Living Water Lutheran Church Hosts Book Drive to Share the Gift of Reading
Living Water Lutheran Church Hosts Book Drive to Share the Gift of Reading

Living Water Lutheran Church in Scottsdale is collecting new and gently used books from April 6 through June 30, 2026. Donations for readers of all ages—including children’s books, early readers, youth and adult books, cookbooks, and recipe magazines—may be dropped off at 9201 E. Happy Valley Road, Monday–Thursday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The drive aims to expand access to reading materials across the Phoenix area and help place books into homes where they are needed most. Donations must be in good condition, with no rips, tears, or markings.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardLiving Water Scottsdale, Northeast Valley ConferenceComment
Faith Lens: Hosanna – When Salvation Looks Different
Faith Lens: Hosanna – When Salvation Looks Different

As Holy Week begins, this Faith Lens reflection on Matthew 21:1–11 invites us to reconsider what we mean when we cry “Hosanna—save us.” Jesus enters Jerusalem not with power or force, but in humility, challenging expectations about leadership, salvation, and how God works in the world.

This reflection offers a timely invitation for congregations and leaders: Where might we be expecting God to act in familiar ways—and missing the deeper work already unfolding? Explore the reflection, discussion prompts, and prayer for use in your ministry. Read more.

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ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardFaith Lens, 2026 Lent and EasterComment
For What Shall We Pray?
For What Shall We Pray?

  • For peace and reconciliation among the nations, especially in Iran, Lebanon, Gaza, South Sudan, Ukraine, and Venezuela…

  • For Dame Sarah Mullally and her installation as the first female Archbishop of Canterbury…

  • For the families of those killed in hospital attack in Sudan…

  • For safe working conditions for all workers, especially in wake of car parts factory fire in South Korea…

  • For victims of the Air Canada runway crash at LaGuardia Airport…

  • For all who know the trauma and pain of sexual assault, abuse, or exploitation…

  • For elections and political transitions, local and global…

  • For those affected by flooding in Hawaii, and all impacted by natural disasters…

  • For travelers, especially those facing airport delays and uncertainties, and for TSA workers…

  • For all immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers…

  • For ongoing energy crises and rising fuel costs…

  • For pastors, church musicians, and congregational leaders preparing for Holy Week…

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ELCA, Prayers, SpotlightBrian FlatgardELCA Worship, For What Shall We PrayComment
“You Are Seen, You Are Not Alone”: Presiding Bishop Curry Speaks on Gender-Based Violence
“You Are Seen, You Are Not Alone”: Presiding Bishop Curry Speaks on Gender-Based Violence

In a March 24 pastoral message, Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry addresses the reality of sexual and gender-based violence, offering a word of care to survivors and reaffirming the church’s commitment to dignity, justice, and healing. Grounded in the truth that all people are created in God’s image (Psalm 139), the message names violence as a misuse of power and calls the church to stand with those who have experienced harm.

The ELCA continues to provide resources, training, and advocacy to prevent abuse and support survivors. Read the full pastoral message and access key resources for ministry and care.

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Bishop Curry, ELCA, LettersBrian FlatgardGender-Based Violence, Bishop Curry Letters, Church and SocietyComment
From Awareness to Action: Refugee Support Webinar April 1
From Awareness to Action: Refugee Support Webinar April 1

Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest invites you to a live webinar, Supporting Refugees in a Time of Uncertainty, on Wednesday, April 1 from 11:30am–1:00pm (AZ Time) via Zoom. Learn about current resettlement realities, challenges refugees face, and practical ways to respond faithfully in your community.

Featuring guest speaker Valentina Restrepo-Montoya of ALWAYS, this conversation will equip individuals and congregations with timely insight and actionable next steps. Submit questions in advance when you register and join this important conversation.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardImmigration and Refugees, Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest, Church and SocietyComment
Walk, Learn, and Advocate: This Week with Arizona Faith Network
Walk, Learn, and Advocate: This Week with Arizona Faith Network

The Arizona Faith Network’s weekly newsletter highlights upcoming interfaith events across Arizona, including dialogue series, sacred site visits, advocacy opportunities, and community gatherings. From a prayer walk at the Capitol to workshops on Indigenous perspectives and shared scripture, these events invite Lutherans and neighbors of all faiths into deeper understanding and public witness.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardEcumenical and Inter-Religious Relations, Arizona Faith NetworkComment
From the Capitol to Congregations: LAMA’s Weekly Advocacy Update
From the Capitol to Congregations: LAMA’s Weekly Advocacy Update

This week’s LAMA newsletter includes a critical health care Action Alert (including HCR2056), along with opportunities to engage in advocacy, hunger ministry collaboration, voting rights efforts, and interfaith public witness.

Stay informed, take action, and live out our call to justice. Read and share the full LAMA newsletter.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardLutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA), Advocacy, Church and SocietyComment
Camp ALOMA Seeks Summer Staff: May 20–July 20 (Housing & Meals Included, Flexible Weeks)
Camp ALOMA Seeks Summer Staff: May 20–July 20 (Housing & Meals Included, Flexible Weeks)

Camp ALOMA in Prescott is hiring Summer 2026 counselors (18+) for May 20–July 20, with flexible scheduling options. Training begins May 20, with camp running seven weeks starting May 31.

Staff receive pay, meals, and lodging while gaining leadership experience, growing in faith, and building lasting relationships. Learn more at campaloma.com or contact Leah, Camp Director, at office@campaloma.com or 928-778-1690.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardCamp ALOMA, Outdoor MinistryComment
Raise Up New Leaders: Free Youth and Young Adult Registration for Synod Assembly 2026
Raise Up New Leaders: Free Youth and Young Adult Registration for Synod Assembly 2026

Congregations are now preparing voting members for the 2026 Synod Assembly (June 11–13 in Mesa). In addition to standard representation, each congregation may elect two additional members: one youth or young adult and one person of color or primary language other than English, helping reflect the diversity of God’s people.

Thanks to the Bishop’s Leadership Fund, congregations can also send one youth or young adult for free using code YOUTH2026. Now is the time to identify leaders, broaden participation, and ensure your congregation’s voice is part of the synod’s shared work.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian Flatgard2026 Synod AssemblyComment
Celebrate the Flavors of Our Synod: Submit Your Recipe
Celebrate the Flavors of Our Synod: Submit Your Recipe

The Grand Canyon Synod’s Rooted at the Table recipe project invites you to share a dish that reflects your culture, community, and context—from Arizona and southern Nevada to St. George and the Navajo Nation. All recipes will be published online, with a curated selection included in a printed cookbook for the 2026 Synod Assembly.

Submit your recipe by May 1, 2026 and help create a collection that reflects the full flavor and diversity of our synod.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian Flatgard2026 Synod AssemblyComment
Plan Your Time: Full Schedule Released for 2026 Synod Assembly
Plan Your Time: Full Schedule Released for 2026 Synod Assembly

The timeline and full agenda for the 2026 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly (June 11–13 at Love of Christ Lutheran Church in Mesa) are now available. Highlights include opening worship with Bishop Hutterer, keynote leadership from Rev. Tim Brown, workshops, assembly business, and a Friday evening variety show.

Participants are encouraged to review the full schedule in advance and plan for key moments including voting, workshops, and worship. View the complete agenda and begin preparing for our time together as a synod rooted in God’s story.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian Flatgard2026 Synod AssemblyComment
What If the Ashes Didn’t Wash Away? A Lutheran Novel Imagines Lent Differently
What If the Ashes Didn’t Wash Away? A Lutheran Novel Imagines Lent Differently

In a recent Living Lutheran interview, author Thomas Maltman reflects on his new novel Ashes to Ashes, a story set within a rural Lutheran congregation where Ash Wednesday crosses mysteriously won’t wash away. Drawing on his own experience in congregational life, Maltman explores themes of mortality, belief, suffering, and grace—inviting readers to consider how faith shapes the way we live with one another in uncertain times.

Blending Lutheran practice, storytelling, and spiritual questions, Maltman describes his work as a “marvelous mystery” rooted in Lent’s call to reflection and renewal. Read more to explore how this uniquely Lutheran narrative invites deeper engagement with faith, doubt, and the enduring marks we carry.

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ELCABrian Flatgard2026 Lent and Easter, Living LutheranComment
Big Truck Day at King of Glory Lutheran in Tempe: Police, Fire, Dump & Food Trucks—Plus Raffles
Big Truck Day at King of Glory Lutheran in Tempe: Police, Fire, Dump & Food Trucks—Plus Raffles

King of Glory Lutheran Church in Tempe will host Big Truck Day on Saturday, March 28 (10 a.m.–1 p.m.), featuring police, fire, and dump trucks, food trucks, games, and raffle tickets. This free, family-friendly event offers a hands-on way to explore community vehicles and connect with neighbors.

Open to all, Big Truck Day is a joyful opportunity to gather, build relationships, and experience community.

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Brian FlatgardComment
Valley Youth Invited to March 29 Community Gathering at Love of Christ Lutheran in Mesa
Valley Youth Invited to March 29 Community Gathering at Love of Christ Lutheran in Mesa

Youth in grades 7–12 from ELCA congregations across the Valley are invited to a Youth Community Event on Sunday, March 29 from 4–7 p.m. at Love of Christ Lutheran Church in Mesa. The evening will include games, food, and fellowship, bringing together youth from multiple congregations including Esperanza and Desert Cross.

Additional churches are welcome to join. Congregations interested in participating can contact Deacon Laura Book (lbook@gcsynod.org) for details.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardSynod Youth Advisory Team (SYAT), Youth and Young Adult, Love of Christ MesaComment
Now Hiring: Children’s and Family Ministry Coordinator at King of Glory, Tempe
Now Hiring: Children’s and Family Ministry Coordinator at King of Glory, Tempe

King of Glory Lutheran Church in Tempe is seeking a part-time Children’s and Family Ministry Coordinator to nurture faith formation from nursery through fifth grade. This flexible, 15-hour-per-week position focuses on relationship-building, volunteer coordination, and family-centered ministry. Resumes should be sent to info@kogaz.org. View job description in PDF.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardKing of Glory Tempe, Fiesta ConferenceComment
Justa Center Seeks Program Director to Lead Work with Phoenix Seniors Experiencing Homelessness
Justa Center Seeks Program Director to Lead Work with Phoenix Seniors Experiencing Homelessness

Justa Center in Phoenix is seeking a Program Director to provide leadership for programs serving adults age 55 and older experiencing homelessness. The role oversees initiatives such as Path to Housing, Transitional Housing, and Veterans services while coordinating with healthcare, housing, and community partners to support older adults in moving toward stability and permanent housing.

Founded in 2006, Justa Center is the only day center in the Phoenix metro area dedicated exclusively to seniors experiencing homelessness. Qualified candidates with human services leadership experience and a passion for serving vulnerable populations are encouraged to apply by emailing a cover letter and resume to dean@justacenter.org.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardJusta Center, HomelessnessComment
Now Accepting Workshop Proposals for the 2026 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly
Now Accepting Workshop Proposals for the 2026 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly

The Grand Canyon Synod is now accepting workshop proposals for the 2026 Synod Assembly. Workshops are one-hour sessions designed to equip rostered ministers and lay leaders with practical tools, theological insights, and ministry resources aligned with this year’s theme, “Rooted in God’s Story.”

Proposals must be submitted by Monday, April 6, 2026, with presenters notified by mid-April. Submit your workshop title, description, audience, presenter information, and technology needs through the synod’s online proposal form.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian Flatgard2026 Synod AssemblyComment
Share Your Gifts: Friday Night Variety Show Planned for Synod Assembly
Share Your Gifts: Friday Night Variety Show Planned for Synod Assembly

The Grand Canyon Synod Assembly will feature a Friday Night Variety Show on June 12, 2026, offering an evening of music, storytelling, humor, and creative performances from across the synod. Dinner will take place from 5:30–6:30 pm, followed by the show from 6:30–7:30 pm, hosted by Pastor Thaddeus Book of Desert Cross Lutheran Church in Tempe.

The planning team is currently inviting 5–7 minute family-friendly acts from individuals, groups, congregations, and families. Interested performers are encouraged to submit a short description of their act using the online form, with selected performers contacted prior to Assembly. If you would like to be considered for the Friday Night Variety Show, please submit a brief description of your act using this form by Monday, April 27, 2026.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian Flatgard2026 Synod AssemblyComment