Safeguarding Our Worshiping Communities: Join a Conversation on Best Practices
Safeguarding Our Worshiping Communities: Join a Conversation on Best Practices

Join ELCA’s Kendra Stea, Director, Misconduct Prevention, on Tuesday, August 18 at 10:00 a.m. Arizona/PDT for a Zoom conversation on safeguarding worshiping communities. This 90-minute session will explore mandated reporting, misconduct response, healthy boundaries, congregational policies, and best practices for navigating difficult situations with care and accountability.

Registration is required. Bring your questions and learn practical tools to help your congregation foster safer, healthier ministry settings. Register here.

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ELCA, Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardChild ProtectionComment
Free Tech for Ministry? Your Congregation May Already Qualify
Free Tech for Ministry? Your Congregation May Already Qualify

ELCA congregations and ministries may already qualify for free or deeply discounted technology through platforms like Goodstack, Google for Nonprofits, and TechSoup. Learn how to access tools like Canva Pro, Google Workspace, Zoom, Microsoft 365, email marketing discounts, and even grant opportunities—while stretching your ministry budget and strengthening communication.

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Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardComment
Mastering Money: Stewardship Webinar on Budgeting, Planning, and Generous Living
Mastering Money: Stewardship Webinar on Budgeting, Planning, and Generous Living

The Grand Canyon Synod Stewardship Team invites you to “Mastering Money: Budgeting, Planning, and Living Generously” on July 15, 2026, from 6:30–8:00 PM (AZ/NV). Presenter Duane Gilson of Spirit of Hope Lutheran Church, Mesa, will share practical and faith-centered insights on budgeting, planning, and generous living. Register today for this free webinar.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardStewardship, GCS Stewardship TeamComment
Arizona Nonprofit Security Grant Program Now Accepting Applications
Arizona Nonprofit Security Grant Program Now Accepting Applications

The FY2027 State of Arizona Nonprofit Security Grant Program is now accepting applications from eligible nonprofits, including faith-based organizations at risk of hate crimes or attacks because of their beliefs, mission, or identity. Applications are due Friday, June 12, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.

Eligible organizations are encouraged to review application materials at azdohs.gov/az-nsgp and attend one of two information webinars on May 7 or May 12.

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Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardSecurity, grantsComment
Installation of Pastor Jeff Hackler at Christ Evangelical Church in Goodyear
Installation of Pastor Jeff Hackler at Christ Evangelical Church in Goodyear

Rev. Jeff Hackler will be installed Sunday, 7/12/2026, during the 9am worship service at Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church (918 S Litchfield Rd, Goodyear, AZ. 85338). Rev. Cherlyne Beck, Grand Canyon Synod Transition Coach will preside and install. Pastor Lisa Hackler, Pastor Jeff’s wife, will preach.

All are welcome and will be seated as part of the congregation. No procession or robes required for clergy. Reception immediately following the service, no RSVP required.

The installation service is available at either the church YouTube channel or christgoodyear.org.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardOrdinations and InstallationsComment
May Mission Support Memo: Full Circle of Faith
May Mission Support Memo: Full Circle of Faith

Our May 2026 Mission Support memo immerses us in the story of Concordia Lutheran Church in Worcester, Mass. Founded to serve the needs of non-English-speaking immigrant families, the church has come full circle today, once again serving a diverse neighborhood of immigrants and refugees. This congregation is deeply committed to remaining an inner-city ministry that accompanies the community as it changes. Read the memo to learn about their journey and discover their incredible ministry for kids and teens.

You will also find registration information for the Stewardship Kaleidoscope Conference, taking place September 21–23 in Baltimore, MD. Download the memo as a pdf here.  

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ELCABrian FlatgardMission Support, ELCA Mission Support TeamComment
ELCA World Hunger Supports Women’s Entrepreneurship in Cambodia
ELCA World Hunger Supports Women’s Entrepreneurship in Cambodia

Through ELCA World Hunger support, Lutheran Hope Cambodia Organization is helping an agricultural cooperative in western Cambodia create jobs, strengthen local markets and support women’s entrepreneurship. Rom Chan Oun’s work driving the cooperative tuktuk has helped improve her family’s income and expand her role in the community. Read the World Hunger story.

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ELCA, Global ChurchBrian FlatgardHunger, ELCA World HungerComment
ELCA Resource Invites Public Witness on Immigration Detention
ELCA Resource Invites Public Witness on Immigration Detention

ELCA Advocacy and ELCA AMMPARO have released a new resource, “You Shall Also Love the Stranger,” offering history, Bible study, reflection questions and action steps related to for-profit immigration detention. A related webinar will be held Wednesday, June 24, from 1-1:30 p.m. Eastern, with optional Q&A. Read more and find the resource.

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ELCABrian FlatgardImmigration and Refugees, Church and Society, Advocacy, ELCA AdvocacyComment