Welcome Martha Garner: Faith-Rooted Advocate Joins LAMA Policy Council
Welcome Martha Garner: Faith-Rooted Advocate Joins LAMA Policy Council

Martha Garner has joined the Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA) Policy Council to represent northern Arizona. A longtime music educator, community leader, and active member of Living Christ Lutheran Church in Flagstaff, Martha brings deep experience in ministry and advocacy. Her faith journey—shaped by Rainbow Trail, Lutheran Campus Ministry, and CASA work—prepares her well for this new call to public witness. Please keep Martha in prayer as she begins her three-year term. Click here to read more.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardLutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA), AdvocacyComment
From Public Lands to Public Witness: Opportunities to Show Up This Week
From Public Lands to Public Witness: Opportunities to Show Up This Week

Upcoming events from the Arizona Faith Network include a webinar on religious nationalism and democracy, a rally to defend Arizona’s public lands, and a March 29 workshop in Flagstaff on building right relationships with Native peoples. View the full AFN newsletter for registration links, weekly meditations, and more ways to put your faith into action.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardEcumenical and Inter-Religious Relations, Arizona Faith NetworkComment
Confronting Christian Nationalism through Relationship, Truth, and Love
Confronting Christian Nationalism through Relationship, Truth, and Love

On March 7–8, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry in Pennsylvania co-hosted a powerful event with United Lutheran Seminary exploring Christian nationalism and how we as followers of Jesus are called to respond. Featuring speakers Amanda Tyler of Christians Against Christian Nationalism and Dr. Lori Brandt Hale on Bonhoeffer’s legacy, the gathering emphasized relational approaches, theological clarity, and communal courage. ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton preached at the closing worship, reminding us we are part of a movement of truth, freedom, and love. Click here to read the full blog post and explore the original article.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardChurch and Society, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, ELCA AdvocacyComment
Building Faith, One Brick at a Time: Legos as Lenten Discipline
Building Faith, One Brick at a Time: Legos as Lenten Discipline

What do Legos have to do with Lent? For Pastor JJ Dygert and others in his congregation, the answer is everything. By limiting their daily Lego builds over 40 days and pairing the practice with devotional readings, they’ve discovered a rhythm of discipline, reflection, and spiritual growth. This creative and surprisingly profound Lenten practice is spreading—brick by brick. Click here to read the full article from Living Lutheran.

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ELCA, NewsBrian Flatgard2025 Lent, Living LutheranComment
The ELCA’s Call to Creation Care: Hope, Justice, and Reform
The ELCA’s Call to Creation Care: Hope, Justice, and Reform

The ELCA’s 1993 social statement Caring for Creation and its 2023 companion message call us to faithful, courageous climate action grounded in grace. A recent Living Lutheran article invites us to reflect on the theological roots of climate change, reform unjust systems, and speak hope into a world in crisis. Click here to read the full article on Living Lutheran.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardLiving Lutheran, Social StatementsComment
Leading with Purpose: Women of the ELCA’s 2025 Leadership Gathering
Leading with Purpose: Women of the ELCA’s 2025 Leadership Gathering

Join Women of the ELCA for the 2025 Leadership Event on Saturday, April 5, from 11:00 am – 3:00 pm MST/PDT(12:00–4:00 pm MDT), held on Zoom. Centered on the theme “Yes! What’s Next?” this virtual gathering invites servant leaders to reflect on calling and mission with dynamic speakers, small group discussion, and a digital toolbox. Registration is open—come be inspired, challenged, and renewed.

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Grand Canyon Synod, ELCA, Leadership Resources, NewsBrian FlatgardWomen of the ELCA (WELCA)Comment
From Lament to Hope: ELCA Leaders Reflect at Montgomery Racial Justice Retreat
From Lament to Hope: ELCA Leaders Reflect at Montgomery Racial Justice Retreat

In honor of the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, Dr. Robin Lauermann reflects on a recent ELCA Association of White Lutherans for Racial Justice board retreat in Montgomery, Alabama. The group visited the Legacy Museum and the National Memorial for Peace and Justice, deepening their understanding of white supremacy’s legacy and the call to faithful advocacy. Stories of injustice and resilience, like that of Anthony Ray Hinton, challenge and inspire us as people of faith. Click here to read the full reflection.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardRacial Justice, ELCA Racial Justice MinistriesComment
Volunteer at the 2025 Churchwide Assembly—FAQs Now Live
Volunteer at the 2025 Churchwide Assembly—FAQs Now Live

The 2025 ELCA Churchwide Assembly is coming to Phoenix, and we need up to 100 volunteers to help make it a success. From greeting guests to supporting worship and tech, volunteers are vital to this important gathering. Check out our updated FAQs to see where you’ll check in, what to wear, how to park, and more. Ready to help? Sign up today and be part of this historic event!

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian Flatgard2025 Churchwide AssemblyComment
Earth Month Highlights: New Tools, Free Kits, and Climate Leadership Awards
Earth Month Highlights: New Tools, Free Kits, and Climate Leadership Awards

This Earth Month, take action with your faith community! Register for the March 27 National Faith + Climate Forum, get a free Earth Day Tabling Kit, explore new climate resources, and watch inspiring climate leadership stories from across the country. Find everything you need in the latest Blessed Tomorrow newsletter. Read the full newsletter.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardClimate Change, Blessed TomorrowComment
Honoring Sacred Beauty: 2024 Faith & Form Award Winners Announced
Honoring Sacred Beauty: 2024 Faith & Form Award Winners Announced

The 2024 Faith & Form Awards recognized 20 exceptional projects in sacred architecture, art, and design from five countries and multiple faith traditions. Among the honorees is the TSG Foundation Center for Spiritual Development in Scottsdale, AZ. Explore the full list of award-winning projects and learn how to submit for the 2025 awards.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardPartners for Sacred Spaces, GrantsComment
Save the Date for "Bearing Worthy Fruit," A Retreat for Rostered Ministers with Rev. Karoline Lewis
Save the Date for "Bearing Worthy Fruit," A Retreat for Rostered Ministers with Rev. Karoline Lewis

Rostered and synodically authorized ministers are invited to “Bearing Worthy Fruit,” a fall retreat led by Rev. Karoline Lewis, October 13–15 at the Franciscan Renewal Center in Scottsdale. Together, participants will explore gender justice, embodied leadership, and preaching rooted in God’s transformation. Registration opens May 1 and space is limited to 25 participants.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardComment
Hit the Greens, Support the Mission: MVLC’s Golf Fundraiser at Bear Creek
Hit the Greens, Support the Mission: MVLC’s Golf Fundraiser at Bear Creek

Join Mountain View Lutheran Church on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at Bear Creek Golf Course in Chandler for a 50th Anniversary Golf Fundraiser supporting MVLC’s Mission & Outreach! Registration is $145 per player and includes golf, a banquet, contests, and more. Sponsorship opportunities are available for businesses and individuals. View a PDF flyer here. Sign up today at MVLC’s event page!

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardMountain View Phoenix, Fiesta ConferenceComment
Organist/Choir Director wanted at Grace Lutheran in Phoenix
Organist/Choir Director wanted at Grace Lutheran in Phoenix

Grace Lutheran Church in downtown Phoenix seeks a part-time Organist and Choir Director with knowledge of Lutheran worship traditions for Sunday worship and other seasonal services. Salary commensurate with experience and includes four weeks of paid vacation. Contact Grace Lutheran at 602-258-3787 or email info@graceinthecity.com for details.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardHelp Wanted, Grace Phoenix, Capital ConferenceComment
An Evening of Faith and Music: Hymn Sing at Desert Cross Lutheran in Gilbert
An Evening of Faith and Music: Hymn Sing at Desert Cross Lutheran in Gilbert

Join us for an uplifting Hymn Sing at Desert Cross Lutheran Church in Gilbert on Sunday, March 30, 2025, at 4:00 PM. Featuring performances by the Desert Cross Chancel Choir, members of the Tempe Sanctuary Choir, the Junior Choir, and the Gilbert Town Fiddlers, this evening of music will renew your spirit this Lenten season. A free-will offering will support updates to the worship space, and homemade pie and ice cream will be served afterward. All are welcome! Read more at DesertCross.org or view this PDF flyer.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardDesert Cross Tempe, 2025 LentComment
March Ministry Madness: Support Lutheran Campus Ministry at ASU
March Ministry Madness: Support Lutheran Campus Ministry at ASU

Campus Ministry Madness is back! Support Lutheran Campus Ministry at ASU (LCM-ASU) from March 3 – April 1in this nationwide “friend-raiser” for ELCA campus ministries. Your donations help fund student meals, retreats, and faith formation, with a chance for LCM-ASU to win bonus prizes! Donate today at www.campusministrymadness.org and follow along on social media with #ministrymadness and #luminelca. View a PDF flyer here.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardLCM ASU, Lutheran Campus Ministries, Grand Canyon Synod Campus MinistriesComment