Facing Our History: Join the ELCA’s Truth-Telling Work on Indian Boarding Schools
Facing Our History: Join the ELCA’s Truth-Telling Work on Indian Boarding Schools

The ELCA’s Truth-Seeking and Truth-Telling Initiative is expanding nationwide in 2026, inviting clergy and lay leaders to research and confront Lutheran involvement in Indian boarding schools. This growing effort focuses on uncovering historical records, educating the church, and supporting truth-telling and healing for Native communities impacted by this legacy.

Participants can contribute through research, education, and quarterly gatherings. All are welcome to get involved. Learn more and sign up at tstti.org.

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ELCA, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardELCA Indigenous Ministries and Tribal RelationsComment
Register Now: ELCA Rostered Ministers Gathering Set for July 6–9 in Indianapolis
Register Now: ELCA Rostered Ministers Gathering Set for July 6–9 in Indianapolis

The 2026 Rostered Ministers Gathering will take place July 6–9 in Indianapolis, inviting pastors, deacons, bishops, and candidates for call into a time of renewal, connection, and reflection under the theme “Woven Together.” Registration is open through June 5, with early and regular pricing available.

Featuring worship, workshops, keynote speakers, and opportunities for fellowship, the gathering offers space to reconnect with colleagues and be renewed for ministry. Participants may also contribute to a shared fabric art project, symbolizing the diverse stories woven together across the ELCA.

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ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian Flatgard2026 Rostered Ministers GatheringComment
ELCA Advocacy Addresses Farm Bill, Voting Rights, and War Concerns
ELCA Advocacy Addresses Farm Bill, Voting Rights, and War Concerns

The April Advocacy Connections update outlines major federal policy issues, including hunger provisions in the Farm Bill, voting access concerns, climate policy changes, and global conflicts. ELCA advocacy continues to engage lawmakers and mobilize faith-based action on issues affecting vulnerable communities.

Action alerts and ongoing advocacy efforts invite Lutherans to speak out on hunger, immigration accountability, and voting rights. Read more and take action through ELCA Advocacy.

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ELCABrian FlatgardAdvocacy, ELCA Advocacy, Church and SocietyComment
Global Crises Intensify: Climate Disasters and Conflict Impact Millions
Global Crises Intensify: Climate Disasters and Conflict Impact Millions

Recent climate disasters and escalating conflicts across multiple regions have displaced millions and increased urgent humanitarian needs worldwide. From flooding in Africa and South America to ongoing conflict in the Middle East and beyond, the scale of crisis continues to grow.

Lutheran Disaster Response is accompanying affected communities through relief, recovery, and long-term resilience efforts. Read more about the global situation and how to support this work.

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ELCABrian FlatgardLutheran Disaster ResponseComment
ELCA Leaders Share Faith and Climate Stories in New Film Series
ELCA Leaders Share Faith and Climate Stories in New Film Series

A new seven-part film series, Caring for the Earth: Stories From Faith Communities, premieres April 25 as part of the National Faith + Climate Forum. Featuring ELCA leaders alongside interfaith partners, the series explores how faith shapes commitment to creation care, with free study guides for congregational use.

The forum gathers over 2,000 participants across 80+ locations, offering resources and conversation tools for faith-based climate action. Read more and access the series and resources.

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ELCABrian FlatgardClimate ChangeComment
ELCA Council Acts on Leadership, Policy, and Future Church Priorities
ELCA Council Acts on Leadership, Policy, and Future Church Priorities

At its April 16 meeting, the ELCA Church Council elected Rachel Wind as executive for administration and took action on a wide range of priorities, including climate justice commitments, ministry strategies, and governance updates. Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry emphasized building a more connected and sustainable church through 2028.

The council also addressed policy updates, affirmed global and ecumenical commitments, and continued work on major churchwide initiatives. Read more about the council’s actions and priorities.

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ELCABrian FlatgardELCA Church CouncilComment
Rachel Wind Elected ELCA Executive for Administration
Rachel Wind Elected ELCA Executive for Administration

The ELCA Church Council has elected Rachel Wind as executive for administration, with her term aligned with the presiding bishop. Wind, who has served in multiple development and philanthropy roles within the ELCA, will begin her new position on Sept. 8.

She succeeds the Rev. Wyvetta Bullock, who has served the churchwide organization for more than 30 years. Read more about Wind’s background and this leadership transition.

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ELCABrian FlatgardComment
For What Shall We Pray?
For What Shall We Pray?

  • For peace and reconciliation among the nations, especially in Iran, Lebanon, Gaza, South Sudan, Ukraine, and Venezuela…

  • For all immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers…

  • For an end to gun violence, and for all victims of gun violence, especially in the communities of Shreveport, Louisiana and Winston-Salem, North Carolina, as well as tourists visiting the Teotihuacán site near Mexico City…

  • For healing, resilience, and rebuilding in Midwestern communities recovering from tornadoes, and for all living in areas facing wildfires and wildfire risk…

  • For the wellbeing of our planet as we celebrate Earth Week, and for human hearts, minds, and wills to work for its health…

  • For Christian unity as we celebrate the season Easter, and for an end to interreligious conflict and religious persecution…

  • For farmers and farm workers, and for all who work with the land to provide food…

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ELCA, Prayers, SpotlightBrian FlatgardELCA Worship, For What Shall We PrayComment
Rooted in God’s Story: Submit Your Ministry Story for Synod Assembly 2026
Rooted in God’s Story: Submit Your Ministry Story for Synod Assembly 2026

As the 2026 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly approaches, congregations and ministries across the synod are invited to share stories of how God is at work in their communities. Submissions—including written reflections, photos, short videos, or audio—should be sent to Brian Flatgard by Friday, May 8, 2026. Learn how to share your story here.

Gathering under the theme “Rooted in God’s Story” (Psalm 78:4), the synod will highlight around 50 ministry stories through the assembly, blog, newsletter, and social media. This is an opportunity to celebrate the many ways God is working across Arizona, southern Nevada, St. George, Utah, and the Navajo Nation.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian Flatgard2026 Synod AssemblyComment
ELCA Action Alert: Protect Employment Authorization for Those Seeking Asylum
ELCA Action Alert: Protect Employment Authorization for Those Seeking Asylum

LAMA is highlighting an ELCA Action Alert urging action by April 24 against a proposed federal rule that would severely restrict work permits for people seeking asylum. The ELCA is calling on Lutherans to submit a public comment and contact members of Congress in support of protecting asylum seekers’ ability to work and meet their needs safely in our communities. Read the full post for background, theological grounding, and links to take action.

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ELCA, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardImmigration and Refugees, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA), Church and SocietyComment
Sedona Lutherans Raise $111K to Fight Hunger Across Verde Valley
Sedona Lutherans Raise $111K to Fight Hunger Across Verde Valley

In a recent Verde Independent feature, the Hands Healing Hunger ministry of Christ Lutheran Church in Sedona is recognized for raising $111,000—every dollar supporting 13 food providers across the Verde Valley. Among the gifts, a $10,000 contribution to The Station on 6th helps sustain its Meals on Wheels program, ensuring vulnerable neighbors continue to receive daily meals.

Through auctions, community partnerships, and deep congregational generosity, this ministry embodies our shared calling: God’s work, through our hands, for the sake of our neighbors. Read more in the full news story.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardChrist Sedona, High Country Conference, In the NewsComment
Last Call to Submit Your Act for the Friday Night Variety Show at the Assembly
Last Call to Submit Your Act for the Friday Night Variety Show at the Assembly

The Grand Canyon Synod Assembly will feature a Friday Night Variety Show on June 12, 2026, offering an evening of music, storytelling, humor, and creative performances from across the synod. If you would like to be considered for the Friday Night Variety Show, please submit a brief description of your act using this form by Monday, April 27, 2026.

The planning team is currently inviting 5–7 minute family-friendly acts from individuals, groups, congregations, and families. Interested performers are encouraged to submit a short description of their act using the online form, with selected performers contacted prior to Assembly. If you would like to be considered for the Friday Night Variety Show, please submit a brief description of your act using this form by Monday, April 27, 2026.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian Flatgard2026 Synod AssemblyComment
Faith in the Public Square: Events and Trainings from AFN
Faith in the Public Square: Events and Trainings from AFN

Arizona Faith Network’s latest newsletter highlights upcoming opportunities for engagement, including Earth Day events, a Doctrine of Discovery teach-in, interfaith dialogue, health and safety trainings, and community care initiatives. The update also includes upcoming media training and openings for the 2026 Heat Relief Program.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardEcumenical and Inter-Religious Relations, Arizona Faith NetworkComment
Take Action This Week: LAMA Highlights Advocacy, Events, and Hunger Initiatives
Take Action This Week: LAMA Highlights Advocacy, Events, and Hunger Initiatives

LAMA’s latest update highlights urgent advocacy opportunities, including a public comment period open through April 24 to support work permits for those seeking asylum. The newsletter also features upcoming events like the Earth Day Vigil at the Capitol, advocacy training, hunger network gatherings, and funding opportunities for ministries.

Read the full newsletter for key actions, events, and resources—and find your place in this week’s work for justice.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardLutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA), Advocacy, Church and SocietyComment
Office of the Bishop Updates
Office of the Bishop Updates

Next week, the Office of the Bishop is engaged in worship leadership across Tucson and Phoenix, supporting congregations through preaching, installations, and vitality conversations, while also preparing reports and continuing mission support and leadership development work. At the same time, staff are advancing preparations for Synod Assembly—including communications, storytelling, logistics, and financial oversight—ensuring the synod is ready for the work ahead.

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News, Bishop Hutterer, Grand Canyon Synod, SpotlightBrian FlatgardOffice of the BishopComment
Faith Lens: Awe and Belonging
Faith Lens: Awe and Belonging

The April 26 Faith Lens reflection, Awe and Belonging, explores Acts of the Apostles 2:42–47 and the early Christian community where “no one was in need.” Rather than beginning with rules or expectations, this community was formed through awe at God’s presence—an awe that led to deep sharing, trust, and belonging. The reflection challenges common assumptions about faith, inviting us to see that authentic Christian community is rooted not in human effort, but in encountering Christ already at work among us.

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ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardFaith Lens, 2026 Lent and EasterComment