Be Bold In Your Baptism: Join Us as a Commuter for Bishop’s Fall Gathering
Be Bold In Your Baptism: Join Us as a Commuter for Bishop’s Fall Gathering

Join us for the Bishop’s Fall Gathering from October 23-25, 2023! While overnight rooms are sold out, commuter spots are still available. Register by October 9, 2023, to delve into enriching discussions, experience uplifting worship sessions, and connect with fellow rostered ministers under the theme “Be Bold In Your Baptism” at the Franciscan Renewal Center, Scottsdale, AZ. Special guests Debie Thomas, Mark Ramsey, and Elizabeth Lynn will grace the event with their insights. Don’t miss out on this opportunity for spiritual growth and fellowship!

Read More
Brian Flatgard2023 Bishop's Fall GatheringComment
A Conversation with Rev. Alejandro Mejia: In Celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month
A Conversation with Rev. Alejandro Mejia: In Celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month

To celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, we present a thoughtful conversation with Rev. Alejandro Mejía from the Delaware-Maryland Synod, exploring his connection with the ELCA and his reflections on the representation and inclusion of the Latiné community within the church. Rev. Mejía emphasizes the importance of amplifying Latiné voices, fostering diversity, and promoting bilingualism, and he shares his hopes and prayers for the future. Read the full post at ELCA.org here.

Read More
ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardLatino, Racial Justice Ministries, Racial JusticeComment
Faith Lens: Who Has Authority?
Faith Lens: Who Has Authority?

This week’s Faith Lens investigates authority and power in a faith-context, inspired by Malcolm Gladwell’s narratives and reflections on Jesus' teachings. Readers are encouraged to reflect on the essence and impact of authority in life, exploring its dual nature as a benevolent force and a potential tool for exploitation. Discover more about the intertwining of authority, power, and faith.

Read More
Worship Resources, ELCA, ResourcesBrian FlatgardYouth and Young Adult, Faith LensComment
Northeast Valley Consortium and LSS-SW pack refugee welcome bags as part of “God’s Work. Our Hands." Sunday
Northeast Valley Consortium and LSS-SW pack refugee welcome bags as part of “God’s Work. Our Hands." Sunday

We share an article from the Fountain Hills Times Independent featuring the churches of the Northeast Valley Consortium (Ascension, Christ the Lord, Living Water, New Covenant, and New Journey) and Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest and other partners. They helped pack over 200 welcome bags for refugees in Phoenix, offering essential items and a beacon of hope to those arriving from strife-torn regions.

Read More
Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardNortheast Valley Conference, Northeast Valley Consoritum, Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest, Immigration and Refugees, New Journey Fountain Hills, New Covenant Scottsdale, Living Water Scottsdale, Christ the Lord Carefree, Ascension Paradise Valley, In the NewsComment
Embarking on a Journey of Generosity: ELCA's Fall Cohorts
Embarking on a Journey of Generosity: ELCA's Fall Cohorts

In collaboration with the Lake Institute on Faith & Giving, the ELCA invites congregations to a transformative six-week webinar, “Cultivating Generous Congregations”, starting October 10, 2023. Reimagine stewardship and delve deep into generosity, participating in engaging cohort sessions and meaningful discussions, all aimed at fostering generosity in our faith communities.

Read More
ELCA, Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardStewardshipComment
Navigating Congregational Futures: Introducing New Discernment Guidelines
Navigating Congregational Futures: Introducing New Discernment Guidelines

Navigating the future of congregations amidst uncertainties is a substantial task. The Grand Canyon Synod presents “Guidelines For Congregations Discerning Their Future”, a resource blending spiritual support with practical advice for congregations facing crucial decisions about their futures. Discover more about sustaining missions and seeding future ministries at Guidelines For Congregations Discerning Their Future.

Read More
Grand Canyon Synod, News, ResourcesBrian FlatgardComment
Introducing the Part-Time Ministry Guidelines: A Comprehensive Resource
Introducing the Part-Time Ministry Guidelines: A Comprehensive Resource

The Grand Canyon Synod has released new Part-Time Ministry Guidelines to facilitate conversations and agreements between congregations and those seeking part-time ministry roles. These guidelines will assist in setting clear ministry priorities and defining mutual responsibilities. Discover more about this innovative resource at Part-Time Ministry Guidelines.

Read More
Resources, Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardComment
Resurrection Lutheran in Oro Valley seeks Operation Manager
Resurrection Lutheran in Oro Valley seeks Operation Manager

Are you experienced in business or project management and looking to serve in a faith-based community? Resurrection Lutheran Church in Oro Valley is hiring an Operations Administrator to ensure the smooth running of their administrative functions, oversee property and human resource matters, and work closely with our leadership for the implementation of our long-term goals. Visit orovalley.org to apply and read more in this job description.

Read More
Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardHelp Wanted, Resurrection Oro Valley, kinoComment
Lutheran World Federation newsletter: 9/22/2023
Lutheran World Federation newsletter: 9/22/2023
Read More
News, Global ChurchBrian FlatgardLutheran World FederationComment
Global Hunger & Poverty: Rethinking Solutions in Modern Day
Global Hunger & Poverty: Rethinking Solutions in Modern Day

The latest blog post from ELCA Hunger reveals alarming trends in global hunger and poverty, with hunger persisting “far above pre-pandemic levels” and 735 million people affected in 2022. It uncovers how issues like urbanization, rising costs, and war significantly impact food security and access.

The post also sheds light on U.S. poverty, emphasizing higher prevalence in rural areas and showcasing the relation between policy choices and poverty levels. Explore the intricate dynamics of hunger, the possibilities of mitigating poverty, and the evolving landscapes of global deprivation in the full post.

Read More
ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardHunger, ELCA World HungerComment
Navigating the Paths of Reconciliation: ELCA’s Informative Sessions on Indian Boarding Schools
Navigating the Paths of Reconciliation: ELCA’s Informative Sessions on Indian Boarding Schools

Explore the profound history and ongoing implications of U.S. Indian Boarding Schools with ELCA’s Truth and Healing Movement. Attend two crucial online classes: “Introduction to the Truth and Healing Movement” (9/26/2023) and “Indian 101” (9/28/2023); wear or purchase an orange shirt for the 9/30/2023 National Day of Remembrance for Indian Boarding Schools, and watch a conversation between Vance Blackfox and survivor George McCauley to understand the lived experiences of boarding school survivors, as well as this conversation with descendants of Indian Boarding School survivors. Join us in paving the way for understanding, reconciliation, and collective healing.

Read More
ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardAmerican Indian and Alaska Native, Truth and Healing MovementComment
Introducing the Grand Canyon Synod’s “Creating Space for Conversations” resource page
Introducing the Grand Canyon Synod’s “Creating Space for Conversations” resource page

Explore the Grand Canyon Synod's latest initiative, 'Creating Space for Conversations', a dedicated resource hub for fostering understanding and unity in trying times. We’ll be adding to this page in the coming months.

Whether you are seeking guidance on how to approach sensitive topics, or looking for ways to connect with others across divides, we hope this page can help. Have an idea for this page? Let us know!

Read More
Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardCreating Space for ConversationsComment
Healing Through Conversation: A Journey of Civil Dialogue in Phoenix
Healing Through Conversation: A Journey of Civil Dialogue in Phoenix

Explore the story of Grace Lutheran Church in downtown Phoenix, where the practice of civil dialogue opened doors for deep listening, empathy, and healing. Engaging in intentional conversations about provocative subjects such as race, private prisons, and police relationships, participants found a space to share their experiences and emotions.

Pastor Sarah Stadler writes how these dialogues became a transformative force, revealing how open and respectful conversation can create understanding and even exhaust the hurt. Learn how civil dialogue may be a step towards solving the problems of hearts waiting to be seen and heard.

Read More
Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardGrace Phoenix, Capital Conference, Creating Space for ConversationsComment