Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary (PLTS) Discernment Weekend is 10/31 – 11/2/2025

Are you wondering if seminary might be right for you? Consider joining Signs Along the Way at PLTS in Berkeley, California to connect with others in discernment, get to know PLTS faculty, and explore what it’s like to be an online student in the MDiv, MA in Spirituality and Social Change, or Lutheran Year programs.

PLTS is transitioning to only offer online study with in-person intensives, so this weekend is designed for those interested in online learning. PLTS covers lodging and meals during the event and can offer travel assistance for those who need it. Visit plts.edu/signs to learn more and sign up.

Region 2Brian FlatgardSeptember 19, 2025Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary, Youth and Young AdultComment

Help Shape Joyful, Blended Worship at Good Shepherd–Reno

Region 2 partner Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd (Reno, NV) seeks a full-time Director of Worship & Faith Formation ($65–80k + benefits). Role is 80% worship design/implementation and 20% faith formation; ELCA familiarity preferred; Good Shepherd is open and affirming (RIC). Apply by Nov. 1 (interviews early November); start Jan–Aug 2026. Details and application at goodshepherdreno.org; send materials to jobs@goodshepherdreno.org.

Region 2, NewsBrian FlatgardSeptember 17, 2025Help WantedComment

Eucharist Across a Wall: Border Church’s Ministry of Presence

At the U.S.-Mexico border, the Border Church brings people together for worship on both sides of the wall. Rooted in prayer, accompaniment, and a ministry of presence, the congregation serves migrants and asylum-seekers while witnessing to Christ’s call for peace and justice. Despite barriers and fear, this community testifies to unity in Christ and hope for a world without walls. Click here to read the full story at Living Lutheran.

ELCA, News, Region 2Brian FlatgardSeptember 16, 2025Immigration and Refugees, Living LutheranComment

Rocky Mountain Synod Responds to School Shootings with Prayer and Action

The Rocky Mountain Synod has released a special pastoral message in response to two recent school shootings in Evergreen, Colorado, and Orem, Utah. Bishop Meghan Johnston Aelabouni, along with local pastors, offers prayers, words of comfort, and a call to faithful action against the ongoing reality of gun and political violence. Worship resources, prayers, and litanies are also available to support congregations in lament and healing. To read the full message and resources from the Rocky Mountain Synod, click here.

Region 2, LettersBrian FlatgardSeptember 11, 2025Rocky Mountain Synod, Church and SocietyComment

Remembering Hiroshima and Nagasaki: 80 Years of Witness and Peace

On August 6, faith leaders, survivors, and advocates gathered at San Francisco’s Japanese Tea Garden to mark the 80th anniversary of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki atomic bombings. The Blessing Service for Peace, co-hosted with interfaith partners and the Consulate General of Japan, included music, reflections from Hibakusha (survivors), and a call to live peace daily as “a behavior.” Attendees honored the resilience of survivors, the legacy of Japanese internment, and the hope embodied by ginkgo saplings descended from trees that withstood the bombings. To read Pastor Courtney Geibert’s full reflection on this service and its call to action for peace, click here.

Region 2, NewsBrian FlatgardAugust 25, 2025Sierra Pacific SynodComment

Grow in Faith and Leadership This Fall with Thriving Leadership Formation

New fall programming from Thriving Leadership Formation invites you into deeper connection and growth—with free and low-cost online offerings for church leaders, ministry teams, and spiritual seekers. From weekly Lectio Divina and monthly spiritual practice gatherings to a new Enneagram panel series and team-building workshops, there’s something for everyone this season. Read the full newsletter →

Region 2, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardAugust 13, 2025Thriving Leadership Formation ProgramComment

Lutheran Synods Join Lawsuit Defending Sacred Spaces from Immigration Raids

Several ELCA synods, including our siblings in the New England, Greater Milwaukee, Southwest California, Southwestern Texas, and Sierra Pacific Synods, have joined other faith organizations in a lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security. The case challenges a Trump-Vance administration policy that permits ICE raids at or near houses of worship—practices that plaintiffs argue violate religious freedom and harm congregational life.

The lawsuit, filed by Democracy Forward and partner organizations, highlights disturbing incidents of ICE activity during worship, preschool pickup, and pastoral preaching. The plaintiffs seek immediate relief to halt these actions nationwide. Click here to read the full story and view the complaint.

Region 2Brian FlatgardAugust 6, 2025Church and Society, Immigration and RefugeesComment

Rev. Dr. Colleen Windham-Hughes Named Rector of PLTS

The Rev. Dr. Colleen Windham-Hughes, a featured guest at our 2024 Synod Assembly, has been named Rector of Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary. A respected leader in Lutheran higher education and longtime faculty member at California Lutheran University, Dr. Windham-Hughes brings deep theological insight and visionary leadership to this new role. Join us in celebrating and supporting her as she helps shape the next generation of leaders in the ELCA.

Book Study Amplifies Voices of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women

Join Region 2 Lutherans on June 5 at 6:30 p.m. MST for a powerful book study on Where They Last Saw Her by Marcie R. Rendon. Hosted by Women of the ELCA, this conversation will focus on how we as church can accompany Indigenous communities and respond to the ongoing crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Relatives (MMIW). Register now and be part of this faith-rooted call to action.

Cal Lutheran Names Dr. John A. Nunes as Ninth President

Dr. John A. Nunes has been named the ninth president of California Lutheran University, officially stepping into the role on June 1, 2025. A respected Lutheran scholar, former nonprofit CEO, and interim president since 2024, Nunes brings visionary leadership rooted in faith to guide Cal Lutheran in a challenging time for higher education.

Region 2, NewsBrian FlatgardMay 20, 2025California Lutheran UniversityComment

California Lutheran University and Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary Annual Report: 2025

We share the video annual report from California Lutheran University (CLU) and Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary (PLTS) as part of our 2025 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly.

Childcare Offered at Synod Assembly, Thanks to PLTS and CLU

Childcare will be provided at the 2025 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly, thanks to generous sponsorship from Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary and California Lutheran University. This initiative helps make the assembly more accessible for families and reflects our shared Lutheran commitment to hospitality and inclusion.

Assembly 2025 video: Outreach Food Pantry Program at Christ Evangelical in Goodyear

Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church, Goodyear, AZ shares a video for their Outreach Food Pantry program. The CELC Outreach food pantry has been in existence since 2003 and continues to grow and serve the Goodyear (and surrounding) communities. We are a formal partner agency of St. Mary's Food Bank that provides food to over 65 households weekly.

Diakonia Annual Report: 2025

Diakonia shares their annual report for 2025, view here as a PDF.

Grand Canyon Synod, News, Region 2Brian FlatgardApril 23, 20252025 Assembly Stories, DiakoniaComment

Resurrection Rest: A Holy Week Exhale for Church Leaders

After the fullness of Holy Week and Easter, church leaders are invited into a time of renewal. Resurrection Rest is a free 16-minute guided meditation for pastors, deacons, and ministry leaders, offering space to breathe, reflect, and receive. Listen and let resurrection rest settle in: thrivingleadershipformation.org.

Grand Canyon Synod, News, Region 2, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardApril 23, 2025Thriving Leadership Formation ProgramComment

Free Webinar: Build a Crisis Communication Plan for Your Congregation

Is your church prepared to communicate faithfully in a crisis? Join a free live webinar on Thursday, May 1, 2025, from 1:00–2:30pm, as part of the Thriving Leadership Formation series. Learn how to build a crisis communications team, develop a ministry-specific strategy, and gain sample statements to guide your response. Pre-registration is required: bit.ly/EventsTLF.

Region 2, Grand Canyon Synod, News, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardApril 22, 2025Thriving Leadership Formation ProgramComment

Portico Annual Video: 2025

We’re a faith-based organization deeply rooted in our mission of serving those who serve. Watch our story to learn more: Benefits That Align with Church Values.

Grand Canyon Synod, News, Region 2Brian FlatgardApril 16, 20252025 Assembly Stories, PorticoComment

Free Webinar: Build a Crisis Communication Plan for Your Congregation

Is your church prepared to communicate faithfully in a crisis? Join a free live webinar on Thursday, May 1, 2025, from 1:00–2:30pm, as part of the Thriving Leadership Formation series. Learn how to build a crisis communications team, develop a ministry-specific strategy, and gain sample statements to guide your response. Pre-registration is required: bit.ly/EventsTLF.

Region 2, Grand Canyon Synod, News, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardApril 14, 2025Thriving Leadership Formation ProgramComment

A Holy Week Pause: A Guided Meditation for Church Leaders

A 10-minute guided meditation from Thriving Leadership Formation offers church leaders a moment to pause, breathe, and reconnect with God during Holy Week. Designed to support those carrying much in this sacred season, this reflection is an invitation to rest and lead from a place of grace. Listen now.

Now Hiring: ELCA Rostered Leader Called to Serve as Rector of PLTS

Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary (PLTS) is hiring a new Rector to lead its Berkeley-based seminary community. ELCA rostered ministers with at least seven years of leadership experience are encouraged to apply by April 24, 2025, for this full-time role beginning June 1. The Rector will guide theological education and public witness in the ELCA, steward seminary partnerships, and serve as a key representative of PLTS and California Lutheran University. Apply now.

Grand Canyon Synod, Region 2, NewsBrian FlatgardApril 8, 2025Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary, Help WantedComment

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