Grand Canyon Synod

News

For What Shall We Pray?

For What Shall We Pray?

For an end to war and conflict, and for places of political unrest or contention, especially Gaza, South Sudan, Myanmar, Ukraine, and Pakistan/Afghanistan…
For all in the path of Typhoon Fung-wong…
For UN climate talks and for safety amidst protests…
For national tragedies around the world including a Turkish military plane crash, a bridge collapse in south-west China, a bus crash in Peru, and a car explosion attack in India…
For feeding ministries and all hunger relief organizations…
For all federal employees…
For care and safety for immigrants…
For all loving marriages and partnerships…
For the beauty of God’s creation, especially sightings of the Northern Lights this week…

ELCA, Prayers, SpotlightBrian FlatgardNovember 13, 2025ELCA Worship, For What Shall We PrayComment

Grand Canyon Synod Update on Ongoing Federal Investigation

Grand Canyon Synod Update on Ongoing Federal Investigation

The Grand Canyon Synod continues to cooperate fully with law enforcement and the ELCA churchwide organization regarding the ongoing federal investigation involving former synod leader Casey Goslin. A new gathering, Holding Space: A Time for Prayer and Conversation, will be offered Monday evening, 11/17/2025, for rostered and lay leaders affected by this news.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardNovember 13, 2025Federal Investigation Updates

Lift Your Voice in Joy: Messiah Sing-Along at Lord of Life Lutheran in Sun City West

Lift Your Voice in Joy: Messiah Sing-Along at Lord of Life Lutheran in Sun City West

Celebrate the season with a cherished holiday tradition! Join Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Sun City West on Sunday, November 30 at 3 PM for Handel’s Messiah Sing-Along. Sing with the choir or simply enjoy the soaring beauty of Handel’s beloved Christmas music, featuring Comfort Ye My People, For Unto Us a Child Is Born, and more. All are welcome—come lift your voice or your heart in song.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardNovember 13, 20252025 Advent and Christmas, Lord of Life Sun City West, Cactus ConferenceComment

Faith and Advocacy: Updates from LAMA’s November 11 Newsletter

Faith and Advocacy: Updates from LAMA’s November 11 Newsletter

The latest newsletter from Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA) calls us to faithful advocacy on behalf of our neighbors and creation. This week’s Action Alert urges Lutherans to contact legislators and advocate for U.S. participation in global climate talks (COP30).

Upcoming events include the Power of Hello workshop on community safety (Nov. 17), the LAMA Liaison Roundtable (Nov. 17), Bread for the World regional meetings (Nov. 18–19), and the Grand Canyon Synod Hunger Leaders Network (Nov. 25).

The newsletter also features the LAMA T-Shirt Design Contest, ELCA World Hunger’s Daily Bread Grants, and a Save the Date for Lutheran Day at the Legislature 2026 (Feb. 23). Read more at lamaz.org and join the movement for justice and compassion in Arizona.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardNovember 13, 2025Advocacy, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA), Church and SocietyComment

Upcoming AFN Events Celebrate Unity, Justice, and Creation Care

Upcoming AFN Events Celebrate Unity, Justice, and Creation Care

Join people of faith across Arizona for AFN’s 2025 Annual Gathering—United We Rise on Dec. 2, honoring Rep. Patty Contreras for her leadership in unity and service. Explore more events including an interfaith Prayer Walk, Reconciliation Ecology Workshop, and the No Amazon for Advent pledge. Read the full newsletter at arizonafaithnetwork.org/newsletter.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardNovember 13, 2025Arizona Faith Network, Ecumenical and Inter-Religious RelationsComment

Office of the Bishop Updates

Office of the Bishop Updates

This week, the Office of the Bishop gathers for the synod council meeting and travels to churches for worship and giving thanks..

News, Bishop Hutterer, Grand Canyon Synod, SpotlightBrian FlatgardNovember 13, 2025Office of the BishopComment

Rev. Dan Potaznick Shares Exciting Family Update and Parental Leave Plans

Rev. Dan Potaznick Shares Exciting Family Update and Parental Leave Plans

Rev. Dan Potaznick, our synod’s Director of Generosity and Strategic Development and pastor at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Phoenix, recently shared joyful news about his growing family. Pastor Dan and his wife, Randi, are expecting their first child—affectionately nicknamed “Baby Hiccup”—with a due date of December 15.

He will be on parental leave from December 15 through February 15, supported by both St. John’s and the Grand Canyon Synod, as they celebrate this precious time together. We join in congratulating Pastor Dan and Randi, holding them in prayer and joy as they prepare for this new chapter of life.

Read the full update and message from Pastor Dan on the St. John’s website: “Baby Hiccup Updates”.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardNovember 12, 2025Office of the BishopComment

Faith Lens: My Greatest Fear… Realized

Faith Lens: My Greatest Fear… Realized

This week’s Faith Lens reflection, “My Greatest Fear… Realized” by Pastor Bob Chell, explores Luke 21:5–19—Jesus’ teaching that speaks directly to our fears, doubts, and insecurities. As the disciples marvel at the temple’s beauty, Jesus warns of destruction, betrayal, and suffering—but also offers an astonishing promise: “Not a hair of your head will perish.”

In the face of life’s uncertainty, Jesus calls us not to over-prepare or defend ourselves, but to trust that he will give us the words and wisdom we need. This devotion invites readers to release their fears into Christ’s care and remember that God’s promise of presence endures, even when all else seems to fall apart.

ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardNovember 12, 2025Faith LensComment

Seeing Our Neighbors: A Lesson in Compassion and Connection

Seeing Our Neighbors: A Lesson in Compassion and Connection

In this month’s Living Lutheran reflection, pastor and writer Kimberly Knowle-Zeller reminds us of the quiet holiness of being seen. When her son’s rough morning led to a classmate’s simple empathy—“I have mornings like that”—it became a lesson in bearing one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2). Families are invited to notice and pray for neighbors in need, send caring notes, and practice intercessory prayer as ways to live out God’s love in daily life. Read more at Living Lutheran.

ELCABrian FlatgardNovember 12, 2025Living LutheranComment

“God’s Work. Our Hands.” Sunday 2025: Faith in Action Across the ELCA

“God’s Work. Our Hands.” Sunday 2025: Faith in Action Across the ELCA

From Maine to Texas, congregations across the ELCA joined in acts of compassion during this year’s “God’s work. Our hands.” Sunday on September 7. Volunteers packed food kits, cleaned parks, visited seniors, and supported those in need—embodying service as worship. Some gathered in solidarity with immigrants and social service agencies facing budget cuts. “Being baptized into Christ’s life,” one volunteer reflected, “creates a whole new world of relationships … characterized by loving, liberated service.” Read more at Living Lutheran.

ELCABrian FlatgardNovember 12, 2025Living Lutheran, God's Work Our Hands SundayComment

Crossing Borders, Sharing Faith: Trinity Community Lutheran Welcomes All

Crossing Borders, Sharing Faith: Trinity Community Lutheran Welcomes All

In Point Roberts, Washington—a U.S. enclave accessible only through Canada—Trinity Community Lutheran Church embodies faith without borders. Founded in 1913 by Icelandic immigrants, the congregation now includes U.S. and Canadian members who gather for music, potlucks, and interfaith worship. Through Jazz Vespers, shared holidays, and rotating clergy, Trinity continues to live out the message that “all are welcome,” even amid changing politics and border challenges. Read more at Living Lutheran.

ELCABrian FlatgardNovember 12, 2025Living Lutheran, Immigration and RefugeesComment

PLTS Invites Applications for Climate Justice Certificate Programs | PLTS abre inscripciones para programas de certificación en justicia climática

PLTS Invites Applications for Climate Justice Certificate Programs | PLTS abre inscripciones para programas de certificación en justicia climática

The Center for Climate Justice and Faith at Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary (PLTS) is accepting applications for two online certificate programs—one in Faith-rooted Community Organizing for Climate Justice (due Dec. 15, 2025) and one Spanish-language Climate Justice and Faith program (due Nov. 28, 2025). These nine-month courses equip faith-based teams and Spanish-speaking leaders to develop projects addressing the climate crisis through faith and justice. Learn more and apply at centerforclimatejusticeandfaith.org.

El Centro para la Justicia Climática y la Fe del Seminario Teológico Luterano del Pacífico (PLTS) acepta solicitudes para dos programas en línea: el Certificado en Organización Comunitaria Basada en la Fe para la Justicia Climática(plazo 15 de diciembre de 2025) y el Certificado en Justicia Climática y Fe (en español) (plazo 28 de noviembre de 2025). Ambos cursos de nueve meses forman líderes y comunidades de fe comprometidas con proyectos que abordan la crisis climática desde la fe y la justicia. Más información en centerforclimatejusticeandfaith.org.

Grand Canyon Synod, Leader Resources, Region 2Brian FlatgardNovember 12, 2025Español, Climate Change, Pacific Lutheran Theological SeminaryComment

Finding Common Ground on Climate: A Faith-Based Bipartisan Conversation

Finding Common Ground on Climate: A Faith-Based Bipartisan Conversation

While headlines often highlight division, a recent event hosted by the Episcopal Diocese of Rhode Island’s Creation Care Ministry demonstrated how people of faith can find common ground on climate change. Creation Care Across the Divide: A Bipartisan Conversation on Climate Change brought together Democratic Senator Sheldon Whitehouse and Republican former Congressman Bob Inglis for a hopeful dialogue on shared values and moral responsibility for creation.

Organizers and attendees alike emphasized humility, fairness, and listening across differences as essential tools for progress. Read the full reflection and learn how faith communities are modeling unity and action at Blessed Tomorrow.

Brian FlatgardNovember 12, 2025Climate Change, Blessed TomorrowComment

Women of the ELCA Host Annual Blue Christmas Service on the Winter Solstice

Women of the ELCA Host Annual Blue Christmas Service on the Winter Solstice

Join the Women of the ELCA for the annual Blue Christmas Service on Sunday, December 21, 2025, the Winter Solstice—the longest night of the year. This virtual Zoom service at 6 PM (Arizona/Utah) / 5 PM (Nevada) offers a peaceful space with music, readings, and prayer for all who seek comfort and hope during the holiday season. Register to attend here.

ELCA, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardNovember 12, 2025Women of the ELCA (WELCA), 2025 Advent and ChristmasComment

Faith Freedom Dispatch: Confronting Christian Nationalism & Defending Religious Liberty

Faith Freedom Dispatch: Confronting Christian Nationalism & Defending Religious Liberty

Explore highlights from BJC’s November Faith Freedom Dispatch, including the 2025 Shurden Lectures on sanctuary and migrant justice, new clergy organizing efforts to confront Christian nationalism, and Season 7 of the Respecting Religion podcast. Additional updates include a new BJC merch shop, national news coverage of religious liberty, and upcoming Supreme Court advocacy. Read the full newsletter here.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardNovember 12, 2025Christian Nationalism, Christians Against Christian Nationalism, Church and SocietyComment

Ordination celebrations: November 14-20, 2025

Ordination celebrations: November 14-20, 2025

This week we celebrate the ordination anniversary of Rev. David Krueger, who celebrates 49 years on November 14.

Grand Canyon Synod, News, SpotlightBrian FlatgardNovember 12, 2025Ordination AnniversariesComment

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.

ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardNovember 11, 2025Comment

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.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardNovember 11, 2025Arizona Faith Network, Ecumenical and Inter-Religious RelationsComment