Posts in News
Feeding Neighbors, Fighting Waste: C.A.M.P. Partners with Sun City Lutherans
Feeding Neighbors, Fighting Waste: C.A.M.P. Partners with Sun City Lutherans

Shepherd of the Desert Lutheran Church in Sun City partners with Community Action Market & Produce (C.A.M.P.) to bring fresh, rescued produce to neighbors across the Northwest Phoenix Valley. This nonprofit, run entirely by volunteers, distributes nutritious food through its Saturday Shop & Select markets, prepacked produce boxes, and delivery programs for the elderly and disabled—all with no income qualifications required. To learn more about this inspiring ministry or how you can support it, click here.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardHunger, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA), Shepherd of the Desert Sun CityComment
“Grounded in Faith, Committed to Service”: Lutheran Services Responds to Budget Cuts
“Grounded in Faith, Committed to Service”: Lutheran Services Responds to Budget Cuts

Lutheran Services in America has released a strong public statement following the passage of H.R. 1, a budget reconciliation bill that includes nearly $1 trillion in Medicaid cuts projected to leave 17 million fewer people insured over the next decade. While some harmful provisions were successfully removed, the bill poses real challenges for caregivers, providers, and vulnerable communities. The Lutheran network continues to stand firm—grounded in faith, committed to service, and urging leaders to work with nonprofits on practical, people-centered solutions. To read and share the full statement from Lutheran Services in America, click here.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardLutheran Services in America (LSA), Church and SocietyComment
From Energy Savings to Moral Economy: LRC’s July Opportunities for Action
From Energy Savings to Moral Economy: LRC’s July Opportunities for Action

Explore the July update from Lutherans Restoring Creation featuring new webinars, book discussions, climate trainings, and a 2026 in-person retreat. From a July 22 energy-saving session to a September Christian Climate Training and an ongoing Book Club on Building a Moral Economy, there are many ways to get involved. Plus, help shape LRC’s future through a strategic planning survey. Read the full LRC newsletter.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardClimate Change, Lutherans Restoring CreationComment
From Relief Bags to Sacred Dialogues: Upcoming Interfaith Opportunities
From Relief Bags to Sacred Dialogues: Upcoming Interfaith Opportunities

This week’s AFN newsletter is full of hands-on ways to live your faith. Join the Interfaith Bag Packing event, sign up for Monday meditations, attend Bahá’í 101, or join the book study on The Tears of Things. You’ll also find volunteer opportunities, interfaith connections, and a special Prayer Circle for Oak Flat. Read the full newsletter and RSVP today: arizonafaithnetwork.org/newsletter

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardArizona Faith Network, Ecumenical and Inter-Religious RelationsComment
Meet Bishop-Elect Benjamin Quanbeck: A Vision for Gospel-Rooted Leadership
Meet Bishop-Elect Benjamin Quanbeck: A Vision for Gospel-Rooted Leadership

Bishop-elect Benjamin Quanbeck, chosen to lead the Montana Synod beginning September 1, brings a leadership vision grounded in trust, collaboration, and gospel-centered hope. In an interview with Living Lutheran, Quanbeck emphasized supporting congregations and leaders with the tools they need to thrive—and letting the Spirit lead from there. His mantra, “people over programs,” shapes his pastoral and adaptive approach to ministry. Get to know his vision, values, and hopes for the synod by reading the full interview in Living Lutheran —click here.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardLiving LutheranComment
Called to Renew: Church Reform for the Sake of the Gospel
Called to Renew: Church Reform for the Sake of the Gospel

The Commission for a Renewed Lutheran Church (CRLC) has released its final report ahead of the 2025 ELCA Churchwide Assembly, offering a bold roadmap for structural reform grounded in equity, inclusion, and the gospel. Key recommendations include constitutional amendments, support for lay leadership, and commitments to dismantling racism. As our synod prepares to send voting members to Phoenix, this is a critical moment to reflect on who we are—and who we are called to become. Click here to read the full article in Living Lutheran.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardCommission for a Renewed Lutheran Church, Living LutheranComment
Ritu Rishidev: A Young Lutheran Partner Lifting Up Human Rights in Nepal
Ritu Rishidev: A Young Lutheran Partner Lifting Up Human Rights in Nepal

Meet Ritu Rishidev, an 18-year-old student from Nepal’s marginalized Musahar community, who is rising as a powerful advocate for women’s rights and social justice. Supported through a Lutheran-led training in human rights and advocacy—organized by the Lutheran Community Welfare Society and funded by the ELCA—Ritu is now a bold voice speaking out against gender-based violence and discrimination. To read more about Ritu’s inspiring journey and the Lutheran support behind her work, click here.

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ELCA, Global Church, NewsBrian FlatgardLiving LutheranComment
The Elephant in the Sanctuary: Facing Addiction Together in Faith
The Elephant in the Sanctuary: Facing Addiction Together in Faith

Join a free, one-hour webinar on Wednesday, July 30 at noon Central hosted by the Center of Addiction & Faith. This interactive forum is a chance to share your congregation’s experiences with addiction and mental health ministry, hear from others, and discover what’s working across the church. Let’s build a stronger, more compassionate network for healing. Register here to receive the Zoom link.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardAddiction, The Center of Addiction & FaithComment
Engage Before the Assembly: 2025 Churchwide Pre-Events Open Now
Engage Before the Assembly: 2025 Churchwide Pre-Events Open Now

Get ready for the 2025 ELCA Churchwide Assembly by participating in key pre-events, including online Bible studies (July 9, 16, and 23), guide orientation webinars (June 26), and five official virtual hearings (July 15–24). These sessions explore major issues such as climate and gender justice, Palestine and Israel, and the proposed social statement on Faith & Civic Life. Learn, reflect, and prepare alongside others across the ELCA.

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ELCA, NewsBrian Flatgard2025 Churchwide AssemblyComment
Final Push for Churchwide Assembly Volunteers: See Where We Still Need You
Final Push for Churchwide Assembly Volunteers: See Where We Still Need You

The Grand Canyon Synod is making a final push to fill open volunteer roles for the 2025 ELCA Churchwide Assembly in Phoenix, July 28–August 2. We need nearly 100 volunteers to assist with tech, hospitality, support, and more. Learn how you can help welcome the wider church and be part of this historic event. Sign up today and join the team that makes it all happen.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian Flatgard2025 Churchwide Assembly, Help WantedComment
Churchwide Assembly Comes to Phoenix: ELCA to Elect New Presiding Bishop
Churchwide Assembly Comes to Phoenix: ELCA to Elect New Presiding Bishop

The 2025 ELCA Churchwide Assembly will be held July 28–Aug. 2 at the Phoenix Convention Center, gathering 845 voting members under the theme “For the Life of the World.” Key actions include electing a new presiding bishop and secretary, voting on the proposed Faith and Civic Life social statement, and addressing major memorials such as missing and murdered Indigenous women and dismantling racism.

Assembly events will include worship, theological reflection, a candlelight AMMPARO vigil, and an exhibition powwow hosted by Indigenous leaders from the Phoenix area. Click here for full details in the official ELCA news release.

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ELCA, NewsBrian Flatgard2025 Churchwide AssemblyComment
Call for Dancers: Share Your Gifts at Churchwide Assembly Worship
Call for Dancers: Share Your Gifts at Churchwide Assembly Worship

Do you know a young dancer? The ELCA is seeking Phoenix-area students and young adults to participate in the Opening Worship of Churchwide Assembly on Monday, July 28 at the Phoenix Convention Center. Dancers will rehearse and perform from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.—a rare opportunity to offer movement as worship. Contact Deacon Sarah Bjornebo at sbjornebo@yahoo.com or 303-257-3356 to share names or learn more.

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ELCA, Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian Flatgard2025 Churchwide AssemblyComment
Bishop’s Fall Gathering Explores Life Together in a Fractured World
Bishop’s Fall Gathering Explores Life Together in a Fractured World

Join Bishop Hutterer and Wartburg Seminary leaders for the 2025 Bishop’s Fall Gathering, September 29–October 1 at the Franciscan Renewal Center in Scottsdale. This year’s theme, Life Together: Lament, Love and Christian Hope in a Time Such as This, explores Bonhoeffer’s vision of Christian community through Old Testament stories and Lutheran theology. Rostered ministers and SAMs are invited to attend; registration includes meals and closes September 5. Scholarships are available.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian Flatgard2025 Bishop's Fall GatheringComment
Funding Available Now: ELCA Disability Ministry Grants Open Through July 31
Funding Available Now: ELCA Disability Ministry Grants Open Through July 31

Applications are now open for the ELCA Disability Ministry Grants, with up to $35,000 in total funding available for 2025. Individual ministries may apply for grants up to $10,000 through July 31. Projects must demonstrate active engagement with people with disabilities and align with one or more core goals of the Disability Ministry. To learn more and access the application, click here.

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ELCA, Leadership Resources, NewsBrian FlatgardDisability Ministries, ELCA Disability Ministries, GrantsComment
From Stuck to Spirit-Led: Tools for Congregational Renewal
From Stuck to Spirit-Led: Tools for Congregational Renewal

Feeling stuck in your ministry? This July 24 online workshop with Dr. Dwight Zscheile will help you explore the “mixed ecology” of church—equipping you with theological insight and practical tools to engage your community in new, Spirit-led ways. Open to Faith+Lead members ($19.95/month), with scholarships available.

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Leadership Resources, Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian Flatgardfaith+lead, Luther Seminary, Lay LeadershipoComment
Free ELCA Coaching Events in July: Healing, Equity, and Right Relations
Free ELCA Coaching Events in July: Healing, Equity, and Right Relations

Explore a full month of free leadership support from ELCA Coaching this July. Offerings include Wednesday gatherings focused on healing, diversity, and faith, as well as in-depth training modules on right relations and decolonizing worship (registration required for select sessions). These events are free to all, thanks to ELCA sponsorship. An additional “Coaching for Everyday Life” training begins August 4. Click here for full details and registration: elcacoaching.org/events

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ELCA, Leadership Resources, NewsBrian FlatgardCoaching, ELCA CoachingComment