Beyond Binaries: Upholding God’s Diversity in Humanity
Beyond Binaries: Upholding God’s Diversity in Humanity

This week, ELCA Region 2 leaders respond to a recent presidential declaration limiting gender identity to a binary framework. Reflecting on Galatians 3:28 and the ELCA’s 2019 social statement, they affirm the inherent diversity of God’s creation, celebrate all gender expressions, and call for advocacy against discrimination. This letter underscores our shared identity in Christ and invites prayer for those affected by these harmful statements. Read the full letter and join us in standing for justice and inclusion.

Read More
Region 2, Letters, Grand Canyon Synod, News, Bishop HuttererBrian FlatgardBishop Hutterer Letters, 2024 Advent and Christmas Comments
Faith Leaders Unite: ELCA Coaching’s January 29 Gathering
Faith Leaders Unite: ELCA Coaching’s January 29 Gathering

Join the January 29 Beloved Community Gathering hosted by ELCA Coaching to reflect, discern, and take faithful action. This virtual event invites all faith leaders—rostered or not—to move from head to heart to hands in living out their faith. Inspired by Scripture, Martin Luther King Jr., and bell hooks, we’ll explore what it means to build trust and communion in our communities. Details and recordings at ELCA Coaching’s website.

Read More
ELCA, News, Leadership ResourcesBrian FlatgardCoaching, ELCA CoachingComment
Ordination celebrations: January 24-31, 2025
Ordination celebrations: January 24-31, 2025

This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:

  • Rev. Tina Mills, Our Savior’s, Mesa, who celebrates 14 years on January 25.

  • Rev. David Sivecz, Grace, Phoenix, who celebrates 7 years on January 27.

  • Deacon Carol Arnold, who celebrates 43 years on January 27.

  • Rev. Janice Von Rappard, who celebrates 20 years on January 30.

  • Rev. Paul Nordeen, who celebrates 48 years on January 30.

  • Rev. Jose Valenzuela, Community of Grace, Peoria, who celebrates 16 years on January 31.

Read More
Grand Canyon Synod, News, SpotlightBrian FlatgardOrdination AnniversariesComment
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, 1/28/2025, 6-7pm MST.

Read More
Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian Flatgardhunger, Grand Canyon Synod Hunger Leaders NetworkComment
Interfaith Dialogue: Free February Workshop on Mourning Rituals and Traditions
Interfaith Dialogue: Free February Workshop on Mourning Rituals and Traditions

Join the Islamic Speakers Bureau of Arizona for Living Our Faith, a free virtual event on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. MST. Discover how Jewish, Christian, and Islamic traditions navigate mourning rituals and customs, with insights from Rabbi Bonnie Sharfman, Pastor Judith Rainforth, and Imam Shahir Safi. Register now at www.isb-az.org/trifaith to participate in this inspiring evening of interfaith dialogue and understanding.

Read More
Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardEcumenical and Inter-Religious Relations, Islamic Speakers BureauComment
NRSVue Bible, Lent Resources, and More: Highlights from ELCA Worship
NRSVue Bible, Lent Resources, and More: Highlights from ELCA Worship

This month’s ELCA Worship newsletter highlights new Arabic-language worship resources, updated guidance on navigating musical decisions amid abuse allegations, and the availability of the NRSVue Bible on SundaysandSeasons.com. Register now for the 2025 Institute of Liturgical Studies conference to explore how the church engages with occasional practitioners. Plus, discover essential Lent music resources and the latest Living Lutheran hymn feature. Discover more on the ELCA Worship blog.

Read More
ELCA, News, Worship ResourcesBrian FlatgardELCA WorshipComment
Strength in Numbers: A Devotional Reflection on Liberation and Community
Strength in Numbers: A Devotional Reflection on Liberation and Community

How can we harness our individual gifts to create lasting change in our communities? Drawing on their experiences as an ELCA Hunger Advocacy Fellow, Sagi Rudnick reflects on the intersection of self, community, and liberation, inspired by the wisdom of Ecclesiastes. Their journey offers a powerful reminder that “two are better than one,” and that together, we can build a stronger, more equitable world. Read more on the ELCA blog.

Read More
ELCA, Letters, NewsBrian FlatgardELCA Advocacy, Hunger, ELCA World HungerComment
ELCA Advocacy Update: Critical Federal Decisions Impact Housing, Climate, and Peace
ELCA Advocacy Update: Critical Federal Decisions Impact Housing, Climate, and Peace

This month’s ELCA Advocacy update highlights urgent issues, including the impact of federal budget delays on housing programs, historic climate finance commitments from COP29, and efforts to block arms sales fueling conflict in Sudan. Learn how Lutheran values are shaping advocacy and how you can act for justice. Read the full update: ELCA Advocacy Blog.

Read More
ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardAdvocacy, ELCA AdvocacyComment
Faith Lens: Something Old and Something New
Faith Lens: Something Old and Something New

As trends and traditions from the past reemerge in today’s world, this week’s Gospel reading from Luke 4 reminds us of the eternal renewal found in Jesus. Unlike fleeting trends, Christ’s fulfillment of ancient promises brings lasting transformation, making all things new. Where do we place our ultimate allegiance?

Read More
Worship Resources, ELCA, ResourcesBrian FlatgardFaith Lens, Youth and Young Adult, 2024 Advent and ChristmasComment
For What Shall We Pray?
For What Shall We Pray?

  • For areas of the world impacted by ongoing war and political conflict: Ukraine, Syria, South Sudan, Colombia…

  • For ceasefire in Gaza and for release of prisoners and hostages…

  • For the United States in this time of political tension and transition…

  • For victims of a ski resort fire in Turkey…

  • For those celebrating marriage equality in Thailand…

  • For blizzard warnings along the Gulf Coast of the United States…

  • For recovery and rebuilding efforts following wildfires in California…

  • For immigrants, refugees, and all migrants…

  • For all who face prejudice, hatred, and violence due to race, ethnicity, religion, class, or gender identity and sexual orientation…

Read More
ELCA, Prayers, SpotlightBrian FlatgardELCA Worship, For What Shall We PrayComment
Connect and Inspire: Share Your Congregation’s News with the Synod
Connect and Inspire: Share Your Congregation’s News with the Synod

Have exciting news or upcoming events? Share them with the Grand Canyon Synod! Congregations across Arizona, southern Nevada, St. George, Utah, and the Navajo Nation are encouraged to submit stories, job openings, and volunteer opportunities to foster connection and inspiration. Visit gcsynod.org/share to submit your updates today and help us celebrate the work of God through our community of faith.

Read More
Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardOffice of the BishopComment
Pride in Earning an Income in Tanzania
Pride in Earning an Income in Tanzania

The success of Building a Caring Community’s (BCC) annual Disability Festival Celebration this past year was even sweeter with the addition of a guest from the President of Tanzania’s office. While BCC invites a wide range of government officials hoping to gain attention and support for the work they do, this visit was a special honor for all involved. The post Pride in Earning an Income in Tanzania appeared first on Mosaic.

Read More
Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardDisability Ministries, MosaicComment
Your Generosity Fuels Ministry: 2025 Mission Support Intent
Your Generosity Fuels Ministry: 2025 Mission Support Intent

The Grand Canyon Synod invites your congregation to submit its 2025 Mission Support Statement of Intent by February 1, 2025. Your gifts empower local, national, and global ministries, equipping leaders, transforming lives, and advancing God’s mission. Visit gcsynod.org/intent for forms and details. Together, we live into God’s vision of abundance and equality.

Read More
Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardMission SupportComment
Revisiting Human Sexuality: ELCA Seeks Input on Social Statement Edits
Revisiting Human Sexuality: ELCA Seeks Input on Social Statement Edits

The ELCA invites your feedback on proposed updates to Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust. These small editorial changes reflect shifts in marriage laws and family diversity while maintaining the statement’s theological core. Review the edits and share your thoughts by January 31, 2025 via an online survey or email. Resources are available at www.elca.org/reconsiderations in English, Spanish, and large print. Together, we can shape this important work of the church.

Read More
ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardHuman SexualityComment
Fiesta Fun for All Ages: 75th Anniversary Celebration with American Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tucson
Fiesta Fun for All Ages: 75th Anniversary Celebration with American Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tucson

Celebrate 75 years of ministry with American Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tucson! Join the fiesta on Saturday, January 25, 2025, from noon to 3 PM at 115 N. Tucson Boulevard. The event features Parrita’s Mexican Food Truck, live flamenco music by Jon Banuelos, and family fun activities. Tickets are available until noon on January 19, 2025.

Read More
Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardAmerican Tucson, Kino ConferenceComment
Faith Leaders Unite for Immigration Reform: A Call to Nevada’s Politicians | Líderes de Fe Unidos por la Reforma Migratoria: Un Llamado a los Políticos de Nevada
Faith Leaders Unite for Immigration Reform: A Call to Nevada’s Politicians | Líderes de Fe Unidos por la Reforma Migratoria: Un Llamado a los Políticos de Nevada

On Martin Luther King Day, faith leaders from Nevada, including Bishop Deborah Hutterer, called on political leaders to support humane immigration reform. Their published letters emphasize justice, compassion, and dignity for immigrants. Read the full messages and learn how you can support their advocacy efforts.

En el Día de Martin Luther King, líderes religiosos de Nevada, incluida la Obispa Deborah Hutterer, llamaron a los líderes políticos a apoyar una reforma migratoria humana. Sus cartas publicadas destacan la justicia, la compasión y la dignidad para los inmigrantes. Lea los mensajes completos y descubra cómo apoyar sus esfuerzos de abogacía.

Read More
Bishop Hutterer, Grand Canyon Synod, Letters, NewsBrian FlatgardColorado River Conference, Ecumenical and Inter-Religious Relations, Immigration and Refugees, Bishop Hutterer Letters, In the News, EspañolComment