Time to Report: Submit Your Congregation’s Annual Report by March 1
Time to Report: Submit Your Congregation’s Annual Report by March 1

The Annual Congregation Report (Form A) portal is now open, and all congregations are asked to complete their reports by March 1, 2025. This year’s updated system makes reporting easier, with previous year data displayed, built-in instructions, and forms available in English and Spanish. To access the portal, visit ELCA.org/congregationreport using your congregation’s ID and password. If you didn’t receive this information, contact the Office of the Bishop. Your participation helps shape the future of our synod and the wider church—thank you for being part of this important work!

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Grand Canyon Synod, Leadership Resources, NewsBrian FlatgardOffice of the BishopComment
Churchwide Assembly Needs You! Volunteer Webinars on 2/26 & 3/4
Churchwide Assembly Needs You! Volunteer Webinars on 2/26 & 3/4

The 2025 ELCA Churchwide Assembly is coming to Phoenix, and we need up to 100 volunteers to help make it a success! Join one of our Zoom info sessions on Feb. 26 or March 4 to learn how you can assist with registration, hospitality, worship support, and more. Hosted by Mary Beth Baron, these webinars will guide you through the volunteer opportunities and answer your questions.

Feb. 26 at 4:30 PM (AZ) | 3:30 PM (NV, PST) → Register Here
March 4 at 6:30 PM (AZ) | 5:30 PM (NV, PST) → Register Here

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian Flatgard2025 Churchwide AssemblyComment
Celebrating 40 Years of Faithful Service: Pastor Steve Talmage’s Ordination Anniversary
Celebrating 40 Years of Faithful Service: Pastor Steve Talmage’s Ordination Anniversary

Join us on Sunday, March 9, at 10:00 a.m. at Love of Christ Lutheran Church in Mesa, Arizona, to celebrate Pastor Stephen Talmage’s 40th anniversary of ordination! From his early ministry in Tucson to his time as Bishop of the Grand Canyon Synod, and now as Senior Pastor at Love of Christ, Pastor Talmage has faithfully served with passion and dedication. This special gathering will honor his four decades of ministry. All are welcome! For more details, contact Pastor Nanette Christofferson at nanette@loclc.org.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardLove of Christ Mesa Comment
Join Us for a Lenten Challenge Deep Dive: The Story Behind NELM and LDR
Join Us for a Lenten Challenge Deep Dive: The Story Behind NELM and LDR

Join us on March 5 at 12:00 p.m. MT for a special LDR Partner Spotlight featuring Solveig Muus as she shares how the 40-40-40 Lenten Challenge supports the Navajo Evangelical Lutheran Mission (NELM) in Rock Point, AZ. Learn how Lutheran Disaster Response and ELCA World Hunger intersect to provide safe drinking water and vital resourcesfor our siblings in Christ. Register now to be part of the conversation! Sign up here.

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Grand Canyon Synod, Region 2, NewsBrian Flatgard2025 Lent, 2025 Lenten Challenge, Lutheran Disaster Response, Navajo Evangelical Lutheran Mission, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA)Comment
Answer the Call: Serve, Grow, and Belong with Urban Servant Corps
Answer the Call: Serve, Grow, and Belong with Urban Servant Corps

Are you or a young adult you know looking for a meaningful way to serve and grow in faith? Urban Servant Corps (USC) in Denver offers a full-time service year in an intentional faith-based community. Volunteers receive housing, food, a stipend, and student loan assistance while serving with nonprofit partners. The priority deadline to apply is March 1, and a virtual info session is available on February 26 at 12 PM (MT). Learn more and apply at www.urbanservantcorps.org.

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Grand Canyon Synod, Region 2, NewsBrian FlatgardYouth and Young Adult, Urban Servant Corps, help wantedComment
Seeds Monthly: Lent Resources to Deepen Your Faith and Fight Hunger
Seeds Monthly: Lent Resources to Deepen Your Faith and Fight Hunger

New ELCA World Hunger resources for Lent offer ways to deepen faith and take action against hunger through study, prayer, and service. Living Lutheran returns to print with a quarterly edition, and Nuestro Casa para Todos in Puerto Rico opens its doors as a ministry of welcome. Bishop Eaton responds to misinformation, reaffirming the ELCA’s mission. In honor of Black History Month, we highlight the contributions of Black Lutherans in shaping our church. Read more about these stories and more in the latest Seeds Monthly.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardSeeds MonthlyComment
Faith Lens: Mercy Meant for Today
Faith Lens: Mercy Meant for Today

Mercy is more than a word—it’s a call to action. This Sunday’s Gospel reading (Luke 6:27-38) challenges us to love our enemies, give freely, and embody God’s mercy in a divided world. As Lutheran social ministries face funding challenges, we are reminded that mercy is at the core of our faith, not an optional extra. How will we answer Jesus’ call to mercy today?

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Worship Resources, ELCA, ResourcesBrian FlatgardFaith Lens, Youth and Young Adult, 2024 Advent and ChristmasComment
Watch & Share: Bishop Hutterer Invites You to the 2025 Lenten Challenge
Watch & Share: Bishop Hutterer Invites You to the 2025 Lenten Challenge

Bishop Hutterer has recorded a special invitation video encouraging participation in the 2025 Lenten Challenge! This friendly, faith-deepening challenge connects us in daily spiritual practices while supporting safe drinking water efforts at the Navajo Evangelical Lutheran Mission (NELM) in Rock Point, AZ. Watch the video, share it with your congregation, and join the challenge today! Download options are available on our Vimeo page.

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Bishop Hutterer, Grand Canyon Synod, News, Region 2Brian Flatgard2025 Lent, 2025 Lenten ChallengeComment
Office of the Bishop Updates
Office of the Bishop Updates

The Office of the Bishop Staff attends to daily operations and attends the Installation of Rev. Charles Newman at King of Glory Lutheran in Tempe, Feb 23, 2025, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM. We also share photos from Shane Claiborne at New Spirit Lutheran in Tucson: Addressing Poverty Through Faith and the Ordination and Installation of Wendi Van Beek at Our Saviour's Lutheran in Tucson.

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News, Bishop Hutterer, Grand Canyon Synod, SpotlightBrian FlatgardOffice of the BishopComment
Love Your Neighbor: A Workshop on Building Community Collaboration
Love Your Neighbor: A Workshop on Building Community Collaboration

How can your congregation collaborate with local organizations to make a lasting impact? Neighbors Together: Partners for Innovation is a free, two-part workshop designed to guide churches through the process of forming community partnerships. Learn how to identify potential partners, start meaningful conversations, and launch a neighborhood project that benefits all. Sessions are on March 25 and April 1, 2025 (choose 10 AM or 4 PM Pacific Time). Register today at www.livingtheresurrection.com.

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Grand Canyon Synod, Leadership Resources, NewsBrian FlatgardComment
Lutherans Leading the Way: Climate Ambassadors Making an Impact
Lutherans Leading the Way: Climate Ambassadors Making an Impact

Spring brings new opportunities to engage in faith-based climate action! Register for the National Faith + Climate Forum (March 27) to gain practical tools for leading creation care in your congregation. Get free Earth Day resources for your church, and celebrate inspiring leaders during ecoAmerica’s Climate Leadership Awards (April 16). Plus, learn how Lutherans across the country are making a difference in their communities. Read the full Blessed Tomorrow newsletter to take action today.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardBlessed Tomorrow, Climate ChangeComment
Lutherans & Faith Partners Unite for Justice, Housing, and Creation Care
Lutherans & Faith Partners Unite for Justice, Housing, and Creation Care

Arizona Faith Network’s latest newsletter is packed with ways to engage! From key legislative advocacy actions (supporting affordable housing & opposing harmful immigration laws) to interfaith events and spiritual practices, there’s something for everyone. Plus, don’t miss the 3rd Annual Connection to Nature event or the Chi’chil Bi dagoteel Oak Flat March/Run. Read more & subscribe here: arizonafaithnetwork.org/newsletter

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardEcumenical and Inter-Religious Relations, Arizona Faith NetworkComment
New Worship Resources for Wildfires, Hurricanes, and Arabic-Language Liturgies
New Worship Resources for Wildfires, Hurricanes, and Arabic-Language Liturgies

New ELCA Worship resources are now available, including liturgies for wildfires and hurricanes, newly released Arabic-language worship resources, and guidance on ethical music choices. Plus, explore upcoming Music That Makes Community events, new Lenten devotionals, and a worship planning handbook. Stay informed with the latest worship updates and resources—read the full newsletter here.

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Leadership Resources, Worship Resources, ELCABrian FlatgardWorship Resources, ELCA WorshipComment
More Questions than Answers: Finding Hope in Advocacy and Faith
More Questions than Answers: Finding Hope in Advocacy and Faith

In a world where the “common good” feels more elusive than ever, how do we navigate the tension between legality and morality, division and unity? Courtney Hall of the Lutheran Office of Public Policy – California reflects on faith as a guiding light in the midst of uncertainty, especially for those working in advocacy. Instead of placing blame in times of struggle, she encourages us to lean on each other and keep our eyes on the shared values of love, grace, and compassion. Click here to read more in this devotional from the New Year Devotional Series.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardAdvocacy, ELCA AdvocacyComment
For What Shall We Pray?
For What Shall We Pray?

  • For areas of the world impacted by ongoing war, conflict, or political instability, especially Ukraine, Gaza, and Bangladesh…

  • For safety for all travelers, especially air travel…

  • For health care workers, researchers, environmental workers, educators, and all professions affected by political changes…

  • For those who rely on medication for health and well-being…

  • For Pope Francis, during his hospitalization and treatment…

  • For flooding in Kansas and West Virginia…

  • For winter weather and those who live without home or shelter…

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