Why Religious Freedom Matters Right Now: Highlights from the Latest BJC Update
Why Religious Freedom Matters Right Now: Highlights from the Latest BJC Update

The latest newsletter from the Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty includes Congressional testimony by Executive Director Amanda Tyler on religious freedom and anti-Muslim rhetoric, updates on local organizing efforts, a new youth curriculum focused on neighbor love and empathy, and opportunities to engage in advocacy. Read highlights and explore the full newsletter for resources at the intersection of faith, freedom, and public life. Read the full BJC newsletter here: Faith Freedom Dispatch – May 2026.

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Brian FlatgardBJC (Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty), Christians Against Christian Nationalism, Church and SocietyComment
Get Ready for Lutheran Summer Music 2026
Get Ready for Lutheran Summer Music 2026

Lutheran Summer Music returns to St. Olaf College for its 2026 season, June 21–July 19, featuring more than 40 free concerts, recitals, worship services, and special events free and open to the public.

Highlights include the inaugural LSM Choral Gathering, guest performance by Cantus, Bach’s St. Matthew Passion, the Bach Cantata Eucharist, and Festival Week concerts featuring LSM’s Festival Band, Choir, and Orchestra. Most events will also be available online via Live from LSM. View the season brochure, explore events, and reserve free tickets at LSMacademy.org/2026season.

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Brian FlatgardLutheran Summer MusicComment
Mosaic: Home Modifications, Big or Small, Can Make an Impact
Mosaic: Home Modifications, Big or Small, Can Make an Impact

When the person she supports began to be afraid to take a bath, Mosaic Home Provider Arlene Deaner made a home modification that proved life-changing. Home modifications, both big and small, can make a difference for people with physical limitations. The post Creating Comfort: Home Modifications, Big or Small, Can Make an Impact appeared first on Mosaic.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardMosaic, Disability MinistriesComment
Lutheran World Federation newsletter
Lutheran World Federation newsletter
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News, Global Church, SpotlightBrian FlatgardLutheran World FederationComment
Property Insurance, Financial Stewardship, and Fraud Prevention: May Administration Matters
Property Insurance, Financial Stewardship, and Fraud Prevention: May Administration Matters

The May 2026 issue of Administration Matters offers practical guidance for congregational leaders navigating today’s challenges, including property insurance questions, faithful investing through the ELCA, nonprofit financial controls, and strategies to prevent online donation scams. The issue also includes a reflection on financial well-being and stewardship from Portico Benefit Services.

Whether you serve on council, manage finances, or support congregational administration, these timely resources can help strengthen ministry and reduce risk. Read the full May issue of Administration Matters.

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ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardAdministration MattersComment
Finding Belonging at God’s Table: Honoring AANHPI Heritage Month
Finding Belonging at God’s Table: Honoring AANHPI Heritage Month

As the church marks Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month, the ELCA invites reflection on identity, belonging, faith, and bold witness. In a moving essay, Pastor Jill Rode—a Korean American adoptee and lifelong Lutheran—shares her journey of navigating culture, adoption, and faith, reminding us that there is room for all of us at God’s table. Additional resources highlight the 50th anniversary of Hmong refugee arrivals in the United States, worship ideas, storytelling opportunities, and upcoming events for congregations.

This Heritage Month offers an invitation to listen deeply, honor stories across generations, and reflect on how God is present in our own journeys. Read the original reflection and explore AANHPI Heritage Month resources.

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ELCABrian FlatgardAsian and Pacific Islander Association of the ELCAComment
Global Crises Deepen as Lutheran Disaster Response Walks Alongside Communities
Global Crises Deepen as Lutheran Disaster Response Walks Alongside Communities

Lutheran Disaster Response is responding to growing global humanitarian emergencies fueled by conflict, climate disasters, hunger, and displacement. A new article highlights the urgent needs facing communities worldwide and how Lutherans are accompanying neighbors through relief, recovery, and resilience efforts. Read the full story and learn how you can support this work.

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ELCABrian FlatgardLutheran Disaster ResponseComment
Making a Joyful Noise: Retired Pastor Naomi Barcanic Donates Instruments for Congregational Use
Making a Joyful Noise: Retired Pastor Naomi Barcanic Donates Instruments for Congregational Use

Retired Pastor Naomi Barcanic is offering a Yamaha DGX-230 / YPG-235 keyboard package and a Wurlitzer upright piano as gifts for congregations or ministries that may benefit from them. The instruments are available as she prepares to move to a smaller home.

Congregations, ministry partners, and music ministries interested in receiving either instrument are encouraged to contact Pastor Naomi directly via email for more information.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardClassifieds, Spirit of Joy, High Country ConferenceComment
Hunger, Immigration, Voting Rights: LAMA Highlights Key Advocacy Opportunities
Hunger, Immigration, Voting Rights: LAMA Highlights Key Advocacy Opportunities

The latest LAMA newsletter features advocacy alerts on hunger funding, immigration, voting rights, and nonprofit security, along with upcoming events and opportunities for faithful public engagement across Arizona. Read the full newsletter to stay connected with LAMA’s ongoing work for justice and advocacy.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardLutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA), Advocacy, Church and SocietyComment
Arizona Faith Network Highlights Voting Rights, Healing, and Community Safety
Arizona Faith Network Highlights Voting Rights, Healing, and Community Safety

Arizona Faith Network’s latest newsletter features voting rights advocacy, interfaith dialogue, healing practices, security training, and community events across Arizona. Read the full update to learn about upcoming opportunities for engagement, reflection, and faithful public life.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardEcumenical and Inter-Religious Relations, Arizona Faith Network, Church and SocietyComment
Faith Lens: Look Up
Faith Lens: Look Up

This week’s Faith Lens reflection explores Jesus’ prayer in John 17 and invites readers to reconsider what “eternal life” really means. Rather than focusing only on heaven after death, the study highlights Jesus’ call to know God deeply, live in unity, and participate in God’s work in the world right now.

Through scripture, reflection questions, and prayer, “Look Up” encourages disciples to lift their eyes beyond fear and isolation toward a life shaped by Christ — “the kind of life that death can’t destroy.”

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ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardFaith Lens, 2026 Lent and EasterComment
Office of the Bishop Updates
Office of the Bishop Updates

This week, Office of the Bishop staff will gather for an in-person staff meeting while continuing work related to candidacy, congregational support, Synod Assembly preparations, communications, mission planning, finance, and ongoing ministry across the synod. Bishop Hutterer will also participate in Synod Council, candidacy interviews, and ministry at New Journey Lutheran Church.

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News, Bishop Hutterer, Grand Canyon Synod, SpotlightBrian FlatgardOffice of the BishopComment
Lutheran Music and Worship Partners Invite Leaders to Summer Learning and Renewal
Lutheran Music and Worship Partners Invite Leaders to Summer Learning and Renewal

ELCA Worship is highlighting summer opportunities and resources from Lutheran and ecumenical partner organizations that support worship leaders, church musicians and congregational song. Featured events include the Lutheran Summer Music Choral Gathering, the Association of Lutheran Church Musicians conference at St. Olaf College, Music that Makes Community workshops focused on justice and Indigenous partnerships, and The Hymn Society’s 2026 Annual Conference in Princeton, N.J.

These gatherings offer opportunities for spiritual renewal, professional growth, skill-building and community among those who lead the church’s worship life. Registration deadlines and event details are now available. Read the full article from ELCA Worship.

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ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardSt. Olaf College, ELCA WorshipComment
Rebuilding Hope: Lutheran Disaster Response Continues Walking with Georgia Communities
Rebuilding Hope: Lutheran Disaster Response Continues Walking with Georgia Communities

Nearly two years after Hurricane Helene devastated large portions of Georgia, the Southeastern Synod’s Disaster Ministry Team and partners continue the long work of rebuilding homes, restoring stability and walking alongside survivors. From Augusta to Georgia’s coastal communities, congregations, volunteers and organizations including Lutheran Disaster Response, UMCOR and Family Promise are helping families navigate recovery and rebuild hope.

The article highlights the growing recovery work centered at Advent Lutheran Church in Augusta, ongoing challenges in coastal communities, and the personal story of a survivor hoping simply for “a place to call home again.” Read the full article from Lutheran Disaster Response.

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ELCABrian FlatgardLutheran Disaster ResponseComment
Bearing Witness Together: Documentary Screening & Dialogue on Indigenous Justice May 28
Bearing Witness Together: Documentary Screening & Dialogue on Indigenous Justice May 28

The Racial Justice Advocacy Network invites you to a Fourth Thursday conversation on May 28 at 5 PM (AZ/Pacific), featuring the documentary “We Ride for Her” and discussion on the crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Relatives (MMIWGR).

With over 5,500 Indigenous women and girls reported missing or murdered—and murder a leading cause of death—this gathering offers space for learning, reflection, and faithful action. Register now and join the conversation.

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ELCA, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardMMIW, ELCA Indigenous Ministries and Tribal Relations, Women of the ELCA (WELCA)Comment
Strengthen Your Church’s Digital Presence: ELCA Offers Free Digital Assessments (Apply Now)
Strengthen Your Church’s Digital Presence: ELCA Offers Free Digital Assessments (Apply Now)

Applications are now open for a limited number of ELCA Digital Ministry Assessments, with 25 slots available through August 2026. Conducted by Evoke Engagement Experts, these assessments provide congregations and ministry organizations with a comprehensive review of their website, social media, and online presence—along with actionable recommendations and a consultation call.

Eligible ELCA congregations and affiliated ministries are encouraged to apply soon, as demand may exceed availability. Additional digital ministry grants—including $3,000 and $30,000 awards—are expected later in 2026, offering further opportunities to strengthen how we share God’s story in a digital world.

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ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardInnovation, ELCA Innovation LabComment
“Do Not Fear”: Bishop Hutterer Reflects on a Year of Change, Hope, and Faithfulness
“Do Not Fear”: Bishop Hutterer Reflects on a Year of Change, Hope, and Faithfulness

In her 2025–2026 Annual Report, Bishop Deborah K. Hutterer reflects on a year marked by transition, resilience, grief, creativity, and hope across the Grand Canyon Synod. Grounded in Isaiah 41:10 — “Do not fear for I am with you” — the report highlights the ELCA Churchwide Assembly in Phoenix, a record number of ordinations, emerging models of ministry, and the faithful work of congregations navigating change with courage and trust in God’s leading.

The report also names difficult realities facing the church and wider community, while celebrating the dedication of synod staff, council leaders, rostered ministers, and lay leaders throughout Arizona, southern Nevada, St. George, Utah, and the Navajo Nation. Bishop Hutterer invites the synod to continue proclaiming the gospel, supporting one another, and trusting that we are part of God’s unfolding story together.

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Grand Canyon Synod, Bishop HuttererBrian Flatgard2026 Assembly Stories, Bishop Hutterer Letters, Office of the BishopComment