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Presiding Bishop Curry Urges Humane Immigration Policies Ahead of DHS Vote

Presiding Bishop Curry Urges Humane Immigration Policies Ahead of DHS Vote

With a February 13 deadline looming for DHS funding, ELCA Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry joined eight other Christian leaders in urging Congress to enact just and humane immigration policies. The February 9 letter calls for due process, accountability for violence, protections for houses of worship, limits on excessive enforcement funding, and an end to the detention of children.

Grounded in Isaiah 58 and Leviticus 19, the letter affirms that immigrants are “beloved children of God” and encourages reforms that reflect human dignity and the common good. Read the full letter here. Read the original post at ELCA.org here.

Bishop Curry, ELCA, LettersBrian FlatgardFebruary 12, 2026Bishop Curry Letters, Church and SocietyComment

Showing Up as Light: A Devotional for Faithful Public Witness

Showing Up as Light: A Devotional for Faithful Public Witness

In this week’s ELCA Advocacy devotional, Zachary Olson reflects on Lutherans who gathered in Washington, D.C., during a federal shutdown to advocate for disaster response reform — embodying Jesus’ call to be “salt and light.” Grounded in Matthew 5, this reflection invites us across the Grand Canyon Synod to consider how our faith shapes our public witness, compassion, and advocacy today.

ELCABrian FlatgardFebruary 11, 2026Advocacy, ELCA Advocacy, HungerComment

Art as a conduit of collective liberation | Interview with Joe Davis - Part 1 | Living Lutheran

Art as a conduit of collective liberation | Interview with Joe Davis - Part 1 | Living Lutheran

Artist activist and author Joe Davis sat down with Living Lutheran to share how the work he does as an artist shows up in healing spaces. Watch for part two of “Art as a conduit of collective liberation,” coming Feb. 23 on LivingLutheran.org.

ELCABrian FlatgardFebruary 11, 2026Living Lutheran, Racial JusticeComment

Faith Lens: It is Good to Be Here

Faith Lens: It is Good to Be Here

The Transfiguration may be one of the strangest stories in the Gospels—mountaintop glory, Moses and Elijah, and a voice from heaven. Yet at its heart is a simple truth: when the journey is hard, “it is good for us to be here.” In a world marked by war, discouragement, and disconnection, Christ gathers us into community and kindles hope like a small flame that refuses to go out.

This week’s Faith Lens reflection invites us to consider where we experience renewed hope, how church becomes a mountaintop moment, and how God sustains us together—even as we descend back into a world that still needs healing.

ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardFebruary 11, 2026Faith LensComment

For What Shall We Pray?

For What Shall We Pray?

For an end to war, conflict, and uncertainty, especially in Gaza, South Sudan, Ukraine, Iran, and Venezuela…
For protection, compassion, and dignity for immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers…
For strained diplomatic relations between nations in the United States, Canada, and Cuba…
For those grieving the death of Hallie Tobler, daughter of Minnesota gubernatorial candidate Jeff Johnson…
For all victims of domestic violence and abuse, and all victims of sexual abuse and exploitation…
For those affected by severe cold weather, especially those without access to adequate heat and other resources…
For the continued safety of athletes, reporters, and others participating in the Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy…
For the conclusion of the Buddhist monks’ Walk for Peace, ending in Washington DC this Tuesday…
For affirmation, dignity, and celebration of LGBTQIA+ individuals and communities…
For pastors, deacons, church administrators, and musicians preparing for Lent…

ELCA, Prayers, SpotlightBrian FlatgardFebruary 11, 2026ELCA Worship, For What Shall We PrayComment

Sing, Create, Renew: 2026 Worship Conferences and Opportunities Across the Church

Sing, Create, Renew: 2026 Worship Conferences and Opportunities Across the Church

ELCA Worship has highlighted several upcoming 2026 opportunities from trusted Lutheran and ecumenical partners, including The Hymn Society Annual Conference (July 19–22, Princeton, NJ), the Lutheran Summer Music Academy (application deadline March 1), the Institute of Liturgical Studies (April 13–15, Valparaiso, IN), and the ALCM Conference (Early Bird deadline March 17). Student awards in liturgical art and church music composition are also open, with $1,000 prizes and spring deadlines.

These gatherings and resources nurture congregational song, liturgical renewal, and theological depth in worship. Read more and access registration details at ELCA.org.

ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardFebruary 11, 2026ELCA WorshipComment

Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry to Join February Hunger Leaders Call

Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry to Join February Hunger Leaders Call

Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry will join the Grand Canyon Synod Hunger Leaders Network for their next monthly call on Tuesday, February 24, from 6:00–7:00 pm (AZ time). The virtual gathering will include a short devotion, an update from Bishop Curry, a local hunger ministry spotlight, and shared resources and grant updates from across the synod.

If you’ve been meaning to connect with others working to address hunger and food insecurity, this is a great time to jump in. No registration is required—just bring your curiosity and commitment. Read more on the LAMA web site, and click this link to join the Zoom call.

Bishop Curry, ELCA, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardFebruary 10, 2026Arizona Hunger Policy Workgroup, Hunger, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA)Comment

Annual Congregation Report Due March 1: What Every ELCA Community Needs to Know

Annual Congregation Report Due March 1: What Every ELCA Community Needs to Know

The Annual Congregation Report is due March 1 for all ELCA congregations, new starts, and synod-authorized worshiping communities. This report provides essential data about people, finances, and resources and ensures your congregation is included in synod and churchwide planning and reporting.

Congregations should submit the report online at elca.org/congregationreport using the ID and password mailed in mid-January. Instructions, Form A, and support resources are available at elca.org/reportinstructions. If you are not receiving ELCA emails, be sure to update your contact information to stay informed.

ELCA, Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardFebruary 10, 2026Comment

Registration Open: Western States Youth Gathering 2026 Returns to Southern California

Registration Open: Western States Youth Gathering 2026 Returns to Southern California

Registration is now open for the 2026 Western States Youth Gathering, happening June 28–July 1, 2026, at California Lutheran University in Southern California. Youth graduating 8th–12th grade and their adult leaders are invited to gather for worship, service, learning, and connection in this faith-forming regional event.

Held the summer before the ELCA Youth Gathering, WSYG 2026 offers a meaningful opportunity for congregations to invest in youth ministry and prepare young people for a larger churchwide experience. Registration includes housing, meals, and programming. Learn more and register at westernstatesyg.org.

ELCA, Region 2, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardFebruary 9, 2026Youth and Young Adult, California Lutheran UniversityComment

Here Comes the Sun: A February Roundup of Faithful Climate Action

Here Comes the Sun: A February Roundup of Faithful Climate Action

February’s Good Green News from Lutherans Restoring Creation highlights upcoming opportunities for faithful climate action, including a February 24 Q&A with Bill McKibben on his new book Here Comes the Sun, newly announced dates for the Multiply! gathering (April 10–12, 2026), advocacy conversations like Coffee with Christine on March 4, and a practical climate action webinar on March 17.

Read the full newsletter for registration links, recordings, and ways to share these events with your congregation as we continue, together, the work of caring for God’s creation.

ELCABrian FlatgardFebruary 6, 2026Climate Change, Lutherans Restoring CreationComment

Faith Lens: Salt, Light, and the Life of Discipleship

Faith Lens: Salt, Light, and the Life of Discipleship

Jesus calls his followers “the salt of the earth” and “the light of the world”—an identity rooted not in personal piety alone, but in lives shaped by justice, mercy, and love of neighbor. Drawing on Matthew 5 and Isaiah 58, this week’s Faith Lens reflection explores how discipleship is lived out through concrete acts that loosen injustice, feed the hungry, and shine God’s light in the world.

Salt does not lose its saltiness, and light does not cease to shine—but both can be rendered ineffective. This reflection invites us to consider what gets in the way of living our baptismal calling and reminds us that even when we fall short, we remain beloved children of God, still called—and empowered—to be salt and light for the sake of the world.

ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardFebruary 4, 2026Faith LensComment

“You Are Worthy”: Apply for a Grand Canyon Synod Scholarship to the 2026 Triennial

“You Are Worthy”: Apply for a Grand Canyon Synod Scholarship to the 2026 Triennial

The Grand Canyon Women of the ELCA are offering four scholarships to attend the Women of the ELCA Triennial Gathering, July 16–19, 2026, in Des Moines, Iowa. Each scholarship covers registration plus $500 toward travel and lodging.

Applications are due April 1, 2026, with notifications sent by April 15. Congregations are encouraged to share this opportunity widely. Learn more about the Gathering and how to apply today.

ELCA, Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardFebruary 4, 2026Women of the ELCA (WELCA), Grand Canyon WomenComment

Imagine More: First Look at the 2027 ELCA Youth Gathering in Minneapolis

Imagine More: First Look at the 2027 ELCA Youth Gathering in Minneapolis

The ELCA has released the first three videos introducing the 2027 ELCA Youth Gathering, offering an early look at this churchwide experience for youth, young adults, and leaders. The Gathering will be held June 28–July 2, 2027, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, under the theme “Imagine More.”

The videos highlight the Gathering as a movement of faith and introduce key pre-events, including the Multicultural Youth Leadership Event (MYLE) and the tAble, which affirm leadership, belonging, and inclusion. Learn more at elca.org/Gathering, and watch for future updates as we begin preparing across the Grand Canyon Synod.

ELCABrian FlatgardFebruary 2, 20262027 ELCA Youth Gathering, Youth and Young AdultComment

New Worship Resources from Augsburg Fortress Support Leaders, Learners, and Young Disciples

New Worship Resources from Augsburg Fortress Support Leaders, Learners, and Young Disciples

Each month, ELCA Worship highlights resources from Augsburg Fortress, the publishing ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, to support worship leaders, planners, musicians, and congregations. The February update features new and updated tools for deepening worship, engaging Scripture, nurturing young faith, and strengthening commitments to racial justice.

Highlights include See Me, Believe Me, an updated guide by Yolanda Denson-Byers that explores allyship with leaders of color in the ELCA and reflects on the leadership of Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry; the Lutheran Study Bible, Second Edition (NRSVue); new Lent and Easter resources for children; and fresh organ music for the season of Lent. These resources offer practical, theological, and creative support for congregations across the synod. Read more from ELCA Worship to explore the full list and details.

ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardFebruary 2, 2026Worship ResourcesComment

Cheer, Give, Repeat: Turning Game Day Into a Win Against Hunger

Cheer, Give, Repeat: Turning Game Day Into a Win Against Hunger

From now through February 8, two ELCA synods — Team Northwest Washington and Team New England — are going head-to-head in a friendly fundraising challenge to support ELCA World Hunger. The team that raises the most by midnight Central time on February 8 will be crowned ELCA World Hunger Champion, no matter the outcome on the field.

Every gift helps address hunger’s root causes and puts faith into action. Choose a team, give what you can, and help make sure hunger loses — every time.

ELCABrian FlatgardFebruary 2, 2026Hunger, ELCA World HungerComment

Faith Lens: Blessed by Presence, Not Circumstance

Faith Lens: Blessed by Presence, Not Circumstance

For February 1, 2026, the lectionary invites us to reconsider what it truly means to be “blessed.” Drawing from Micah 6:8, Psalm 15, 1 Corinthians 1, and Matthew 5:1–12, this week’s Faith Lens reflection reminds us that blessedness is not earned through success or circumstance, but promised through God’s steadfast presence—especially among those who mourn, hunger for justice, and are pushed to the margins.

In Jesus’ Beatitudes, God’s promise is clear: God is with those the world overlooks, calling us not inward toward self-interest, but outward toward justice, kindness, humility, and solidarity. Grounded in grace, we are freed and transformed to live as God’s people—bearing witness to a kin-dom where abundant life is for all.

ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardJanuary 28, 2026Faith LensComment

Wayfinding in the Commons: The Next Chapter of ELCA Coaching Ministry

Wayfinding in the Commons: The Next Chapter of ELCA Coaching Ministry

ELCA Coaching is launching a new chapter—Wayfinding in the Commons—a monthly online gathering inviting faith leaders to navigate uncertainty together through shared wisdom, spiritual practice, and community. Beginning February 4, participants will meet on First Wednesdays for 45 minutes across time zones.

Grounded in the Lutheran conviction of the priesthood of all believers, these gatherings welcome all members of the Body of Christ. Learn more and register at elcacoaching.org/events/wayfinding-in-the-commons.

ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardJanuary 28, 2026Coaching, ELCA CoachingComment

Lutheran Men in Mission Celebrates a Milestone—and Invites Men into Deeper Discipleship

Lutheran Men in Mission Celebrates a Milestone—and Invites Men into Deeper Discipleship

Lutheran Men in Mission has released its Winter 2026 Ambassador-Gram, celebrating the successful completion of the $1 million Hal Derrick Memorial Initiative and announcing new discipleship opportunities for the year ahead. Highlights include a 12-session online discipleship course launching in March, multiple Men’s Weekend Experience retreats across the U.S., and weekday Lenten prayers beginning February 18.

The newsletter also features ongoing Bible and book studies, resources for congregational men’s groups, and ways to stay connected with LMM. Read the full Ambassador-Gram to learn more and get involved.

ELCABrian FlatgardJanuary 28, 2026Lutheran Men in MissionComment

Perfect Peace in Troubled Times: A Call to Lament, Prayer, and Courage

Perfect Peace in Troubled Times: A Call to Lament, Prayer, and Courage

In a time marked by fear, violence, and division, Women of the ELCA calls the church to peace rooted in prayer, lament, and faithful engagement. Reflecting on recent deaths, detentions, and rising fear in communities, this message invites Lutherans to resist dehumanization and choose a deeper trust in God—through two upcoming online conversations focused on truth, prayer, and faithful response.

ELCA, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardJanuary 28, 2026Women of the ELCA (WELCA), Church and SocietyComment

Bearing Witness in Challenging Times: Get Curious. Speak Truthfully. Act Boldly.

Bearing Witness in Challenging Times: Get Curious. Speak Truthfully. Act Boldly.

In the January 2026 Deeper Understandings column from Living Lutheran, theologian Krista E. Hughes explores what it means for Lutherans to bear faithful witness in a time of deep social fracture, political polarization, and widespread misinformation. Drawing on Martin Luther’s theology of the cross and contemporary voices like Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Hughes calls the church to resist false and “single” stories that diminish our neighbors and instead to name sin and injustice honestly while recognizing the full humanity of every person.

Bearing true witness, Hughes writes, begins with seeing clearly, continues with speaking truthfully—even when uncomfortable—and culminates in embodied, courageous action rooted in God’s grace. As we move into 2026, this reflection offers a timely Lutheran framework for faithful living and public discipleship: get curious, speak truthfully, and act boldly. Read the full column on Living Lutheran →

ELCABrian FlatgardJanuary 28, 2026Living LutheranComment