Posts in News
Faith Leaders Unite for Immigration Reform: A Call to Nevada’s Politicians | Líderes de Fe Unidos por la Reforma Migratoria: Un Llamado a los Políticos de Nevada
Faith Leaders Unite for Immigration Reform: A Call to Nevada’s Politicians | Líderes de Fe Unidos por la Reforma Migratoria: Un Llamado a los Políticos de Nevada

On Martin Luther King Day, faith leaders from Nevada, including Bishop Deborah Hutterer, called on political leaders to support humane immigration reform. Their published letters emphasize justice, compassion, and dignity for immigrants. Read the full messages and learn how you can support their advocacy efforts.

En el Día de Martin Luther King, líderes religiosos de Nevada, incluida la Obispa Deborah Hutterer, llamaron a los líderes políticos a apoyar una reforma migratoria humana. Sus cartas publicadas destacan la justicia, la compasión y la dignidad para los inmigrantes. Lea los mensajes completos y descubra cómo apoyar sus esfuerzos de abogacía.

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Bishop Hutterer, Grand Canyon Synod, Letters, NewsBrian FlatgardColorado River Conference, Ecumenical and Inter-Religious Relations, Immigration and Refugees, Bishop Hutterer Letters, In the News, EspañolComment
Called for Such a Time as This: A Congregational Call to Act with Courage
Called for Such a Time as This: A Congregational Call to Act with Courage

As people of faith, we are called to courageously address the challenges of our time—from the climate crisis to the rise of authoritarianism. Rev. Dr. Jim Antal invites congregations to embrace their unique vocation as centers of hope and action. In this article from Blessed Tomorrow, learn how your church can integrate testimonies, education, and advocacy into its ministry to transform grief into hope and hope into collective action.

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Grand Canyon Synod, Leadership Resources, NewsBrian FlatgardClimate Change, Blessed TomorrowComment
From Bethlehem to Iowa: Answering God’s Call to Serve
From Bethlehem to Iowa: Answering God’s Call to Serve

Jamil Zoughbi and Claudine Faltas’ journey from the West Bank to Wartburg Theological Seminary in Iowa is a testament to faith and resilience. Trusting in God’s plan, the couple overcame challenges, including visa hurdles and the pain of leaving family behind, to pursue rostered ministry in the ELCA. Their story highlights the power of community, the support of the church, and the transformative call to serve. In this article from Living Lutheran, read how their faith continues to inspire their mission to serve marginalized communities and empower others to lead.

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ELCA, News, LettersBrian FlatgardLiving LutheranComment
Grounded in Grace: Finding Strength in Life’s Challenges
Grounded in Grace: Finding Strength in Life’s Challenges

How do we stay grounded in grace when life’s challenges seem unending? In this reflection in Living Lutheran, Mindy Holland shares how the promises of Scripture, the love of a faith community, and the songs of worship have anchored her through life’s storms. With Philippians 4:6-7 as her guiding verse, she invites us to embrace God’s peace and remember that Jesus is always with us. Read more about how grace sustains us and how we can share this grounding truth with others.

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ELCA, News, LettersBrian FlatgardLiving LutheranComment
Lutheran Summer Music enrollment deadline is March 1, 2025
Lutheran Summer Music enrollment deadline is March 1, 2025

Youth musicians from across the country are headed to Valparaiso University this year for the 2025 Lutheran Summer Music Academy & Festival (LSM). Students in grades 8-12 will be immersed in a supportive community that nurtures their musical growth, and invites them to share their musical gifts in performance and in worship.

With the Standard Enrollment deadline approaching on March 1, now is the perfect time to nominate students so their families can directly receive information and an invitation to apply. Do you know young musicians who would thrive at LSM? Nominate them today at LSMacademy.org/nominate.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardYouth and Young Adult, Lutheran Summer MusicComment
Preserve Your Sacred Place: Grants Up to $500,000 Available Now
Preserve Your Sacred Place: Grants Up to $500,000 Available Now

The National Fund for Sacred Places is offering grants ranging from $50,000 to $500,000 for preservation projects. Join an informational webinar on February 6, 2025, at 3 PM EST to learn about eligibility and application details. Register now and discover how this program supports sacred spaces across communities.

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Grand Canyon Synod, Leadership Resources, NewsBrian FlatgardNational Fund for Sacred PlacesComment
Build Up the Body: Our 2025 Theme to Strengthen Faith and Unity
Build Up the Body: Our 2025 Theme to Strengthen Faith and Unity

The Grand Canyon Synod’s 2025 theme, “Build Up the Body”, inspired by Ephesians 4:12-13, will guide us throughout the year. This focus on unity, growth, and service will shape key events, including the Synod Assembly in Las Vegas and the Bishop’s Fall Gathering. This year, let’s explore how we can grow together as the body of Christ, equipping one another for works of service and fostering resilience in our communities.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian Flatgard2025 Synod AssemblyComment
Welcoming Carly Chamberlain: A New Voice for Justice on the LAMA Policy Council
Welcoming Carly Chamberlain: A New Voice for Justice on the LAMA Policy Council

Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA) welcomes Carly Chamberlain to its Policy Council. A ministry student at LSTC and longtime member of Faith-La Fe in Phoenix, Carly brings her passion for justice, ecofeminist perspective, and commitment to advocacy to this three-year role. Join us in praying for Carly as she begins this important work of activating faith in love in the public square. Read more on the LAMA website.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardLutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA), AdvocacyComment
Make Your Voice Heard: Lutheran Day at the Arizona Legislature 2025
Make Your Voice Heard: Lutheran Day at the Arizona Legislature 2025

Join Lutherans from across Arizona on February 10, 2025, for Lutheran Day at the Legislature. From 9:30 am to 1:30 pm at Wesley Bolin Plaza in Phoenix, we’ll advocate for LAMA’s 2025 policy priorities. Prepare with training sessions on January 23, February 6, and February 20. Visit lamaz.org/lutheran-day-2025 to register today!

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardAdvocacy, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA)Comment
Come Together in Prayer and Advocacy: Arizona Faith Network Highlights for January and February
Come Together in Prayer and Advocacy: Arizona Faith Network Highlights for January and February

From prayer and peacemaking to environmental advocacy and disaster relief, January and February are full of opportunities to live out our faith. Don’t miss the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity (Jan 23), Rev. Dr. Gary Mason’s events on reconciliation, Environmental Day at the Capitol (Feb 12), and MLK Day celebrations. Discover more and get involved through the Arizona Faith Network newsletter.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardArizona Faith Network, Ecumenical and Inter-Religious RelationsComment
Facing the Storms of Life: Isaiah’s Hope for a Changing Climate
Facing the Storms of Life: Isaiah’s Hope for a Changing Climate

When a bomb cyclone devastated parts of the Pacific Northwest, Isaiah 43:1-3 offered hope: God is with us through every storm. This promise guided young Lutheran advocates who met with federal leaders to address climate change. As we enter a new year, let us act boldly for the common good, rooted in faith and God’s abiding presence. Read more in the latest ELCA Advocacy Fellows Devotional.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardAdvocacy, ELCA AdvocacyComment
Advocating for Justice in Agriculture: The Farm Bill and Our Faith
Advocating for Justice in Agriculture: The Farm Bill and Our Faith

The American Relief Act, 2025, passed in December, narrowly avoided a government shutdown and extended key parts of the 2018 Farm Bill through March 14, 2024, while providing $110 billion in disaster relief, including $31 billion for agriculture producers. However, the deal also cut $177 million from USDA’s “orphan” programs, leaving communities and farmers who rely on these initiatives at risk. As Congress prepares to draft a new Farm Bill in 2025, the ELCA urges action to ensure policies reflect faith-based values of equity, sustainability, and care for creation. Learn how you can advocate for a just future in ELCA Advocacy’s Farm Bill blog post.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardAdvocacy, ELCA Advocacy, Church and Society, hungerComment
Start the Year Strong: Discover Your Congregation’s Vitality with This Tool
Start the Year Strong: Discover Your Congregation’s Vitality with This Tool

How healthy is your congregation? As you prepare for Annual Meetings and submit your reports to Churchwide, take time to reflect on your congregation’s vitality. The Grand Canyon Synod offers tools, including a 36-question survey, to help evaluate congregational health and guide future planning. Visit gcsynod.org/vitality to learn more, or contact Pr. David Pavesic at David.Pavesic@elca.org for support.

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Grand Canyon Synod, Leadership Resources, NewsBrian FlatgardCongregational VitalityComment