Don’t Forget! Choose Your Synod Assembly Voting Members at Your Annual Meeting
Don’t Forget! Choose Your Synod Assembly Voting Members at Your Annual Meeting

Elect your voting members for the 2025 Synod Assembly! As congregations hold annual meetings, now is the time to choose those who will represent you at the June 12-13, 2025, assembly in Las Vegas, NV. Remember to include one youth or young adult and one person of color or whose primary language is not English to reflect the diversity of God’s people. Voting members are vital to shaping the ministry and mission of our synod—don’t miss this opportunity to prepare your congregation. View our page with all the info you need for determining voting members for your congregation.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian Flatgard2025 Synod AssemblyComment
Join the Movement: ELCA’s 2025 National Day of Racial Healing Event
Join the Movement: ELCA’s 2025 National Day of Racial Healing Event

On Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025, the ELCA will host a free online event from 9am-1pm MST, 8am-noon PST, featuring worship, workshops, music, and guided reflection. Centering the voices of ELCA leaders of color, the event seeks to raise awareness of the need for racial healing and inspire collective action toward justice and equity. Open to all ELCA members and partners, this event aligns with the work of Truth, Racial Healing & Transformation. Visit ELCA.org/NDORH to learn more and register today!

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardRacial JusticeComment
Join Us in Honoring Dr. King’s Legacy at Our Celebration of Diversity
Join Us in Honoring Dr. King’s Legacy at Our Celebration of Diversity

Save the date for the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration of Diversity on Sunday, January 19, 2025, from 3-5 pm in each respective time zone. Hosted at King of Glory Lutheran Church in Tempe, with Bishop Yehiel Curry preaching (watch live on King of Glory’s YouTube channel or at kogaz.org/watch), and Holy Spirit Lutheran Church in Las Vegas with a keynote from Elder Ender Austin, III (COGIC), this event invites us to come together to honor Dr. King’s legacy of justice, love, and unity. Join us as we celebrate our shared mission for equality and diversity within our faith community.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardRacial Justice, MLKComment
Join the Effort: Supporting Lutheran Disaster Response for Wildfire Relief
Join the Effort: Supporting Lutheran Disaster Response for Wildfire Relief

Wildfires have devastated Los Angeles County, California, leaving tens of thousands displaced. Lutheran Disaster Response is actively working with synods and local partners to address immediate needs and plan long-term recovery efforts. Learn how you can pray, give, and share to support those affected. Visit ELCA.org/wildfires to donate and find resources.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardSouthwest California Synod, Lutheran Disaster Response, Climate ChangeComment
Faith Amid Flames: Bishop Eaton’s Call to Prayer for California Wildfire Relief
Faith Amid Flames: Bishop Eaton’s Call to Prayer for California Wildfire Relief

The devastating California wildfires have displaced thousands and destroyed homes, businesses, and places of worship. Bishop Brenda Bos of the Southwest California Synod is among those personally impacted. Presiding Bishop Eaton calls for prayers, accompaniment, and action as Lutheran Disaster Response mobilizes to bring aid and hope to affected communities. Learn more about how you can help: Lutheran Disaster Response.

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ELCA, News, Letters, PrayersBrian FlatgardBishop Eaton Letters, Southwest California Synod, Climate Change Comment
Lutheran World Federation newsletter
Lutheran World Federation newsletter
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News, Global Church, SpotlightBrian FlatgardLutheran World FederationComment
Empowering Communities: How ELCA Global Mission is Changing Lives Worldwide
Empowering Communities: How ELCA Global Mission is Changing Lives Worldwide

Bliss Tungnung, a former ELCA scholar, returned to her conflict-stricken home in Manipur, India, to offer psychosocial care and education to children. She founded Bliss International School in 2023 to foster emotional and academic growth. This month’s ELCA Global Mission newsletter also celebrates the ordination of women in the Lutheran Church of Australia and the 25th anniversary of the ELCA Wittenberg Center. Discover global service opportunities and Lenten resources, and read more inspiring stories at ELCA Global Mission.

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ELCA, Global Church, NewsBrian FlatgardELCA Global MissionComment
How a Brooklyn ELCA Pastor Transforms Churches Into Thriving Community Centers
How a Brooklyn ELCA Pastor Transforms Churches Into Thriving Community Centers

Across the country, thousands of churches face closure every year, but the Rev. Dr. Katrina D. Foster has made it her mission to turn despair into renewal. Known for revitalizing struggling congregations, Pastor Foster blends faith-driven community organizing with innovative fundraising, inspiring both churchgoers and neighbors to support her efforts. From restoring crumbling buildings to creating vibrant community spaces, her work demonstrates how faith and action can breathe life back into churches.

Learn how Pastor Foster’s bold leadership and unwavering dedication have transformed St. John’s Lutheran Church in Brooklyn and discover her proven strategies for revitalizing congregations and fostering community. Read the full NY Times Article for free here.

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Leadership Resources, Read · Watch · ListenBrian FlatgardComment
Explore Arizona Faith Network’s January Highlights
Explore Arizona Faith Network’s January Highlights

Join Arizona Faith Network’s events this month, including guided meditation, justice-focused webinars, and powerful lessons in peacemaking from Rev. Dr. Gary Mason. With topics like food security, creation care, and the Doctrine of Discovery, these events provide meaningful ways to live your faith. Read More.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardEcumenical and Inter-Religious Relations, Arizona Faith NetworkComment
“Do You Believe This?” Resources for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2025 Now Available
“Do You Believe This?” Resources for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2025 Now Available

The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2025 invites churches worldwide to pray together for unity, inspired by John 11:17-27 and the theme, “Do you believe this?” Marking the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, this year’s reflections highlight shared faith through the Nicene Creed. Download the resources, prepared by the Bose monastic community, at oikoumene.org and join this global movement for Christian unity.

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Global Church, Leadership ResourcesBrian FlatgardWorld Council of Churches (WCC), 2025 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, Ecumenical and Inter-Religious RelationsComment
Bishop Reddall's Statement on the Sentencing of Eric Ridenour
Bishop Reddall's Statement on the Sentencing of Eric Ridenour

Eric Ridenour was sentenced to 36.5 years in prison for the arson that destroyed St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church and First Presbyterian Church in Douglas, Arizona. Bishop Jennifer Reddall expresses gratitude for the justice served and highlights the resilience of these congregations as they continue to rebuild and minister. Her statement reaffirms the church’s commitment to inclusivity, inspired by Jesus’ love for those on the margins, and trust in the healing power of God’s grace. The Grand Canyon Synod stands in prayerful solidarity with them during this season of healing.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardEcumenical and Inter-Religious Relations, Episcopal Diocese of Arizona, The Episcopal ChurchComment
Join the Movement: ELCA’s 2025 National Day of Racial Healing Event
Join the Movement: ELCA’s 2025 National Day of Racial Healing Event

On Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025, the ELCA will host a free online event from 9am-1pm MST, 8am-noon PST, featuring worship, workshops, music, and guided reflection. Centering the voices of ELCA leaders of color, the event seeks to raise awareness of the need for racial healing and inspire collective action toward justice and equity. Open to all ELCA members and partners, this event aligns with the work of Truth, Racial Healing & Transformation. Visit ELCA.org/NDORH to learn more and register today!

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardRacial JusticeComment
For What Shall We Pray?
For What Shall We Pray?

  • For areas of the world impacted by ongoing war and conflict: Gaza, Syria, Ukraine…

  • For evacuees and all threatened by the Pacific Palisades fire in California…

  • For earthquake victims in Tibet…

  • For political transitions and the advancement of peace across the world…

  • For severe winter weather affecting areas of the United States…

  • For refugees, migrants, and all who journey for safety…

  • For daily affirmation of our baptismal calling: to live among God’s faithful people; to hear the word of God and share in the holy supper; to share the good news of God in Christ through word and deed; to serve all people, following the example of Jesus; and to strive for justice and peace in all the world…

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ELCA, Prayers, SpotlightBrian FlatgardELCA Worship, For What Shall We PrayComment