Active Hope: Engaging Your Congregation in Earth’s Just Transition
Active Hope: Engaging Your Congregation in Earth’s Just Transition

Join Lutherans Restoring Creation for an upcoming climate discussion on February 18, focused on Active Hope and Agents of Change. Prepare for Earth Day 2025 with resources, including a special sermon by Dr. Barbara Rossing and opportunities to host a faith-based climate forum. Don’t miss the EcoFaith Summit on April 5 or the Lenten Connections Call on March 18. LRC is also a semi-finalist in the American Climate Leadership Awards! Learn more and get involved here: Lutherans Restoring Creation.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardLutherans Restoring Creation, Climate ChangeComment
Lutheran Adventurer & National Parks Expert Brings Inspiring Film to Arizona
Lutheran Adventurer & National Parks Expert Brings Inspiring Film to Arizona

Lutheran guest preacher and National Parks record-setter Mikah Meyer is bringing his short film Canyon Chorus to Tempe on March 14 as part of the Banff World Tour. Meyer, who shared his story and music at Emmanuel Lutheran in Prescott Valley, visited 113 ELCA congregations while completing his 400+ National Park journey. Don’t miss the chance to see his inspiring film and meet him in person at Pollack Tempe Cinemas at 7 PM. Can’t attend? Watch Canyon Chorus for free on YouTube! Get tickets here.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardEmmanuel Prescott Valley, High Country ConferenceComment
Lutherans, Let’s Respond: Advocate for Refugees in Crisis
Lutherans, Let’s Respond: Advocate for Refugees in Crisis

The U.S. refugee resettlement program is at a standstill, leaving thousands stranded and vital services in limbo. As Lutherans, we are called to act. The ELCA, in partnership with the Interfaith Immigration Coalition, has drafted a faith-based letter urging the administration to reinstate refugee resettlement. Faith leaders and organizations can sign on today to stand in solidarity with those seeking safety. Read the letter and add your name today.

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ELCA, Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardImmigration and Refugees, Global Refuge, societyComment
Defending Medicaid: A Call to Action for Lutherans
Defending Medicaid: A Call to Action for Lutherans

Proposed Medicaid cuts in Congress threaten millions of low-income children, seniors, and people with disabilities—including many served by Lutheran ministries. As Lutherans, our faith calls us to protect the vulnerable and advocate for just policies. Learn about the proposed changes, why they matter, and how you can take action through advocacy alerts, upcoming webinars, and direct engagement with lawmakers. Read more and find ways to get involved at ELCA.org.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardChurch and Society, Advocacy, ELCA AdvocacyComment
When Worship Is Disrupted: How Congregations Can Respond and Prepare
When Worship Is Disrupted: How Congregations Can Respond and Prepare

Is your congregation prepared for a crisis? A Seattle church recently experienced a disruption during worship, underscoring the importance of having a crisis communications plan in place before it’s needed. The ELCA Strategic Communications team has released best practices and planning guides to help congregations prepare for emergencies, ensure clear communication, and work with local partners. Read more and download the full crisis planning resources to protect your congregation.

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ELCA, Leadership Resources, NewsBrian FlatgardChurch and SocietyComment
Nobody Journeys Alone: Join ELCA Coaching for Beloved Community Gatherings
Nobody Journeys Alone: Join ELCA Coaching for Beloved Community Gatherings

Join ELCA Coaching’s third-Wednesday gatherings through 2025 to cultivate connection, courage, and care in faith. Facilitated by Jen Kunka and Rev. Carlton Rodgers, these unrecorded sessions provide a sacred space for healing and reflection. Whether you see yourself as a leader or simply seek community, all are welcome. Lean into the risk of belonging—nobody journeys alone. For more details and additional weekly sessions, visit ELCA Coaching.

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ELCA, Leadership Resources, NewsBrian FlatgardCoaching, ELCA CoachingComment
Serve & Witness: Volunteer at the 2025 ELCA Churchwide Assembly
Serve & Witness: Volunteer at the 2025 ELCA Churchwide Assembly

The 2025 ELCA Churchwide Assembly is coming to Phoenix, and volunteers are needed to help make it happen! From July 28 to August 2, up to 100 volunteers are needed to assist with registration, worship support, hospitality, and more. This is a unique opportunity to serve the church and witness how the ELCA’s key decisions are made.

Sign up today at gcsynod.org/cwa and help us welcome the ELCA to Phoenix!

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian Flatgard2025 Churchwide AssemblyComment
Your Church, Your Rights: What to Do When ICE Arrives | Su iglesia, sus derechos: Qué hacer cuando llega ICE
Your Church, Your Rights: What to Do When ICE Arrives | Su iglesia, sus derechos: Qué hacer cuando llega ICE

Faith leaders and immigration attorneys gathered last week for a critical Know Your Rights and Congregational Safety training to address urgent challenges posed by new federal policies. The event emphasized legal protections for houses of worship, emergency response planning, and resources for congregations. We’ve attached key materials, including an Emergency Phone Tree for Houses of Worship and training slides, to help congregations prepare. A second training is being planned—stay tuned for details.

Líderes religiosos y abogados de inmigración se reunieron la semana pasada en la capacitación Conozca sus Derechos y Seguridad Congregacional, abordando desafíos urgentes ante nuevas políticas federales. El evento destacó protecciones legales para iglesias, planificación de respuesta de emergencia y recursos para congregaciones. Hemos adjuntado materiales clave, incluido un Árbol de Teléfonos de Emergencia para Lugares de Culto y diapositivas de capacitación. Se está planificando una segunda capacitación—manténgase informado para más detalles.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardArizona Faith Network, Immigration and Refugees, Church and Society, Español Comment
Prayer, Justice, and Creation Care: Ways to Get Involved This Month
Prayer, Justice, and Creation Care: Ways to Get Involved This Month

Faith calls us to action, and the Arizona Faith Network is offering meaningful opportunities to engage this February. From advocating for voting rights to gathering in prayer and celebrating creation care, there are events for all who seek to connect faith with justice. Plus, if you missed last week’s Know Your Rights and Congregational Safety training, slides and resources are now available. See upcoming events and ways to participate in Black History Month, interfaith gatherings, and more. Read the full AFN newsletter and get involved here.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardArizona Faith Network, Ecumenical and Inter-Religious RelationsComment
February 2025 Mission Support Memo: LuMin Belonging
February 2025 Mission Support Memo: LuMin Belonging

Our February 2025 Mission Support Memo takes us to a place in the ELCA where you can build community, deepen faith, expand minds, and inspire service with over 11,000 young adults. Learn about our amazing 176 local campus ministry agencies and cooperating congregations, where the lives of college students and campus communities are transformed through God's abundant grace.

Our memo also encourages congregations to begin planning for a Narrative Spending plan in 2025. All the tips and tricks are found in this video you can use anytime, anywhere, with anyone. As well we ask for your feedback about the memo through a short survey seeking to improve this work we do together.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardMission Support, ELCA Mission Support Team, StewardshipComment
“An Abrupt Stop”: Refugee Services in Arizona Struggle After Funding Freeze
“An Abrupt Stop”: Refugee Services in Arizona Struggle After Funding Freeze

Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest (LSS-SW) is facing a severe funding crisis following President Trump’s executive order halting refugee resettlement aid. The abrupt loss of federal funds has forced LSS-SW to lay off staff and scale back critical services for newly arrived refugees in Arizona. Despite the challenges, LSS-SW remains committed to supporting displaced families through private donations and community support. Read more about the impact and how you can help at lamaz.org.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardImmigration and Refugees, Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest, Church and SocietyComment
Raising Lutheran Voices: A Powerful Day of Advocacy in Nevada
Raising Lutheran Voices: A Powerful Day of Advocacy in Nevada

Lutherans from across Nevada gathered in Carson City for Lutheran Lobby Day, a day of worship, learning, and advocacy. Participants engaged with state leaders on Voter Engagement, Creation Care, and Affordable Housing, living out their faith through action. Lutheran Engagement and Advocacy in Nevada is committed to continuing this work—and you can be part of it. Join the movement and raise your voice for justice!

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardLutheran Engagement and Advocacy in Nevada (LEAN), Advocacy, Colorado River ConferenceComment
200 Lutherans, 40 Lawmakers, 3 Bills: A Day of Faithful Advocacy
200 Lutherans, 40 Lawmakers, 3 Bills: A Day of Faithful Advocacy

On February 10, 200 Lutherans from 29 districts gathered at the Arizona State Capitol for a day of advocacy, meeting with over 40 lawmakers and speaking out on key issues. Guided by faith, participants attended legislative meetings, engaged in training, and shared in prayer and fellowship. Read the full recap on the LAMA site and see photos from this inspiring day of action.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardLutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA), Advocacy, Church and SocietyComment
From Zambia to Madagascar: ELCA Global Missionary Pastor Kristin’s New Call
From Zambia to Madagascar: ELCA Global Missionary Pastor Kristin’s New Call

Pastor Kristin Engstrom has completed her first year serving as an ELCA Global Missionary in Madagascar, working alongside the Malagasy Lutheran Church, one of the fastest-growing Lutheran churches in the world. Read about her ministry, the challenges facing Madagascar’s faith communities, and how the ELCA continues to support vital programs, including healthcare and education. Check out her February 2025 Newsletter for stories and photos.

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ELCA, News, Global ChurchBrian FlatgardPastor Kristin Engstrom, Global Mission, ELCA Global Mission, Young Adults in Global MissionComment
Faith Lens: God Among Us
Faith Lens: God Among Us

Jesus didn’t lead from above—he stood among the people, teaching on a level place and challenging societal norms about blessings and woes (Luke 6:17-26). His model of leadership, reflected in the Civil Rights Movement, calls us to walk alongside the marginalized, not from positions of privilege. As we reflect on Black History Month, how can we follow Christ’s example and prepare for God’s reign where all share in His blessings?

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Worship Resources, ELCA, ResourcesBrian FlatgardFaith Lens, Youth and Young Adult, 2024 Advent and ChristmasComment