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
• Synodically Authorized Worshipping Communities (SAWCs)
• Special ministries
• New starts and mission developments

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.

The Grand Canyon 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!
• Peace Lutheran Church, Peoria, AZ — with 42 participants, were next in line.
• Love of Christ Lutheran Church, Mesa, AZ — With 41 participants, our Mesa friends placed third.
• Christ the Lord Lutheran Church, Carefree, AZ — With 40, they were too close to third not to mention!
• Desert Hills Lutheran Church, Green Valley, AZ — The Grand Canyon Synod led Region 2 in giving, and Desert Hills’ creative promotion of the Challenge and generous gifts led the synod.
• 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.
• Bishop Deborah Hutterer — Bishop Hutterer filmed a short video in support of the Challenge
• 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.

Hunger advocates from across the country gathered in Washington, D.C. on June 10-11 to celebrate Bread for the World’s 50th Anniversary, and participate in the 2025 Bread for the World Advocacy Summit. LAMA director Solveig Muus joined colleagues for the two days of worship, training, strategy, fellowship and advocacy on Capitol Hill. Read about it here.

Work experience, faith-centered advocacy and opportunity for discernment and networking come together in ELCA Hunger Advocacy Fellowships, and we’re hiring for the 2025-26 cycle starting Sept. in California, Pennsylvania and Washington D.C.! Apply using the QR code or the button below.

Looking for a summer internship in Washington, D.C.? The ELCA summer Advocacy Intern application is now live! Engage with a range of issues in this position and gain skills in research, policy and faith-based advocacy. Apply today at the link below!