Thank You, Region 2: 400+ Join Lenten Challenge to Serve Christ in Our Neighbor

More than 400 participants across ELCA Region 2 joined this year’s 40-40-40 Lenten Challenge, reflecting on Matthew 25 and responding through prayer, devotion, and generosity. The online giving portal for ELCA World Hunger remains open through May 31, offering continued opportunity for individuals and congregations to participate.

Gifts of any size make a meaningful difference. Donate online or give by check using Appeal Code R2LENT2026 as this shared Lenten witness continues beyond the season.

ELCA, Region 2, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardApril 7, 20262026 Lenten Challenge, 2026 Lent and EasterComment

Registration Open: Western States Youth Gathering 2026 Returns to Southern California

Registration is now open for the 2026 Western States Youth Gathering, happening June 28–July 1, 2026, at California Lutheran University in Southern California. Youth graduating 8th–12th grade and their adult leaders are invited to gather for worship, service, learning, and connection in this faith-forming regional event.

Held the summer before the ELCA Youth Gathering, WSYG 2026 offers a meaningful opportunity for congregations to invest in youth ministry and prepare young people for a larger churchwide experience. Registration includes housing, meals, and programming. Learn more and register at westernstatesyg.org.

ELCA, Region 2, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardMarch 30, 2026Youth and Young Adult, California Lutheran UniversityComment

“Lord, When Did We See You?” Join the Region 2 Lenten Challenge This Season

This Lent, individuals and congregations across ELCA Region 2, including the Grand Canyon Synod, are invited to participate in the “Lord, When Did We See You?” Lenten Challenge, a set of simple daily practices rooted in Matthew 25. The toolkit offers intergenerational activities that connect prayer, worship, advocacy, and daily acts of compassion.

Participants are also encouraged to support ELCA World Hunger using Appeal Code R2LENT2026, or donate to ELCA World Hunger here . Explore the toolkit and join the challenge: lentenchallenge.org/toolkit.

Seminary, Technology, and the Church: PLTS Explores Faithful Leadership in a Changing World

Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary is inviting the wider church to a “State of the Seminary: Faithful, Hopeful, Justice-Seeking” online event on Tuesday, March 10 at 4 p.m. Pacific. Participants will hear about new partnerships, innovative programming, and the future of theological education. A recording will be sent to all who register.

The March PLTS newsletter also highlights reflections on artificial intelligence and faith, a global climate justice project led by a PLTS certificate student in Nigeria, a strong admissions cycle, and upcoming events—including the Student Colloquium on Climate Justice and Faith on April 29. Read the newsletter for the full story and event details.

Region 2Brian FlatgardMarch 10, 2026Pacific Lutheran Theological SeminaryComment

Tuesdays at 9 AM PT | 10 AM AZ: Join Lectio Divina with Thriving Leadership Formation

Thriving Leadership Formation (ELCA Region 2) invites synod leaders to join a weekly online Lectio Divina practice every Tuesday from 9–10 am Pacific / 10–11 am Arizona MST. Participants reflect on the upcoming Sunday lectionary text in a simple, spacious community setting. Registration is required to receive the Zoom link.

This hour can nurture your personal faith and support sermon preparation. Come as you are and join as your schedule allows.

Leader Resources, Region 2Brian FlatgardFebruary 25, 2026Thriving Leadership Formation ProgramComment

Federal Court Blocks ICE Raids at Houses of Worship, Affirming Religious Freedom

A federal judge has issued a preliminary injunction blocking ICE from conducting enforcement actions at or around houses of worship for five ELCA synods and their ecumenical partners. Region 2 synods — Sierra Pacific and Southwest California — were among the plaintiffs. The ruling restores long-standing protections for sensitive locations and affirms religious freedom under the Constitution. Read more about this significant step forward for sacred spaces and immigrant communities.

ELCA, Region 2Brian FlatgardFebruary 23, 2026Immigration and Refugees, Church and SocietyComment

“Lord, When Did We See You?”: Sign Up for Daily Lenten Devotions in 2026

Beginning Ash Wednesday 2026, Lutherans across the Grand Canyon Synod are invited to receive a daily Matthew 25 devotion by email throughout Lent and Holy Week as part of the Region 2 Lenten Challenge supporting ELCA World Hunger. Participants commit to three of four practices — Devotion, Learning, Action, and Donation — with a regional goal of raising $100,000 and engaging at least 50 congregations per synod. Sign up now and center your Lenten journey on Christ in “the least of these.”

Grand Canyon Synod, Region 2Brian FlatgardFebruary 17, 20262026 Lenten Challenge, 2026 Lent and EasterComment

Thinking Faithfully About AI: PLTS Hosts a Disputatio for Our Time

Artificial intelligence is reshaping daily life—and raising urgent ethical and theological questions. On Wednesday, February 25, 2026 (8:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m. PST), Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary will host a Disputatio on Artificial Intelligence, online and in Berkeley, inviting leaders into faithful, rigorous inquiry grounded in Lutheran tradition.

The day includes worship, lunch, expert-led conversations, and the Elizabeth and Harvey Mohrenweiser Lecture on ethical decision-making at the intersection of faith, science, and medicine. Learn more and register at admissions.callutheran.edu/register/AIDisputatio.

Discerning a Call? Explore Seminary Through PLTS’s “Signs Along the Way” Weekend

Are you discerning whether seminary might be right for you? Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary invites you to Signs Along the Way, a visit and discernment weekend March 13–15 in Berkeley, California, designed for those exploring online seminary education.

Participants will meet PLTS faculty, connect with others in discernment, and learn more about the MDiv, MA in Spirituality and Social Change, and Lutheran Year programs. Lodging and meals are provided, with travel assistance available. Learn more and sign up at plts.edu/signs.

Grand Canyon Synod, Leader Resources, Region 2Brian FlatgardFebruary 16, 2026Pacific Lutheran Theological SeminaryComment

Register today for the Region 2 Lenten Challenge

Lent is soon upon us (Ash Wednesday February 18). Once again, we are invited into a holy season of prayer, repentance, and renewed love of neighbor. If you’ve participated in the Region 2 Lenten Challenge before, you already know how powerfully God can work through simple, daily steps: a Scripture-based reflection, a faithful action, a moment of courage, a practice of compassion. This year’s challenge is ready for you at lentenchallenge.org—and your place in it matters.

Grand Canyon Synod, Region 2Brian FlatgardFebruary 9, 20262026 Lenten ChallengeComment

Walking the Way Together: What’s Ahead at Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary

Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary enters Spring 2026 grounded in faith, justice, and shared discipleship. From a February Disputatio on Artificial Intelligence to climate justice certificates, discernment opportunities, and May commencement, PLTS continues forming leaders for a complex world—inviting the wider church to walk the Way together and keep our hands on the plow.

Region 2Brian FlatgardFebruary 4, 2026Pacific Lutheran Theological SeminaryComment

Thinking Faithfully About AI: PLTS Hosts a Disputatio for Our Time

Artificial intelligence is reshaping daily life—and raising urgent ethical and theological questions. On Wednesday, February 25, 2026 (8:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m. PST), Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary will host a Disputatio on Artificial Intelligence, online and in Berkeley, inviting leaders into faithful, rigorous inquiry grounded in Lutheran tradition.

The day includes worship, lunch, expert-led conversations, and the Elizabeth and Harvey Mohrenweiser Lecture on ethical decision-making at the intersection of faith, science, and medicine. Learn more and register at admissions.callutheran.edu/register/AIDisputatio.

Register today for the Region 2 Lenten Challenge

Lent is soon upon us (Ash Wednesday February 18). Once again, we are invited into a holy season of prayer, repentance, and renewed love of neighbor. If you’ve participated in the Region 2 Lenten Challenge before, you already know how powerfully God can work through simple, daily steps: a Scripture-based reflection, a faithful action, a moment of courage, a practice of compassion. This year’s challenge is ready for you at lentenchallenge.org—and your place in it matters.

Grand Canyon Synod, Region 2Brian FlatgardJanuary 27, 20262026 Lent and Easter, 2026 Lenten ChallengeComment

Registration Open: Western States Youth Gathering 2026 Returns to Southern California

Registration is now open for the 2026 Western States Youth Gathering, happening June 28–July 1, 2026, at California Lutheran University in Southern California. Youth graduating 8th–12th grade and their adult leaders are invited to gather for worship, service, learning, and connection in this faith-forming regional event.

Held the summer before the ELCA Youth Gathering, WSYG 2026 offers a meaningful opportunity for congregations to invest in youth ministry and prepare young people for a larger churchwide experience. Registration includes housing, meals, and programming. Learn more and register at westernstatesyg.org.

ELCA, Region 2, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardJanuary 16, 2026Youth and Young Adult, California Lutheran UniversityComment

New in 2026: PLTS Launches Online Racial Justice & Faith Certificate Program

Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary (PLTS) is offering a new Racial Justice and Faith Certificate Program in 2026, featuring 6-week, online, asynchronous courses open to clergy and lay leaders alike. The first course, Womanism and Social Justice, begins February 9, with enrollment requested by January 25.

Courses cost $250, with discounts for PLTS alumni and congregational groups, and four completed courses lead to a certificate. Designed to connect faith with action, this program supports participants in confronting racial injustice and dismantling white supremacy through liberative theological reflection and practice.

New in 2026: PLTS Launches Online Racial Justice & Faith Certificate Program

Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary (PLTS) is offering a new Racial Justice and Faith Certificate Program in 2026, featuring 6-week, online, asynchronous courses open to clergy and lay leaders alike. The first course, Womanism and Social Justice, begins February 9, with enrollment requested by January 25.

Courses cost $250, with discounts for PLTS alumni and congregational groups, and four completed courses lead to a certificate. Designed to connect faith with action, this program supports participants in confronting racial injustice and dismantling white supremacy through liberative theological reflection and practice.

Wondering If Seminary Is Right for You? Join PLTS in Berkeley, March 13–15

Is seminary part of God’s call in your life? Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary invites you to Signs Along the Way, a discernment weekend March 13–15 2026 in Berkeley, CA, designed for those exploring online seminary education. Participants will experience a PLTS class, connect with faculty and students, and reflect on vocation in community.

Lodging and most meals are covered, with travel assistance available. Learn more and register at plts.edu/signs.

Grand Canyon Synod, Region 2Brian FlatgardDecember 19, 2025Pacific Lutheran Theological SeminaryComment

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.

Faith Over Fear: Lutherans Pray for Evi and All Detained Neighbors

A small but resolute group of Asian and Pacific Islander (API) Lutheran leaders and community members gathered outside the Adelanto ICE Processing Center to pray for the release of Evi Sarlita Sihomping, a longtime ELCA member detained since June 7. Led by Pacifica Synod Bishop David Nagler and organized alongside the API Leaders Migration Justice Training, the vigil lifted up Evi’s humanity, rejected the “model minority” myth, and insisted that immigration policy must be shaped by empathy, not punishment.

The article from Living Lutheran highlights the broader advocacy of API ministries, AMMPARO, and ELCA leaders who refuse to stay silent as families are separated. It also shares practical ways to support Evi—including sending cards and contacting elected officials. Read the full story on Living Lutheran ›

ELCA, Region 2Brian FlatgardDecember 5, 2025Living Lutheran, Pacifica Synod, Immigration and Refugees, Church and SocietyComment

Thriving Leadership Formation Enters a New Regional Chapter in 2026

Thriving Leadership Formation (TLF) is entering a new chapter in January 2026 as a fully regional ministry led by all five ELCA Region 2 synods, supported by a new five-year sustainability grant from the Lilly Endowment. With Pacifica Synod serving as fiscal agent and Desta Goehner continuing as Director, TLF will remain focused on spiritual and leadership formation for pastors, deacons, and church leaders. This transition strengthens connections with First Call Accompaniment and Synodically Authorized Ministry programs, ensuring continued support for leaders across our region. For questions, contact Desta Goehner at Desta@PLTS.edu.

Grand Canyon Synod, Region 2Brian FlatgardNovember 17, 2025Thriving Leadership Formation ProgramComment

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