Explore New Worship & Music Resources from Our ELCA Partners
Explore New Worship & Music Resources from Our ELCA Partners

Each month, ELCA Worship highlights resources and upcoming events from Lutheran and ecumenical partners supporting worship leaders, musicians, and congregations. This month’s roundup includes the Lutheran Summer Music Musical Advent Calendar (Nov. 30–Dec. 24); registration for the Institute of Liturgical Studies (Apr. 13–15, 2026); the ALCM 2026 Conference at St. Olaf College; training opportunities from Music That Makes Community; and a newly redesigned site from Journey to Baptismal Living.

Learn more and explore registrations, resources, and nomination opportunities by reading the full post from ELCA Worship.

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ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardComment
United We Rise: Join the 2025 Arizona Faith Network Annual Gathering
United We Rise: Join the 2025 Arizona Faith Network Annual Gathering

Join faith and community leaders at the 2025 Arizona Faith Network Annual Gathering on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, 9 AM–12 PM at the Bahá’í Center in Scottsdale. The morning features guest speaker Gen Kelsang Chenma and honors the 2025 Arizona Leadership Awardees. Register at arizonafaithnetwork.org/annualgathering. A communications toolkit and graphics are available to support congregational sharing.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardArizona Faith Network, Ecumenical and Inter-Religious RelationsComment
Rethinking Addiction: Free Nov. 26 Webinar for Faith Leaders
Rethinking Addiction: Free Nov. 26 Webinar for Faith Leaders

Join the Center of Addiction & Faith for a free webinar on Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2025, from 11 AM–12 PM MST (Arizona) / 10–11 AM PST (Nevada) titled Rethinking Addiction: A Faith Leader’s Guide. Guest presenter Rachel Bowling will help participants reflect on how we understand addiction through moral, medical, and social lenses, offering insights for compassionate, informed pastoral care. Registration required.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardAddiction, The Center of Addiction & FaithComment
Join the Song: Maricopa Lutheran Seeks Church Musician & Choir Director
Join the Song: Maricopa Lutheran Seeks Church Musician & Choir Director

Maricopa Lutheran Church is hiring a Church Musician (pianist/keyboardist) and a Choir Director to serve a growing, song-loving congregation that worships at Desert Wind Middle School. Pay is per service/rehearsal with mileage reimbursement (IRS guidelines) for those outside Maricopa; roles are independent contractor (1099).

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardHelp Wanted, Maricopa Lutheran, Kino ConferenceComment
Help Shape Sunday Worship: Apply to Be Church Musician at New Promise in St. George
Help Shape Sunday Worship: Apply to Be Church Musician at New Promise in St. George

New Promise Lutheran Church (ELCA) in St. George, Utah is hiring a part-time Church Musician (12–15 hrs/week) to provide organ/piano leadership for Sunday worship, plan with pastors and the music team, and support congregational song through the seasons of the church year. Compensation is commensurate with experience and includes continuing education funds and paid vacation. Send a résumé, brief statement of interest, and (if available) a recording to newpromisemusicsearch@gmail.com. Applications reviewed on a rolling basis. Download the full job description PDF inside.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardHelp Wanted, New Promise St. George, Colorado River ConferenceComment
Ordination of Wanda K. Frenchman
Ordination of Wanda K. Frenchman

Join us for the Ordination for Wanda K. Frenchman on Thursday, December 11, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. at Grace Lutheran Church, Phoenix. Bishop Deborah Hutterer will preside, and Vance Blackfox will preach. Rostered ministers are invited to vest and process; the color of the day is red. Dinner will follow. The service will be livestreamed via Grace Lutheran Church’s Facebook page, with video later on the Native American Urban Ministry page. All are welcome.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardOrdinations and InstallationsComment
Explore Advent and Christmastide 2025: Stories, Worship, and Events Across Our Synod
Explore Advent and Christmastide 2025: Stories, Worship, and Events Across Our Synod

Celebrate the season of Advent and Christmastide with the Grand Canyon Synod! Visit our 2025 Advent and Christmas page to explore stories, worship opportunities, and events from across our congregations. We invite you to share your own seasonal news or event as together we prepare our hearts for Christ’s coming and rejoice in the light that has entered the world.

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Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardComment
You’re Not Done Becoming: A Spirited Book Club Conversation with Sarah Payne Naylor
You’re Not Done Becoming: A Spirited Book Club Conversation with Sarah Payne Naylor

Spirit in the Desert’s Spirited Book Club welcomes transformational life coach and author Sarah Payne Naylor on Thursday, November 20 at 3 p.m. (MST) for a discussion of her inspiring new book, You’re Not Done Becoming: Reclaim Personal Power and Purpose to Transform Your Life at Any Age.

Naylor—long connected with Lutheran ministries in Arizona—offers a heartfelt reminder that growth and faith never end. Learn more or register at Spirit in the Desert.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardSpirit in the Desert Retreat Center, Spirited Book ClubComment
Songs of Restoration: Watoto Choir at Peace Lutheran Church in Peoria
Songs of Restoration: Watoto Choir at Peace Lutheran Church in Peoria

Join Peace Lutheran Church in Peoria on Saturday, Nov. 15, at 5:30 p.m. for a powerful evening with the Watoto Children’s Choir from Uganda. Their new production, Better Days—There is Hope, features vibrant music, dance, and testimonies of God’s love. Come be inspired by their message of hope and restoration.

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Global Church, Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardPeace Peoria, Fiesta ConferenceComment
Understanding Christian Nationalism: A Community Conversation at King of Glory in Tempe
Understanding Christian Nationalism: A Community Conversation at King of Glory in Tempe

King of Glory Lutheran Church, Tempe, will host a community conversation on Christian Nationalism on Tuesday, November 18, 2025 (6:30–8:00 p.m.) with guest speakers Rev. Caleb Campbell and Rev. Ellie Hutchison. All are invited to explore what Christian Nationalism is, why it matters, and how people of faith can respond with humility, grace, and Gospel-centered love. Learn more at kogaz.org/events. View PDF flyer here.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardChristian Nationalism, King of Glory Tempe, Fiesta Conference, Church and SocietyComment
Lead with the Spirit: Faith+Lead’s Coaching for Spirit-Led Leadership Begins January 26
Lead with the Spirit: Faith+Lead’s Coaching for Spirit-Led Leadership Begins January 26

Faith+Lead’s Coaching for Spirit-Led Leadership course begins January 26, 2026, guiding pastors, deacons, and lay leaders to lead with trust, curiosity, and collaboration. This nine-week online cohort, taught by the Rev. Dr. Dawn Alitz, helps participants listen deeply, ask powerful questions, and empower others to discern their callings. Cost is $375 with scholarships available. Enroll now →

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Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesBrian Flatgardfaith+lead, Luther SeminaryComment
Free November Opportunities from ELCA Coaching: Learn, Grow & Connect
Free November Opportunities from ELCA Coaching: Learn, Grow & Connect

Explore a full month of free online events from ELCA Coaching, including sessions on beloved community, truth and healing, accessibility, decolonization, and the annual Vine Deloria, Jr. Theological Symposium. Several upcoming low-cost trainings begin in early 2026. View full details and registration links at elcacoaching.org/events.

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Grand Canyon Synod, News, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardCoaching, ELCA CoachingComment
Join LSS-SW for a Refugee Services Webinar — November 14 at 11 a.m.
Join LSS-SW for a Refugee Services Webinar — November 14 at 11 a.m.

Join Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest for a Refugee Services Update Webinar on Friday, November 14, at 11 a.m. Hear directly from Connie Phillips, President & CEO, and key staff about the state of refugee resettlement in Arizona and what’s ahead in 2026. Learn how congregations and individuals across our synod continue to walk alongside refugee families with compassion and hope. Register here.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardImmigration and Refugees, Lutheran Social Services of the SouthwestComment
Share the Bounty: Thanksgiving Food Drive for Flood-Affected Families in Globe/Miami
Share the Bounty: Thanksgiving Food Drive for Flood-Affected Families in Globe/Miami

Mountain View Lutheran Church in Phoenix invites all to support families in Globe and Miami recovering from September’s floods through a Thanksgiving Food Drive, November 1–10. Donations of traditional Thanksgiving items—or financial gifts for turkeys and other foods—will benefit the Gila Community Food Bank in Globe. A special drive-up drop-off event will be held Saturday, November 8, from 9 a.m. to noon. Together, we are blessed to be a blessing.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardHunger, Mountain View Phoenix, Fiesta ConferenceComment
Explore Advent and Christmastide 2025: Stories, Worship, and Events Across Our Synod
Explore Advent and Christmastide 2025: Stories, Worship, and Events Across Our Synod

Celebrate the season of Advent and Christmastide with the Grand Canyon Synod! Visit our 2025 Advent and Christmas page to explore stories, worship opportunities, and events from across our congregations. We invite you to share your own seasonal news or event as together we prepare our hearts for Christ’s coming and rejoice in the light that has entered the world.

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Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesBrian Flatgard2025 Advent and ChristmasComment
Take Action for SNAP and Join Arizona Lutherans in Advocacy This Week
Take Action for SNAP and Join Arizona Lutherans in Advocacy This Week

Stay informed and engaged with Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA) in this week’s update, featuring an urgent SNAP Action Alert, events for faith-based advocates, and new blog stories on hunger, refugee policy, and Reformation courage.

Read the full LAMA Newsletter for November 4, 2025 to learn how you and your congregation can take part in advocacy for justice, hunger relief, and faithful civic engagement.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardLutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA), Advocacy, Church and SocietyComment