Posts in News
Lutherans Across the Country Mobilize for Policy Change and Community Care
Lutherans Across the Country Mobilize for Policy Change and Community Care

ELCA state public policy offices nationwide are actively advocating for justice, equity, and compassion. Recent highlights include Arizona's Lutheran Day at the Legislature, Minnesota's housing and environmental initiatives, New Mexico's broad social justice agenda, Pennsylvania's defense of vulnerable communities, Texas's robust advocacy teams, and Virginia's focus on healthcare and criminal justice reform. Explore how Lutherans across the U.S. continue to make a difference. Read the full update here.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardAdvocacy, ELCA Advocacy, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA)Comment
Ordination celebrations: March 1-7, 2025
Ordination celebrations: March 1-7, 2025

This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:

  • Rev. Jeremy Nausin, Holy Spirit, Las Vegas, who celebrates 10 years on March 1.

  • Rev. Elaine Watskey, who celebrates 22 years on March 1.

  • Rev. Timothy Wright, Community of Grace, Peoria, who celebrates 41 years on March 4.

  • Rev. Jonathan Linman, Faith/La Fe, Phoenix, who celebrates 36 years on March 4.

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Grand Canyon Synod, News, SpotlightBrian FlatgardOrdination AnniversariesComment
Bishop Eaton: Faith, fear, and the call to community
Bishop Eaton: Faith, fear, and the call to community

ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton speaks to the church about the need to check in on one another during this time of great anxiety and fear for so many members. "We may not know what tomorrow brings, but we have each other. And we have the promise of a God who meets us in our fear, who walks with us in our struggles, and who calls us to be bearers of hope.”

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ELCA, Bishop Eaton, NewsBrian FlatgardChurch and Society, Bishop Eaton LettersComment
Faith, Fun, and Friendship Await at Camp ALOMA’s Elementary Retreat
Faith, Fun, and Friendship Await at Camp ALOMA’s Elementary Retreat

Give your child a weekend to remember at Camp ALOMA’s Elementary Retreat in Prescott, Arizona. Designed for grades 1 through 6, this faith-filled weekend includes Bible study, archery, campfires, and outdoor exploration. Happening March 14–16 for $100, it’s the perfect blend of fun and faith! Register now at campaloma.com or call 928-778-1690.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardOutdoor Ministry, Camp ALOMA, High Country Conference, Youth and Young AdultComment
“Women on the Move”: Kino Conference Spring Gathering Set for March 8
“Women on the Move”: Kino Conference Spring Gathering Set for March 8

Women of the Kino Conference are invited to the annual Spring Gathering on March 8, 2025, at Streams in the Desert Lutheran Church in Tucson around the theme “Women on the Move” (Ruth 1:16). The event features a special program from Teen Challenge of Arizona’s Springboard Home for Girls, a fashion show, and a pop-up boutique from Blessingdales Boutique. Attendees are encouraged to bring in-kind gifts for Sister Jose Women’s Center. Registration ($20) is due by February 28—no walk-ins. View this flyer to learn more and use this PDF to register.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardGrand Canyon Women, Kino ConferenceComment
Final Deadline: Submit Your Rostered Minister Report by March 1, 2025
Final Deadline: Submit Your Rostered Minister Report by March 1, 2025

A big thanks to the 75 rostered ministers who have submitted their rostered minister reports! Reports are due by March 1, 2025 and are an opportunity to connect directly with Bishop Hutterer. All submissions will be carefully reviewed, and each minister will receive a personal response. Forms are available online or as downloadable Word documents. Visit gcsynod.org/rostered-minister-report for full details.

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Bishop Hutterer, Grand Canyon Synod, News, Leadership ResourcesBrian FlatgardOffice of the BishopComment
Time to Report: Submit Your Congregation’s Annual Report by March 1
Time to Report: Submit Your Congregation’s Annual Report by March 1

The Annual Congregation Report (Form A) portal is now open, and all congregations are asked to complete their reports by March 1, 2025. This year’s updated system makes reporting easier, with previous year data displayed, built-in instructions, and forms available in English and Spanish. To access the portal, visit ELCA.org/congregationreport using your congregation’s ID and password. If you didn’t receive this information, contact the Office of the Bishop. Your participation helps shape the future of our synod and the wider church—thank you for being part of this important work!

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Grand Canyon Synod, Leadership Resources, NewsBrian FlatgardOffice of the BishopComment
Churchwide Assembly Needs You! Volunteer Webinars on 2/26 & 3/4
Churchwide Assembly Needs You! Volunteer Webinars on 2/26 & 3/4

The 2025 ELCA Churchwide Assembly is coming to Phoenix, and we need up to 100 volunteers to help make it a success! Join one of our Zoom info sessions on Feb. 26 or March 4 to learn how you can assist with registration, hospitality, worship support, and more. Hosted by Mary Beth Baron, these webinars will guide you through the volunteer opportunities and answer your questions.

Feb. 26 at 4:30 PM (AZ) | 3:30 PM (NV, PST) → Register Here
March 4 at 6:30 PM (AZ) | 5:30 PM (NV, PST) → Register Here

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian Flatgard2025 Churchwide AssemblyComment
Celebrating 40 Years of Faithful Service: Pastor Steve Talmage’s Ordination Anniversary
Celebrating 40 Years of Faithful Service: Pastor Steve Talmage’s Ordination Anniversary

Join us on Sunday, March 9, at 10:00 a.m. at Love of Christ Lutheran Church in Mesa, Arizona, to celebrate Pastor Stephen Talmage’s 40th anniversary of ordination! From his early ministry in Tucson to his time as Bishop of the Grand Canyon Synod, and now as Senior Pastor at Love of Christ, Pastor Talmage has faithfully served with passion and dedication. This special gathering will honor his four decades of ministry. All are welcome! For more details, contact Pastor Nanette Christofferson at nanette@loclc.org.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardLove of Christ Mesa Comment
Join Us for a Lenten Challenge Deep Dive: The Story Behind NELM and LDR
Join Us for a Lenten Challenge Deep Dive: The Story Behind NELM and LDR

Join us on March 5 at 12:00 p.m. MT for a special LDR Partner Spotlight featuring Solveig Muus as she shares how the 40-40-40 Lenten Challenge supports the Navajo Evangelical Lutheran Mission (NELM) in Rock Point, AZ. Learn how Lutheran Disaster Response and ELCA World Hunger intersect to provide safe drinking water and vital resourcesfor our siblings in Christ. Register now to be part of the conversation! Sign up here.

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Grand Canyon Synod, Region 2, NewsBrian Flatgard2025 Lent, 2025 Lenten Challenge, Lutheran Disaster Response, Navajo Evangelical Lutheran Mission, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA)Comment
Answer the Call: Serve, Grow, and Belong with Urban Servant Corps
Answer the Call: Serve, Grow, and Belong with Urban Servant Corps

Are you or a young adult you know looking for a meaningful way to serve and grow in faith? Urban Servant Corps (USC) in Denver offers a full-time service year in an intentional faith-based community. Volunteers receive housing, food, a stipend, and student loan assistance while serving with nonprofit partners. The priority deadline to apply is March 1, and a virtual info session is available on February 26 at 12 PM (MT). Learn more and apply at www.urbanservantcorps.org.

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Grand Canyon Synod, Region 2, NewsBrian FlatgardYouth and Young Adult, Urban Servant Corps, help wantedComment
Seeds Monthly: Lent Resources to Deepen Your Faith and Fight Hunger
Seeds Monthly: Lent Resources to Deepen Your Faith and Fight Hunger

New ELCA World Hunger resources for Lent offer ways to deepen faith and take action against hunger through study, prayer, and service. Living Lutheran returns to print with a quarterly edition, and Nuestro Casa para Todos in Puerto Rico opens its doors as a ministry of welcome. Bishop Eaton responds to misinformation, reaffirming the ELCA’s mission. In honor of Black History Month, we highlight the contributions of Black Lutherans in shaping our church. Read more about these stories and more in the latest Seeds Monthly.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardSeeds MonthlyComment
Watch & Share: Bishop Hutterer Invites You to the 2025 Lenten Challenge
Watch & Share: Bishop Hutterer Invites You to the 2025 Lenten Challenge

Bishop Hutterer has recorded a special invitation video encouraging participation in the 2025 Lenten Challenge! This friendly, faith-deepening challenge connects us in daily spiritual practices while supporting safe drinking water efforts at the Navajo Evangelical Lutheran Mission (NELM) in Rock Point, AZ. Watch the video, share it with your congregation, and join the challenge today! Download options are available on our Vimeo page.

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Bishop Hutterer, Grand Canyon Synod, News, Region 2Brian Flatgard2025 Lent, 2025 Lenten ChallengeComment
Office of the Bishop Updates
Office of the Bishop Updates

The Office of the Bishop Staff attends to daily operations and attends the Installation of Rev. Charles Newman at King of Glory Lutheran in Tempe, Feb 23, 2025, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM. We also share photos from Shane Claiborne at New Spirit Lutheran in Tucson: Addressing Poverty Through Faith and the Ordination and Installation of Wendi Van Beek at Our Saviour's Lutheran in Tucson.

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News, Bishop Hutterer, Grand Canyon Synod, SpotlightBrian FlatgardOffice of the BishopComment
Lutherans Leading the Way: Climate Ambassadors Making an Impact
Lutherans Leading the Way: Climate Ambassadors Making an Impact

Spring brings new opportunities to engage in faith-based climate action! Register for the National Faith + Climate Forum (March 27) to gain practical tools for leading creation care in your congregation. Get free Earth Day resources for your church, and celebrate inspiring leaders during ecoAmerica’s Climate Leadership Awards (April 16). Plus, learn how Lutherans across the country are making a difference in their communities. Read the full Blessed Tomorrow newsletter to take action today.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardBlessed Tomorrow, Climate ChangeComment
Lutherans & Faith Partners Unite for Justice, Housing, and Creation Care
Lutherans & Faith Partners Unite for Justice, Housing, and Creation Care

Arizona Faith Network’s latest newsletter is packed with ways to engage! From key legislative advocacy actions (supporting affordable housing & opposing harmful immigration laws) to interfaith events and spiritual practices, there’s something for everyone. Plus, don’t miss the 3rd Annual Connection to Nature event or the Chi’chil Bi dagoteel Oak Flat March/Run. Read more & subscribe here: arizonafaithnetwork.org/newsletter

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardEcumenical and Inter-Religious Relations, Arizona Faith NetworkComment
More Questions than Answers: Finding Hope in Advocacy and Faith
More Questions than Answers: Finding Hope in Advocacy and Faith

In a world where the “common good” feels more elusive than ever, how do we navigate the tension between legality and morality, division and unity? Courtney Hall of the Lutheran Office of Public Policy – California reflects on faith as a guiding light in the midst of uncertainty, especially for those working in advocacy. Instead of placing blame in times of struggle, she encourages us to lean on each other and keep our eyes on the shared values of love, grace, and compassion. Click here to read more in this devotional from the New Year Devotional Series.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardAdvocacy, ELCA AdvocacyComment
Act Now: Lift the Freeze on Lifesaving U.S. Foreign Assistance
Act Now: Lift the Freeze on Lifesaving U.S. Foreign Assistance

A recent funding freeze has halted U.S. foreign aid programs critical to global health, refugee resettlement, and disaster relief—programs already approved by Congress. As Lutherans, we are called to serve our neighbors in need. Contact your congressional representatives today to urge them to restore this lifesaving aid. Take action now: Click here.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardAdvocacy, ELCA Advocacy, Church and SocietyComment