Lutheran Disaster Response: Bringing Hope Amid War in the Holy Land and Ukraine
Lutheran Disaster Response: Bringing Hope Amid War in the Holy Land and Ukraine

As wars in the Holy Land and Ukraine continue, Lutheran Disaster Response (LDR) is providing vital aid to refugees and vulnerable communities through partnerships with local and global organizations. From creating safe spaces for people with intellectual disabilities in the West Bank to converting bomb shelters into schools in Ukraine, LDR is bringing hope and healing in the midst of conflict. Read more in Living Lutheran and learn how your support can make a difference at elca.org/ldr.

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ELCA, News, Global ChurchBrian FlatgardRussia and Ukraine War, Israel and Palestine, Lutheran World Federation, Lutheran Disaster Response, Living LutheranComment
Answer God’s Call: Join the ELCA Disability Ministries Advisory Team
Answer God’s Call: Join the ELCA Disability Ministries Advisory Team

ELCA Disability Ministries is seeking 1–2 new advisory team members to help guide this vital work. If you have experience or knowledge of disabilities and a passion for ministry, apply by January 31, 2025. Visit this link to learn more and submit your application. New members will be announced by March 31, 2025! More info in this ELCA blog post.

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ELCA, News, Leadership ResourcesBrian FlatgardDisability Ministries, ELCA Disability MinistriesComment
Creating Inclusive Spaces: ELCA Disability Ministries at the Extravaganza
Creating Inclusive Spaces: ELCA Disability Ministries at the Extravaganza

Learn how to foster deeper inclusion in your congregation with ELCA Disability Ministries’ workshops at the 2025 Extravaganza! Held January 23-26 in Louisville, these sessions explore accessible games for youth groups and baptismal theology from a disability perspective. Register today at elcaymnet.org/workshops.

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ELCA, News, Leadership ResourcesBrian FlatgardDisability Ministries, ELCA Disability MinistriesComment
Thanksgiving for Baptism: A New Resource Through the Lens of Disability
Thanksgiving for Baptism: A New Resource Through the Lens of Disability

Discover a powerful new Thanksgiving for Baptism resource from ELCA Disability Ministries, crafted to celebrate the diversity of God’s creation and reflect on baptism through the lens of disability. First shared at the ELCA Youth Extravaganza, this inclusive liturgy is now available for congregational use, offering fresh ways to affirm the sacredness of every life.

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ELCA, News, Leadership ResourcesBrian FlatgardDisability Ministries, ELCA Disability MinistriesComment
Honoring Transgender Day of Remembrance, November 20
Honoring Transgender Day of Remembrance, November 20

Each year, we pause to remember the lives lost to anti-transgender violence, especially Black and brown transgender women. Vicar Vica-Etta Henrietta Steel reflects on the intersection of racial and transgender justice, urging us to honor this day by amplifying marginalized voices and committing to advocacy and allyship. Read more at ELCA.org about how the church can lift trans joy and pursue justice for all.

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ELCA, News, LettersBrian FlatgardLGBTQIA+Comment
Journey Through Advent: Exploring Justice and the Holy Land
Journey Through Advent: Exploring Justice and the Holy Land

This Advent, explore justice and inclusion through the fourth annual Advent Pilgrimage in Palestine, hosted by ELCA Sumud and ELCA Young Adults. Resources drop November 22, leading into weekly reflections in December that connect the story of Christ’s birth with themes of empire and justice.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardSumud, Israel and Palestine, ELCA Young Adults, Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land, 2024 Advent and ChristmasComment
God’s Presence in Mental Health Challenges: Enroll in a Free Course by November 28
God’s Presence in Mental Health Challenges: Enroll in a Free Course by November 28

Equip yourself with faith-based tools to navigate mental health challenges in our communities. God and Mental Health Challenges, a free Faith+Lead course available through November 28, explores how faith shapes our response to mental health struggles, offers practical caregiving strategies, and helps break down stigmas. Learn more and register today: faithlead.org/course-lp/god-and-mental-health-challenges.

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Grand Canyon Synod, News, Leadership ResourcesBrian Flatgardfaith+lead, Luther Seminary, Mental HealthComment
Shepherd of the Hills in Flagstaff Seeks Choir Leader
Shepherd of the Hills in Flagstaff Seeks Choir Leader

Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church in Flagstaff seeks a part-time Choir Director or Choral Intern to guide their vibrant choir in worship and growth. Ideal for experienced choral leaders or those starting in church music ministry, this position offers flexibility and a welcoming community. Contact the church for application details, read the job description here, and take the next step in your musical ministry journey!

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardShepherd of the Hills Flagstaff, High Country Conference, Help WantedComment
Faith Amid the Storms: A Synod’s Journey of Resilience and Rebuilding
Faith Amid the Storms: A Synod’s Journey of Resilience and Rebuilding

Recent hurricanes have devastated congregations across the Florida-Bahamas Synod, yet the resilience of God’s people shines. From outdoor worship at Paradise Lutheran to emergency grants helping families rebuild, our church is responding with love and hope. Read how faith endures through the storm and how you can support recovery efforts.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardFlorida-Bahamas Synod, Climate ChangeComment
Lutheran Worship Updates: Advent, Music, and More
Lutheran Worship Updates: Advent, Music, and More

Discover enriching worship resources and events for Advent and beyond! From the Lutheran Summer Music Advent Calendar to the ALCM’s 2025 conference and Augsburg Fortress seasonal offerings, there’s something for everyone. Explore tools for liturgical renewal, musical inspiration, and meaningful congregational engagement. Read more at ELCA Worship.

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ELCA, News, Leadership ResourcesBrian FlatgardWorship Resources, ELCA WorshipComment
Hunger Leaders Network meets 6pm last Tuesday of every month
Hunger Leaders Network meets 6pm last Tuesday of every month

Calling all hunger champions: join this network of the Grand Canyon Synod! Meet to hear updates on national and local Hunger and Food Insecurity efforts and initiatives, to learn from one another, and to share with the group what's happening in our congregations. Anyone interested in alleviating hunger is welcome. Prepare to be encouraged and supported! Tuesday, 11/26/2024, 6-7pm MST/PDT.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian Flatgardhunger, Grand Canyon Synod Hunger Leaders NetworkComment
Living into a New Story: Explore Earth-Based Wisdom and Theology at Spirit in the Desert
Living into a New Story: Explore Earth-Based Wisdom and Theology at Spirit in the Desert

Join the “Living into a New Story” retreat at Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center, January 23–26, 2025, to explore the intersection of Christian theology, Earth-based wisdom, and the natural sciences. Led by Pastor Ron Rude and Sharon Reinbott, this retreat offers a unique blend of worship, reflection, and learning in the serene surroundings of Carefree, Arizona. Register now to secure your spot and discover a reimagined Christian faith grounded in science and nature.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardSpirit in the Desert Retreat CenterComment
Thanksgiving Eve at Mountain View in Phoenix: Worship, Food Pantry Drive, and Pie
Thanksgiving Eve at Mountain View in Phoenix: Worship, Food Pantry Drive, and Pie

Join Mountain View Lutheran in Phoenix for a worship service of thanks on Wednesday, Nov. 27th @ 6:30 pm in the Worship Center (Sanctuary), 11002 S. 48th Street | Phoenix, AZ 85044..

Please bring non-perishable foods that we will collect and send to the Generations Church Food Pantry. Please also bring pie for the Pie Social after the worship service!

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardMountain View Phoenix, Esperanza Phoenix, Fiesta ConferenceComment
All Church Open House: Rehoming Resources from Gloria Christi Federated Church
All Church Open House: Rehoming Resources from Gloria Christi Federated Church

On November 20-22, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Gloria Christi Federated Church in Paradise Valley will hold an All Church Open House to rehome its ministry items as it closes its doors. Churches in need of supplies—ranging from office chairs and file cabinets to altar paraments, banners, and even an organ—are invited to attend and collect resources to support their ministry work. Cash donations are welcome, and attendees should bring their own boxes or bags. This event offers a meaningful way to continue Gloria Christi’s legacy throughout our synod.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardGloria Christi Federated Church - Paradise Valley, ClassifiedsComment
Lutheran World Federation newsletter
Lutheran World Federation newsletter
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News, Global Church, SpotlightBrian FlatgardLutheran World FederationComment
“Finding Our Place in Creation”: Climate Study and Action with Lutherans Restoring Creation
“Finding Our Place in Creation”: Climate Study and Action with Lutherans Restoring Creation

Explore Our Kairos Moment, the ELCA’s new climate study guide, in a four-month series led by Lutherans Restoring Creation starting November 19. Dive into themes of stewardship and interdependence while preparing to implement the guide in your congregation. Plus, register for Saturday’s Creation Care training and other upcoming events! Learn more and get involved here.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardLutherans Restoring Creation, Climate ChangeComment
Blessed Tomorrow Grants: Empowering Faith Communities for Creation Care
Blessed Tomorrow Grants: Empowering Faith Communities for Creation Care

Nineteen faith organizations across 13 states received grants through Blessed Tomorrow’s Getting Outside the Walls initiative, funding projects from community gardens to solar energy. Join the celebration on December 12 at 4 PM ET to learn more about these inspiring projects. Interested in leading a local effort? Host the 2025 National Faith + Climate Forum and apply for a grant to support climate action in your community. Let us live out our faith boldly and work toward a thriving, just future. Learn more on the Blessed Tomorrow website.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardBlessed Tomorrow, Grants, Climate ChangeComment