God’s Work, Our Hands: Join the ELCA’s Day of Service on Sept. 7, 2025
God’s Work, Our Hands: Join the ELCA’s Day of Service on Sept. 7, 2025

On Sunday, Sept. 7, ELCA congregations will come together for “God’s work. Our hands.” Sunday, an annual day of service celebrating our call to love and serve our neighbors. Whether through food drives, community clean-ups, or acts of care, this is an opportunity to put faith into action. If your congregation can’t participate on Sept. 7, choose another date—service is ongoing! Visit ELCA.org/DayOfService for resources and inspiration. Mark your calendar and join us in serving our communities!

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ELCA, Leadership Resources, NewsBrian FlatgardGod's Work Our Hands SundayComment
“Is This Not the Fast I Chose?”: A 2025 Lenten Call to Disrupt Injustice
“Is This Not the Fast I Chose?”: A 2025 Lenten Call to Disrupt Injustice

“Is This Not the Fast I Chose?” (Isaiah 58:6) inspires the 2025 Lenten Series from Sumud and Bethlehem Bible College. Centered on the theme, “Our Christian Call to Disrupt Injustice,” this series invites reflection and action rooted in our faith. Lenten resources will be available in March at Sumud’s webpage: elca.org/sumud.

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ELCA, News, Worship ResourcesBrian FlatgardSumud, 2025 LentComment
Defending Care: Why Lutherans Must Speak Out for Medicaid
Defending Care: Why Lutherans Must Speak Out for Medicaid

Proposed Medicaid cuts in Congress could significantly impact low-income families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities—many of whom are served by Lutheran ministries. As people of faith, we are called to protect healthcare access for the most vulnerable. The ELCA is mobilizing action through advocacy alerts, a webinar on March 6, and direct outreach to legislators. Now is the time to act—contact your representatives, sign coalition letters, and learn how your congregation can engage. Click here to read more and take action.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardChurch and Society, Advocacy, ELCA AdvocacyComment
Last Call for Lutheran Summer Music 2025: Nominate a Young Musician Today
Last Call for Lutheran Summer Music 2025: Nominate a Young Musician Today

Last Call for LSM 2025! Lutheran Summer Music, the nation’s premier faith-based music academy, is nearly full—but there’s still time to apply or nominate a student. Held at Valparaiso University from June 22 to July 20, LSM provides high school musicians with world-class training, worship opportunities, and a joyful summer of music-making. Don’t miss out—enrollment is over 80% full! Apply now at LSMacademy.org/program.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardYouth and Young Adult, Lutheran Summer MusicComment
Strengthen Your Ministry Teams with Thriving Leadership Formation’s Spring Workshops
Strengthen Your Ministry Teams with Thriving Leadership Formation’s Spring Workshops

Looking for ways to strengthen your ministry leadership this spring? Thriving Leadership Formation is offering interactive workshops, a team-building Enneagram series, and weekly Lectio Divina sessions to help ministry leaders deepen trust, improve communication, and sustain their mission. With no-cost and low-cost options, these programs are ideal for church teams, councils, and synod staff. Pre-registration is required—sign up today! bit.ly/EventsTLF

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Grand Canyon Synod, Leadership Resources, NewsBrian FlatgardThriving Leadership Formation ProgramComment
Ordination celebrations: February 21-28, 2025
Ordination celebrations: February 21-28, 2025

This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:

  • Rev. Miguel Gomez-Acosta, who celebrates 16 years on February 22.

  • Rev. Peter Perry, St. John’s, Glendale, who celebrates 28 years on February 23.

  • Rev. Kaila Armbruster, Crossroads, San Tan Valley, who celebrates 11 years on February 23.

  • Rev. Paul Block, New Song, Henderson, who celebrates 24 years on February 24.

  • Rev. Arhiana Shek-Dill, University, Tempe, ASU LCM, Tempe, who celebrates 13 years on February 25.

  • Rev. Robert Crabb, who celebrates 30 years on February 26.

  • Rev. Christopher Heller, Esperanza, Phoenix, who celebrates 15 years on February 28.

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Grand Canyon Synod, News, SpotlightBrian FlatgardOrdination AnniversariesComment
Bishop Eaton: “You Are a Superpower” in Defending the Vulnerable
Bishop Eaton: “You Are a Superpower” in Defending the Vulnerable

ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton calls on Lutherans to take action following an executive order rolling back immigration protections in places of worship, schools, and hospitals. In a video message, she urges congregations to raise their voices and stand with the most vulnerable. While the ELCA cannot be a plaintiff in lawsuits challenging this policy, affected congregations may have legal standing. Watch the full message here and learn how we can respond as church together.

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Bishop Eaton, ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardBishop Eaton Letters, Church and Society, Immigration and Refugees Comment
Connect with Bishop Hutterer: Submit Your Rostered Minister Report by March 1, 2025
Connect with Bishop Hutterer: Submit Your Rostered Minister Report by March 1, 2025

Rostered ministers, it’s time to complete your annual Report to the Bishop! 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
How Your Church Can Support Substance Use Recovery
How Your Church Can Support Substance Use Recovery

The Center of Addiction & Faith is hosting a free one-hour webinar on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, at 11:00 AM MST / 10:00 AM PST, exploring how churches can support substance use recovery. Mark Sanders, LCSW, CADC, an expert in addiction recovery, will present faith-based initiatives that help individuals and communities heal. Rev. George A. Wood will host the discussion, offering practical ways churches can be part of the solution. Register today to learn how your congregation can make a difference. Click here to sign up.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardAddiction, The Center of Addiction & FaithComment
Hands and Feet of Christ: Meal Packing Event in Fountain Hills
Hands and Feet of Christ: Meal Packing Event in Fountain Hills

Join us February 26, 2025, at the Fountain Hills Community Center for a family-friendly food packing event hosted by New Journey Lutheran. From 5:30–7:30 PM, volunteers will pack thousands of meals for those in need locally and globally. Registration is required—sign up today at njlc-fh.org/food-4-kidz. View a PDF flyer here. Be the church in action!

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardHunger, Northeast Valley Conference, New Journey Fountain HillsComment
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, 2/25/2025, 6-7pm MST.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian Flatgardhunger, Grand Canyon Synod Hunger Leaders NetworkComment
Beyond the Walls: Reaching Neighbors with the Gospel in New Ways
Beyond the Walls: Reaching Neighbors with the Gospel in New Ways

Discover new ways to connect with your neighbors in a free webinar on Tuesday, February 25th, led by Dave Male, Director of Evangelism and Discipleship for the Church of England. Explore practical tools and spiritual practices to build genuine relationships and foster discipleship in today’s changing world. Learn more and register: faithlead.org/workshop/beyond-the-walls

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News, Grand Canyon Synod, Leadership ResourcesBrian Flatgardfaith+lead, Luther SeminaryComment
Engage, Connect, and Cool Off: Be a Resident Theologian at Campformation
Engage, Connect, and Cool Off: Be a Resident Theologian at Campformation

Engage with youth, cool off in the pines, and explore stewardship this summer! Campformation at Camp Pinerock, June 30–July 4, 2025, invites three rostered leaders to join for free as Resident Theologians. Travel, room, and board are covered. Apply by March 15, 2025. Contact Pr. Tim Perlick at tim.perlick@gmail.com.

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Grand Canyon Synod, Leadership Resources, News, Help WantedBrian FlatgardStewardship of Life Institute (SOLI), Campformation, Camp Pinerock, Youth and Young Adult, Outdoor Ministry, help wantedComment
Finding Worth Beyond Self-Love: The Mystery of Being God’s Beloved
Finding Worth Beyond Self-Love: The Mystery of Being God’s Beloved

We often struggle with the idea of self-love, yet Scripture reminds us of a deeper truth: we are already God’s beloved. Bishop Kristen Kuempel reflects on the mystery of this love—one that doesn’t rely on our perfection but instead finds joy in who we truly are. In baptism, we are claimed as God’s children, and no flaw, failure, or self-doubt can change that. Read more in her powerful reflection on the Women of the ELCA’s Café blog. Click here to read.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardCafé, Women of the ELCA (WELCA)Comment
“Love is a Verb”: Jesus’ Call to Act with Compassion
“Love is a Verb”: Jesus’ Call to Act with Compassion

Jesus calls us to love—our friends, our neighbors, and even our enemies. But what does that look like in practice? In Faith Reflections: The Labor of Love, Rev. Meghan Johnston Aelabouni explores love as a verb, a call to action rather than mere emotion. Reflecting on the parable of the Good Samaritan, she reminds us that loving others doesn’t always mean feeling affection—it means working for their well-being, even through prayer. Click here to read the full reflection on Boldcafe.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardCafé, Women of the ELCA (WELCA)Comment
Active Hope: Engaging Your Congregation in Earth’s Just Transition
Active Hope: Engaging Your Congregation in Earth’s Just Transition

Join Lutherans Restoring Creation for an upcoming climate discussion on February 18, focused on Active Hope and Agents of Change. Prepare for Earth Day 2025 with resources, including a special sermon by Dr. Barbara Rossing and opportunities to host a faith-based climate forum. Don’t miss the EcoFaith Summit on April 5 or the Lenten Connections Call on March 18. LRC is also a semi-finalist in the American Climate Leadership Awards! Learn more and get involved here: Lutherans Restoring Creation.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardLutherans Restoring Creation, Climate ChangeComment