in our community stay fueled for the summer!
Reno/Sparks
Meals are available daily, Monday-Saturday, with some sites also open on Sunday.
No matter who you are, no matter what your politics may be, the year past has been fraught with anxiety. Events in our church, our state, our country and the world at large have caused us to question our leaders, our principles, our motives, even who we think we are as a nation. People who never gave a moment’s thought about advocacy find themselves showing up, and speaking up, for the first time. As Lutherans, we are called to use our voices and influence to shape public policy and advocate for justice, peace, and the common good, rooted in our understanding of God’s love and concern for all people. This year reminds us, if we’d forgotten, that there is no more crucial time than now to be actively engaged in this important work.
I am encouraged by our synod’s engagement in Lutheran advocacy. We’re learning, we’re showing up, we’re speaking out… all signs of remarkable progress in the five years we’ve been at it. I am grateful – it is a privilege to be your director of Lutheran Advocacy Ministry in Arizona!
Below are highlights of an exceptional year of advocacy and engagement in the Grand Canyon Synod.
Grand Canyon Synod Hunger Leaders Network – the network has met monthly since June 2021. With the unanimous approval of our Hunger Team’s Synod Resolution at synod assembly in June 2023, the group received its green-light to proceed with “Encouraging congregations to support local hunger ministries, increase awareness of hunger and poverty issues, and increase opportunities to financially support the work of ELCA World Hunger.” Through its meetings, education opportunities, coalition partnerships, advocacy efforts and more, the network is making a difference in the fight against hunger and succeeded in increasing the synod’s giving to ELCA World Hunger from $329,570 in 2023 to $445,473 in 2024, a 35% increase due primarily to the popular 40-40-40 Lenten Challenge.
Highlights of the GCS Hunger Leaders Network year include:
The Grand Canyon Synod won the 40-40-40 Lenten Challenge, in which 547 Individuals from ELCA Region 2 (417 from the GCS alone!) – from 102 congregations came together to raise awareness and funds through Lutheran Disaster Response in support of water projects at the Navajo Evangelical Lutheran Mission in Rock Point, AZ. Solveig created the resources and chaired the Region 2 Hunger Team for a year
92 hunger leaders from the Grand Canyon Synod participate in the GCS Hunger Leaders Network. Our goal: One Hunger Leader from every congregation in the synod.
As part of our partnership with ELCA World Hunger, our synod hunger team was drafted to be an Early Adopter of Rallyhood, the new ELCA-WH communication platform, which will be rolled out churchwide at the Hunger Leaders Gathering in September 2025 (Solveig is on the planning team for the upcoming gathering).
LAMA Liaison Roundtable – These congregational liaisons meet monthly via Zoom for education, conversation, encouragement, and a deep dive into the social issues of the day. Topics included Arizona water; Voter engagement; a Bible study on the Magnificat in Luke; the Election; Lutheran Day at the Legislature prep; the current administration; When is the right time to get really angry about what’s going on?; Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and much more… always using a faith-based, often specifically Lutheran lens, with social teachings, pastoral letters, real congregational experiences, and current events in mind. Our goal: One LAMA Liaison from every congregation in Arizona.
Lutheran Day at the Legislature – LAMA hosted its 4th annual Lutheran Day at the Legislature on February 10. 200 Lutherans and friends representing 29 of Arizona’s 30 legislative districts gathered to hear remarks from Senate President Warren Petersen, House Minority Leader Oscar de los Santos, Bishop Deborah Hutterer and more, and then met with their legislators about hunger, equal access to voting, and the need for low-income housing. Participants met with more than 40 lawmakers on our big day of advocacy.
Direct Advocacy – In addition to our work in congregational engagement and coalition building, we are called to build bridges and create possibilities with our Arizona state legislators. In addition to Lutheran Day at the Legislature, we participated in the following:
At Bread for the World’s invitation, Solveig participated in Bread’s annual Advocacy Summit in Washington D.C. in June, where she met with Representatives David Schweikert (AZ-01), Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03), Andy Biggs (AZ-05) and Paul Gosar (AZ-09), among others.
274 people in our network – that we know of! – have Request to Speak (RTS) accounts, enabling them to weigh in on bills as they’re progressing through the legislature
Participated in the ELCA Youth and Young Adult Gathering in New Orleans in July, where Autumn helped design the ELCA Advocacy booth and Solveig facilitated 9 Accompaniment Day workshops on what advocacy looks like at every stage from your church door to Washington D.C.
Through a grant from the Grand Canyon Synod, LAMA utilized Skywolf, a legislative intelligence software tool for bill tracking
Amplified every ELCA Advocacy churchwide Action Alert in our network
In Other News – We offered information and updates on new resources, study guides, Bible studies, toolkits, ELCA social teachings, August Recess opportunities and “God’s work. Our hands.” activities; we advised about grant opportunities and churchwide and local events; we volunteered at West Valley Lutheran Thrift Shop; we convened a LAMA Policy Council Retreat to discern policy priorities for 2025; we tabled at Synod Assembly; and we wrapped an amazing year with ELCA World Hunger Fellow, Autumn Byars.
This report was prepared for the Grand Canyon Synod Assembly in June 2025.
ELCA World Hunger gives thanks for the 147 domestic ministries that will be putting $1,533,936 to work through ELCA World Hunger grants domestically in 2024:
46 ministries across this church have been awarded 2024 Domestic Hunger Grants for a total 3- year (2024-2026) investment of $1,279,590 with an average 3-year award of $9,272 per ministry(*).
52 ministries awarded 2023 Domestic Hunger Grants and 37 ministries awarded 2022 Domestic Hunger Grants will receive continued funding in 2024 for a total investment of $1,233,936 in ministry through Domestic Hunger Grants.
Big Dreams don’t happen overnight or in a year, so in a move toward more sustainable funding for our partners we are extending the awards for up to three years, depending on the needs of the ministry, and to match our Domestic Hunger Grant model. The 12 original 2022 Big Dream Grant partners are designated with a (†). Our total three-year investment will be $1,948,144.
Prior to submitting a full grant proposal, grant applicants are asked to fill out a letter of inquiry (LOI) which briefly describes the project proposal. Registering on our granting portal, ELCA GrantMaker, is not required at this step. LOI Link.
Our DHG application Zoom webinar on Thursday, May 1, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. CST will offer more information about the process. We will review granting priorities and the grant application process, how to submit an LOI, and answer questions from grant applicants. To join us for this virtual event, please register here. Participants will be provided with a link once registered. The webinar will be recorded and accessible via the Domestic Hunger Grant FAQ page.
The Domestic Hunger Grant application for 2026 awards opens April 23, and we look forward to your collaboration in promoting the opportunity to ministries! Please refer to the new application cycle below and spread the word.
Letter of inquiry form open: April 23–July 2, 2025
Letter of inquiry review: July 10–September 10, 2025
Response to the letter of inquiry (decline or accept): October 3, 2025
Invited applicants to complete grant application in ELCA GrantMaker: October–December 2025
Review and communication between ELCA World Hunger staff and grant applicants on proposal: October–December 2025
Award notifications shared with applicants: January 2026
2026 Domestic Hunger Grants start date: March 1, 2026
Let us not succumb to the divisiveness of our world but rather join together to fight the great injustice that is having some of us fed and others who are not. Thank you for your creative, courageous work toward a just world where all are fed. If you have any questions, please contact us at hunger@ELCA.org
Dear partners and friends of ELCA World Hunger,
Applications for ELCA World Hunger’s 2026 Domestic Hunger Grants are open! To learn more about submitting a Letter of Inquiry (LOI), grant partnership eligibility, and our granting priorities, please visit our Domestic Hunger Grants website.
Now accepting applications: The 2025 Manna Grant offers up to $20,000 in total funding to Grand Canyon Synod ministries that address hunger and its root causes. Projects must demonstrate a commitment to inclusive leadership. Apply by July 31. Made possible through a legacy gift from Orpha Hoganson of Ascension Lutheran, this grant continues her mission to combat hunger with love and equity.
Applications are now open for the 2025 Manna Grant, with $20,000 in total funding available to support projects that alleviate hunger in the Grand Canyon Synod. The deadline to apply is midnight on July 31, 2025. Learn more and apply here.
Grants will be awarded to ministries that not only provide direct hunger relief, but also address at least one root cause of hunger—including poverty, employment instability, medical access, childcare, education, systemic inequity, and more. Projects must also show a commitment to diversity and inclusivity in leadership and decision-making.
Eligible applicants include:
All organized congregations of the Grand Canyon Synod
Completed applications must be emailed to office@gcsynod.org no later than midnight on July 31, 2025. Late submissions will not be considered.
For questions, contact Theresa Thornburgh at 602-957-3223 or office@gcsynod.org.
A LEGACY THAT NOURISHES
The Manna Grant is made possible by a generous legacy gift from Orpha Hoganson, a lifelong member of Ascension Lutheran Church in Paradise Valley. Orpha was a school librarian and Sunday School volunteer who carried a deep compassion for children and for communities affected by hunger.
In her younger years, Orpha traveled by commercial freighter to see the world—often without knowing where she’d land. Her journeys opened her eyes to global poverty and deepened her call to make a difference. She gave to medical ministries abroad and, upon her death, left $180,000 to Ascension Lutheran Church to support local and global hunger efforts.
After two decades of careful stewardship, the congregation chose to channel Orpha’s vision into action through the creation of the Manna Grant—multiplying her generosity into future acts of love and justice.
Let us honor Orpha’s witness by continuing the work of feeding, healing, and empowering communities across our synod.
As part of the 40-40-40 Lenten Challenge across the synods of Region 2, 547 individuals from 102 congregations pledged to participate in daily devotions, dedicate time and focus to water as a precious resource, and/or donate to Lutheran Disaster Response (LDR) for the benefit of water projects at the Navajo Evangelical Lutheran Mission in Rock Point, AZ and across the ELCA.
Region 2 raised $30,564 for water projects at NELM through Lutheran Disaster Response. An additional $25,961 was given in recognition of the Region 2 Lenten Challenge to various ministries including ELCA World Hunger, designated disasters such as US Wildfires, Hurricane Response, Middle East Crisis, and Where Needed Most. Thank you!
In a true testament to the Grand Canyon Synod’s solidarity and generosity, the extraordinary teamwork of its Hunger Leaders Network, the commitment of our Bishop Deborah Hutterer, and so many individuals who took this challenge to their congregations week after week, the Grand Canyon Synod won the challenge with 407 participants. The top 3 congregations with the most participants were in the Grand Canyon Synod, and 13 congregations in the GCS had 10 or more participants. 51 congregations in the Grand Canyon Synod participated with at least one person signing on.
A video from Bishop David Nagler (Sierra Pacific Synod), congratulating the GCS on its well-earned victory, was played during the Grand Canyon Synod Assembly.
Honorable Mention
The following congregations and individuals deserve a serious shout out and our heartfelt gratitude:
Lord of Life Lutheran Church, Sun City West, AZ — With 60, they take the prize for the most participants from one congregation!
Pastor Bill Dohle — Pastor Bill wrote the 47 thought-provoking devotions on the theme, A Watered Garden, based on Isaiah 58:11. 534 individuals subscribed to receive the daily devotions online.
The GCS Hunger Leaders Network — The 90 members of our synod’s hunger network promoted the Challenge in their congregations with passion and energy.**
The Region 2 Synods — The Sierra Pacific, Pacifica, Southwest California and Rocky Mountain Synods deserve a hand for helping to plan the event from the ground up, and for joining with the Grand Canyon Synod in the Lenten Challenge. We gratefully acknowledge everyone’s participation. It’s not a challenge without them, and it’s not nearly as fun, either.
Did you know the Grand Canyon Synod has a Hunger Leaders Network? The goal is 1 hunger liaison in every congregation. Interested? Learn what that’s all about.
On behalf of the GCS Hunger Leaders Network, we thank every individual and every congregation that participated, prayed, gave money, promoted the challenge and engaged in individual and group activities centered around water as a precious resource.
Lutheran Engagement and Advocacy in Nevada 