For What Shall We Pray?
For What Shall We Pray?

  • For an end to war and conflict, especially in Gaza, South Sudan, Myanmar, and Ukraine…

  • For lasting peace forged by shared commitment to the common good…

  • For an end to psychological warfare, torture, and genodice…

  • For safety and rescue for hikers stranded by severe snowstorms in western China and Nepal…

  • For victims of the Yom Kippur attack in Manchester, UK…

  • For federal workers facing uncertainty…

  • For safety and protection for all immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers…

  • For access to affordable and reliable health care…

  • For ongoing advances in scientific and medical research…

  • For the health and wholeness of LGBTQIA+ individuals and communities…

  • For the flourishing of indigenous nations and communities…

Read More
ELCA, Prayers, SpotlightBrian FlatgardELCA Worship, For What Shall We PrayComment
Register Now: Celebrate Bridge Builders at the 2025 Arizona Faith Network Annual Gathering
Register Now: Celebrate Bridge Builders at the 2025 Arizona Faith Network Annual Gathering

Celebrate faith leaders who build bridges across Arizona at the 2025 AFN Annual Gathering – “United We Rise”, on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at the Baháʼí Faith Community Center in Scottsdale. Honoring Dr. Warren H. Stewart, Sr., this year’s event will unite faith communities for a morning of storytelling and celebration. Plus, explore AFN’s fall lineup of virtual and in-person gatherings and subscribe to the AFN newsletter for weekly updates: arizonafaithnetwork.org/newsletter.

Read More
Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardArizona Faith Network, Ecumenical and Inter-Religious RelationsComment
Faith Lens: Thriving in Exile
Faith Lens: Thriving in Exile

Even in exile, God calls us to thrive. In Jeremiah 29:1, 4–7, the Israelites longed for deliverance, but God’s message through Jeremiah urged them to build homes, plant gardens, and seek the good of the city where they lived. This same call echoes today in communities facing exclusion and oppression, including the LGBTQIA+ community during Pride and National Coming Out Day. Thriving in difficult times is not surrender—it is faithful resistance, rooted in trust that God’s promises endure beyond empire and circumstance.

Read More
ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardFaith LensComment
Celebrating Latino Heritage: Many Peoples, One Spirit
Celebrating Latino Heritage: Many Peoples, One Spirit

The Association of Latino Ministries of the ELCA invites all to celebrate Latino Heritage Month (Sept. 15–Oct. 15) as a time to honor the diversity of Latino identity and culture across the church. This reflection reminds us that while Latino communities face challenges and discrimination, they continue to walk in faith, unity, and love under God’s grace. Read the full reflection at ELCA Racial Justice Blog ».

Read More
ELCABrian FlatgardLatino, Asociación de Ministerios Latinos de la ELCAComment
Ordination celebrations: October 10-16, 2025
Ordination celebrations: October 10-16, 2025

This week we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:

  • Rev. Thomas Morrison, who celebrates 47 years on October 10.

  • Rev. John Biggs, Saved By Grace, Pahrump, who celebrates 12 years on October 13.

  • Rev. Steven Kruse, New Covenant, Scottsdale, who celebrates 40 years on October 13.

  • Deacon Gloria Owens, who celebrates 38 years on October 13.

  • Rev. Daniel Hoeger, All Saints, Phoenix, who celebrates 36 years on October 15.

Read More
Grand Canyon Synod, News, SpotlightBrian FlatgardOrdination AnniversariesComment
Bishop Hutterer: Stepping into Sabbath
Bishop Hutterer: Stepping into Sabbath

Bishop Deborah Hutterer shares her gratitude for the people and ministries of the Grand Canyon Synod as she prepares for a sabbatical in November and continuing through January 2026. During this time of prayer and renewal, Rev. Mike Girlinghouse will serve as Acting Bishop, working closely with synod staff to ensure continuity. Bishop Hutterer invites prayers for renewal and guidance as our synod enters this season of reflection and preparation for the work ahead.

Read More
Bishop Hutterer, Letters, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardBishop Hutterer LettersComment
When Contractors Disappear: Lessons from Recent Congregational Projects
When Contractors Disappear: Lessons from Recent Congregational Projects

Several congregations in our synod have recently lost funds to contractors who took payment upfront and disappeared before completing work. To help others avoid similar losses, we share practical steps for contracting wisely—such as limiting deposits, verifying licenses, and ensuring written agreements. Learn how to protect your congregation’s resources and practice faithful stewardship when hiring contractors.

Read More
Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardComment
Finding Faith in the Great Turning: Spirited Book Club Reads Active Hope
Finding Faith in the Great Turning: Spirited Book Club Reads Active Hope

Join the Spirited Book Club at Spirit in the Desert on Thursday, October 23 (3:00–4:00 p.m. AZ/PDT) for a discussion of Active Hope by Joanna Macy and Chris Johnstone. The book invites readers to face global challenges with courage and creativity, offering a framework for resilience rooted in faith, gratitude, and community action. Facilitated by Sheri Brown, this conversation explores how Christians can live out “active hope” amid uncertainty. Register here: spiritinthedesert.org/events/spirited-book-club-active-hope.

Read More
Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardSpirit in the Desert Retreat Center, Spirited Book ClubComment
Save the Dates: 2026 Synod Assembly and Bishop’s Fall Gathering Announced
Save the Dates: 2026 Synod Assembly and Bishop’s Fall Gathering Announced

Mark your calendars for two major 2026 Grand Canyon Synod events: Synod Assembly, June 11–13 at Love of Christ Lutheran Church in Mesa, and the Bishop’s Fall Gathering, October 19–21 at the Franciscan Renewal Center in Scottsdale. Our 2026 theme, Rooted in God’s Story, invites us to ground our shared ministry in God’s enduring promise.

Read More
Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian Flatgard2026 Synod Assembly, 2026 Bishop's Fall GatheringComment
Building Faith and Friendship in Casa Grande: Seminarian Grant Brockhouse’s Mission
Building Faith and Friendship in Casa Grande: Seminarian Grant Brockhouse’s Mission

Lutheran seminary student Grant Brockhouse is serving a year-long internship with Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Chandler and the Grand Canyon Synod, focusing on outreach and community-building in Casa Grande. His efforts included leading Tapping into Theology at A Latte Vino, where people from all backgrounds gather to discuss faith and life in a welcoming setting. Brockhouse also plans several events—from a Christmas concert to community service projects—aimed at creating connections and growing faith in the Casa Grande area.

To read the full article from Pinal Central’s Casa Grande Dispatch, click here.

Read More
Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardHoly Trinity Chandler, Fiesta Conference, Youth and Young AdultComment
From Mormon Missionary to Lutheran Pastor: Rev. Katie Langston’s Journey of Grace
From Mormon Missionary to Lutheran Pastor: Rev. Katie Langston’s Journey of Grace

The Salt Lake Tribune recently profiled Rev. Katie Langston, outreach pastor and music director at New Promise Lutheran Church in St. George, Utah. Once a Latter-day Saint missionary, Pastor Langston’s journey toward Lutheran ministry is a remarkable story of grace, healing, and bridge-building. Today she leads outreach, music, and support ministries that welcome those seeking faith and healing beyond traditional boundaries.

Read the full Salt Lake Tribune profile of Pastor Langston and New Promise Lutheran Church in the attached PDF or at sltrib.com/religion/2025/09/26/lds-missionary-turned-lutheran.

Read More
Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardNew Promise St. George, Colorado River Conference, In the NewsComment
Jazz Vespers Returns October 12: Beth Lederman and Donna Wilde in Concert
Jazz Vespers Returns October 12: Beth Lederman and Donna Wilde in Concert

Join Mount of Olives Lutheran Church for Jazz Vespers on Sunday, October 12 at 5:30 p.m., featuring Beth Lederman and Donna Wilde. Last month’s concert raised $850, helping the Olive Branch Community of Hope Food Pantry serve 238 families. Enjoy an evening of jazz and generosity that feeds both body and spirit. 

Read More
Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardMount of Olives Phoenix, Capital ConferenceComment
October: Standing Against Domestic Violence Together
October: Standing Against Domestic Violence Together

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and the Women of the ELCA call on faith communities to take action against abuse. Learn how your congregation can help create safety and healing, and find 24/7 confidential support through the National Domestic Violence Hotline (800-799-7233 or text BEGIN to 88788). Read more and explore ways to respond faithfully at womenoftheelca.org.

Read More
ELCA, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardWomen of the ELCA (WELCA), Domestic ViolenceComment
Fall Highlights from Women of the ELCA: SALT Appeal, Prayer, Study, and More
Fall Highlights from Women of the ELCA: SALT Appeal, Prayer, Study, and More

Women of the ELCA invites you to live your faith through generosity, prayer, and connection this fall. Your SALT Appeal donation will be doubled through a $50,000 matching gift, and new initiatives like the Campus Ambassador Program and Pray Without Ceasing prayer groups are building vibrant communities of faith. Don’t miss opportunities to join the Boldcafe B.Y.O.D. on October 16, attend the 2025 Thankoffering Service on November 9, and prepare for the 2026 Triennial Gathering in Des Moines. Find links to these stories and more at womenoftheelca.org.

Read More
ELCABrian FlatgardWomen of the ELCA (WELCA)Comment
Celebrating Leadership and Faith: Bishop Curry’s Installation Service Now Online
Celebrating Leadership and Faith: Bishop Curry’s Installation Service Now Online

The video of the installation of Rev. Yehiel Curry as Presiding Bishop of the ELCA—held on October 4, 2025, at Central Lutheran Church in Minneapolis—is now available to watch online. The service celebrates Bishop Curry’s leadership and the ELCA’s shared mission to proclaim Christ in the world. Watch the installation service on YouTube.

Read More
Bishop Curry, ELCABrian FlatgardBishop CurryComment
From Chilstrom to Curry: A Legacy of ELCA Leadership in Transition
From Chilstrom to Curry: A Legacy of ELCA Leadership in Transition

On October 4, Rev. Yehiel Curry was installed as presiding bishop of the ELCA at Central Lutheran Church in Minneapolis—the first Black leader to serve in this role. As we celebrate this historic moment, we look back at the installations of past ELCA presiding bishops available on ELCA’s YouTube and give thanks for the Spirit’s continued guidance of our church.

Read More
ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardBishop CurryComment
ELCA Denounces Deadly Synagogue Attacks in Manchester, England
ELCA Denounces Deadly Synagogue Attacks in Manchester, England

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America has issued a statement condemning the deadly attacks at a synagogue in Manchester, England, on Yom Kippur. The ELCA extends condolences to victims and their families and stands in solidarity with Jewish communities worldwide. Reaffirming its 1994 “Declaration to the Jewish Community,” the ELCA denounces anti-Semitism as “a contradiction and an affront to the Gospel” and calls all Christians to act as ambassadors of peace and justice. Read the full ELCA statement at ELCA.org.

Read More
ELCABrian FlatgardJudaism, Ecumenical and Inter-Religious RelationsComment