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.

ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardApril 22, 2026Faith Lens, 2026 Lent and EasterComment

Faith Lens: Peace Be With You

In this week’s Faith Lens reflection on John 20:19–31, we encounter disciples paralyzed by fear and uncertainty—until the risen Christ appears with a simple but transformative message: “Peace be with you.” Though their circumstances do not immediately change, Jesus’ presence reshapes their fear into purpose, empowering them to move forward in faith.

As we pray for peace in a world marked by violence and division, this reflection reminds us that Christ’s peace is not passive—it sends us out. Grounded in hope and trust in God’s presence, we are called to embody that peace in our congregations, communities, and daily lives: “Let there be peace on earth—and let it begin with us.”

ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardApril 8, 2026Faith Lens, 2026 Lent and EasterComment

Living as Resurrection People: A New Resource for the Easter Season

A new Women of the ELCA resource, “Resurrection: a holy discipline,” invites reflection on what it means to live as “children of the resurrection” during the 50 days of Easter. The downloadable, multi-session study explores how resurrection shapes daily life here and now.

ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardApril 8, 20262026 Lent and Easter, Worship ResourcesComment

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

Happy Easter from Lutheran Summer Music!

Please enjoy this joyful musical offering of “O Clap Your Hands” by Ralph Vaughan Williams, performed by the LSM 2025 Festival Choir, conducted by Dr. Shannon Gravelle, with Dr. Catherine Rodland, organ. Watch here: https://youtu.be/bI8CzO_VgxA.

Brian FlatgardApril 5, 20262026 Lent and EasterComment

Pivot #171: Your Labor Is Not in Vain

In this Easter reflection, Dr. Jennifer Pietz, Assistant Professor of New Testament at Luther Seminary, draws on 1 Corinthians 15.

LWF Easter Message 2026: Leaving behind our old self

In this year’s Easter message from Lutheran World Federation, Nepalese pastor Rev. Rinki Rachel Soren reflects on the transformation made possible through Christ’s resurrection, freeing believers from sin and redefining their identity in him. Rather than observing this season only as an event, Easter is an invitation to leave behind the old self, choose justice over injustice, and love over division, in a world marked by violence, inequality, and broken relationships.

Global ChurchBrian FlatgardApril 2, 20262026 Lent and Easter, Lutheran World FederationComment

Good Friday message: God is on our side

What makes Good Friday “good” amid pain, suffering, and death? Bavarian church leader Michael Martin, invites us to reflect on the answer: Jesus’ solidarity with us, giving us strength and courage. Read the full message on The Lutheran World Federation site.

Global ChurchBrian FlatgardApril 2, 2026Lutheran World Federation, 2026 Lent and EasterComment

Faith Lens: The Interruption of Easter

In this week’s Faith Lens reflection, Pastor Tim Wright explores how Easter is not just a celebration—but a divine interruption that transforms everything. Drawing from Matthew 28 and a personal story of injury and recovery, Wright reflects on how both joyful and painful interruptions shape our lives, and how God’s grace ultimately interrupts despair with hope, death with life, and fear with peace.

Grounded in the resurrection, this reflection invites readers to consider how Jesus continues to interrupt our lives today—with love that cannot be undone—and challenges us to share that same grace with others in tangible ways.

ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardApril 1, 2026Faith Lens, 2026 Lent and EasterComment

“This Is the Night of Salvation”: Join the Great Vigil of Easter at Faith Lutheran, Phoenix

Faith Lutheran Church in Phoenix invites all to the Great Vigil of Easter on Saturday, April 4 at 7 p.m. Beginning with a new fire and the lighting of the Paschal candle, the service moves through scripture, song, and sacrament, culminating in the first Eucharist of Easter, the affirmation of baptism, and the welcome of new members.

Held at 801 E Camelback Rd, this powerful and ancient liturgy proclaims the resurrection story in full, inviting all into the hope and promise of new life in Christ.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardApril 1, 20262026 Lent and Easter, Faith Phoenix, Capital ConferenceComment

The Joy of Alleluia | Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry | Easter 2026

In his Easter message (download: bit.ly/4c9zxv4) , Presiding Bishop Curry says that even though we consider ourselves to be an Easter church, we must remember that we are also a Lenten church, a time when we live in uncertainty, waiting and hoping for renewal. Curry reminds us that in the midst of that uncertainty, comes God’s promise of reassurance and hope. Death does not have the final word.

“Yes, we are Easter people. Even when the ground below us is shaking, we will not grow weary. We know that Jesus is our foundation. Christ is risen, and that truth strengthens us. It gives us courage to live, to hope, and to proclaim joy. Christ is risen. Christ is risen indeed. Alleluia!”

Bishop Curry, ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardMarch 31, 20262026 Lent and Easter, Bishop Curry LettersComment

Bishop Hutterer: Living the Resurrection

We come to Easter this year in a world that feels, in many ways, unsettled—marked by uncertainty, division, and deep longing. And yet, this is not new territory for God’s people.

Jesus lived, spoke, and moved among communities facing turmoil, oppression, and fear. Into that very reality, he proclaimed good news. Into that very reality, he brought healing, hope, and ultimately resurrection.

Bishop Hutterer, Letters, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardMarch 31, 2026Bishop Hutterer Letters, 2026 Lent and EasterComment

Walk the Way of the Cross: A Holy Week Prayer Experience at Mountain View Lutheran in Phoenix

Mountain View Lutheran Church in Phoenix invites all to “The Way of the Cross: A Time of Meditation and Prayer”on Friday, April 3 (7 AM–6 PM, closed 12–1 PM). This self-guided experience features seven stations with artwork, Scripture, meditation, and prayer, inviting participants to walk alongside Jesus while reflecting on both Christ’s suffering and the realities of life today.

Open to all, this Holy Week opportunity offers space to pause, pray, and consider where we find ourselves in God’s story—bringing our burdens before Christ and encountering his presence along the way.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardMarch 30, 20262026 Lent and Easter, Mountain View Phoenix, Fiesta ConferenceComment

Boldcafe Podcast: Easter Joy

The Lenten and Easter seasons show us that we will survive the brokenness of this world. Listen to the podcast written by the Rev. Dr. Ralen M. Robinson on the Women of the ELCA podcast. Listen now.

ELCABrian FlatgardMarch 27, 2026Women of the ELCA (WELCA), 2026 Lent and EasterComment

Faith, Bodies, and Resistance: A Lenten Call to Discernment

In this Boldcafe reflection, Saint Browder explores how cultural signals—including beauty standards—can reinforce political power and exclusion, even within religious spaces. Drawing on scripture, the article calls Christians back to a deeper truth: our bodies are not projects to perfect, but sacred vessels created by God.

Especially in this Lenten season, the reflection challenges us to practice discernment, resist harmful narratives, and live out a Gospel rooted in love, justice, and courage. Read more from Boldcafe.

ELCABrian FlatgardMarch 27, 2026Women of the ELCA (WELCA), 2026 Lent and EasterComment

Faith Lens: Hosanna – When Salvation Looks Different

As Holy Week begins, this Faith Lens reflection on Matthew 21:1–11 invites us to reconsider what we mean when we cry “Hosanna—save us.” Jesus enters Jerusalem not with power or force, but in humility, challenging expectations about leadership, salvation, and how God works in the world.

This reflection offers a timely invitation for congregations and leaders: Where might we be expecting God to act in familiar ways—and missing the deeper work already unfolding? Explore the reflection, discussion prompts, and prayer for use in your ministry. Read more.

ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardMarch 26, 2026Faith Lens, 2026 Lent and EasterComment

What If the Ashes Didn’t Wash Away? A Lutheran Novel Imagines Lent Differently

In a recent Living Lutheran interview, author Thomas Maltman reflects on his new novel Ashes to Ashes, a story set within a rural Lutheran congregation where Ash Wednesday crosses mysteriously won’t wash away. Drawing on his own experience in congregational life, Maltman explores themes of mortality, belief, suffering, and grace—inviting readers to consider how faith shapes the way we live with one another in uncertain times.

Blending Lutheran practice, storytelling, and spiritual questions, Maltman describes his work as a “marvelous mystery” rooted in Lent’s call to reflection and renewal. Read more to explore how this uniquely Lutheran narrative invites deeper engagement with faith, doubt, and the enduring marks we carry.

ELCABrian FlatgardMarch 25, 20262026 Lent and Easter, Living LutheranComment

Walk the Way of the Cross: A Holy Week Prayer Experience at Mountain View Lutheran in Phoenix

Mountain View Lutheran Church in Phoenix invites all to “The Way of the Cross: A Time of Meditation and Prayer”on Friday, April 3 (7 AM–6 PM, closed 12–1 PM). This self-guided experience features seven stations with artwork, Scripture, meditation, and prayer, inviting participants to walk alongside Jesus while reflecting on both Christ’s suffering and the realities of life today.

Open to all, this Holy Week opportunity offers space to pause, pray, and consider where we find ourselves in God’s story—bringing our burdens before Christ and encountering his presence along the way.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardMarch 23, 20262026 Lent and Easter, Mountain View Phoenix, Fiesta ConferenceComment

Palm Sunday in Action: LCM Students Lead Hygiene Kit Assembly for Neighbors in Need

LCM at ASU invites volunteers to a Palm Sunday Hygiene Kit Assembly on March 29 (11:30 AM–2 PM) in Tempe. Help assemble and distribute kits for neighbors experiencing homelessness while supporting student-led outreach grounded in faith and service. Registration is open.

“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.

Grand Canyon Synod

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