Arizona Faith Network Addresses ‘Secure the Border Act’
Arizona Faith Network Addresses ‘Secure the Border Act’

In addition to addressing the critical issue of HCR2060, the Arizona Faith Network's latest newsletter features a rich lineup of events and educational opportunities. Upcoming sessions include a webinar on American Christian Nationalism, a Resiliency Career/Job Fair, and a series exploring the impacts of the Doctrine of Discovery. There's also a focus on community support with initiatives like the Heat Relief and Resilience efforts, and the MOMS Tour Baby Shower, designed to support maternal health.

Read More
Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardImmigration and Refugees, Arizona Faith NetworkComment
Administration Matters: May 2024
Administration Matters: May 2024

Issue 93 of Administration Matters, the bimonthly e-newsletter for ELCA congregational and synodical leaders features:

Read More
ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardAdministration MattersComment
Faith Lens: Everyone Has a Place
Faith Lens: Everyone Has a Place

As Pentecost approaches, our community is called to reflect on the Holy Spirit's lessons of unity and inclusion. Inspired by scriptural insights and recent ministry experiences at the US-Mexico border, we are encouraged to view every human being as part of God’s diverse family. Join us in embracing the Spirit's power to transcend all barriers, fostering a more inclusive and compassionate community. Let's celebrate this Pentecost by welcoming all, just as the Spirit does.

Read More
Worship Resources, ELCA, ResourcesBrian FlatgardYouth and Young Adult, Faith LensComment
For What Shall We Pray?
For What Shall We Pray?

  • For justice and peace among nations where war and violence rage, especially Palestine and Israel, Iran, Myanmar, Iraq, Haiti, Russia and Ukraine, Burkina Faso, and South Sudan…

  • For all people who must leave their homes to preserve their safety, especially in Rafah…

  • For synods of the ELCA as they gather in their assemblies, that the Spirit would enliven and guide them…

  • For the people, plants, and animals harmed by flooding in Afghanistan…

  • For safety, good government, and an end to violence in Burkina Faso in the midst of civilian killings and media banning…

  • For aid workers in every place whose work risks harm and danger, especially for workers at the UNRWA in East Jerusalem after arson damage…

  • For the family of U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Roger Fortson, and for the community of Fort Walton Beach, Florida, as they grieve his loss and process their anger after a police shooting…

  • For US high schools, colleges, and universities in their graduation ceremonies, and for all who are graduating…

  • For the people, plants, and animals affected by wildfires in Canada, and for all firefighters…

Read More
ELCA, PrayersBrian FlatgardELCA Worship, For What Shall We PrayComment
2024 Report of the Reference and Counsel Committee is available
2024 Report of the Reference and Counsel Committee is available

The Grand Canyon Synod has received one resolution {S24.01} for the upcoming 2024 Synod Assembly, confirmed by the Reference and Counsel Committee to align with our constitutional guidelines. Submitted by the Stewardship Team before the April 22 deadline, the resolution will be presented without recommendation, ensuring an open discussion among assembly members. Full details and a description of the submitting team are available on our assembly pages.

Read More
Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian Flatgard2024 Grand Canyon Synod AssemblyComment
“Where the Kingdoms Are Held Together”: Free Institutions and the American Church’s Political Vocation
“Where the Kingdoms Are Held Together”: Free Institutions and the American Church’s Political Vocation

As part of our Creating Space for Conversations series, we share a PDF of an article by the Grand Canyon Synod’s very own Rev. Matthew Metevelis, “Where the Kingdoms Are Held Together”: Free Institutions and the American Church’s Political Vocation, an issue of Word and World, Luther Seminary’s journal of theology.

The United States, as any other nation, is considered a political entity that God uses as a means of providing life and happiness for all. The distinct nature of the American national system is heavily reliant on the virtue of its citizens, and Christians are called to engage in this work both as citizens of the nation and as members of God’s church. —Rev. Matthew Metevelis

Read More
Grand Canyon Synod, News, ResourcesBrian FlatgardCreating Space for Conversations, Word and World, Luther SeminaryComment
The Philadelphia Eleven: Celebrating 50 Years of Women's Ordination with Special Screening in Scottsdale
The Philadelphia Eleven: Celebrating 50 Years of Women's Ordination with Special Screening in Scottsdale

Celebrate the 50th anniversary of women's ordination in the Episcopal Church with a special screening of "The Philadelphia Eleven" documentary. Join others for this one-day-only event on May 21, 2024, at Harkins Shea 14 in Scottsdale. The screening will include a post-film discussion with The Rt. Rev. Jennifer Reddall and others. Tickets available now.

Read More
Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardEpiscopal Diocese of Arizona, The Episcopal Church, Ecumenical and Inter-Religious RelationsComment
Lutheran Voices in the 2024 Elections: Engaging Faithfully in Civic Duties
Lutheran Voices in the 2024 Elections: Engaging Faithfully in Civic Duties

The ELCA Advocacy's latest updates highlight new initiatives and resources to enhance Lutheran participation in the 2024 elections. From a six-session online series exploring Lutheran civic duties to practical training for poll monitors, these opportunities aim to deepen our engagement and understanding of political processes.

Personal experiences from poll monitors and greeters, like Solveig Muus and Autumn Byars from the Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona, offer insights into the practical aspects of ensuring fair and accessible voting processes.

Read More
Grand Canyon Synod, News, ELCABrian FlatgardLutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA), Advocacy, ELCA Advocacy, Elections and Voting RightsComment
Summer 2024: A Season of Musical Growth and Worshipful Engagement
Summer 2024: A Season of Musical Growth and Worshipful Engagement

This summer offers a vibrant array of musical and worship events lined up for our community. Highlights include the Lutheran Summer Music Academy and Festival for aspiring young musicians, the ALCM’s "Ponder Anew" conference at Valparaiso University, and the Calvin Institute's worship grants. Additionally, Music that Makes Community offers several workshops and community sings, and Augsburg Fortress presents resources for graduates and college students. Read the full article from ELCA Worship at ELCA.org.

Read More
ELCA, News, Worship Resources, ResourcesBrian FlatgardELCA worshipComment
Bishop Eaton Reflects on UMC’s Historic Changes and Ecumenical Growth
Bishop Eaton Reflects on UMC’s Historic Changes and Ecumenical Growth

Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton reflects on the profound changes emerging from the recently concluded United Methodist Church (UMC) General Conference in Charlotte, N.C. After being postponed since 2020, the conference highlighted the UMC's adoption of significant measures including the lifting of a 40-year ban on the ordination of practicing homosexual clergy, and the expansion of marriage definitions to include same-sex couples.

Bishop Eaton underscores the ELCA's joy and gratitude for 15 years of full communion with the UMC, celebrating the shared commitment to inclusivity and unity in Christian teaching.

Read More
Bishop Eaton, ELCA, Letters, NewsBrian FlatgardEcumenical and Inter-Religious Relations, Bishop Eaton LettersComment
Bryan Penman Elected Bishop of the ELCA Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod
Bryan Penman Elected Bishop of the ELCA Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod

The Rev. Bryan J. Penham, Conshohocken, Pa., was elected May 4 to serve a six-year term as bishop of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). The election took place during the synod assembly, May 3-4 at Franconia Mennonite Church in Telford, Pa.

The bishop-elect has served as pastor of St. Mark's Lutheran Church in Conshohocken since 2013 and also as co-director for evangelical mission in the synod since 2022.

Read More
ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardComment
Jen Nagel Elected Bishop of the ELCA Minneapolis Area Synod
Jen Nagel Elected Bishop of the ELCA Minneapolis Area Synod

The Rev. Jen Nagel, Minneapolis, Minn., was elected May 4 to serve a six-year term as bishop of the Minneapolis Area Synod. The election took place during the synod assembly, May 2-4 at Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Ramsey, Minn.

The bishop-elect has served as lead pastor of University Lutheran Church of Hope in Minneapolis since 2015. Previously she served as pastor of Salem English Lutheran Church in Minneapolis (2003 to 2015) and as a teaching staff coordinator at Holden Village, Chelan, Wash. (2011).

Read More
ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardComment
“Low-Cost Communication Tactics for Grand Canyon Synod Leaders” webinar resources available
“Low-Cost Communication Tactics for Grand Canyon Synod Leaders” webinar resources available

Our “Low-Cost Communication Tactics for Grand Canyon Synod Leaders” webinar was hosted by Brian Flatgard, Director of Communications on Tuesday, May 7, 2024. View the recording at us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/oabC3r4v_dyRkByuI5kCetkyS1uLnL7tpIHp45zv1KA7MuL15Yir4ymrhr3kMJ93.mvqQhl6tTffxdrUx with the passcode: 1bELj=?h

You can view the text and slides in this blog post, and view a PDF of the bullet points from the slide deck.

Read More
Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardComment
May 2024 ELCA Mission Support Memo: Parkside Lutheran Risks for the Sake of the Gospel
May 2024 ELCA Mission Support Memo: Parkside Lutheran Risks for the Sake of the Gospel

This month the May 2024 ELCA Mission Support Memo follows the journey of Parkside Lutheran Church, nestled in North Buffalo, NY, where over the last six years they have been experimenting, risking, and building connections to show "God's doors are open for all" and all are invited to come early and stay late! Plus join us Monday, May 20th for a fabulous webinar on "STORY MATTERS" from Rev. Heather Roth-Johnson, a storyteller, a public speaker, a workshop leader, a writer and in general just a creative soul. We also share our gratitude for all the staff and volunteers who work so hard to plan and execute synod assemblies. Read the memo here! 

Read More
ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardMission Support, ELCA Mission Support TeamComment