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2026 Synod Assembly: Rooted in God’s Story, Sent in Hope

2026 Synod Assembly: Rooted in God’s Story, Sent in Hope

More than 300 Lutherans gathered June 12–13 in Mesa for the 2026 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly under the theme “Rooted in God’s Story.” Worship, elections, discernment, leadership reports, workshops, and service shaped the gathering, including adoption of the 2027–2028 Mission Plan and the reception of Peace in the Desert into the synod.

Participants also celebrated new leaders, packed food for neighbors experiencing hunger, and were sent back to congregations grounded in worship, community, and shared mission.

ELCABrian FlatgardJune 16, 20262026 Synod AssemblyComment

2026 Synod Assembly Bishop Curry video: A Connected Church

2026 Synod Assembly Bishop Curry video: A Connected Church

In the ELCA's 2026 Synod Assembly video (with Spanish captions) from Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry, he shares three stories from across the ELCA, including a story about a feeding program from South Carolina, a journey to the Holy Land for Bishop Imad Haddad's installation at the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land, and a pastor's calling by his congregation in Washington State.

Bishop Curry, ELCA, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardJune 16, 20262026 Synod Assembly, Bishop Curry LettersComment

Marking 250 Years: New ELCA Worship Resources for the U.S. Semiquincentennial

Marking 250 Years: New ELCA Worship Resources for the U.S. Semiquincentennial

The ELCA Worship Office has released new worship resources for the U.S. semiquincentennial in July 2026, offering liturgical texts, preaching helps, music guidance, and civic vocation resources for congregations marking the nation’s 250th anniversary. Designed to both celebrate and lament the nation’s history, the materials center worship around Christ’s call to justice, humility, mercy, and beloved community.

Resources are available now in PDF, DOC, and through SundaysandSeasons.com.

ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardJune 15, 2026Semiquincentennial, ELCA WorshipComment

Worship, Music, and Renewal: June Opportunities for Church Leaders

Worship, Music, and Renewal: June Opportunities for Church Leaders

ELCA Worship has gathered a new round of resources, conferences, and learning opportunities for worship leaders, musicians, and planners across the church. Highlights include the Hymn Society Annual Conference (July 19–22), Lutheran Summer Music at St. Olaf College (June 21–July 19), the Association of Lutheran Church Musicians conference, and resources from Music that Makes Community focused on congregational song, justice, and worship renewal.

Whether you plan worship, lead music, or care deeply about the church’s song, explore these summer opportunities for learning, renewal, and connection. Read the full roundup from ELCA Worship.

ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardJune 11, 2026ELCA WorshipComment

New ELCA Disability Ministries Resource Centers Gifts, Belonging, and Faith Formation

New ELCA Disability Ministries Resource Centers Gifts, Belonging, and Faith Formation

ELCA Disability Ministries is preparing a new resource to help congregations better support youth with disabilities through an Individualized Faith Formation Plan (IFFP). Inspired by educational IEPs but rooted in giftedness rather than diagnosis, the process helps church leaders, youth, and families identify strengths, needed supports, and opportunities for leadership in the life of the congregation. Read more from ELCA Disability Ministries.

ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardJune 11, 2026Disability Ministries, ELCA Disability MinistriesComment

Erik Christensen Elected Bishop of the Metropolitan Chicago Synod

Erik Christensen Elected Bishop of the Metropolitan Chicago Synod

The Rev. Erik Christensen was elected June 6 to serve a six-year term as bishop of the Metropolitan Chicago Synod of the ELCA. Christensen, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Evanston and a longtime leader in congregational and seminary ministry, will be installed Sept. 19. Read the full story on ELCA.org.

ELCABrian FlatgardJune 11, 2026Comment

Bishop Anne Edison-Albright Reelected in East Central Synod of Wisconsin

Bishop Anne Edison-Albright Reelected in East Central Synod of Wisconsin

The Rev. Anne Edison-Albright has been reelected to a second six-year term as bishop of the East Central Synod of Wisconsin after a June 5 vote during the synod assembly in Oshkosh. Edison-Albright, first elected in 2020, brings experience in parish ministry, college ministry, chaplaincy, and global service.

Read more from the ELCA News Service about the election, Bishop Edison-Albright’s ministry background, and the work of the synod. Read the full story on ELCA.org.

ELCABrian FlatgardJune 11, 2026Comment

Creating Space: Queer Lutherans Invited to ELCA Listening Sessions

Creating Space: Queer Lutherans Invited to ELCA Listening Sessions

The ELCA Churchwide Organization is hosting a series of online listening sessions for queer Lutherans June 15–18 to help shape future opportunities for fellowship, affirmation, and leadership development. Six sessions will be offered throughout the week, beginning Monday, June 15 at 6:00 p.m. Arizona time. Registration is now open.

ELCABrian FlatgardJune 10, 2026LGBTQIA+Comment

Resurrection Lutheran Church and the ELCA Foundation Model Sustainable Ministry

Resurrection Lutheran Church and the ELCA Foundation Model Sustainable Ministry

In this video report for our 2026 assembly, see how the ELCA Foundation is partnering with Resurrection Lutheran Church in Oro Valley and the Grand Canyon Synod to nurture a spirit of generosity that will last for generations. Watch the video Grounded in Grace, Growing in Generosity, featuring Pastor Tim Nybroten, Rev. Dan Potaznick, and ELCA Foundation planner Lisa Marie Higginbotham, and learn how faithful giving strengthens the future of the church.

ELCA, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardJune 9, 2026GCS Stewardship Team, Stewardship, ELCA Foundation, 2026 Assembly StoriesComment

Explore the Wider Church: ELCA Synod Assembly Video Playlist Available

Explore the Wider Church: ELCA Synod Assembly Video Playlist Available

The ELCA has released a playlist of short videos for synods and congregations to use during synod assemblies and beyond. Explore stories of ministry, justice, disaster response, Navajo mission, youth ministry, Mission Support, and more—and see how God is at work through our wider church. View the playlist here.

Grand Canyon Synod, ELCABrian FlatgardJune 8, 20262026 Assembly StoriesComment

Rev. Lisa Lewton Elected Bishop of Western North Dakota Synod

Rev. Lisa Lewton Elected Bishop of Western North Dakota Synod

The Rev. Lisa Lewton of Dickinson, N.D., has been elected bishop of the Western North Dakota Synod, following action at the synod assembly held May 29–31 in Watford City. Lewton, pastor of St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church since 2015, was elected on the fourth ballot and will begin a six-year term.

She will be installed Aug. 29 as the synod prepares for a leadership transition following Bishop Craig Schweitzer’s move into a new churchwide role this fall. Read the full ELCA news release.

ELCABrian FlatgardJune 6, 2026Comment

Disability Theology and the “New Kingdom” at RMG

Disability Theology and the “New Kingdom” at RMG

How might disability theology reshape how we imagine ministry and belonging in the body of Christ? At this summer’s Rostered Ministers Gathering, ELCA Disability Ministries will lead a workshop exploring how the gifts, leadership, and lived experiences of people with disabilities are central to God’s inclusive vision for the church. The session takes place July 7 in Indianapolis during the first workshop block.

The workshop invites participants into faithful reflection grounded in both theology and action, offering practical ways to embody a more inclusive and life-giving ministry. Read more from ELCA Disability Ministries.

ELCABrian FlatgardJune 6, 2026Disability Ministries, ELCA Disability MinistriesComment

ELCA Learning Day Highlights Inclusion and Accessibility

ELCA Learning Day Highlights Inclusion and Accessibility

On June 11, the ELCA churchwide organization will host a Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) Learning Day focused on strengthening relationships with historically underrepresented communities and deepening practices of belonging across ministry settings. ELCA Disability Ministries Coordinator Rev. Lisa Heffernan will present a workshop on inclusive language, disability models, and building more equitable relationships among colleagues.

The event reflects ongoing efforts to help the church live more fully into inclusion, accessibility, and shared ministry. Read more about the learning day.

ELCABrian FlatgardJune 6, 2026Disability Ministries, ELCA Disability MinistriesComment

For What Shall We Pray?

For What Shall We Pray?

For peace and reconciliation among the nations, especially in Iran, Lebanon, Gaza, Mali, South Sudan, Ukraine, and Venezuela…
For the wounded and all who grieve those killed in major Russian assaults in Ukraine…
For the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire…
For all immigrants, refugees, asylum seekers, and travelers…
For peaceful engagement and resolution to protests in Albania and Mexico…
For elections and political transitions, domestic and global…
For all affected by tropical storm Jangmi in southern Japan…
For the work of climate scientists, ecology researchers, and meteorologists…
For children and their families struggling with food scarcity, especially in the absence of school lunches…
For all God’s beloveds in the LGBTQIA+ community during this Pride month…
For all impacted by the Ebola outbreak in central Africa…
For synods of the ELCA as they gather in their assemblies and for bishops and bishops-elect…

ELCA, Prayers, SpotlightBrian FlatgardJune 4, 2026ELCA Worship, For What Shall We PrayComment

Rahel Mwitula Williams Named ELCA Executive for Innovation

Rahel Mwitula Williams Named ELCA Executive for Innovation

Rahel Mwitula Williams has been appointed executive director for the ELCA’s Innovation unit after serving in interim leadership and innovation roles since 2025. She begins July 8 and emphasizes helping the church reimagine how it shares God’s love, connection, and hope in a changing world. Read the full announcement.

ELCABrian FlatgardJune 2, 2026Comment

New Worship Resources for Summer Ministry and Planning

New Worship Resources for Summer Ministry and Planning

New worship resources from Augsburg Fortress are now available, including a justice-focused song collection by Bret Hesla, worship planning tools for Evangelical Lutheran Worship and All Creation Sings, Lutheran welcome booklets, and devotional materials for festivals and commemorations. Plus, registration is open for free Augsburg Fortress Music Clinics this summer. Read more from ELCA Worship.

Leader Resources, ELCABrian FlatgardJune 2, 2026ELCA WorshipComment

ELCA Receives $1.2 Million Grant to Strengthen Disaster Response

ELCA Receives $1.2 Million Grant to Strengthen Disaster Response

The ELCA has received a $1.2 million grant from Lilly Endowment to strengthen the work of Lutheran Disaster Response, particularly in emotional and spiritual care and long-term recovery. The funding will support regionally based care teams and deepen accompaniment of communities long after disasters occur. Read the full ELCA story.

ELCABrian FlatgardJune 2, 2026Lutheran Disaster Response, Lilly GrantComment

“All Together in One Place”: A Pastoral Word for a Divided Time

“All Together in One Place”: A Pastoral Word for a Divided Time

In a new monthly series titled All Together in One Place, Presiding Bishop Rev. Yehiel Curry reflects on faith, division, justice, and Christian unity in a complex time. Rooted in Pentecost and Lutheran theology, the series aims to offer a pastoral word grounded in Scripture, deep listening, and shared life in Christ. Read Bishop Curry’s message.

Bishop Curry, ELCABrian FlatgardJune 2, 2026Bishop Curry LettersComment

Nobody Journeys Alone: ELCA Coaching Shares 2025 Impact Report

Nobody Journeys Alone: ELCA Coaching Shares 2025 Impact Report

The ELCA Coaching Ministry has released its first-ever 2025 Impact Report, highlighting a record-setting year of accompaniment, discernment, and leadership support across the church. With 6,889 coaching hours and more than 1,500 coaching relationships in 2025, the report shares how coaching is helping leaders, congregations, and communities grow in clarity, courage, and connection through faithful listening and Spirit-led discernment.

ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardJune 2, 2026Coaching, ELCA CoachingComment

ELCA Advocacy Updates for May 2026

ELCA Advocacy Updates for May 2026

The ELCA Advocacy office’s May update highlights several major national developments, including voting rights, Farm Bill negotiations, endangered species protections, immigration policy, Cuba, and Middle East peace advocacy. The update also explores why these issues matter through the lens of Lutheran faith and public witness.

For congregational leaders and members seeking to connect faith with civic engagement, this month’s Advocacy Connections offers helpful context and opportunities for action. Read the Update.

ELCABrian FlatgardMay 29, 2026Advocacy, ELCA AdvocacyComment