AFN’s Key Events for Faith Leaders & Advocates

Discover vital opportunities to advocate, learn, and take action through Arizona Faith Network’s February events. From immigration training for faith leaders (Feb. 6) to Lutheran Day at the Legislature (Feb. 10), Environmental Day at the Capitol (Feb. 12), and the 3rd Annual Connection to Nature (Feb. 22), these gatherings equip us to serve our communities faithfully. Plus, join weekly Monday Meditation sessions and find ways to support California wildfire relief efforts. Read more and sign up at arizonafaithnetwork.org/newsletter.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardJanuary 30, 2025Arizona Faith Network, Ecumenical and Inter-Religious RelationsComment

Iglesias y Políticas Migratorias: Lo Que el Clero Debe Saber Ahora | Churches & Immigration Policies: What Clergy Need to Know Now

Las comunidades de fe enfrentan desafíos urgentes con la implementación de nuevas políticas migratorias. Se invita al clero y a los líderes religiosos a una Capacitación de Respuesta Rápida el jueves 6 de febrero, de 6:30 a 8:00 PM MST vía Zoom. Aprenda sobre derechos legales, medidas de seguridad y esfuerzos de defensa. No pierda esta oportunidad crucial de actuar juntos en fe. Regístrese en bit.ly/azrapidresponse .

Faith communities are facing urgent challenges as new federal immigration policies take effect. Clergy and faith leaders are invited to a Rapid Response Training on Thursday, February 6th, from 6:30-8:00 PM MST via Zoom. This session will cover legal rights, congregational safety measures, and the latest advocacy efforts. Don’t miss this critical opportunity to stand together in faith and action. Register now at bit.ly/azrapidresponse.

Where Your Heart Is: January, 2025

In the latest news from ELCA Congregational Stewardship, Rev. Tim Brown shares a letter, as well as upcoming events, stewardship resources, and stewardship in the text.

The Future of Congregations: Cultivating Cruciform Communities of Hope

What does it mean to steward the Christian faith in the 21st century? Terri Martinson Elton’s article, “The Future of Congregations: Cruciform Communities of Hope,” invites congregations to embrace their calling as living communities of faith, hope, and love. Explore how shifting from programs to practices can transform congregational life, foster relationships, and create a vibrant Christian witness. Read more on our blog.

Grand Canyon Synod, Leadership ResourcesBrian FlatgardJanuary 30, 2025Word and WorldComment

Office of the Bishop Updates

The Office of the Bishop Staff gathers for an in-person staff meeting and travels the synod to preach and celebrate with congregations.

News, Bishop Hutterer, Grand Canyon Synod, SpotlightBrian FlatgardJanuary 30, 2025Office of the BishopComment

Welcoming Deacon Laura Book: Strengthening Youth Ministry in the Grand Canyon Synod

The Grand Canyon Synod welcomes Deacon Laura Book as the Project Manager of the Synod Youth Advisory Team (SYAT). With a rich history in youth and young adult ministry, Deacon Laura will support the synod office, build youth ministry connections, and enhance faith formation initiatives. Learn more about her inspiring journey and vision for the future of youth ministry.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardJanuary 29, 2025Youth and Young Adult, Office of the BishopComment

Faith Lens: God is Still Near

Simeon and Anna saw something extraordinary in an ordinary moment at the temple: God’s presence in Jesus. Their story reminds us that God is still near, revealing the sacred through everyday things—clean water, fresh air, the beauty of creation. As we care for the world around us, we honor God’s gifts and ensure future generations can experience them. This week, take time to notice where God’s fingerprints appear in your daily life. Where do you see the extraordinary within the ordinary?

Worship Resources, ELCA, ResourcesBrian FlatgardJanuary 29, 2025Faith Lens, Youth and Young Adult, 2024 Advent and ChristmasComment

For What Shall We Pray?

For areas of the world impacted by ongoing war, conflict, or political transition: Ukraine, Lebanon, Syria, Serbia…
For stampede victims at India’s Maha Kumbh festival…
For ceasefire in Gaza and for those returning home…
For happiness and many blessings for all celebrating Lunar New Year…
For immigrants, refugees, and all who work on their behalf…
For colleges and universities, students, research departments, and faculty/staff…
For all who experience discrimination, violence, or injustice due to race, class, gender, sexuality, religion, or other identity…
For the United States in this time of political tension and transition…

ELCA, Prayers, SpotlightBrian FlatgardJanuary 29, 2025ELCA Worship, For What Shall We PrayComment

Foreign & Domestic Nutrition Aid Paused—What You Can Do

The administration has issued an executive order temporarily pausing U.S. foreign aid, including vital nutrition programs that support millions globally. Domestic food programs such as SNAP and WIC may also be impacted, putting 48 million people at risk. Bread for the World urges immediate action—contact your members of Congress today to call for an end to this pause and to protect life-saving food assistance. Read more on the LAMAZ.org site about this action alert from our coalition partners at Bread for the World.

Standing Strong: How You Can Support Refugees in Arizona Today

Recent cuts to humanitarian parole and the suspension of refugee resettlement threaten the safety and future of countless families. As people of faith, we are called to welcome the stranger and stand firm in our commitment to hope and hospitality. Refugees who have already arrived need our continued support—through volunteering, donations, and advocacy.

Learn how you can make a difference today and help keep the flame of hope alive in Arizona in this article from Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest, reprinted on the LAMAZ.org site.

Medicaid at Risk: Your Voice Can Make a Difference

The Medicaid program, crucial for millions, is at risk of deep cuts by new Congressional leadership. Lutheran Services in America invites Lutherans to advocate for Medicaid’s protection. Learn how your voice can make a difference in preserving this vital program serving children, families, and seniors.

ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardJanuary 29, 2025Lutheran Services in America (LSA), Church and Society, AdvocacyComment

Installation of Rev. Charles Newman at King of Glory Lutheran in Tempe

Rev. Charles Newman will be installed at King of Glory Lutheran (2085 E. Southern Ave., Tempe, AZ 85282) on Sunday, 2/23/2025 at the 10:30 am worship service. Bishop Hutterer will preach and preside. The service will be live-streamed on YouTube.

There will be a reception lunch to follow, which coincides with the 55th anniversary Celebration of King of Glory. Please RSVP. Rostered Ministers are invited but will not process or robe.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardJanuary 29, 2025Ordinations and Installations, King of Glory Tempe, Fiesta ConferenceComment

Welcoming the Stranger: Bishop Eaton Responds to Immigration Orders

Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton has issued a statement expressing deep concern over recent immigration executive orders, highlighting their impact on families, faith communities, and service organizations. The ELCA reaffirms its long-standing commitment to welcoming immigrants and calls for prayer, learning, personal witness, and public advocacy. Resources, including a webinar on January 30, are available to equip Lutherans to respond faithfully. Read more on how the Grand Canyon Synod can stand in solidarity with immigrants and refugees in these critical times.

In Memoriam: Rev. Doris Nolan

We pray for the family and friends of Rev. Doris Nolan, who passed away peacefully on January 25, 2025, at her home in Simi Valley, California. She was surrounded by the love of her family and friends.

Memorial gifts in Pastor Doris’s honor may be directed to ELCA World Hunger, Lutheran Disaster Response, Global Refuge, or Lutheran World Relief. We will share details of memorial services as they become available.

Grand Canyon Synod, News, Prayers, In MemoriamBrian FlatgardJanuary 29, 2025Comment

In Memoriam: Deacon Lorraine S. Brugh

We pray for the family and friends of Deacon Lorraine S. Brugh, who died Saturday, January 25, 2025. A memorial service will be held Saturday, 2/22/2025 at 10:30 am at Pinnacle Presbyterian (25150 N Pima Rd Scottsdale, AZ 85255).

Deacon Brugh was the Frederick J. Kruse Endowed Chair in Church Music at Valparaiso University. She helped lead the development of the ELCA’s Evangelical Lutheran Worship and was co-author of The Sunday Assembly, published in 2008 to help church leaders incorporate the hymnal’s materials into worship services. She was involved in the development of Lutheran music and worship practices for many years and is a past-president of the Association of Lutheran Church Musicians. At our 2024 assembly, along with Deacon Kate Adelman, she organized Wild Life: A Hymn Festival.

Grand Canyon Synod, News, Prayers, In MemoriamBrian FlatgardJanuary 29, 2025 Comments

Why Lutheran? A New Book Bridges Tradition and Emerging Ministries

What does it mean to be Lutheran? J. Paul Rajashekar’s new book, On Being Lutheran, explores this question by examining Lutheran theology, history, worship, and governance. Written for emerging leaders in the ELCA, the book offers a concise introduction to Lutheran identity while emphasizing the global impact of the Lutheran tradition. Learn more about this vital resource and how it’s shaping ministries across cultures and continents. Read the full article at Living Lutheran.

ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardJanuary 28, 2025Living LutheranComment

Installation of Rev. Mike Girlinghouse at LCM Canterbury NAU

Rev. Mike Girlinghouse’s installation will be at Neely Chapel (319 S. San Francisco, Flagstaff) on Sunday, 2/9/2025. A chili dinner will be at 6pm, followed by worship at 7pm. Bishop Hutterer and Bishop Jennifer Reddall will be leading the reflection time.

Please send an email to lcmcanterbury@gmail.org with your name and number attending so there will be enough chili.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardJanuary 28, 2025Ordinations and Installations, LCM NAU, High Country ConferenceComment

Ordination and Installation of Wendi Van Beek at Our Saviour's Lutheran in Tucson

After a synod council vote to affirm her call with Lutheran Campus Ministry, Wendi Van Beek will be ordained and installed Wednesday, 2/19/2025, at 6 pm, at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church, (1200 N Campbell Ave, Tucson, AZ 85719). Pastor Amalia Vagts will preach. Bishop Deborah K. Hutterer will preside.

Ordained and consecrated ministers of all affiliations, current seminary students and those awaiting first call, and former and current Lutheran Campus Ministry students are invited to process. The color of the day is red. A reception will follow. Email wendi.lcmuofa@gmail.com to RSVP.

Exploring the Modern Role of Pastors: Insights from Michael Plekon

In his new book Ministry Matters: Pastors, Their Life and Work Today, author and scholar Michael Plekon explores the evolving role of pastors in shifting congregational landscapes. Drawing on over 40 years of ministry and contributions from renowned leaders like Pope Francis, Nadia Bolz-Weber, and Rowan Williams, Plekon highlights the call to prayer, discernment, and reconciliation in ministry. Read more about Plekon’s insights in Living Lutheran: What is the role of the pastor today?

ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardJanuary 28, 2025Living LutheranComment

Faith in the Unknown: Gracious Uncertainty in a Digital Age

How can the church lead in a time of “gracious uncertainty”? In his latest Ministry in a Digital Age newsletter, Ryan Panzer explores how faith communities can navigate a year of radical change and emerging technology. Drawing from Oswald Chambers’ words, Panzer emphasizes the church’s role in fostering hope and connection amid uncertainty, with digital ministry as a key opportunity. Read more for practical insights and inspiring examples of faith in action.

Grand Canyon Synod, Leadership Resources, NewsBrian FlatgardJanuary 28, 2025Ryan PanzerComment