Posts in News
Urgent Appeal for Refugee Support Amid Policy Shifts
Urgent Appeal for Refugee Support Amid Policy Shifts

The recent halt on refugee resettlement and a stop-work order have left hundreds of refugee families in Arizona without critical support. Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest is responding to this crisis, but we need your help. Contact your representatives, educate your community, volunteer, or give to ensure that newly arrived refugees receive the support they need. Now is the time to stand together in faith and action. Read more to learn how you can make a difference, and visit LSS-SW’s Refugee Crisis page to act today.

Read More
Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardLutheran Social Services of the Southwest, Immigration and Refugees, Church and Society, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA), AdvocacyComment
Defending Our Call: Global Refuge Responds to Attacks on Humanitarian Work
Defending Our Call: Global Refuge Responds to Attacks on Humanitarian Work

Global Refuge, a faith-based humanitarian organization with deep Lutheran roots, condemns recent misinformation attacking their refugee support work. For over 85 years, they have faithfully welcomed persecuted individuals, including Afghan Allies and unaccompanied children, ensuring they receive safety, care, and opportunities to thrive. Their work is not only legally sound but biblically mandated—reflecting Jesus’ call to serve “the least of these” (Matthew 25:40). Read more about how we, as a synod, can stand in truth and support this vital mission.

Read More
Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardGlobal Refuge, Immigration and RefugeesComment
Engage, Advocate, Act: Upcoming Faith & Justice Events in Arizona
Engage, Advocate, Act: Upcoming Faith & Justice Events in Arizona

From Lutheran Day at the Legislature to Environmental Day at the Capitol, February is full of opportunities for advocacy, learning, and faith-based action. Engage in social justice, care for creation, and interfaith dialogue through key gatherings hosted by the Arizona Faith Network and partners. Find out how you can get involved in shaping a just world.

Read More
Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardEcumenical and Inter-Religious Relations, Arizona Faith NetworkComment
Building Beloved Community: Join the ELCA Coaching Book Circle on Indigenous Wisdom
Building Beloved Community: Join the ELCA Coaching Book Circle on Indigenous Wisdom

Join ELCA Coaching’s yearlong journey through Custer Died for Your Sins: An Indian Manifesto by Vine Deloria Jr. Engage in monthly discussions on the second Wednesday of each month in 2025, exploring Indigenous wisdom, truth, and healing. Facilitated by Rev. Solveig Nilsen-Goodin and Jason O’Neill, these gatherings are open to all. Visit ELCA Coaching for details and past recordings.

Read More
ELCA, News, Leadership ResourcesBrian FlatgardCoaching, ELCA Coaching, American Indian and Alaska NativeComment
A Symphony of Prophetic Voices: Lutherans Advocating for Justice at the UN
A Symphony of Prophetic Voices: Lutherans Advocating for Justice at the UN

Lutherans are raising their prophetic voices for justice at the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69) this March, where the global church will review progress on the Beijing Declaration’s gender justice commitments. Deacon Erin Brown of the Lutheran Office for World Community reflects on the diverse ways Lutherans advocate for the common good, ensuring that God’s love, compassion, and justice are proclaimed. From pastors to students to international leaders, the Lutheran delegation amplifies stories and solutions that work toward a world free from violence and oppression. Read more about how faith informs advocacy and how you can support this vital mission.

Read More
ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardAdvocacy, ELCA AdvocacyComment
Still Black. Still Lutheran: Confronting the Challenges of Leadership in the ELCA
Still Black. Still Lutheran: Confronting the Challenges of Leadership in the ELCA

In honor of Black History Month, ELCA Racial Justice Ministries is amplifying the voices of African Descent Lutherans, highlighting the ongoing challenges Black women face in ministry and leadership. In Still Black. Still Lutheran, Nicolette Peñaranda reflects on the systemic barriers that Black women encounter within the ELCA and broader professional spaces. As we celebrate Black history, Peñaranda calls on congregations to move beyond conversation into action—watching Talks at the Desk, engaging with discussion guides, and committing financial support to Black-led ministries. Read more to explore the realities and ways to create lasting change.

Read More
ELCA, News, LettersBrian Flatgard2025 Black History Month, Racial Justice, ELCA Racial Justice MinistriesComment
Office of the Bishop Updates
Office of the Bishop Updates

The Office of the Bishop Staff will be there with you at Lutheran Day at the AZ Legislature 2025, Feb 10, 2025, 8:30 AM – 1:00 PM, and don’t forget about Lutheran Lobby Day: Advocate for Justice in Nevada, Feb 10, 2025, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM. We’ll also see you at various congregations as we visit and preach. We share photos from Bishop Hutterer’s visit to celebrate the 50th anniversary celebration of American Lutheran Church in Sun City.

Read More
News, Bishop Hutterer, Grand Canyon Synod, SpotlightBrian FlatgardOffice of the BishopComment
Journey Through Lent: ELCA World Hunger Resources Now Available
Journey Through Lent: ELCA World Hunger Resources Now Available

Prepare your congregation for Lent with free resources from ELCA World Hunger! From an action guide to a Lent devotional calendar and a five-session study, these tools will inspire reflection and action as we journey together to end hunger. Download or order resources today at ELCA.org/hunger/resources and learn how your congregation can make a difference this season.

Read More
ELCA, Leadership Resources, News, ResourcesBrian Flatgard2025 Lent, Hunger, ELCA World HungerComment
Beyond the Walls: Reaching Neighbors with the Gospel in New Ways
Beyond the Walls: Reaching Neighbors with the Gospel in New Ways

Discover new ways to connect with your neighbors in a free webinar on Tuesday, February 25th, led by Dave Male, Director of Evangelism and Discipleship for the Church of England. Explore practical tools and spiritual practices to build genuine relationships and foster discipleship in today’s changing world. Learn more and register: faithlead.org/workshop/beyond-the-walls

Read More
News, Grand Canyon Synod, Leadership ResourcesBrian Flatgardfaith+lead, Luther SeminaryComment
Religious Liberty at Risk: Protecting the Right to Preach Without Political Retribution
Religious Liberty at Risk: Protecting the Right to Preach Without Political Retribution

Religious freedom is under threat. House Resolution 59 seeks to condemn a sermon given by Bishop Mariann Budde, setting a dangerous precedent for government interference in matters of faith. As Lutherans, we believe the church must remain free to speak truth to power. Take action today by urging your representative to oppose H.R. 59 and defend the right to preach without political retribution.

Read More
Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardChristian Nationalism, Christians Against Christian Nationalism, The Episcopal Church, Ecumenical and Inter-Religious Relations, Church and SocietyComment
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!

Read More
Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardAdvocacy, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA)Comment
Misinformation Targets Lutheran Organizations—Here’s the Truth
Misinformation Targets Lutheran Organizations—Here’s the Truth

False claims about Lutheran organizations and federal funding circulated on X on February 1, prompting a strong response from ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton. In a video statement, Bishop Eaton reaffirmed the ELCA’s commitment to truth and its long-standing mission of serving the vulnerable. Lutheran organizations have responsibly used federal grants for 85 years, and the ELCA calls on political leaders to reject misinformation and uphold integrity. Watch Bishop Eaton’s full response in our blog post.

Read More
Bishop Eaton, ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardImmigration and Refugees, Global Refuge, Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS), Bishop Eaton Letters, Ecumenical and Inter-Religious RelationsComment
Join Lutheran Lobby Day: Advocate for Justice in Nevada
Join Lutheran Lobby Day: Advocate for Justice in Nevada

On February 10, 2025, join Lutheran Engagement and Advocacy in Nevada for a day of faith and action at the Nevada State Capitol. The event begins with worship at St. Paul’s in Carson City and moves to the Capitol for legislative advocacy rooted in Lutheran values of justice and compassion. Registration is required. Click here to learn more and sign up.

Read More
Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardAdvocacy, Lutheran Engagement and Advocacy in Nevada (LEAN), Colorado River ConferenceComment
What’s Love Got to Do With It? Exploring Beloved Community Together
What’s Love Got to Do With It? Exploring Beloved Community Together

What’s love got to do with it? Everything. Join Creating Beloved Community: Healing Together on Wednesday, February 5, at 12:00 PM Mountain / 1:00 PM Central, hosted by ELCA Coaching. This monthly gathering welcomes all—rostered ministers, lay leaders, and those seeking deeper spiritual connection. Together, we will explore love, faith, and healing in community. Learn more and join us on Zoom: ELCA Coaching Website.

Read More
ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardCoaching, ELCA CoachingComment
Updated Zoom Link for Monday’s Generosity Project Event – Spread the Word!
Updated Zoom Link for Monday’s Generosity Project Event – Spread the Word!

🚨 New Zoom Link! If you’re attending The Generosity of the Generosity Project on February 3, be sure to use the updated Zoom link to join the discussion. This event is for past users, those who have adapted the resource, and anyone curious about its potential. No registration is needed—just click and join the conversation! Monday, February 3, 6:00-7:30 p.m. Central Time. Click here to join.

Read More
ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardStewardship, The Generosity ProjectComment
San Juan Bautista in the News: ICE Policy Sparks Fear in Tucson Congregation
San Juan Bautista in the News: ICE Policy Sparks Fear in Tucson Congregation

A Grand Canyon Synod congregation was featured on Tucson’s KGUN 9 News as new ICE policies create fear among worshippers. San Juan Bautista Lutheran Church in Tucson has seen attendance drop sharply as concerns grow over the possibility of deportations inside churches. Read or watch the full news story and learn how congregations are responding to these unsettling developments.

Read More
Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardKino Conference, Church and Society, San Juan Bautista Tucson, Immigration and RefugeesComment
Matthew 25 and the Power of Mutual Aid: A Devotional Reflection
Matthew 25 and the Power of Mutual Aid: A Devotional Reflection

In uncertain times, it is easy to feel overwhelmed by fear and division. Yet, Scripture reminds us of our call to community and mutual aid. Reflecting on Matthew 25, ELCA Hunger Advocacy Fellow Emily Ahern shares how faith can move us beyond isolation into active love and care for those in need. In a world that often feels unwelcoming, how can we create pockets of peace and solidarity? Read the full devotional and join in reflection on building communities of justice and care.

Read More
ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardAdvocacy, ELCA AdvocacyComment