A Legacy of Learning: The Grace and Grand Canyon Scholarship Fund Enters Its Fourth Year

The Grace and Grand Canyon Synod Scholarship Fund is now in its fourth year, having awarded $16,000 to students across the synod since its launch in 2023. Open to ELCA members pursuing higher education or certification programs, the fund supports both academic goals and faith formation, with recipients highlighting its impact on belonging, purpose, and community connection.

Applications are open to eligible students, and contributions can be made through the Arizona Community Foundation. To learn more, apply, or support the fund, visit azfoundation.org or contact Grace Lutheran Church directly.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardApril 13, 2026Youth and Young Adult, Grace PhoenixComment

Start Summer Strong: SYAT Collective Focuses on Camp Preparation April 16

Join the first SYAT Collective gathering on Thursday, April 16 at 6:30 PM to prepare for summer camp. This Zoom session will cover registration, what to expect, how to prepare students and families, and insights from leaders across the Grand Canyon Synod.

Whether you’re new or experienced, this practical session will help you feel confident heading into camp season. Register now and start the summer strong.

Introducing The SYAT Collective: A New Space for Next Generation Ministry Leaders

The Grand Canyon Synod’s Synod Youth Advisory Team (SYAT) is launching The SYAT Collective, a new monthly Zoom gathering for those serving in next generation ministry. Open to staff and volunteers working with children, youth, and young adults, the Collective offers practical training, shared wisdom, and meaningful connection.

Meeting monthly on Thursdays at alternating times, each session will focus on real ministry topics like camp preparation, event planning, and supporting young people through life’s challenges. Join this new space to learn, ask questions, and connect—because we are better when we lead together.

Leadership Lab 2026: A Week of Faith, Vision, and Leadership Formation for Youth and Adults

Registration is now open for Leadership Lab 2026, a week-long youth and leadership formation experience taking place June 22–27 at Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois. Participants explore leadership for church and community through hands-on learning, worship, and shared faith experiences grounded in the promise of Joel 2:28: “your young shall see visions.”

The registration cost is $420 per person, with lodging, meals, and a T-shirt included. Discounts are available for returning participants, first-time congregations, and groups bringing multiple students. Registration increases by $50 after April 15, so congregations are encouraged to register early.

Campformation 2026 Returns to Prescott for a Week of Faith, Adventure, and Community

Campformation 2026 will take place June 29–July 3 at Camp Pinerock in Prescott, Arizona, welcoming youth entering grades 6–10 for a week of faith formation, outdoor adventure, and community. Congregations from across our synod gather each summer for this long-standing Lutheran outdoor ministry tradition.

With more than 60 years of history, Campformation combines worship, small-group faith exploration, and activities like zip lining, hiking, swimming, and ropes courses. Learn more and register at lutherancampformation.com.

A Legacy of Learning: The Grace and Grand Canyon Scholarship Fund Enters Its Fourth Year

The Grace and Grand Canyon Synod Scholarship Fund is now in its fourth year, having awarded $16,000 to students across the synod since its launch in 2023. Open to ELCA members pursuing higher education or certification programs, the fund supports both academic goals and faith formation, with recipients highlighting its impact on belonging, purpose, and community connection.

Applications are open to eligible students, and contributions can be made through the Arizona Community Foundation. To learn more, apply, or support the fund, visit azfoundation.org or contact Grace Lutheran Church directly.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardApril 1, 2026Youth and Young Adult, Grace PhoenixComment

2027 ELCA Youth Gathering Webinar: Recruiting the Right Adult Leaders (and Avoiding the Wrong Ones!)

Gathering Webinars are designed to provide timely, relevant information as you prepare for the Gathering. Each session is led by Gathering leadership and includes a presentation followed by a live Q&A. Webinars begin at 7:00 p.m. CST and run approximately 45 minutes. For those unable to attend live, recordings will be available online several days following the webinar. To learn more about upcoming webinars, visit our Key Dates page.

ELCABrian FlatgardMarch 31, 20262027 ELCA Youth Gathering, Youth and Young AdultComment

Grant-Funded Faith Forward Program Helps Small Congregations Nurture Faith in Kids

Small and rural congregations are invited to apply for the Faith Forward program, a grant-funded initiative that equips parents, grandparents, and faith mentors to nurture faith in children through everyday practices. The program begins with a two-day training at Grand View University in May, followed by a year of learning and experimentation with practical faith formation tools.

Thanks to funding from the Lilly Endowment, transportation, housing, meals, and a small congregational implementation grant are covered. Congregations located in towns under 10,000 or worshiping fewer than 100 people are especially encouraged to apply. Learn more at grandview.edu/faith-forward.

Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardMarch 30, 2026Youth and Young AdultComment

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

Grow, Play, and Pray: 2026 VBS and Summer Camp Opportunities

Ready for summer? Lutheran congregations across the Grand Canyon Synod are offering Vacation Bible Schools and children’s camps filled with faith, fun, and fellowship. Explore the growing list of programs, and help us share your church’s summer offerings by emailing Deacon Laura Book at lbook@gcsynod.org.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardMarch 30, 2026Youth and Young Adult, Synod Youth Advisory Team (SYAT)Comment

Valley Youth Invited to March 29 Community Gathering at Love of Christ Lutheran in Mesa

Youth in grades 7–12 from ELCA congregations across the Valley are invited to a Youth Community Event on Sunday, March 29 from 4–7 p.m. at Love of Christ Lutheran Church in Mesa. The evening will include games, food, and fellowship, bringing together youth from multiple congregations including Esperanza and Desert Cross.

Additional churches are welcome to join. Congregations interested in participating can contact Deacon Laura Book (lbook@gcsynod.org) for details.

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.

Walking Together Toward Hope: Support LCM at ASU in Suicide Prevention Efforts

LCM at ASU invites the synod to support their team in the Out of Darkness Campus Walk on March 21 at 11 AM, raising awareness and funds for suicide prevention. Join the walk or donate to support the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and stand with students witnessing to hope, healing, and Christ’s call to bear one another’s burdens.

Valley Youth Invited to March 29 Community Gathering at Love of Christ Lutheran in Mesa

Youth in grades 7–12 from ELCA congregations across the Valley are invited to a Youth Community Event on Sunday, March 29 from 4–7 p.m. at Love of Christ Lutheran Church in Mesa. The evening will include games, food, and fellowship, bringing together youth from multiple congregations including Esperanza and Desert Cross.

Additional churches are welcome to join. Congregations interested in participating can contact Deacon Laura Book (lbook@gcsynod.org) for details.

Supporting Faith Formation in ELCA Schools: Sparkhouse Digital Webinar Announced

ELCA school leaders are invited to a 30-minute webinar on March 18 at 1:00 p.m. CST introducing Sparkhouse Digital, a platform designed to help educators easily prepare meaningful chapel services and faith formation experiences. Hosted by the Evangelical Lutheran Education Association (ELEA) in partnership with Augsburg Fortress, the webinar will include an overview of the platform’s features and an exclusive offer for live attendees. Register here. All who register will receive the recording after the event.

ELCA Schools and Learning Centers have also launched a new online Community platform where members can connect, share resources, and collaborate with fellow Lutheran educators. Register and learn more through the links provided. More info here.

Brian FlatgardMarch 6, 2026Evangelical Lutheran Education Association (ELEA), Youth and Young AdultComment

March Into Ministry: Resources, Lutheran Schools Week, and Opportunities from ELCA Schools

ELCA Schools and Learning Centers has released its latest newsletter highlighting Lutheran Schools Week (March 1–7), ministry resources like Coins for Lent, leadership opportunities on the ELEA board, and a new School Spotlightcelebrating Lutheran early childhood ministry. The update also includes member resources, discounts, and upcoming events supporting Lutheran educators nationwide. Explore the resources and learn more about Lutheran education ministries at elcaschools.org.

Webinar | Why the Gathering? | 2027 ELCA Youth Gathering

Gathering Webinars are designed to provide timely, relevant information as you prepare for the Gathering. Each session is led by Gathering leadership and includes a presentation followed by a live Q&A. Webinars begin at 7:00 p.m. CST and run approximately 45 minutes. For those unable to attend live, recordings will be available online several days following the webinar. To learn more about upcoming webinars, visit the Gathering site. View the first webinar here.

ELCABrian FlatgardFebruary 20, 20262027 ELCA Youth Gathering, Youth and Young AdultComment

ELCA Adopts Social Message on Child Protection—Free Webinar Series Begins February 26

On November 12, 2025, the ELCA Church Council adopted a Social Message on Child Protection, calling congregations to strengthen preaching, policies, and trauma-informed care. Wartburg Theological Seminary and the Center for Faith & Child Protection are offering a free webinar series (beginning February 26 at 6:45 p.m. CST) to help leaders implement these recommendations. Pastors and lay leaders across the Grand Canyon Synod are encouraged to register and equip their congregations to protect and care for the “least of these.”

ELCA, Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardFebruary 18, 2026Youth and Young Adult, Wartburg SeminaryComment

Last Call for Lutheran Summer Music 2026

Enrollment for this summer is over 80% full, but there’s still time for young musicians to apply, and for you to nominate students. Lutheran Summer Music is the nation’s premier faith-based music academy for high school musicians. Students come together from around the country for a joyful summer of music-making through large ensembles (band, choir, orchestra), chamber music, private lessons, elective classes (conducting, composition, jazz, musical theatre, handbells, pipe organ) and use their musical gifts in performance, and in worship.

LSM 2026 | St. Olaf College, Minnesota | June 21 - July 19, 2026 | Grades 8 - 12 | Learn more: LSMacademy.org/program.

Brian FlatgardFebruary 18, 2026Lutheran Summer Music, Youth and Young AdultComment

Theme Deep Dive | 2027 ELCA Youth Gathering video

Dive into the 2027 Gathering’s theme, Imagine More! Based on Ephesians 3:20 (Inclusive), the Gathering will be a space for young people to Imagine More - love, welcome, joy, courage, and grace. To learn more about the 2027 ELCA Youth Gathering, the Multicultural Youth Leadership Event (MYLE), the tAble, or the Young Adult Gathering, please visit elca.org/Gathering.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardFebruary 11, 20262027 ELCA Youth Gathering, Youth and Young AdultComment

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