Posts in News
Global Refuge Annual Report: 2024
Global Refuge Annual Report: 2024

Global Refuge, formerly known as Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service, continues its longstanding mission of providing sanctuary and support to refugees and immigrants. In 2023, through the dedication of partners and Lutheran communities, Global Refuge successfully reunited over 17,000 children with their families or placed them in loving foster homes, welcomed 11,200+ refugees from diverse global regions, and assisted 11,700+ individuals seeking safety from Central America and beyond. View their full annual report here and their synod letter here.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian Flatgard2024 Assembly Stories, Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS), Immigration and RefugeesComment
Explore Lutheran Values in Election Year: Join the Social Teachings Series
Explore Lutheran Values in Election Year: Join the Social Teachings Series

Join the ELCA’s online workshop series from June to October to delve into how our faith informs our actions and voting on critical social issues. Sessions include topics like corporate social responsibility, abortion, and climate crisis, led by knowledgeable speakers. View a PDF flyer and register now to engage deeply with our social teachings and lead community discussions.

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ELCA, Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardCreating Space for Conversations, Voting Rights, Social StatementsComment
Echoes of Lament: Memorial Day’s Call to Reflect and Remember
Echoes of Lament: Memorial Day’s Call to Reflect and Remember

Memorial Day, often seen as just the start of summer, carries a deeper and solemn history that is frequently overlooked. Originally established to honor fallen soldiers of the Civil War, the day was marked by community parades and remembrance ceremonies. However, today it is more commonly associated with leisure activities. This article from Living Lutheran invites us to remember the true meaning of Memorial Day—reflecting on the sacrifices made in wars and the personal losses that many families endure. The church stands as a sanctuary where the grief and pain of such losses can still be openly acknowledged and mourned, urging us to hold true to the day’s original purpose of solemn remembrance.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardVeterans, Living LutheranComment
ELCA Advocacy May Update: Urgent Action Required on Farm Bill and Environmental Policies
ELCA Advocacy May Update: Urgent Action Required on Farm Bill and Environmental Policies

May’s update from the ELCA Advocacy office details the latest on the Farm Bill, introduces new federal environmental rules, and addresses national security supplemental funding and the response to conditions in Haiti. Advocacy efforts focus on ensuring food security, environmental protection, and international humanitarian assistance align with the ELCA’s mission for a just world.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardAdvocacy, ELCA AdvocacyComment
ELCA Advocacy Pushes for Inclusive and Sustainable 2024 Farm Bill
ELCA Advocacy Pushes for Inclusive and Sustainable 2024 Farm Bill

As the 2024 Farm Bill is debated on Capitol Hill, the ELCA encourages advocacy for a bill that supports feeding the hungry, sustainable farming, and inclusive community development. The blog provides updates on the legislative process, highlights action alerts, and offers resources to engage ELCA members in advocacy for a just and effective Farm Bill.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardAdvocacy, ELCA Advocacy, HungerComment
Navigating the ELCA Youth Gathering: Encouragement and Tips for Leaders
Navigating the ELCA Youth Gathering: Encouragement and Tips for Leaders

In her heartfelt letter to youth leaders, Bobbi Cyr acknowledges the daunting yet rewarding journey of leading a youth group to the ELCA Gathering in New Orleans. She offers encouragement, practical advice on leadership, flexibility, and self-care, emphasizing the profound impact these leaders have on young lives through their dedication and bravery.

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ELCA, NewsBrian Flatgard2024 ELCA Youth Gathering, Youth and Young AdultComment
Final Call for Campformation 2024: Registration Ends 5/31/2024
Final Call for Campformation 2024: Registration Ends 5/31/2024

Secure your spot for an unforgettable faith-filled adventure at Campformation 2024 in Prescott, AZ. With the registration deadline on May 31, 2024, don’t miss out on this opportunity for spiritual growth and fun in nature. Ideal for 6th to 9th graders, with programs for older GAP campers and counselors too. For more details, view this PDF or visit Lutheran Campformation.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardCampformation, Outdoor MinistryComment
Register today for our 2025-2026 Mission Plan Presentations
Register today for our 2025-2026 Mission Plan Presentations

All members of the Grand Canyon Synod—and especially assembly voting members—are invited to participate in a Q-&-A Zoom presentation of the 2025-2026 Mission Plan, hosted by Erik Rehms, our Synod Treasurer, and Barbara Carl, our Synod Vice-President. Each session is the same, with two dates to choose from.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian Flatgard2024 Grand Canyon Synod AssemblyComment
Healing of Memories Workshop for Religious Leaders
Healing of Memories Workshop for Religious Leaders

The Healing of Memories workshop is for clergy and religious leaders who have experienced emotional, psychological and spiritual distress – in their personal or professional lives. This workshop provides a safe, confidential environment, the ideal setting to help participants take the necessary steps toward healing.

As religious leaders, your unique role is to minister to other people’s pain, yet you often lack a safe space to address your own. You experience secondary trauma without a place to address and heal it. A faith community gives life and strength but is also an institution where one often experiences pain; we offer a safe place to address these wounds, recognizing the invaluable contribution you make to the healing of others.

Sponsored by the Institute for Healing of Memories (IHOM) and Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center, the workshop is Monday – Thursday, June 3-6, 2024 at Spirit in the Desert in Carefree, Arizona. Click to learn more and register. View a PDF with info here.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardSpirit in the Desert Retreat CenterComment
Confronting Arizona’s Water Crisis: Join the Symposium on Equitable Distribution
Confronting Arizona’s Water Crisis: Join the Symposium on Equitable Distribution

Join experts and community leaders at "The Trouble with Water" symposium by the Creation Care Council of the Episcopal Diocese of Arizona on June 1st in Mesa. Discuss critical issues surrounding water scarcity and distribution in Arizona, hear from top field experts, and engage in meaningful dialogue. Registration is free and includes lunch. RSVP today.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardEcumenical and Inter-Religious Relations, Episcopal Diocese of Arizona, Water, Climate ChangeComment
Thursday evening's Wild Life Hymn Festival debuts and kick starts our assembly
Thursday evening's Wild Life Hymn Festival debuts and kick starts our assembly

Join us for “Wild Life,” a Hymn Festival on June 13, 2024, at 7:30 pm, and be part of a unique celebration that weaves together hymns from various eras and cultures. Experience the unity and diversity of our global church community through song, reflection, and prayer. This event promises an enriching experience that aligns our hearts with the divine creativity of our Creator. Don’t miss this opportunity to blend your voice with the eternal chorus of faith at this distinctively Lutheran event.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian Flatgard2024 Grand Canyon Synod AssemblyComment
Interim DEM’s Pastor James Dew Annual Report: 2024
Interim DEM’s Pastor James Dew Annual Report: 2024

Thank you for this opportunity to serve you throughout this past year as your Interim Director for Evangelical Mission. In this role, I have been honored to walk alongside an amazing collection of gifted leaders and a whole array of diverse programs being lived-out in and through their ministries. I have marveled at the heartfelt and transformative care being poured out into their surrounding neighborhoods and beyond in Jesus’ Name.

A couple months ago, our Synod Council asked for a listing of the various congregations and ministries which I accompany in my work as your Interim DEM. I believe this list may be of interest also to this Synod Assembly. Read the list in this post or in this PDF.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian Flatgard2024 Assembly Stories, Office of the BishopComment
Explore and Engage: Visit Our Exhibitors at the Synod Assembly
Explore and Engage: Visit Our Exhibitors at the Synod Assembly

Join us in thanking and visiting our exhibitors at the 2024 Synod Assembly! Each exhibitor, from universities and retreat centers to financial and ministry support organizations, plays a vital role in our community. Don’t miss the chance to learn more and engage with them in the sanctuary, where you can also enjoy some refreshments.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian Flatgard2024 Grand Canyon Synod AssemblyComment
Inside Out Network Updates: Internship Success, Reentry Initiatives, and More
Inside Out Network Updates: Internship Success, Reentry Initiatives, and More

The Spring 2024 ION Newsletter highlights key initiatives, including the impactful work of ION interns, the Reentry Congregation Initiative, and the progress of deploying the ION platform on inmate tablets. Learn about Fred Nelson’s six guiding words and the success of our “Color Me Yellow” campaign. Read more about our efforts to support returning citizens and foster community connections. Read the full newsletter as PDF here or online here.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardInside Out Network, PrisonComment
Join the Free Webinar: Effective Pastoral Care for Addiction Issues
Join the Free Webinar: Effective Pastoral Care for Addiction Issues

Join the Center of Addiction & Faith for a free webinar titled “Let Your Light Shine: Providing Successful Pastoral Care to Individuals and Families Hurt by Any Kind of Addiction” with Rev. Otto Schultz on May 29, 2024, from 10-11 AM PDT/MST. Learn key strategies for addressing addiction within your congregation and supporting affected families. Register here.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardAddiction, The Center of Addiction & FaithComment