Possibilities in Partnership: Exploring New Ways to Be Church Together
Possibilities in Partnership: Exploring New Ways to Be Church Together

Many congregations are facing rising costs, leadership shortages, and increasing pressures—but the gospel continues to call us forward together. Join the Grand Canyon Synod for “Possibilities in Partnership,” a synod-wide Zoom conversation on January 15, 2026, at 6:00 pm MST, 5:00 PM PST, exploring new ways congregations can collaborate and share ministry.

Led by Rev. David Pavesic, this gathering invites rostered ministers and lay leaders into reflection, conversation, and discernment around what it means to be church together in this season. Advance registration is required.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardCongregational VitalityComment
Diakonia Graduates Invited to January Fellowship Gatherings Across the Synod
Diakonia Graduates Invited to January Fellowship Gatherings Across the Synod

Diakonia graduates are invited to one of three regional fellowship gatherings this January in Henderson, Peoria, or Tucson. Hosted by the Growing In Faith/Diakonia Steering Committee, each Saturday event (10:00 AM–2:00 PM) includes fellowship, a mini-course led by Diakonia instructors, shared lunch, and closing worship.

All graduates and instructors are welcome, and guests are encouraged. RSVP by December 31 to tinag963@gmail.com, including your chosen location and any dietary needs.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardDiakoniaComment
Office of the Bishop Updates
Office of the Bishop Updates

The Office of the Bishop will be closed January 1, New Year’s Day. As we close 2025, we give thanks for the ways we have been church together: through shared ministry, mutual trust, faithful leadership, and God’s ongoing work among us. We are grateful for the dedication of our congregations, rostered ministers, and synod staff, and we look ahead to 2026 with continued trust in the Spirit’s guidance for what is unfolding next.

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News, Bishop Hutterer, Grand Canyon Synod, SpotlightBrian FlatgardOffice of the BishopComment
Called to lead with grace and hospitality: Executive Director opening at Spirit in the Desert
Called to lead with grace and hospitality: Executive Director opening at Spirit in the Desert

Spirit in the Desert (SITD) Retreat Center in Carefree, Arizona, is seeking a new Executive Director to lead its Lutheran-rooted mission of grace-filled hospitality, renewal, and spiritual growth. The role includes strategic and hands-on leadership across operations, staff supervision, financial sustainability, donor relations, and community partnerships. 

Applications received by January 15, 2026 will be assured of full consideration. Submit a letter of interest, resume, and five professional references (PDF format) to Melissa Maxwell-Doherty at melissa.maxwelldoherty@gmail.com. Nominations are also welcome.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardSpirit in the Desert Retreat CenterComment
Leading Visibly into 2026: Faith, Climate, and What’s Next from Blessed Tomorrow
Leading Visibly into 2026: Faith, Climate, and What’s Next from Blessed Tomorrow

Blessed Tomorrow’s January 2026 newsletter invites faith communities into a year of visible climate leadership, with new opportunities for congregations to lead faithfully and locally. Highlights include the announcement of Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson as keynote speaker for the April 25, 2026 National Faith + Climate Forum, a final call for the American Climate Leadership Awards (with grants up to $50,000), and practical tools for launching or strengthening congregational green teams.

The newsletter also features new research, training opportunities, film projects, and inspiring stories from climate ambassadors across the country. Read the full newsletter to explore how your congregation can take meaningful climate action rooted in faith in the year ahead.

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Brian FlatgardClimate Change, Blessed TomorrowComment
Spirited Book Club Welcomes Peter Faur for Conversation on The Heretic Hunters
Spirited Book Club Welcomes Peter Faur for Conversation on The Heretic Hunters

Join Spirit in the Desert’s Spirited Book Club on Thursday, January 15, 2026, from 3:00–4:00 pm AZ (2:00 pm PST) for a conversation with author Peter Faur about his new novel, The Heretic Hunters: A Parable for Our Time. The book traces a denomination in crisis as authoritarianism, doctrinal purity campaigns, and personal courage collide—raising timely questions about faith, integrity, and the endurance of love.

The discussion will be facilitated by Sheri Brown, and registration is open. Learn more about the book, read early reviews, and sign up to join the conversation here: Read more & register →

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardSpirit in the Desert Retreat Center, Spirited Book ClubComment
Unwine Your Mind: A January Reset for Body, Mind, and Spirit
Unwine Your Mind: A January Reset for Body, Mind, and Spirit

Start the new year with clarity—not guilt. Join the Center of Addiction & Faith for a free one-hour webinar, “Unwine Your Mind – A January Reset,” on Wednesday, December 31, from 11:00 AM–12:00 PM MST (10:00–11:00 AM PT). Featuring journalist and sober-curious leader Hilary Sheinbaum, this judgment-free session invites participants to explore a 30-day alcohol-free reset—or a meaningful reduction—with attention to physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.

Designed especially for faith leaders and those navigating stress and exhaustion, this webinar offers practical insight, Lutheran-friendly reflection, and a compassionate approach to healthier living. Registration is free and open now.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardAddiction, The Center of Addiction & FaithComment
Explore “Just Creation” in Job: Join the 2026 Rutlen Lecture with William P. Brown
Explore “Just Creation” in Job: Join the 2026 Rutlen Lecture with William P. Brown

Join Luther Seminary and Faith+Lead for the 2026 Rutlen Lecture on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, featuring Old Testament scholar Dr. William P. Brown. This year’s theme, Be-Wilded by Wonder: Just Creation in the Book of Job, explores how reading Job “from the end” reshapes our understanding of God, justice, and creation—especially in a time of climate crisis. Attend online or in person (with dinner included) and engage with a powerful exploration of Scripture, awe, and creation care. Register at faithlead.org/live-learning/rutlen26.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardLuther Seminary, faith+leadComment
LEAN Wants Your Input: Help Shape Nevada’s 2026 Hunger & Advocacy Priorities
LEAN Wants Your Input: Help Shape Nevada’s 2026 Hunger & Advocacy Priorities

LEAN is planning for 2026 and invites your congregation to complete two short surveys that will guide next year’s hunger and advocacy priorities. Share how your congregation engages ELCA World Hunger and which justice issues matter most in your community—including housing, food insecurity, and voter engagement. Your input strengthens our shared Lutheran witness in Nevada.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardLutheran Engagement and Advocacy in Nevada (LEAN), Advocacy, Colorado River ConferenceComment
Deep Roots, Shared Mission: Resources for Your 2026–2027 Mission Support Plan
Deep Roots, Shared Mission: Resources for Your 2026–2027 Mission Support Plan

Congregations across the Grand Canyon Synod are invited to prepare their 2026–2027 Mission Support Plans and submit their Statement of Intent by March 1, 2026. Mission Support resources—including the letter from Bishop Hutterer and Vice President Mark Myers and the fillable intent form—are now available. A downloadable thank you video from Bishop Hutterer is also provided for use in worship, newsletters, and council meetings.

Rooted in our 2026 theme, “Rooted in God’s Story,” congregations are encouraged to consider a 10% Mission Support commitment as we invest in leadership formation, local and global partnerships, justice advocacy, and ministries that transform lives across our synod and the wider church.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardMission Support, StewardshipComment
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, 12/30/2025, 6-7pm MST.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian Flatgardhunger, Grand Canyon Synod Hunger Leaders NetworkComment
New Racial Justice Learning Cohorts Offer Support, Community, and Practical Tools for 2026
New Racial Justice Learning Cohorts Offer Support, Community, and Practical Tools for 2026

Four national Racial Justice Learning Cohorts begin in January, offering pastors, church councils, youth leaders, and synod staff an 8-week, faith-rooted space to learn and grow in justice work without guilt or shame. Created and led by racial justice educator David Scherer (AGAPE)*, these weekly noon gatherings focus on real-life ministry challenges, biblical grounding, and developmentally appropriate tools for leading change in polarized times. Flyers and registration links for all four cohorts are included.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardRacial JusticeComment
Lead with the Spirit: Faith+Lead’s Coaching for Spirit-Led Leadership Begins January 26
Lead with the Spirit: Faith+Lead’s Coaching for Spirit-Led Leadership Begins January 26

Faith+Lead’s Coaching for Spirit-Led Leadership course begins January 26, 2026, guiding pastors, deacons, and lay leaders to lead with trust, curiosity, and collaboration. This nine-week online cohort, taught by the Rev. Dr. Dawn Alitz, helps participants listen deeply, ask powerful questions, and empower others to discern their callings. Cost is $375 with scholarships available. Enroll now →

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Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesBrian Flatgardfaith+lead, Luther SeminaryComment
Gathered to Share Christ’s Light: ELCA Evangelism & Vitality Workshop at PLTS
Gathered to Share Christ’s Light: ELCA Evangelism & Vitality Workshop at PLTS

The ELCA invites lay leaders and rostered ministers to a 3-day Evangelism and Congregational Vitality Workshop, January 22–24, 2026, at Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary in Berkeley, CA. Sponsored by PLTS and the ELCA New Ministry Development and Evangelism Team, this gathering equips leaders for evangelizing and congregational renewal. Registration is required by January 6. A related Saturday hybrid workshop is also available locally through participating synods.

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Leader Resources, Grand Canyon Synod, ELCABrian FlatgardPacific Lutheran Theological SeminaryComment
Leaning into the “E” Word: A Local Evangelism Workshop, January 24
Leaning into the “E” Word: A Local Evangelism Workshop, January 24

As members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, we are called to share the good news of Jesus Christ through word and deed. On Saturday, January 24, 2026, leaders are invited to a hybrid Evangelism and Congregational Vitality Workshop, with a local gathering option in the Grand Canyon Synod. This morning workshop connects congregations to regional teaching and local conversation and complements the January 22–24 in-person PLTS gathering. For details, contact Pastor David Pavesic at David.Pavesic@elca.org.

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Grand Canyon Synod, Leader Resources, ELCABrian FlatgardComment
December ELCA Coaching Opportunities: Free Support, Learning, and Community
December ELCA Coaching Opportunities: Free Support, Learning, and Community

Explore a full month of free December ELCA Coaching events, including the Creating Beloved Community series, writing workshops, and decolonizing worship sessions—all fully subsidized by the ELCA. Registration links, dates, and upcoming 2026 training opportunities are available, with reduced-cost training options for leaders beginning in January and April. Visit elcacoaching.org/events for details.

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ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardCoaching, ELCA CoachingComment
Ring in the New Year at Camp ALOMA: A Chill Retreat for Jr High & High School Youth
Ring in the New Year at Camp ALOMA: A Chill Retreat for Jr High & High School Youth

Registration is open for Camp ALOMA’s Annual New Year’s Retreat for Jr High and High School youth, running December 29, 2025 (3:00 pm) through January 1, 2026 (2:00 pm) in Prescott, AZ. This relaxed, faith-centered retreat blends worship, devotions, campfires, and classic camp fun as youth ring in the new year together.

The cost is $110 per camper, and youth are encouraged to invite friends. Learn more and register today at campaloma.com or through the registration link.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardYouth and Young Adult, Camp ALOMA, Outdoor MinistryComment