Posts in News
An Evening of Faith and Music: Hymn Sing at Desert Cross Lutheran in Gilbert
An Evening of Faith and Music: Hymn Sing at Desert Cross Lutheran in Gilbert

Join us for an uplifting Hymn Sing at Desert Cross Lutheran Church in Gilbert on Sunday, March 30, 2025, at 4:00 PM. Featuring performances by the Desert Cross Chancel Choir, members of the Tempe Sanctuary Choir, the Junior Choir, and the Gilbert Town Fiddlers, this evening of music will renew your spirit this Lenten season. A free-will offering will support updates to the worship space, and homemade pie and ice cream will be served afterward. All are welcome! Read more at DesertCross.org or view this PDF flyer.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardDesert Cross Tempe, 2025 LentComment
March Ministry Madness: Support Lutheran Campus Ministry at ASU
March Ministry Madness: Support Lutheran Campus Ministry at ASU

Campus Ministry Madness is back! Support Lutheran Campus Ministry at ASU (LCM-ASU) from March 3 – April 1in this nationwide “friend-raiser” for ELCA campus ministries. Your donations help fund student meals, retreats, and faith formation, with a chance for LCM-ASU to win bonus prizes! Donate today at www.campusministrymadness.org and follow along on social media with #ministrymadness and #luminelca. View a PDF flyer here.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardLCM ASU, Lutheran Campus Ministries, Grand Canyon Synod Campus MinistriesComment
Half a Century of Ministry: Mountain View Lutheran’s 50th Anniversary Festivities
Half a Century of Ministry: Mountain View Lutheran’s 50th Anniversary Festivities

Mountain View Lutheran Church is celebrating 50 years of ministry with a special anniversary weekend on April 5-6! Join the Anniversary Dinner and Worship Service on Saturday (tickets available through this weekend), followed by a special 9:00 AM worship service on Sunday, presided over by Bishop Deborah K. Hutterer. After worship, enjoy Sunday Funday with bounce houses, food trucks, games, and more! Visit www.mvlutheran.org/mvlc50th for full details.

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Bishop Hutterer, Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardMountain View Phoenix, Fiesta ConferenceComment
Shepherd of the Desert Seeks Musician for Summer Worship in Sun City
Shepherd of the Desert Seeks Musician for Summer Worship in Sun City

Shepherd of the Desert Lutheran Church in Sun City is seeking a musician to lead music during Sunday 9:30 a.m. worship services from May through October. If you or someone you know is interested in this six-month opportunity to support worship through music, call the church office at (623) 933-1359 for more details.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardHelp Wanted, Shepherd of the Desert Sun City, Cactus ConferenceComment
What Does It Mean to Be a Deacon? Join the April 10 Fireside Chat
What Does It Mean to Be a Deacon? Join the April 10 Fireside Chat

Join the ELCA Seminaries for a virtual Fireside Chat on Thursday, April 10, as Deacon Krista Anderson and Deacon Beth Anderson explore the ministry of Word and Service in the ELCA. This engaging conversation will offer insight into the call to diaconal ministry and is perfect for those discerning a call or seeking to understand this unique role in the life of the church.

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ELCA, Leadership Resources, NewsBrian FlatgardSeminaries, ELCA SeminariesComment
A Lutheran Response to Federal Cuts: Why These Budget Shifts Matter
A Lutheran Response to Federal Cuts: Why These Budget Shifts Matter

The March 2025 Advocacy Connections update from the ELCA highlights critical federal policy developments affecting public servants, energy and climate programs, immigration enforcement, and international aid. Of particular concern to our synod are proposed HUD staff cuts, threats to solar tax credits used by congregations, funding freezes to Augusta Victoria Hospital in Palestine, and a broader retreat from humanitarian support. These changes call for faithful public witness rooted in our Lutheran theology of justice and care for neighbor. Click here to read the full update from the ELCA Advocacy Office.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardAdvocacy, ELCA Advocacy, Church and SocietyComment
Lutheran World Federation newsletter
Lutheran World Federation newsletter
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News, Global Church, SpotlightBrian FlatgardLutheran World FederationComment
Is Seminary Your Calling? Explore Signs Along the Way at PLTS
Is Seminary Your Calling? Explore Signs Along the Way at PLTS

Wondering if seminary is the right next step for you? Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary (PLTS) invites you to Signs Along the Way, a Visit and Discernment Weekend on April 4–6, 2025, in Berkeley, CA. With PLTS moving to fully online programs, this event provides a unique opportunity to connect with faculty, explore theological education, and experience online learning. Lodging and meals are provided, and travel assistance is available. Learn more at plts.edu/signs.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardPacific Lutheran Theological SeminaryComment
Upcoming Events: Strengthening Democracy, Protecting Public Lands, and Healing Communities
Upcoming Events: Strengthening Democracy, Protecting Public Lands, and Healing Communities

Upcoming faith-centered events include a discussion on religious nationalism with Katherine Stewart (March 26), the Arizona Rally for Public Lands (March 27), and a workshop on Indigenous justice (March 29). Plus, take action to protect sacred spaces, join weekly meditations, and honor the legacy of Rep. Raúl Grijalva. Read more and stay engaged at arizonafaithnetwork.org/newsletter.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardArizona Faith Network, Ecumenical and Inter-Religious RelationsComment
A Watered Garden: How Our Lenten Challenge Aligns with World Water Day
A Watered Garden: How Our Lenten Challenge Aligns with World Water Day

Water is a sacred gift, essential for life, yet 2.2 billion people lack safe drinking water. This World Water Day (March 22), we reflect on our Lenten Challenge theme, A Watered Garden (Isaiah 58:11), and how we can celebrate, protect, and advocate for water justice. Join us in honoring this precious resource by exploring activities from the Lenten Challenge and participating in the Northeast Valley Consortium’s Walk for Water Fundraiser. To learn more and access the 2025 World Water Day Toolkit, click here.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardLutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA), 2025 Lenten Challenge, 2025 Lent, Northeast Valley Conference, Northeast Valley ConsoritumComment
The Nicene Creed at 1,700: Why It Still Shapes Our Faith Today
The Nicene Creed at 1,700: Why It Still Shapes Our Faith Today

This year marks the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, a historic gathering that shaped Christian theology and gave us the Nicene Creed. As Lutherans, this is an opportunity to reflect on the creed’s lasting significance in our faith and worship. What does it mean to confess the Nicene Creed today? How does it continue to unite (and sometimes divide) Christians across denominations? Join the conversation as we explore the history, theology, and impact of this pivotal moment in the life of the church. Read more in Living Lutheran.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardLiving LutheranComment
Restoring Faith: How an Alaska Congregation Rebuilt Without a Pastor
Restoring Faith: How an Alaska Congregation Rebuilt Without a Pastor

When faced with over $1 million in building repairs and no settled pastor, First Lutheran Church in Ketchikan, Alaska, could have crumbled. Instead, through strong lay leadership, deep theological reflection, and an unwavering commitment to mission, the congregation found renewal. Awarded a $175,000 Sacred Places grant and strengthened by support from Lutheran Disaster Response, First Lutheran has not only restored its historic church but also revitalized its faith community. Now, as they prepare to call a new pastor and celebrate their 100th anniversary, their story is one of faith, perseverance, and God’s guiding love. Click here to read more.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardLiving LutheranComment
Breaking the Stigma: Pastoring with a Dual Diagnosis – Free Webinar on March 26
Breaking the Stigma: Pastoring with a Dual Diagnosis – Free Webinar on March 26

How can clergy navigate mental health challenges while serving in ministry? Join Rev. Seth Perry for a free one-hour webinar on March 26, 2025 (12:00-1:00 PM CT), as he shares his journey of pastoring with a dual diagnosis. Hosted by the Center of Addiction & Faith, this conversation will address stigma, strengths, and faith-filled recovery. Register here.

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Grand Canyon Synod, Leadership Resources, NewsBrian FlatgardAddiction, The Center of Addiction & FaithComment
March 2025 Mission Support Memo: Partners in Relationship
March 2025 Mission Support Memo: Partners in Relationship

The March 2025 Mission Support Memo from ELCA Mission Support connects us as partners in relationship. Hear about how the South-Central Synod of Wisconsin welcomed lay and rostered leaders across the synod to the Grove, providing a beautiful space to wonder, learn, connect, collaborate, and explore how vital ministry can happen in the name of Christ.

This memo also asks to connect with you to get your important feedback about the memo through a short survey seeking to improve this work we do together. We are so grateful to be in partners in relationship across our ELCA synods and congregations. 

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ELCA, News, Leadership ResourcesBrian FlatgardMission Support, Stewardship, ELCA Mission Support TeamComment
March 2025 Administration Matters Highlights
March 2025 Administration Matters Highlights

The March 2025 issue of Administration Matters covers key updates for ELCA leaders, including the 2025 ELCA Churchwide Assembly in Phoenix, new clergy tax guides, insurance trends, and best practices for church administration. Learn about managing employee time, navigating clergy tax status, and strengthening your church’s digital presence. Read the full update here: ELCA Administration Matters – March 2025.

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ELCA, News, Leadership ResourcesBrian FlatgardAdministration MattersComment
Navigating the Digital World: A Faith-Based Approach to Safety and Ministry
Navigating the Digital World: A Faith-Based Approach to Safety and Ministry

Join the Lutheran Faith Community Nurse Association on March 25, 2025, for This Isn’t Kansas, Toto: Living in the New Digital World, a special Zoom session with Dr. Patricia Fosarelli, MD, DMin. Explore how to navigate online misinformation, protect vulnerable individuals, and apply digital tools to ministry. Open to all, including non-nurses. Earn 2.0 nursing contact hours. View a PDF flyer here. Register now: LFCNA Event Page.

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Grand Canyon Synod, Leadership Resources, NewsBrian FlatgardLutheran Faith Community Nurse Association (LFCNA)Comment
One Body, Many Gifts: Strengthen Our Synod by Sharing Your Updates
One Body, Many Gifts: Strengthen Our Synod by Sharing Your Updates

Your ministry matters! Help us share the good news of faith in action across the Grand Canyon Synod. Whether your congregation is hosting an event, looking for volunteers, or seeking to fill a ministry position, we want to hear from you. Submitting is easy—just visit gcsynod.org/share to send us your updates. Let’s strengthen our synod by sharing the ways God is working in our communities!

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardOffice of the BishopComment