Welcome Martha Garner: Faith-Rooted Advocate Joins LAMA Policy Council

Martha Garner has joined the Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA) Policy Council to represent northern Arizona. A longtime music educator, community leader, and active member of Living Christ Lutheran Church in Flagstaff, Martha brings deep experience in ministry and advocacy. Her faith journey—shaped by Rainbow Trail, Lutheran Campus Ministry, and CASA work—prepares her well for this new call to public witness. Please keep Martha in prayer as she begins her three-year term. Click here to read more.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardMarch 26, 2025Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA), AdvocacyComment

From Public Lands to Public Witness: Opportunities to Show Up This Week

Upcoming events from the Arizona Faith Network include a webinar on religious nationalism and democracy, a rally to defend Arizona’s public lands, and a March 29 workshop in Flagstaff on building right relationships with Native peoples. View the full AFN newsletter for registration links, weekly meditations, and more ways to put your faith into action.

Your Intent Fuels Our Mission: Submit After Your Annual Meeting

Congregations are encouraged to submit their 2025 Mission Support Statement of Intent as soon as possible following their annual meeting. So far, 41 congregations have submitted theirs—thank you! Your intent helps the synod plan responsibly and steward shared resources. Submit online or find details at gcsynod.org/intent.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardMarch 26, 2025StewardshipComment

Leading with Purpose: Women of the ELCA’s 2025 Leadership Gathering

Join Women of the ELCA for the 2025 Leadership Event on Saturday, April 5, from 11:00 am – 3:00 pm MST/PDT(12:00–4:00 pm MDT), held on Zoom. Centered on the theme “Yes! What’s Next?” this virtual gathering invites servant leaders to reflect on calling and mission with dynamic speakers, small group discussion, and a digital toolbox. Registration is open—come be inspired, challenged, and renewed.

Grand Canyon Synod, ELCA, Leadership Resources, NewsBrian FlatgardMarch 26, 2025Women of the ELCA (WELCA)Comment

Help Central Lutheran in Arizona City Find 100 Cranberry Hymnals

Central Lutheran in Arizona City is seeking 100 used cranberry ELW hymnals and is willing to purchase them. Winter visitor Bob Gross is coordinating the request. If your congregation has extra copies, this is a great chance to share resources within our synod. Contact Bob at 435-640-9316 or by email to assist.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardMarch 25, 2025Central Arizona City, Fiesta ConferenceComment

Volunteer at the 2025 Churchwide Assembly—FAQs Now Live

The 2025 ELCA Churchwide Assembly is coming to Phoenix, and we need up to 100 volunteers to help make it a success. From greeting guests to supporting worship and tech, volunteers are vital to this important gathering. Check out our updated FAQs to see where you’ll check in, what to wear, how to park, and more. Ready to help? Sign up today and be part of this historic event!

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardMarch 25, 20252025 Churchwide AssemblyComment

Earth Month Highlights: New Tools, Free Kits, and Climate Leadership Awards

This Earth Month, take action with your faith community! Register for the March 27 National Faith + Climate Forum, get a free Earth Day Tabling Kit, explore new climate resources, and watch inspiring climate leadership stories from across the country. Find everything you need in the latest Blessed Tomorrow newsletter. Read the full newsletter.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardMarch 25, 2025Climate Change, Blessed TomorrowComment

Honoring Sacred Beauty: 2024 Faith & Form Award Winners Announced

The 2024 Faith & Form Awards recognized 20 exceptional projects in sacred architecture, art, and design from five countries and multiple faith traditions. Among the honorees is the TSG Foundation Center for Spiritual Development in Scottsdale, AZ. Explore the full list of award-winning projects and learn how to submit for the 2025 awards.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardMarch 25, 2025Partners for Sacred Spaces, GrantsComment

Christian Mysticism: Ancient Wisdom for Today’s Spiritual Seekers with Dr. Jennifer Wojciechowski

Dr. Jennifer Wojciechowski joins the Pivot Podcast to explore how ancient traditions speak to contemporary spiritual needs.

Grand Canyon Synod, Leadership ResourcesBrian FlatgardMarch 25, 2025Pivot Podcast, faith+lead, Luther SeminaryComment

Organist/Choir Director wanted at Grace Lutheran in Phoenix

Grace Lutheran Church in downtown Phoenix seeks a part-time Organist and Choir Director with knowledge of Lutheran worship traditions for Sunday worship and other seasonal services. Salary commensurate with experience and includes four weeks of paid vacation. Contact Grace Lutheran at 602-258-3787 or email info@graceinthecity.com for details.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardMarch 25, 2025Help Wanted, Grace Phoenix, Capital ConferenceComment

Ordination celebrations: March 28 - April 3, 2025

This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:

Rev. William Timm, Gloria de Cristo, Yuma, who celebrates 44 years on March 2
Deacon Glenda Blegen, who celebrates 19 years on April 2.

Grand Canyon Synod, News, SpotlightBrian FlatgardMarch 25, 2025Ordination AnniversariesComment

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.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardMarch 24, 2025Desert Cross Tempe, 2025 LentComment

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.

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.

Bishop Hutterer, Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardMarch 24, 2025Mountain View Phoenix, Fiesta ConferenceComment

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.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardMarch 24, 2025Help Wanted, Shepherd of the Desert Sun City, Cactus ConferenceComment

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.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardMarch 24, 2025Pacific Lutheran Theological SeminaryComment

Prayers for St. Andrew Lutheran Church in Phoenix

We uplift and pray for Rev. Kari Williamson and the people of St. Andrew Lutheran Church in Phoenix, part of the Capital Conference.

Grand Canyon Synod, Spotlight, PrayersBrian FlatgardMarch 24, 2025St. Andrew Phoenix, Capital ConferenceComment

Prayers for Resurrection Lutheran Church in Oro Valley

We uplift and pray for Rev. Timothy Nybroten, Rev. Erin Morris, Rev. Wyatt Linde, Rev. Carol George and the people of Resurrection Lutheran Church in Oro Valley, part of the Kino Conference.

Grand Canyon Synod, Spotlight, PrayersBrian FlatgardMarch 23, 2025Resurrection Oro Valley, Kino ConferenceComment

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.

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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