Posts tagged Youth and Young Adult
Supporting Faith Formation in ELCA Schools: Sparkhouse Digital Webinar Announced
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.

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Brian FlatgardEvangelical Lutheran Education Association (ELEA), Youth and Young AdultComment
March Into Ministry: Resources, Lutheran Schools Week, and Opportunities from ELCA Schools
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.

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ELCABrian FlatgardEvangelical Lutheran Education Association (ELEA), Youth and Young AdultComment
Grow, Play, and Pray: 2026 VBS and Summer Camp Opportunities
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.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardYouth and Young Adult, Synod Youth Advisory Team (SYAT)Comment
Webinar | Why the Gathering? | 2027 ELCA Youth Gathering
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.

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ELCABrian Flatgard2027 ELCA Youth Gathering, Youth and Young AdultComment
ELCA Adopts Social Message on Child Protection—Free Webinar Series Begins February 26
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.”

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ELCA, Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardYouth and Young Adult, Wartburg SeminaryComment
Last Call for Lutheran Summer Music 2026
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.

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Brian FlatgardLutheran Summer Music, Youth and Young AdultComment
Theme Deep Dive | 2027 ELCA Youth Gathering video
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.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian Flatgard2027 ELCA Youth Gathering, Youth and Young AdultComment
Registration Open: Western States Youth Gathering 2026 Returns to Southern California
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.

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ELCA, Region 2, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardYouth and Young Adult, California Lutheran UniversityComment
Strengthening Lutheran Schools: How ELEA Supports Our Synod’s Educators
Strengthening Lutheran Schools: How ELEA Supports Our Synod’s Educators

The Grand Canyon Synod is a proud member of the Evangelical Lutheran Education Association (ELEA), a national network supporting Lutheran schools and early learning centers. ELEA offers practical benefits for educators and staff—including insurance options, professional development, vendor discounts, and leadership support—alongside mission-centered advocacy for Lutheran education.

Schools and ECE centers within the synod are also eligible for a $50 discount on annual ELEA membership. Learn how ELEA can support your ministry at elcaschools.org.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardEvangelical Lutheran Education Association, Youth and Young AdultComment
Beyond Sunday School: How Desert Cross Lutheran Creates Monthly Faith Formation Playlists
Beyond Sunday School: How Desert Cross Lutheran Creates Monthly Faith Formation Playlists

What began as a creative response to pandemic disruption has become a defining ministry practice at Desert Cross Lutheran Church. Through thoughtfully curated monthly Faith Formation Playlists for children, youth, and adults, Desert Cross offers flexible, accessible “faith on the go” that meets people wherever and whenever they are—far beyond Sunday morning.

This behind-the-scenes look explores how a whole-church team collaborates around shared themes, integrates worship and learning, and embraces the belief that faith formation happens 24/7. Read the full story to learn what other congregations can take from Desert Cross’s intentional, community-centered approach to lifelong faith formation.

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Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardSynod Youth Advisory Team (SYAT), Youth and Young AdultComment
Imagine More: First Look at the 2027 ELCA Youth Gathering in Minneapolis
Imagine More: First Look at the 2027 ELCA Youth Gathering in Minneapolis

The ELCA has released the first three videos introducing the 2027 ELCA Youth Gathering, offering an early look at this churchwide experience for youth, young adults, and leaders. The Gathering will be held June 28–July 2, 2027, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, under the theme “Imagine More.”

The videos highlight the Gathering as a movement of faith and introduce key pre-events, including the Multicultural Youth Leadership Event (MYLE) and the tAble, which affirm leadership, belonging, and inclusion. Learn more at elca.org/Gathering, and watch for future updates as we begin preparing across the Grand Canyon Synod.

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ELCABrian Flatgard2027 ELCA Youth Gathering, Youth and Young AdultComment
Nominate a Young Musician for Lutheran Summer Music 2026
Nominate a Young Musician for Lutheran Summer Music 2026

The 2026 Lutheran Summer Music Academy & Festival is now accepting applications for students in grades 8–12. Hosted at St. Olaf College, LSM offers young musicians a formative experience of musical growth, performance, and worship in a supportive Lutheran community.

The Standard Enrollment deadline is March 1, and spaces are filling quickly. Nominate a student at LSMacademy.org/nominate or encourage them to submit a free application at LSMacademy.org/apply.

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Brian FlatgardLutheran Summer Music, Youth and Young AdultComment
What’s New from ELEA This January: BRAVE Resources, Legal Updates, and Member-Only Tools
What’s New from ELEA This January: BRAVE Resources, Legal Updates, and Member-Only Tools

The January ELEA newsletter is full of resources to help Lutheran educators start the year strong. Highlights include the Lutheran Schools Week 2026 “BRAVE” toolkit, grounded in John 13:34–35; a call for workshop proposals for the 2026 Biennial Conference in Los Angeles (due January 16); member-only Community conversations; and timely employment law updates through Zywave.

The issue also features a School Spotlight on Peace Lutheran Preschool, upcoming events, and reminders about ELEA membership benefits. Read the full newsletter for links, tools, and opportunities to connect with educators across the church.

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ELCABrian FlatgardYouth and Young Adult, Evangelical Lutheran Education Association (ELEA)Comment
Registration Open: Western States Youth Gathering 2026 Returns to Southern California
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.

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ELCA, Region 2, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardYouth and Young Adult, California Lutheran UniversityComment
A Lutheran Family's New Year Resolution: Finding Balance in God's Grace
A Lutheran Family's New Year Resolution: Finding Balance in God's Grace

As the New Year begins, Deacon Laura Book reflects on faith, family, and the gift of time. Wrestling with modern challenges like screen use, parenting, and busy schedules, her family has embraced January as a sacred “reset”—a chance to reassess rhythms and begin again together.

Rooted in Scripture and Lutheran theology, this reflection reminds us that our resolutions need not be perfect to be faithful. In baptismal grace, we are free to try, fail, forgive, and start anew—trusting that God meets us in every season with mercy and love.

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Grand Canyon Synod, LettersBrian FlatgardYouth and Young Adult, Synod Youth Advisory Team (SYAT)Comment
Ring in the New Year at Camp ALOMA: A Chill Retreat for Jr High & High School Youth
Ring in the New Year at Camp ALOMA: A Chill Retreat for Jr High & High School Youth

Registration is open for Camp ALOMA’s Annual New Year’s Retreat for Jr High and High School youth, running December 29, 2025 (3:00 pm) through January 1, 2026 (2:00 pm) in Prescott, AZ. This relaxed, faith-centered retreat blends worship, devotions, campfires, and classic camp fun as youth ring in the new year together.

The cost is $110 per camper, and youth are encouraged to invite friends. Learn more and register today at campaloma.com or through the registration link.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardYouth and Young Adult, Camp ALOMA, Outdoor MinistryComment
Nominate Young Musicians for Lutheran Summer Music
Nominate Young Musicians for Lutheran Summer Music

Now is the time to nominate students for LSM 2026. Enrollment for next summer is filling quickly, and we expect most remaining spots to be filled by the March 1 Standard Enrollment deadline. At LSM, students connect advanced musical study with worship and the joy of Lutheran church music traditions. We welcome musicians on all instruments—brass, woodwinds, strings, percussion, piano, organ, voice, and harp—to study with nationally recognized faculty in a welcoming and supportive community.

LSM 2026 takes place at St. Olaf College from June 21–July 19. Know a young musician (grades 8–12) who would thrive at LSM? Nominate them today at LSMacademy.org/nominate. Questions? admissions@lutheransummermusic.org.

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Brian FlatgardLutheran Summer Music, Youth and Young AdultComment
Advent with TENx10: The Christ Child Comes Where Vetting Is Slow And Waiting Is Long
Advent with TENx10: The Christ Child Comes Where Vetting Is Slow And Waiting Is Long

Week 2 of TENx10’s Advent journey focuses on immigrant children who spend long stretches in shelters or temporary placements while their families navigate vetting and reunification processes. Sign up for the Advent series and learn more about TENx10’s work supporting young people nationwide.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardTenx10, Youth and Young Adult, 2025 Advent and ChristmasComment
Advent with TENx10: Finding Jesus in Every Pantry Line
Advent with TENx10: Finding Jesus in Every Pantry Line

Week 1 of TENx10’s Advent journey focuses on hunger, inviting us to see Christ in every child standing in a WIC clinic or pantry line. Daily readings (Nov 30–Dec 6) and a weekly prayer guide our reflection on Christ’s presence among families facing uncertain tables. Sign up for the Advent series and learn more about TENx10’s work supporting young people nationwide.

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Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardTenx10, Youth and Young Adult, 2025 Advent and ChristmasComment